This is the Best Foodie Destination in North and South Carolina

Are you a foodie like me? Finding the best hidden gem spots for a great meal really makes all the difference. You can enjoy a great pizza, fried food, wrap, burger, seafood, or whatever else that you like when you're visiting a new place. Every city or state has those signature dishes that their area is known for. We all know it and love it and if it's somewhere you've never been, then it's probably on your list to try when you get there. North and South Carolina are no different when it comes to food.

Eat This is naming the best foodie destination in every state, so of course we're taking a look. When we talk about North Carolina what is a spot that you feel is a must-visit? I am sure there are plenty on your list ranging across the entire state. Well, according to this list, North Carolina's must-visit foodie destination is Cúrate in Asheville. Enjoy great tapas and wine at this spot in the mountains. If you are ever up in Asheville, might want to add it to your food list.

Now, we're off to South Carolina. Of course, we're talking about a spot in my hometown of Charleston. One of my favorite places to eat back home, Nigel's Good Food is making the Eat This list. This soul food, comfort food spot will really make your day better. The Gullah food is the experience of visiting Charleston. From the geechie wings to the collard greens and mac and cheese, delicious! Wondering what other restaurants made the list? Check out the full list here.

When you think of top-tier fresh seafood, you usually think of the beach or at least somewhere near the coast. Especially in North Carolina the Calabash area is considered the pinnacle of seafood. So when I came across this list of the best seafood in every state, well I figured it would be in Calabash. If not there then somewhere else on the coast. Perhaps Wilmington or the Outer Banks? But nope. Not this list. It was created by a website called 24/7 Wall Street. They created a list of the best seafood in every state including North Carolina. So how exactly did they do this?

According to the article, they " consulted lists, ratings, and reviews from websites including Guide Michelin, Eat This Not That, Food Network, Gayot, Eater, and Time Out, as well as numerous local and regional sites." What was considered a "seafood restaurant"? Well, sushi and "informal seafood shacks" were omitted from the list. The establishments included can be anything from fancy white tablecloth restaurants to casual restaurants. Some offer fried fish or shrimp, others have a range of flavors including Mexican, Portuguese, Chinese, or New American. They also mention that regional trends are represented- think Cajun crawfish, Maryland crabs, New England chowder, and Maine lobster.

Hungry yet? So if such emphasis is put on regional fresh seafood, and the best seafood in North Carolina isn't in Calabash or the coast at all, where is it? Keep reading to see the best seafood in NC as well as some of our neighbors. You can read the full 24/7 Wall Street list here. Do you disagree? Let me know! I'd love to know what your favorite is. Just don't shoot the messenger if you don't agree.

Address: 1265 Highway 66 South Kernersville, NC 27284 

According to their website Captain Tom's has been a staple of the Kernersville and Triad community since 1972. They serve the "freshest seafood" in a "style all their own". They pride themselves on reasonable prices. The menu includes starters like shrimp cocktail, raw and fried oysters, and a crab and spinach dip. For entrees try the platter or create a plate of your favorite fried fish, shrimp, or crab. They also offer broiled seafood, or dishes like shrimp and grits, stuffed flounder, or grilled Mahi Mahi. But don't worry, there are plenty of options for land lovers as well!

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Address: 193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

South Carolina does take it the coast and the foodie paradise of Charleston. 167 Raw actually has an oyster bar, sushi bar, and bistro. It's more of a high end, fancier restaurant that our previous restaurant. You'll find thinks like a swordfish sandwich, seared yellowfin tuna, and scallops on the menu.

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Address: 1051 West Peachtree St. in Midtown

The Steamhouse Lounge has a long history in the Atlanta area. It was originally located in Buckhead for 20 years, but is now found in Midtown. What should you expect from a visit? According to their website " award-winning lobster bisque, the freshest seafood, ice cold bottle beer and our signature Goombay Smash." The menu features a raw bar with mussels, clams, oysters, and shrimp. Or perhaps you prefer a basket of your favorite fried seafood, soups, lobster rolls, or a snow crab dinner. But that's not even the half of it!

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Address: 11 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

The history of Joe's Stone Crab dates all the way back to a counter in 1913. Over its 100+ year history, it has had numerous famous visitors and is still owned by the same family. The menu has grown and now features dishes like crab legs, a seafood trio, conch fritters, and seafood paella. There is also fish and chips, a lobster roll, and New England Seafood Fry.

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Address: 784 Locklies Creek Road Topping VA 23169

It doesn't get any fresher than Merrior on the banks of the Rappahannock River, where the restaurant's namesake Oysters are farmed. According to their website, Merroir "is "a “tasting room,” just so people know to expect something different. Everything is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, small-plate-style, and beautifully paired with craft brews and world-famous wines."

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