The History of Calabash Seafood

Calabash seafood has its roots in the historic fishing village of Calabash, NC, founded in 1691. Early settlers began a tradition of using fresh-caught seafood to create community meals, where lightly battered and fried fish became a local favorite. This simple, flavorful preparation set the foundation for what would become a legendary style of cooking for shrimp, fish, crabs, scallops, clams, and more.

Over time, the technique of lightly battering and deep-frying seafood became more refined, becoming a signature style of the area. The focus remained on preserving the freshness of the seafood while achieving the perfect crispy exterior. This unique cooking style spread as locals perfected the craft and introduced it to more people.

In the 1940s, sisters Ruth Beck and Lucy Coleman played a pivotal role in transforming Calabash seafood from a local tradition into a restaurant sensation. By opening one of the first seafood restaurants in the area, they helped popularize the Calabash style. Quickly becoming a cost-effective favorite for families on vacation and local seafood lovers alike, Calabash solidified its place as a well-known culinary experience throughout North Carolina and beyond.

Today, Calabash seafood continues to be a cherished part of North Carolina’s culinary heritage. Its light, crispy preparation remains beloved by seafood lovers across the state and beyond, and the tradition lives on in restaurants that carry on the legacy, including NC Seafood Restaurant in Raleigh, where diners visit us to enjoy this iconic dish.

Calabash seafood restaurants serve fresh seafood, often sourced from the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re enjoying shrimp, oysters, or fish, the focus is always on freshness, ensuring each dish delivers a clean, delicious taste.

The hallmark of Calabash seafood is the light batter that coats the seafood, deep-fried to a perfect golden brown. This method keeps the seafood tender on the inside while giving it a satisfying, crispy texture on the outside.

Calabash-style seafood is known for its variety. Whether you’re craving a hearty platter with multiple types of seafood or prefer to sample a little bit of everything from a buffet, there’s something to satisfy every seafood lover’s taste.

No Calabash meal is complete without the iconic side dishes, including hushpuppies and coleslaw. The hushpuppies, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfectly complement the seafood, while the creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch.

Expect a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere where families and groups can enjoy a meal together. Whether you’re dining out for a special occasion or just enjoying a laid-back meal, a Calabash seafood restaurant offers the perfect setting for a fun and memorable experience.

At NC Seafood, we take pride in serving authentic Calabash-style seafood, which is lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection. The key to this beloved cooking method is the light batter that seals in the natural flavors of the seafood, delivering a crispy, flavorful bite with every dish.

Our Calabash seafood platters are the star of the show, offering a true taste of the coastal tradition. Each platter is expertly prepared with the finest seafood, lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. We take great pride in serving fresh, tender seafood that’s sealed in a delicate, golden crust, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

Our seafood platters feature a variety of options, including shrimp, flounder, scallops, catfish, oysters, trout, clam strips, and whitefish, so you can mix and match your favorites or enjoy a combination of everything. Each platter is made fresh, ensuring a meal that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick dinner after work or enjoying a relaxing lunch, our fast service and bold flavors make NC Seafood the perfect choice. Located at the North Carolina Farmers Market in Raleigh, we’ve been a trusted local favorite for over 30 years, serving seafood lovers from near and far.

Our seafood side dishes perfectly complement our Calabash platters, enhancing your dining experience with classic Southern flavors. We serve crispy hushpuppies, golden on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect seafood sidekick. For a comforting touch, our creamy clam chowder is both rich and flavorful, offering a satisfying bowl with every bite. Additionally, our creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy seafood, adding a cool, tangy crunch to your meal.