NCCOAST.com Dining

Island Grille:
On the Cutting Edge of Creative Cuisine

Over the past nine years, the Island Grille has experienced some changes. From new ownership to remodeling, the restaurant continues to keep its edge when it comes to providing an unforgettable dining experience. The original hardwood ceilings add charm to the newly renovated interior (with further restorations to the bar area soon to come). Combined with a spectacular ocean view, it’s easy to feel relaxed and at home the moment you walk in.

Some things that haven’t changed are the eclectic offerings of food including French, Mexican and Mediterranean-inspired creations, and the upscale fine dining of this cozy, casually elegant restaurant. Along with creative cuisine, you’ll also find an extensive beer and wine list.

The restaurant continues to evolve and draw in first-time visitors, as it strives to keep its long list of regular clientele satisfied and coming back for more. New offerings such as the trio of bacon-wrapped quail legs over porcini mushroom and chevre risotto garnished with a sweet blueberry syrup, do just that.

Beyond its combination of cutting edge and classic cuisine, Island Grille is the home of the original two-for-one special. Every Monday and Tuesday year-round, the restaurant offers two entrees for the price of one. Selections include filet mignon stuffed with smoked bacon, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs topped with a roasted red pepper cream sauce, and sautéed tiger shrimp and scallops with artichokes, vine-ripened Romas and spinach in a lemon dill cream sauce.

Another unique Island Grille offering is Guest Chef Night. The staff offers its customers who are chefs-at-heart the opportunity to create a menu and work with restaurant staff to help prepare and serve a custom-designed meal that usually includes an appetizer, soup and one or two entrees. The best part is the opportunity to invite your friends to share in your palate-pleasing premiere.

Mike Mahoney, the restaurant’s manager, executive chef and more, credits Island Grille’s success to his dedicated staff, most of them having worked for the restaurant for five years or longer. The staff is key in making regulars feel at home where “everyone knows everyone.” He notes, “We have a great staff, we’re like family. We also have one of the youngest staffs for a fine dining establishment in Carteret County.”

It’s the combination of a hardworking, family-like staff; one-of-kind entrees; cutting edge approaches to food and dining; and just an all around at-home atmosphere in which to unwind and enjoy great food that make the Island Grille such a success.

Take it all in for yourself. Located at 401 Money Island Drive in Atlantic Beach, the Island Grille is open year-round, seven days a week. Reservations are highly recommended, 252-240-0000.

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