The small and slightly inland community of Hampstead is regionally known as the “Seafood Capital of North Carolina” and this reputation is alive and well thanks to popular local seafood markets, like Atlantic Seafood. Located just a shell’s through from US Highway 17 -the main 4-lane highway that runs through the town – this market is renowned among locals for fresh catches, good prices, and solid advice on what to eat and how to cook it from the professional staff.
Many food lovers attest that you can always tell is an eatery is good by how busy it is, and the typical steady line at Hampstead’s Bagel Bakery certainly proves this theory. Located just off Highway 17 and therefore an easy breakfast or lunch stop for visitors who are cruising to nearby Wilmington or the Cape Fear beaches, this NY style bagel joint and bakery will appease anyone who’s in the mood for a quick a.m. or midday sandwich, or a few home-baked goodies to enjoy at the beach house.
Surfers who need a break from the Cape Fear area beaches, or Hampstead locals and visitors who need a hearty but refreshing lunch en route to or from Wilmington, will find plenty to love at Burrito Shak. This Burrito joint that’s located along the main highway that winds through Hampstead, (US 17), prides itself on being “fresh, fast and fun,” and with a world of options, patrons can satisfy a Fresh Mex craving that’s perfectly suited to their individual tastes and palettes.
Camino Real Restaurante Mexicano is a solid option for Hampstead locals and visitors en route to or from Wilmington who need to address a hearty Mexican food craving. Featuring a convenient location along US Highway 17, and a big, bold menu that includes a wealth of familiar and authentic Mexican fare, this central restaurant boasts everything that patrons require to enjoy a fully-filling Mexican feast,
China Garden is an easy-to-access Chinese food restaurant that’s found along a busy section of Hampstead, just off of US Highway 17. Sharing space with a chain grocery store and several other essential businesses, this eatery is in a prime location for Hampstead locals and visitors to enjoy a stress-free, take-out family meal without extra travelling or effort involved.
Visitors who are enjoying a round at Hampstead’s popular Olde Point Golf and Country Club can polish off a game with a fresh lunch, post-game drink, or tempting dinner at the acclaimed Georges At Olde Point. Featuring a statuesque bar and dining area, and pretty views of the adjacent golf course, this classic eatery features a modest menu that’s designed to appeal to patrons of all tastes and appetites.
Jebby’s on 17 is an American grill and sports bar that’s impossible to miss, thanks to a convenient locale along Highway 17 in Hampstead, and a vibrant blue exterior that’s perfect for its close-to-the-coast locale. A fun destination for late weekend nights out or a Sunday afternoon game, this casual restaurant boasts ample bar seating, pub-style interior tables, and plenty of good food and drinks to go around.
Rainbow King is a convenient stop for Hampstead locals and visitors who are in the mood for a dine-in or take-out Chinese food meal that’s fast, fresh, and tasty. Located just off of US Highway 17, and close to a major grocery and hardware store, this eatery is perfect for big family meals with no-fuss and very little effort.
Visitors who are cruising through Hampstead and who want to satisfy a seafood craving, ( a perfectly understandable desire considering that Hampstead is known as North Carolina’s seafood capital), can make a quick stop at the east-to miss but equally easy-to-enjoy Rb’s Roll “n” Seafood and Grill. Located in a makeshift trailer along Highway 17, this popular local spot featured “Born and Breaded in North Carolina” eats that are easy to enjoy on the go, or in the comfort of a Cape Fear area beach house.
Sushi Gem is a relatively new addition to the Hampstead dining scene, but its eclectic global menu and chic interior with darkened tables and a wraparound bar are already turning heads in the local community. Boasting a fresh menu, regular drink specials on draft beer, wines and sake, and a full sushi menu that will appeal to any foodie, this chic destination is growing a large fan base in the quiet coastal community of Hampstead.
The King’s Table is a central destination for golfing visitors and residents of the Castle Bay Country Club who crave a fresh sandwich, salad, or other bite to eat that pairs nicely with a full day on the golf course. Boasting a castle-like atmosphere that is found throughout this corner of Hampstead, and featuring a classic menu that features a nice array of American staples, this eatery is a solid destination for vacationing golfers, large parties, and everything in between.
The Village Cafe & Deli is a unique little gem in the heart of Hampstead that’s found just off of US Highway 17 and, at first glance, looks like a residential home or business Visitors who find this little restaurant, however, will be pleasantly surprised with the warm and artful atmosphere, the array of fresh cuisine, and the big menu where unique takes on Cape Fear regional staples shine.