After all the heat, there’s nothing better than getting away for a few days. Even if you find yourself not taking a long trip, you can still find ways to relax by dining waterside. The riverfront restaurants in North Carolina not only offer great food, but stunning views.

  1. River’s End Restaurant, Bryson City

Nantahala Outdoor Center Located at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, River’s End Restaurant is literally RIGHT on the river, you can dine while hearing the sound of rushing water. The food is casual American fare and perfect for breakfast or lunch before or after a fun day exploring all NOC has to offer. 13077 W Hwy 19, Bryson City, NC 28713

  1. Judge’s Riverside BBQ, Morganton

Facebook / Judge’s Riverside BBQ

Yelp / Fred B Located beside the Catawba River, Judge’s has an amazing porch perfect for dining on late fall days and in the warmer months. You can still catch some views from the inside, too. The name says it all, it’s down home BBQ with a mix of classic American dishes. 128 Greenlee Ford Rd, Morganton, NC 28655

  1. Persimmons Restaurant, New Bern

Facebook / Persimmons Restaurant Located right on the Neuse River, Persimmons offers stunning views with a coastal vibe. The restaurant is casual yet elegant with approachable dishes that still have a high class touch and local flare with seasonal ingredients. 100 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560

  1. Spoon River Artworks & Market, Belhaven

Spoon River Artswork & Market / Facebook

Facebook / Spoon River Artworks & Market Just a stone’s throw from the Pungo River, Spoon River is creative elegance at its finest. The interior is breathtaking and it’s a place you’ll want to dine at at least once. The farm-to-fork concept inspires innovative, beautiful dishes that are almost TOO pretty to eat! The menu changes weekly. Stop by for lunch or dinner. 263 Pamlico St, Belhaven, NC 27810

  1. Riverboat Landing, Wilmington

Yelp / Susan B.

Yelp / Anirjoy D. Located in Wilmington’s historic River Walk, you might think you’ve stumbled into New Orleans when first spotting this restaurant. Staying true to the exterior, the cuisine is French-inspired but includes creamy pastas, creative salads made with locally sourced seafood, and touches of American fare. For the best view, opt for the balcony. 2 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401

  1. The Pilot House Restaurant, Wilmington

Facebook / The Pilot House Restaurant If you’re looking to opt for more classic seafood dishes while in Wilmington, Pilot House is right on the Cape Fear and provides stunning views both inside and outside the restaurant. 2 Ann St, Wilmington, NC 28401

After all this stress, I think a good meal and stunning water views should do the trick to help us all destress! Have you dined at any of these before, what’s your favorite restaurant on the river in North Carolina?

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Located at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, River’s End Restaurant is literally RIGHT on the river, you can dine while hearing the sound of rushing water. The food is casual American fare and perfect for breakfast or lunch before or after a fun day exploring all NOC has to offer. 13077 W Hwy 19, Bryson City, NC 28713

Facebook / Judge’s Riverside BBQ

Yelp / Fred B

Located beside the Catawba River, Judge’s has an amazing porch perfect for dining on late fall days and in the warmer months. You can still catch some views from the inside, too. The name says it all, it’s down home BBQ with a mix of classic American dishes. 128 Greenlee Ford Rd, Morganton, NC 28655

Facebook / Persimmons Restaurant

Located right on the Neuse River, Persimmons offers stunning views with a coastal vibe. The restaurant is casual yet elegant with approachable dishes that still have a high class touch and local flare with seasonal ingredients. 100 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560

Spoon River Artswork & Market / Facebook

Facebook / Spoon River Artworks & Market

Just a stone’s throw from the Pungo River, Spoon River is creative elegance at its finest. The interior is breathtaking and it’s a place you’ll want to dine at at least once. The farm-to-fork concept inspires innovative, beautiful dishes that are almost TOO pretty to eat! The menu changes weekly. Stop by for lunch or dinner. 263 Pamlico St, Belhaven, NC 27810

Yelp / Susan B.

Yelp / Anirjoy D.

Located in Wilmington’s historic River Walk, you might think you’ve stumbled into New Orleans when first spotting this restaurant. Staying true to the exterior, the cuisine is French-inspired but includes creamy pastas, creative salads made with locally sourced seafood, and touches of American fare. For the best view, opt for the balcony. 2 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Facebook / The Pilot House Restaurant

If you’re looking to opt for more classic seafood dishes while in Wilmington, Pilot House is right on the Cape Fear and provides stunning views both inside and outside the restaurant. 2 Ann St, Wilmington, NC 28401

If you’re looking for more unique dining options, this restaurant is situated on top of a mountain and offers STUNNING views!

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