Let's be honest, part of a great vacation is great food. Whether you want to try something new and different at a small local place or maybe you're looking for something a little fancy for that special occasion, either way, Topsail Island has the perfect place for you to enjoy during your vacation. Today we look at some of the best places on the Island. Now to be fair there are some places that we won't be able to tell you about on a list of only ten but you can't go wrong at any of these places. While enjoying your Topsail Islan Vacation you'll fast discover we are lucky to have loads of great places to eat. This list is in no particular order. So with that being said, let's get to the food!
Daddy Mac's Beach Grille
First, we head over to 108 N. Shore Drive, in Surf City to visit the good folks at Daddy Mac's Beach Grille in the heart of Topsail Island. Open Mon-Sat from 11 to 3 for lunch, 5 to 9 for dinner with a brunch served on Sundays from 10 to 3. Now that you know how to get there and when to go, let's dive into why this place is a must stop for a lunch while on your Topsail Island Vacation. First (and this is no small thing) the view is incredible. Nestled right on the ocean the deck seating provides patrons with a truly stellar view that epitomizes beach dining. The restaurant features a full cocktail, beer, and wine list, so this is a great place for a quick drink with friends. There is more though, much more. Daddy Mac's features a full menu of sandwiches, salads, and seafood platters. Our suggestion is to dive right into a coastal Carolina tradition, the Shrimp & Grits which feature chipotle cheddar grits...mmmm. The setting is casual and the prices are moderate so this is a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. Cora's Isle-End Deli
Any place that has a menu item called The Werewolf Wrap is our kind of place. Welcome to Cora's Isle-End Deli a true hole in the wall. This place isn't big and you might miss it but you would be missing a great place for a quick bite. Located at 810 S. Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach and open Mon, Tues 11-3 Fri 9-4, Sat 9-5 and Sunday 9-9, closed on Weds and Thurs. You'll find a lot of variety on the menu and a focus on fresh ingredients. For breakfast try the Breakfast Reuben and if you happen to stop by for lunch try the Werewolf Wrap with brie, greens, turkey, cranberries, and pistachios. You won't be disappointed. Don't forget to say hi to Cora the Greyhound who is the deli's namesake. One other feather in the cap for Cora's Isle-End Deli is a full 5/5 rating on Trip Advisor...you don't see that too often. Inlet 790 Bar & Grill
Located in beautiful North Topsail and located at 790 New River Inlet Road, North Topsail. No matter where on Topsail Island you are staying a trip to the northern end of the island for a great dinner at Inlet 790 Bar & Grill is in order. Executive David Gargett's creations shine brightest under a Carolina moon so this is your dinner spot. The restaurant states it is casual but you'll likely see a slightly dressier crowd here for dinner. With so many great dishes on the menu to mention we can't do it justice, however, we definitely recommend you dive into a plate of Seafood Pomodoro, featuring shrimp, scallops, garlic, and tomato in a white wine sauce. Currently, the restaurant is open Tues-Sat 5 pm to close. Reservations are a good idea especially on the weekend or during the peak summer season.Sears Landing Grill & Boat Dock
Back in Surf City, you'll find Sears Landing, a fun, and unique restaurant. The friendly staff at Sears Landing offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Now we will warn you this place is popular so plan accordingly. Weather permitting take advantage of dining outside on the covered deck. The crew at Sears Landing prides itself on using local ingredients, which of course here on Topsail means local seafood and that means our choice on the menu is of course, going to be a seafood combo. Sears landing is also great for boaters as you can pull right up to their dock grab a bite and get right back on the water. Hours are as follows: Breakfast 8-11 Lunch/Dinner 11-close 7 days a week.New York Corner Deli
Locate in the heart of Surf City you'll find the family owned and operated New York Corner Deli. The Hoffman family has been delivering delicious New York style eats to Topsail Island for years, the family motto of the restaurant is "From Da Bronx to Da Beach" and it shows. This is a casual family style deli so feel free to stop by for a quick bite to eat or grab a sandwich to go. Located at 206 North Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7:30 am... till...365 days a year you're sure to find yourself stopping by the New York Deli more than once during your Topsail Island Vacation. To get started though you need to try The Benvenuti which is a chicken cutlet sandwich smothered in mozzarella, roasted peppers, and creamy balsamic vinegar. How can you go wrong with a sandwich like that, and that is just the beginning. Finally, before you leave, you have to have a traditional cannoli.
Sugar Island Bakery & Supplies 
Located at 206 N. Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC you'll find a paradise full of homemade baked goods. Forget about your diet when you stop by the Sugar Island Bakery & Supplies this is a place where you treat yourself. Each day the staff at the bakery makes all of their baked goods from scratch and as their website notes, this doesn't mean they thaw out some pre-made baked goods. Whether you're looking for a warm piece of apple pie or a special order cake for a birthday or other event the folks at Sugar Island Bakery have you covered. If you would like to contact them for a special order cake they can be reached at (910) 254-1110. Store hours are as follows: Weds-Sat 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm.
The Beach Shop & Grill
When you've been around since 1952 you don't have much to prove anymore, yet every day of the week Cheryl and Jeff Price of The Beach Shop & Grill prove once again why the Beach Shop is a Topsail Island institution. Serving up amazing food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner it would be a shame to miss a meal at the Beach Shop during your Topsail Island vacation. Some of the highlights on the menu are the Shrimp Burger with a cajun remoulade on a fresh brioche bun. For dinner head, straight for the South End fried seafood platter featuring fresh NC flounder. You can find the beach shop at 701 S. Anderson St, Topsail Beach, NC. The Beach Shop doesn't accept reservations and can get busy so plan accordingly.
Surf City BBQ and Grill
Sure Topsail Island is famous for fresh seafood, but sometimes you just have to have some Eastern NC style BBQ. For all of you visiting from out of town and maybe unfamiliar with Eastern NC BBQ, it is a vinegar based BBQ. If you have never had this style BBQ you're in for a treat and the family owned and operated Surf City BBQ and Grill is the perfect place to be initiated into the world of Eastern NC BBQ. Enjoy the family-friendly and casual atmosphere of the Surf City BBQ and enjoy the cooked to perfection BBQ that Surf City BBQ is so famous for. You can visit the good folks at the Sur City BBQ from 11 am to 9 pm Tues-Sat.
Here on Topsail Island, we are spoiled with all the great choices of places to eat. Today's blog is hopefully a quick guide to some of the best places to eat on Topsail Island but you will also find other great places to eat on the island that we haven't mentioned. The important thing is to enjoy all the great food and most of all your family and loved ones. We hope some of your best memories are made right here on Topsail Island around the table at one of our great restaurants. If you are still looking for that late-season Topsail Island vacation or looking to plan ahead for next summer give us a call or visit the link below to get started.
