You walk into Fish Bites hoping it's still the same place you've trusted over the years--and I'll say it right up front: it is. Maybe even a touch better. The Food We went straight for what matters. * Chilean Sea Bass -- cooked right, flaky, moist, and seasoned without trying to show off. That's how it's supposed to be done. No nonsense, just good fish handled properly. * Fish Bites (house specialty) -- lightly battered, crispy without being greasy, and paired with both Thai chili and tartar sauces. That combo works. You don't fix what isn't broken, and thankfully they didn't. * Ponzu Tuna Tacos -- these were the standout. Fresh, flavorful, balanced. The ponzu brings just enough bite without overpowering the tuna. If you're going there and skip these, that's on you. Sides held their own--fresh vegetables with a good sauté, and coleslaw that didn't taste like it came out of a tub somewhere in the back. Service Our server, Kali (K-A-L-I), did things the old-school way--attentive without hovering, friendly without being fake. That's getting rare these days, and it's worth mentioning. Value Two people, solid seafood, no corners cut: $67.15 total. In today's world? That's not just fair--that's impressive. Final Take New ownership can sometimes mean a place loses its identity. That didn't happen here. Fish Bites still delivers what made it a favorite--fresh seafood, straightforward preparation, and consistency. If anything, they've tightened things up just enough to notice read more

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This place had been on my list to try and I was excited to go for a team lunch. The space is small but has a back bar area and some outdoor seating too. But not the best view with the gas station. Our waitress was nice and attentive. We started with the Oyster Bombs, which were cheesy and delicious. I also got the clam chowder which was hearty and very satisfying. For my main meal, I had the stuffed flounder. It was rich and packed with flavor. I picked the mixed veggies and garlic mashed potatoes as my sides. I ended up taking half home because I was so full! Plus, we got a few slices of cake to share at the office in the afternoon. Everyone enjoyed our meal. I'll definitely be back. read more

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This place was amazing from start to finish! The Thai Chili sauce was the best sauce I've ever had, if it doesn't come with your food ask for it. Service was great too. read more

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Best dinner we had in Wilmington! Highly recommend Seafood Mac & Cheese and Maple Glaze Salmon. Still gave amazing service even close to closing time. Will be back next time in Wilmington! read more

Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant - Seafood Mac and cheese and maple glaze salmon - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This is a hidden gem! Food and service hometown North Carolina! I ordered the Raw Oysters and Clam Chowder, Calamari, and crab dip! The group I was with tested more of the menu all satisfied! Yum! read more

Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant - Welcome! - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Service and food always good here. Usually stop here delivering cars. Never had anything that wasn't great

I was incredibly impressed with this restaurant. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. I ordered the shrimp and scallop scampi, which was rich, creamy and fresh. The coconut cake was DELICIOUS! It was moist, flavorful, and I will be ordering that every time. Their lemon drop martini was the best I've ever had. It was smooth, and clearly made with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff genuinely seem happy to be there, which makes a difference. It has a welcoming, family style feel. I'll definitely be back for more seafood. read more

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Located in a gas station plaza with the usual nautical-themed décor, this spot might not make a strong first impression--but don't let that fool you. The seafood is well-prepared, the service is excellent, and the drink specials are a nice bonus. A hidden gem if you're willing to look past the setting. read more

I thought about not writing this review but this was the most insane restaurant experience I've ever had. We were there the weekend of Labor Day. My friend and I ordered soups to start - the lobster bisque was great, the clam chowder was mediocre. Then we got calamari and that was pretty good. Nothing crazy special but good calamari. Then we ordered our main... we got a seafood boil and added on crab legs. They were out of corn and potatoes so we ordered a couple sides to substitute that, disappointing but no problem we were flexible. They brought out the seafood. It had been boiled in PLAIN UNSEASONED WATER. We literally had to ask them if they could bring out some old bay seasoning for us and we had to drown everything in salt to make it somewhat edible.... It was a very bizarre experience. I don't know how they thought that serving plain boiled seafood was okay??? read more

Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant - So called "seafood boil" - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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The seafood was fresh but nothing to write home about. I wish they'd given me more fried oyster than shrimp, in my combo platter. The shrimp was a-bit overcooked. Our Server however was fantastic. Very energetic and friendly. The place is smaller than i thought but is clean. I might go back when I'm in the area. read more

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Small casual kinda place with great seafood. Lobster bisque and clam chowder are both winners. I had the fried flounder for lunch, large piece of nicely fried fish. The honey maple bacon wrapped salmon is my all time favorite. Peel and eat shrimp were not the best in my opinion. Service at the bar has been great read more

The food was so fresh excellent portions and family friendly. We will be back on future visits to Wilmington area

Sea Food was fresh & hot Crab dip was excellent Waited about 15 mins in summer chaos, not bad Staff was friendly, beers were cold read more

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Well, first when you drive up it's beside a gas station so my first thought is my kids are taking me to the gas station sushi place. Well, that is far from the tree this place has fresh seafood prepared amazing the service was excellent and the drinks were perfect. Now that they live there, we will be making this a regular place. The Bible is cool. It's nice and clean just kinda rustic beach vibe. read more

Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant - My crew on a recent visit, did not know it would be so damn good! - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I originally posted a review when I went there for a lunch with my little one and I had the fish and chips and he had the burger. Or maybe it was the chicken fingers lol I forget. Anyway, I just wanna update to say that I brought my older son this time along with one of his best friends, and we all had the crab legs, which were fantastic! After a dinner at the last place yesterday and a sale on crab legs, this definitely made up for it! I'm always impressed with the service and the fact that this is a local hidden gem and some of the best tasting food that I've had locally in WILMINGTON in a long time! Drinks are large size. The staffing is super nice and accommodating. There's a lot of space and a lot of room in the restaurant I don't know if it will save my old review so I'm just putting some of the stuff that may seem repetitive. Parking is plenty. It's a huge parking lot and it's literally behind a gas station. It's so interesting Because There's an outdoor eating area and it also accommodates a large number of people to sit outside too on a nice day. The owner is super friendly coming around to the tables to talk to people and welcome them and ask them if they're enjoying themselves. They have a large dessert selection of cakes in a bakery display case and there's also a bar toward the back and over to the right behind the wall that can't be seen when you come in the door, but it gives Four good privacy if you just wanna have a drink with a friend. Definitely recommend this place if you're from here or even if you're not from here or new, this is a place to grab anything from burger to chicken to fish and fresh catch great specials and really great pricing. read more

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The food was very good and was hot when we got it. The service was prompt and friendly. The restaurant has a nautical theme. I had the salmon with applewood bacon and a maple honey sauce. Very tasty and well prepared. read more

The food here is excellent. I was surprised how good it was considering it is small looking in a strip mall. Service is always top notch. The only thing I don't like is they rush over and clean your table off before you leave. Other than that, it's a great place!!! read more

Wanted to get some good food while departing the area. Saw some reviews about this place and decided to pull over. I didn't have any expectations going in, but I have to say this food was great! I had steamed oysters shrimp and grit cake. The oysters were good with plenty of sauce and horseradish for your liking. The shrimp and grit cakes were delicious. Each component was well seasoned and flavorful on its own which combined made for a great dish. And I eat A LOT of shrimp and grits. Def worth a return or a visit if one is wondering. Oh, and the old fashioned will make you sit up in your seat lol. read more

Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant - Steamed oysters and shrimp and grit cakes - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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My fiancée got a severe case of food poisoning after eating from here. She was fighting for her life later that night after we ate here. I got Woken up out my sleep all I hear is her throwing up in the bathroom at like 1:00am. Had to help her clean up because it was a MESS!!! Not the best start for our time here in Wilmington. Such a shame I really enjoyed my meal but seeing her that down bad was unacceptable. read more

Two friends and their kiddo were in town visiting, so we met for lunch at Fish Bites. We were able to be immediately seated, with room for the kiddo to hang out and enjoy the meal too. I ordered the fresh catch meal which was swordfish with a side of zucchini fries. Everything was super fresh and delicious! My friends' meals were also delicious. Everyone left happy and fully satisfied. read more

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Great food. Service was excellent, sat outside and weather was nice. Maybe add some plants, etc. to make dining experience outside nicer. party of 6 we didn't have much of a choice but to sit outside. read more

Service was excellent and considering how busy they were the food came out in a reasonable amount of time. It's really a small place. Insofar as the seafood, it was just okay. I had fried fish and shrimp with deep fried zucchini, which was nice. My spouse had scallops. I was surprised how small her portion was, but she was satisfied. The cakes that we got to go were very good, but super sweet. We're on the fence about returning. read more

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Hey you....PSSST yes, YOU!!! If you want consistently amazing seafood and you're in the area - this is the place that you want to go. I'll say this, there's a reason why the locals frequent this restaurant - because it's the best food you're going to find. Great food, great prices, great staff. What else do you want? It is not a swanky overpriced restaurant. It's a laid back dining experience, and worth every dime! read more

I've been here with my wife maybe 5 times, the food is normally fantastic and was one of our favorite spots to go to when we were in the area. However this last time we went my wife and I ordered the shrimp platter and it made us insanely sick. I was yaking my brains out all morning at work and I currently have a temp of 101.4. Needless to say we were shocked this was one of our favorite places but I don't see us coming back. read more

The fresh catch Tuna was delicious! I also had the zucchini fries & the spinach salad. All was very fresh. The service was very good also. read more

Went the other night- absolutely yummy steamed shrimp- best we have had in the area. Our meals were so awesome- homemade and fresh. The desserts really surprised us! The hummingbird bird cake was so delicious. So glad we saw this place on instagram or we would have never found it! read more

Service was great. Young lady was very nice and attentive. Food was awesome. Seasoned to perfection. We will be back next time we are in town. Very clean restaurant. read more

Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant - Seafood Pasta - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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My local friend called ahead on a Saturday night and our party of four was seated immediately when we arrived. The place is fairly small so was glad we got a table. Waitress was attentive and quickly brought us waters and corn muffins. We ordered the crab dip as an appetizer which was flavorful and packed with seafood. For my meal I ordered the ponzu tuna with mixed vegetables and wild rice. Tuna was a good portion size and seemed fresh. Was advertised as medium rare but seemed a little more like medium. Mixed vegetables were very oily. Wild rice was good. Husband enjoyed his stuffed flounder, fries and vegetables but also thought the vegetables were oily and felt like his dish in general had a lot of sodium. Prices were reasonable and service was good. read more

Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant - Ponzu Tuna, wild rice and mixed vegetables - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Food is super fresh, I get the platter with flounder and shrimp. The Flounder had zero fishy taste for lack of a better word. The place is very nice inside and clean. The staff is happy and professional. No water views but don't let the parking lot and other places lead you to think it's a dive. read more

The location is OK but the food and service was good. I would go back to this place to eat.

Hey you....PSSST yes, YOU!!! If you want consistently amazing seafood and you're in the area - this is the place that you want to go. I'll say this, there's a reason why the locals frequent this restaurant - because it's the best food you're going to find. Great food, great prices, great staff. What else do you want? It is not a swanky overpriced restaurant. It's a laid back dining experience, and worth every dime! read more

Came back to my favorite seafood restaurant in Wilmington. This is not a place that I would want to go to for a "special occasion" but a place that literally has the best seafood In town. Total laid back atmosphere and no frills dining. However, everything in the menu is delicious. We had the shrimp bombs (which you have to get) and I had the sesame tuna appetizer. It was excellent. I also had a cup of the clam chowder which was delicious. My daughter had the salmon BLT and it was huge and perfectly cooked. Peel and eat shrimp were high you and cooked perfectly. Even their ranch and sauces are delish! read more

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We stopped by with no reservations on a Friday night and we were still seated fairly quickly so that was great! Service was fantastic. I wish I could remember our servers name, but she was so lovely. Very attentive. Food was served quickly and was hot. I love the older family style restaurants like this. I am personally not the biggest seafood fan, but my husband loved his. Overall a great experience, not too expensive and definitely worth a try in Wilmington for some fresh seafood. read more

We took a day trip to Wilmington on a Monday. Our favorite local seafood restaurant was closed so we searched for another nearby and up came Fish Bites with good reviews. The venue was small and cozy. We were greeted as we walked in and immediately seated. Nice decor and nice friendly staff. I don't recall our waitress's name but she was great! Knowledgeable of the menu and how items are cooked and had great suggestions. My hubby is picky and had fried fish and fries. He was very pleased with how the fish was cooked as he requested salt and pepper. He said the fish was deliciously fresh and flavorful. Also the portions were large for the price. I had the shrimp and grits. I'm used to creamy grits but this was a grit cake baked in panko bread crumbs with a creamy sauce and large shrimp. Remarkable flavor, hot, fresh shrimp. Will definitely eat there again. Just a sweet experience with a pleasant vibe. read more

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It was bound to happen. I tell everyone that Yelp has never steered me wrong; unfortunately, this streak has ended. What a disappointment this place was! My wife ordered the blackened flounder (she thought it was haddock, and Jacqueline, our server, quickly corrected her.) She said that the spice was too heavy and tasted like Old Bay. I ordered the shrimp bombs for an appetizer, and although they were hot, they were too greasy. I ordered the tuna rare, and I was glad they didn't overcook it. At the end of the meal, I decided to try a piece of cake as the selection I saw coming in was impressive. When I asked Jacqueline what the white cake was in the case, she told me there were six white cakes. When I asked her about the choices, she told me they had labels, and I could check. Turns out not all the white cakes had labels. I did not expect this lack of respect in Carolina Beach, especially not after several remarkable experiences eating at other places this weekend. The good news was that she was just as disrespectful to the table behind us when Jacqueline asked them what they wanted for their two sides. The table then asked Jacqueline what their choices were, and Jacqueline curtly responded that they were on the menu. I suggest Jacqueline consider a job as far away from customers as possible. I left without ordering the cake and would not recommend this restaurant. read more

Man was it hard to pick just one thing to try from the menu! I narrowed it down and had to try the catch of the day - salmon. Cooked perfectly with the best flavor! My mother in law had the po'boy and it was so big! Complementary corn nuggets were served when we sat down. Getting seated did take a while but we were able to wait outside or in the car and they text when your table is ready. Wait staff was very friendly and suggestive. Inside was a little crowded but booths were spaced just right. Can't wait to try this place out again next time we are in the area read more

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Being from New Mexico, I wanted to take this opportunity to eat at a coastal restaurant. This one had high ratings, so we decided to go here. I ordered the bowl of clam chowder to start with. I have to say that was the best clam chowder I have ever had. Then for dinner, I ordered the 2 lobster tail special with a crab cluster. The tails were seasoned to perfection. The crab legs actually cracked instead of smashed. If I'm in this area again, I'm definitely coming back. read more

Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant - The restaurant front. - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Scallops, tuna, clam chowder, sides, dessert, and service - all great!!! Cute ambiance.

Obviously, there are a lot of places to get seafood around Wilmington, but Fish Bites is probably at the top of our list. Both of us have roots in North Carolina and are happy to report that FB serves seafood like we had growing up. Very cute place. Nothing fancy, but still has great ambience. Server and greeter were very friendly and knowledgeable. Can't say anything bad. Prices and portions good too. We will definitely be back again and again. read more

***FOOD: One of the best places to eat. Everything was yummy delicious and fresh seafood. Calamari- good crispy but the calamari was small, thank goodness there was no other fried filler ( fried bell peppers or onions) with the calamari; mini corn muffins- really a highlight to eat; cape fear clam chowder- good, slightly oily greasy; mahi mahi - very good cooked perfectly; lobster Mac n cheese - good, slightly too much sauce which made it greasy creamy; fish and chips- delicious, right amount of crisp, & was haddock which tasted amazing; shrimp tacos-very very good, although would suggest to restaurant chef to include 3 instead of just 2 tacos on the menu; banana pudding cake-really tasted like a banana pudding so delish; chocolate cake-good ***COST (OUT OF 4$) $$$ ***DÉCOR: small place with maybe 8 tables /booths then some bar seating and high top Table seating. Located in a strip mall so Parking can be an issue. If you come during peak dinner time you'll have to wait a long time. ***SERVICE: Server was good, filling our glasses often, checking on us, making suggestions for wine. Giving us fresh silverware and plates ***RECOMMEND: HIGHLY RECOMMEND read more

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