How is The Bistro at Topsail restaurant rated?

Name: The Bistro at Topsail
Address: 602 B Roland Ave, Surf City, NC, United States, 28445
Telephone: (910) 328-2000
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

The Bistro at Topsail

4.4

1002 Reviews

$31 to $50

Southern

Top Tags:

Award Winning Farm to Plate restaurant on Topsail Island.
Winner James Beard Foundation BBP 2017
Open Table Top 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America
Finalist North Carolina Best Chef 2017
4-Time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence Winner 2015-2018
One of the Best Bourbon Bars in America 2016

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Southern, Seafood, American
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(910) 328-2000
Website
http://www.topsailbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Resort Casual
Executive chef
Chef/Owner Bud Taylor
Private party facilities
Chefs Table for up to 10 Private Events seated to 75 Cocktails up to 100

Location
602 B Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
Neighborhood
Surf City
Cross street
Surf City Swing Bridge
Parking details
Parking lots in front of restaurant
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,002 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.1Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

1,002 Reviews

M
sandiM
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Bistro is my very favorite restaurant. Chef Bud always creates the most amazing meals and we've always been thrilled with our meal.
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KL
KLola
Raleigh
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unexpected wonder in Surf City! Great Vegan options!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience4
Somewhat limited menu; however, what we had was excellent. Priced appropriately and very good service.
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SR
SRBfromNC
Raleigh
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dinner as always! One of our favorite places to eat to have a special meal and a fantastic glass of bourbon! Highly recommend!
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D
Durham
Raleigh
246 reviews
vip
4.0
246 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food here is always good as we make our yearly family trek to the beach including to this restaurant. We did hit some post season issues, it seems, the week after Labor Day, some wines not available and one dish not available. Lovely scenery and fewer diners on a weeknight off-season made for a delightful dinner ambiance. Very interesting locally sourced food and food combinations. We missed the crab dip, however. Not even on the menu this time.
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MF
MichaelF
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience5
Phenomenal food on the intracoastal waterway. Perfect for a dinner date.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2018
overall3food3service5ambience3
It was a double birthday. As noted in the reservation. Nothing was recognized about the birthday. There were flies everywhere because the ceiling fan wasn’t working. So get it fixed. Food was good but got lost with everything else. The Bistro is. It the same. I would not go back
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DD
DeborahD
Greensboro
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2018
overall4food5service3ambience3
Service was friendly but forgot one item Noise level high. our entree’s where great but we had the baked pimento cheese appetizer which was served with fresh potatoe chips which I didn’t think worked together but I would definitely try it again
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ZS
ZacharyS
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
The place was amazing and good food!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great little restaurant. Beautiful view and very nice to sit outside. Food is prepared with a great deal of care and skill.
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TM
TerryM
Wilmington
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been dining at the Bistro three or four times a year for as long as they have been open (including their old location). However, the duck I had the other night was the best ever. The chefs really out did themselves. My wife's meal was also excellent. I recommend the Bistro to everyone who is visiting the Topsail Island area.
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l
lyndal
Atlanta Metro
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always my favorite! The view outside is breathtaking
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C
Chip
Greensboro
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
This a "must-do" restaurant when we are on Topsail Island. This was our third visit to the Bistro, and everything, including the food, service, ambience, and views were magnificent as always. I look forward to our next experience there!
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KL
KimL
Wilmington
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2018
overall4food5service3ambience5
Eating outside on the deck is always a plus Not FREEZING like inside. The temps inside are ridiculous. We noticed that the staff all wear sweaters Pleasant AC is one thing but The Bistep goes overboard with AC Also, a lot less nosy than inside
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KS
KathyS
Pittsburgh
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience5
Beautiful scenic dining on Topsail Island. We enjoyed the delicious food and a beautiful sunset.
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S
Sharonlivinglocal
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
This makes our 4 th visit and we have enjoyed it each and every time. Always trying something different and never disappointed....
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BW
BillW
Cincinnati
47 reviews
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was exceptional at The Bistro. Our Server, Tamara made our experience most enjoyable. She was knowledgeable, and recommended from the menu. She was always checking up with us to confirm all was fine. The atmosphere was the best in Surf City. The Chicken Egg Rolls were to die for. The Shrimp and Grilled Swordfish were highly recommended and both dishes were outstanding! Great food and great experience!
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b
bistro
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience4
Two nights at The Bistro as part of an annual beach vacation. Delicious both times. Between the two of us we had the mussels and clams(excellent), the duck(excellent), and the catfish(my wife, not me). Lovely to sit outside on the deck overlooking the water. Look forward to eating here every year while on vacation, consistently good and varies and providing a break from the fried local seafood we eat much of the rest of the week(it is also excellent).
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G
Gretchen
Philadelphia
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2018
overall4food5service3ambience5
We were on vacation and just came upon this restaurant and decided to try it. It started off a little upsetting but ended up to be a great experience!! Food was fantastic!!
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FT
FoodforThought
Wilmington
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
My best girlfriends & I had a fantastic meal! We are ALL foodies—we are well traveled, have owned our own establishments and have a picky palates! Every dish was presented beautifully—LUVED the baked pimento cheese dip & butter bean hummus! Oh my! Served with fresh made potato chips...yes pleaze!!! We were also VERY seriously pleased with our gorgeous Davis shrimp & grits and NC catfish—yum! Best grits ever. Flourless chocolate torte—glorious! Thanks for a fantastic meal!
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E
Enzyme
Greater Boston
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2018
overall5food4service4ambience5
Very good food for the island
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere and even better food and service!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bud the meal was excellent as always. She was a little bummed about no burger but, was totally excited about the pamotto cheese. Thanks for another GREAT MEAL!!!
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WV
WVfoodie
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience3
This is a great place to eat! Food, service, view, wine pairing suggestions, all wonderful. The only thing we did not like was that it was a little too dark in the main room. Other customers were using their phone lights to read their menus. I would definitely recommend Bistro!
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H
Hannah
Raleigh
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2018
overall3food5service2ambience5
Excellent food as always. My only negative feedback is that it took 20 min for our waitress to acknowledge us and offer water. It seemed like a busy night, so I understand things might take a little longer (even though she was serving the table right next to us), but there really isn’t an excuse for completely ignoring a patron for that long, especially at place that is considered one of the more “fine dining” establishments on the island.
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V
Vgab
Greensboro
76 reviews
vip
4.0
76 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience3
We had two dishes. mussels and clams based on local ingredients and good spicing were very good. Swordfish was not. Two salty and terribly interesting. An appetizer base on egg pant was terrific. The service was good. Both beer and wine selection was broad enough so you can find what you like and at a reasonable price. Noise way beyond comfortable. While it was due to couple of very noisy table the place could use more sound insulation for a reasonable conversation at your own table.
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SU
SurfsUpBill
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 16, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience3
Cuisine was EXCELLENT!!! Compliments to the Chef! A little loud in the restaurant but view is great! Next visit we will try the outside dining.
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MS
MichaelS
Wilmington
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 15, 2018
overall3food3service3ambience3
Was there last Sat and had a huge cauliflower steak. It was delicious. Had the same entree last Eve. It was 1/3 the size and pieces put together. Again it was delicious but I left hungry. Very disappointed.
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R
Richard
Wilmington
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience4
Everything was great. We had the Swordfish and Mahi and both were superb. The peach desert was great and as usual we enjoyed the fresh french pressed coffee. Our restaurant of choice for special occasions. We would recommend it for the scenic view as well for just an hors d'oeuvre and a drink
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NT
NTB2018
Raleigh
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2018
overall3food3service3ambience1
The food was satisfactory although limited menu and pricey. The interior is very attractive but the noise level was so bad our table of four could not communicate to each other. We have visited this restaurant before and did not have this experience. It's a really nice restaurant but the noisy atmosphere really ruined the evening for us.
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KH
KimH
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
I moved to area two years ago and was disappointed in my dining options until I found The Bistro. The food is amazing and offers gluten free for my friend. I will return and as often as possible.
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CV
ChristineV
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience5
With our last night of vacation, we wanted something special. After reading local reviews, we weren't disappointed. Veggie eggrolls as an appy for for people was perfect (two cut into halves). The duck was great, hard to find it anywhere and was pleased with rich flavor! Shrimp and grits were great! Catfish and grilled cauliflower steak entrees were also wonderful. Too full for dessert. Only (slight) issue was we found the bartender wasn't as friendly as we typically find in the south. However, we then realized she was the ONLY one on duty for the bar area and dining patrons...OK, we get it! Will return next time in town.
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HS
HughS
Charleston
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2018
overall4food4service3ambience5
We made a long drive from Wilmington up to the Bistro just to have dinner. The view from our outdoor seats right on the water overlooking the marsh was really nice. Our server was good but she forgot to put my salad order in and we were her first table of the evening. When it came it was very skimpy with a few blackberries, pine nuts & goat cheese. Not much for $7.00. The menu is very limited with only about 8 entrees. My wife had the corn meal crusted catfish which she enjoyed. I had the strip and it was very good and a large one. But at $44.00 way overpriced. If back in Wilmington again in the future we'd probably not make a 60 mile round trip drive to go back.
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DL
DavidL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have visited The Bistro quite a few times now. We have yet to be disappointed. Everything, from the moment you enter until you leave, is far above average. The staff are all friendly and eager to make your experience everything it should be. The view is gorgeous and the cuisine excellent, to say the least.
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g
girlsnight
Wilmington
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2018
overall4food5service2ambience4
First time I was able to eat at The Bistro since they moved to their new location on the water. New location a great upgrade as you can now eat outside with the view of the water. We sat inside but was still able to benefit from the beautiful views. The new location also is more spacious so there are more tables and they aren't so close together. There is also a separate room for perhaps a special occasion or larger party. What hadn't changed was the excellent food! We tried the seasonal salad options--all 3 wonderful. We also had the steak, shrimp and grits and vegetarian entrees which were superb. The only suggestion is the fried cauliflower was a little dry and would have benefitted with a sauce to accompany it. Prices are still somewhat high and nothing is complimentary--if you want bread that's an $8 appetizer! Although staff was friendly and warm, our server seemed to lack some both food and beverage knowledge. There were also very long waits before we got our wine (including the first wine served was incorrect) and an extremely long wait for our entrees. Although many tables had guests, they weren't super busy. Although they seemed to have a bad night for service, the food did not disappoint and I would certainly come back in hopes it was just an off night for staff.
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DM
DavidM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were great. We enjoyed the bar before our meal. Definitely order the egg rolls—-they were great along with the steaks.
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JR
JRW1
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2018
overall3food4service3ambience3
I can't believe a restaurant at the beach that claims to have the best seafood in town did not have an ocean fish on the menu, but is is true. Yes, they had catfish (fresh water) and swordfish (a shark, not a fish) along with shrimp and scallops. Pro: the food was good but not great, wait staff did well, and it has a great view. Con: country music.
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V
Victoria49
Indiana
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food was terrific and views amazing! Love to come for a special evening out!
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CD
CarrieD
Richmond
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2018
overall3food2service5ambience5
We came for our anniversary and had a beautiful view of the sound from the patio. We had the steak and swordfish plus an appetizer. The food was overpriced for the quality and we both got sick for 48 hours after the meal.
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TH
TracieH
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was oustanding. All local ingredients (with the exception of the steak which we did not order). The catfish and grits was so incredibly flavorful. Also loved swordfish with the sweet fresh local tomatoes, and the light sauce accompanied the oyster mushrooms perfectly. The low country egg rolls were also a standout stuffed with the spicy collards! We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful view being right on the water.
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The Bistro at Topsail is rated 4.4 stars by 1002 OpenTable diners.