Oliver's on the Cape Fear
Elegant waterfront dining in a historic ship chandler, serving upscale New American cuisine with breathtaking Cape Fear River views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Oliver's on the Cape Fear
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Elegant waterfront dining in a historic ship chandler, serving upscale New American cuisine with breathtaking Cape Fear River views.
Make Reservations
Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties or during peak season, to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Ask about Seasonal Salads
Inquire about Oliver's special seasonal salads, which often feature unique fruit combinations and homemade dressings.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waterfront Dining with a View
Enjoy stunning views of the Cape Fear River from indoors, a covered patio, or the outdoor terrace. Perfect for a special occasion.
Lobster Bisque Soup
A creamy and decadent soup loaded with generous chunks of lobster, highly recommended by diners.
A Walk to Remember Filming Location
Dine on the same patio where Jamie and Landon had their first date in the iconic movie 'A Walk to Remember'.
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Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties or during peak season, to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Ask about Seasonal Salads
Inquire about Oliver's special seasonal salads, which often feature unique fruit combinations and homemade dressings.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Visiting during off-peak hours might help avoid potential waits and ensure more attentive service.
Try the Crab Dip
The crab dip is frequently praised as a must-try appetizer, served with perfectly toasted bread.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties or during peak season, to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Ask about Seasonal Salads
Inquire about Oliver's special seasonal salads, which often feature unique fruit combinations and homemade dressings.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Visiting during off-peak hours might help avoid potential waits and ensure more attentive service.
Try the Crab Dip
The crab dip is frequently praised as a must-try appetizer, served with perfectly toasted bread.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oliver's on the Cape Fear offers an elegant waterfront dining experience with a generally positive reception for its seafood and ambiance. Diners frequently praise the stunning river views, attentive service from staff like Gina and Cathy, and signature dishes such as the lobster bisque and seasonal salads. However, some reviews mention inconsistency in food quality, particularly with steak preparations and overly salty dishes, and occasional service lapses during busy periods.
"Amazing food, service, and a peaceful view. They were very accommodating for a party of 10. (I would recommend making a reservation a few days early). A seamless, wonderful dining experience."
A Therrell
"Early dinner with a great view of the river. Lobster bisque soup was creamy with lots of bits of lobster. Crab dip was very good and the toasted bread made it even better. Salad was fresh with lots of veggies. Crab cakes were well seasoned and the seafood platter was delicious."
Traci Clark
"Me and my 4 friends came for dinner tonight to celebrate my birthday and it was absolutely amazing. The place we were going to go to was packed so we came here and were quickly sat at a beautiful table outside. The atmosphere, service, and food was incredible. Special thank you to Gina for making sure everything was perfect for us the service was 10/10. We will definitely be back! :)"
Susanna Strother
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Oliver's is known for its elegant waterfront dining, upscale New American cuisine, and stunning views of the Cape Fear River, housed in a historic ship chandler.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups or during busy times, to ensure a smooth dining experience.
Yes, Oliver's offers indoor seating, a covered patio, and outdoor terrace seating, all with extraordinary views of the Cape Fear River.
Yes, the patio at Oliver's Restaurant was used as the location for Jamie and Landon's first date in the movie 'A Walk to Remember'.
Diners frequently rave about the Lobster Bisque, seasonal salads with unique fruit combinations, crab dip, and various seafood entrees.
Yes, Oliver's can accommodate gluten-free and celiac-safe dining needs.
The restaurant offers a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, combining southern charm with upscale dining, enhanced by its serene waterfront location.
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If you’re looking for a place to wear your finest flip flops, check out Ports of Call or Oliver’s on the Cape Fear for an unforgettable date night or nice night out with family or friends. Ports of Call features globally inspired dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Oliver’s not only serves up delectable fine dining but the large interior windows and outdoor porch invite dinners to take in all that the alluring waterfront has to offer.
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Next up we visited Oliver’s On the Cape Fear River for a lunchtime treat. When we vacation we often find that two meals a day is our norm so we may eat at odd times but it works. This particular meal was one of those mid afternoon treats complete with a shrimp appetizer, lobster bisque for Chris, a side salad for me and a shared Calabash Cape Fear Platter.
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Oliver’s on the Cape Fear: This Southport restaurant serves up southern cuisine in a more upscale dining setting. The waterfront restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Cape Fear River. Choose between dishes such as pasta, seafood, and steaks that can be paired with choice wines.
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We were thankful to be able to grab seats at the bar during a very busy Monday lunch service as the bar was first come first serve and some folks were just leaving as we got in. We had a delicious gluten free and celiac safe lunch as we made our way north. Ben was our bartender and server.
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Oliver’s on the Cape Fear is a breezy waterfront restaurant located in Southport. They offer indoor seating, seating on the covered patio, and outdoor seating on the terrace. Regardless of what you choose, you are sure to get extraordinary views of the breathtaking Cape Fear River.
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The Cape Fear Restaurant and Lounge is a vintage and family-friendly seafood restaurant that’s perched on the edge of the Cape Fear River in the heart of Downtown Southport. An easy destination for visitors who...
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