Best Restaurants Near Holden Beach

You won't find a ton of restaurants directly on Holden Beach itself — most of the island is residential and rental homes — but you're never more than a few minutes from a great meal in Shallotte or Ocean Isle Beach.

On the island

A handful of spots near the bridge serve up casual, beach-friendly food — think fish tacos, burgers and a cold drink after a day on the sand. See our full restaurant directory for current listings, hours and local tips.

In Shallotte

Shallotte is the easiest "real town" run for groceries and a proper sit-down dinner, with a wider range of cuisine than you'll find directly on the island.

In Ocean Isle Beach

A short drive west, Ocean Isle has its own strip of waterfront dining worth exploring if you're staying for a full week.

Our favorite-dish philosophy

For every restaurant in our directory we try to list a specific dish worth ordering, not just a generic recommendation — look for the "Favorite Dishes" section on each listing.