With Elizabeth City's close proximity to the sound and sea, it's a prime location for trying coastal seafood. Whether you’re craving Asian specialties, a salad, pasta, or a southern-style fry up, there are several area dishes that showcase tasty fish and simple yet satisfying ingredients. Here’s a sample of the options that can be found at local eateries:  

A sampling of Toyama specialties at the sushi bar. Photo by Instagrammer @syd_dundun 

 

While the translation of Toyama is ‘far mountain,’ you won’t even have to travel outside the city limits for the light-as-air tempura at Toyama Japanese Restaurant (218 N. Poindexter St.; 252-338-2437). The crunchy, savory mix of shrimp, zucchini, onion, and sweet potato is sure to satiate without overfilling. Sashimi, sushi and maki round out the menu which includes the ‘Poindexter Street Roll.’ Created in honor of one of Elizabeth City’s best-known streets and home of the restaurant, it’s a sushi roll made of salmon, crab and green onion on the inside; sliced tuna and avocado on the outside.

Groupers crabmeat salad with sliced avocado, tomato wedges and mesclun. Photo by Liza Franco Photography & Graphic Design

 

Situated on a bank of the Pasquotank River, Grouper’s Waterfront Restaurant (400 S. Water St.; 252-331-2431) serves delicious seafood-based salads such as lettuce and garden vegetables or crabmeat with sliced avocado, tomato wedges and mesclun. But if a stick-to-your-ribs entrée like pasta is more to your liking, try the rich and flavorful ‘Shrimp Alfredo,’ made with tender fettucine, parmesan-butter-cream sauce and, if you prefer, broccoli florets.

The "Seafood Platter" at Quality Seafood. Photo by Instagrammer @wsaundersmusic 

 

A combination of trout, shrimp, oysters and scallops served in generous portions along with hush puppies, French fries and coleslaw comprise the ‘Sampler Platter’ at Quality Seafood Market (309 E. Ehringhaus St., 252-335-7648). The golden brown, perfectly fried fish will transport you to the Friday night fish fries of yesteryear. The seafood featured in the sampler can also be ordered separately and many items on the menu can be broiled instead of fried. Try one of these great establishments soon or visit another of Elizabeth City’s fabulous restaurants. Simone Cooper A publicist and branding specialist who is also a mid-century modern fanatic. When she’s not assisting clients with messaging, you can find her hunting for furniture and housewares from the 1960s.