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When staying in a vacation rental on Bald Head Island you’ll often be within walking distance of incredible restaurants. Whether you are in the mood for Mexican food or fun pizza options you’ll find plenty to choose from.

The neighborhood Harbour hangout JULES has reopened offering a waterfront dining escape for Island locals, guests and Fido. Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine & snacks with a view of boats pulling into the marina.

Delphina Coastal Cuisine

While there is plenty to see and do on Bald Head Island, it’s also a great place to eat. The Bald Head Island restaurants range from casual to upscale and offer an array of menu options, including seafood, burgers, and pizza.

Delphina Coastal Cuisine is a great choice for a Latin meal, serving Mexican with Spanish and Cuban influences. The restaurant is fun and casual and offers warm hospitality and an extensive wine list.

Start the day with a custom flavored coffee at Sandpiper Coffee and Ice Cream in the marina district or grab a quick lunch at Copper’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, Sweet Bay Cafe and Catering, Side Wok, or Market Cafe and Catering for a tasty food to-go option. Don’t forget dessert! Try the churros or peach carlota with vanilla cookies and an ice-cream like peach topping.

Will O’ The Wisp

Enjoy a light meal and wine at this harborside restaurant. The menu includes a selection of appetizers and entrees as well as specialty pizzas. The restaurant also has outdoor seating, so you can enjoy a lovely night under the stars while you dine.

In folklore, will-o’-the-wisps are spirits of the dead who have been locked out of both heaven and hell. They wander the land at night, leading foolish travelers into danger and death.

More recently, will-o’-the-wisps have become associated with the lights that appear over marshlands in various parts of the world and have multiple possible scientific explanations including bioluminescence and chemiluminescence. Occasionally, a dark figure is seen carrying the flickering light, like a lantern. Other names for the phenomenon include ignis fatuus, friar’s lantern, and the Hessdalen light.

Mojo’s on the Harbor

Mojo’s on the Harbor offers diners a scenic view of the harbor and boats as they come and go. The menu is Latin-inspired and delicious. Enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or dessert.

Mike’s Bites is a newer spot for those craving causal fare. The restaurant is located in the old lighthouse generator building on Federal Road. They serve Italian ice and sandwiches along with drinks and snacks.

The Maritime Market is the grocery option on the island, but it also houses several small restaurants. There is Copper’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, Sweet Bay Cafe and Catering with pizzas, Side Wok serving Asian food, and Market Café and Catering with quick counter service meals. Guests can also grab food baskets and sandwiches at Jailhouse Provisions.

Shoals Club

Enjoy a range of dining options at the exclusive beach club, including casual poolside fare, gourmet seafood and steak, pub-style favorites, and inventive salads. The team at the Shoals Club also focuses on using locally-produced ingredients whenever possible. Access to the club is restricted to members and temporary guests, who can enjoy fine and casual dining; swim in a saltwater pool; walk on the private beach with chairs, towels and umbrellas provided; and more.

Formerly MoJo’s on the Harbor, Jule’s is a neighborhood Harbour hangout and waterfront dining escape for Island locals, their families and Fido. Count the boats as they sail into and out of the marina and take in views of the stunning waterway from this pet-friendly deck. They also serve breakfast and lunch and offer a curated wine list.

Aqua

Located in the Maritime Village, this diner-style restaurant serves breakfast, sandwiches, subs and dessert. It also offers drinks and snacks. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite before or after your ferry ride to the island.

A sommelier-curated selection of wines and artisan snacks are served here. The founders are true wine aficionados and prioritize high-quality and sustainably-sourced wine. They focus on smaller organic producers and vineyards that demonstrate responsible farming practices.

The menu at Aqua is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The wine list features a wide variety of Duplin wines. The ambiance is relaxed and the staff is friendly.

Latitudes

The scrumptious menu at Latitudes is accompanied by scenic beauty. The restaurant is located at the Island Club and serves sandwiches, salads, menu specials, and drinks. The wine list is extensive and varied, with a number of vintages to choose from.

The ambiance at the restaurant is perfect for romantic evenings, and the food is well worth the price. The grilled octopus and the chicken panini are highly recommended, and the chocolate chip cookie sandwich is a favorite dessert. The staff at the restaurant is described as attentive and professional, making Latitudes one of the best restaurants in Florida.

The restaurant is located on Sunset Key, a private island accessed by boat. Guests should arrive at the restaurant at their scheduled ferry time for a dreamy ride across the beautiful gulf waters.

Sandbar Grille

The Sandbar is a classic beachfront restaurant that offers both indoor and outdoor seating for the ultimate toes-in-the-sand experience. The menu features local seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options in a laid-back atmosphere. It is perfect for families and romantic sunset dinners. The wine list is excellent and the staff is friendly.

Located at the heart of Cold Spring Harbor, Sandbar offers a polished coastal casual ambiance that creates a sleek backdrop for elaborate American cuisine from land and sea. The menu, created by Chef Emeritus Senior Advisor Guy Reuge, combines local fare, tavern favorites, and seafood specialties into refined dishes that provide everyday elegance. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its scenic views of Oneida Lake. It has a lively bar with a wide selection of drinks.