Best Local Restaurants in Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach
The food scene is so diverse, offering tantalizing flavors from around the world. If you want to expand your palate or try a local spot, Carolina Forest is just a short drive away.
Turkish cuisine meets American in this bright, welcoming restaurant. Get a taste of the Mediterranean through mouth-watering lamb chops, falafel, lahmajun, dolma, borek, and so much more! Walk inside to be greeted by pops of green, accompanied by warm lighting and soft wood that invites you to stay a little longer than you would elsewhere. Start your meal with a crafted cocktail named after cities in Turkey, such as ‘Istanbul’, ‘Balya’, ‘Junda Island’, or ‘Cappadocia’, before savoring your meal and finishing with a traditional Turkish coffee. The restaurant is in Unit A at 224 Fresh Drive near Lowe's Food; they also have a location in Murrells Inlet.
If you’re talking top-tier dining in Carolina Forest, this is the one locals and visitors keep buzzing about. Recognized in the MICHELIN Guide American South for its standout execution, O.A.K. Prime serves up perfectly grilled angus steaks, fresh seafood and creative takes on Southern-inspired classics in a vibe that’s polished but not stiff. Perfect for date night, a celebration, or anytime you’re craving a really great meal.
You might recognize Nonna’s from Chef Swap at The Beach, where its chef squared off in a friendly culinary challenge that showcased just how good this place really is. This cozy Italian place serves up classics done the right way — think hearty pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and rich, flavorful sauces that taste like home. The service feels like a warm welcome from friends, and their desserts are worth saving room for too.
A must-stop spot, Sol y Luna offers dishes crafted with Spanish, Mexican, and American flavors. The inside of the restaurant is a dimly lit space with colorful decor, and a quiet covered outside eatery. This is a go-to spot for happy hour with four-dollar on-the-rocks margaritas made with seventy different tequilas and mezcal, and dishes under $10, including shrimp and crab ceviche, birria tacos, Spanish fried shrimp, and Mexican street corn, just to name a few. The restaurant is located on the corner of Village Center Blvd and River Oaks Drive next to Hungry Howie’s Pizza.
Open daily from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., this is a great spot for family time or to catch the Sunday night game with the gang. The owners of the establishment are veterans who have created a home-like pub with TVs and a laid-back ambience. Come out for a variety of burgers, pizza, comfort food, happy hour specials, drinks, and appetizers - essentially anything you want! The tavern has an abundance of wines, beer, and hard liquors for crafting cocktails and serves as a great place for conversation. Turn this joint into a regular meet-up spot throughout the week, or order to go so you can enjoy their food from the comfort of your couch.
It’s common to hear about mom and pop shops, but what about mom and pop diners? This is one of them! Near the Food Lion shopping center, Early Riser is so cozy that it feels like you’re waking up on a Sunday morning and cooking breakfast in your own kitchen. Offering breakfast and lunch, find all your comfort food favorites from chocolate chip pancakes, thick slices of bacon, French toast loaded with whipped cream, sandwiches, or a classic egg scrambler. And, just like any good diner, pair your food with mugs of endless coffee that never tastes quite as good when you try to make it at home. Stop by for a quick bite or bring the family so the kiddos fall in love with the nostalgia that only diners hold.
Passed down through generations, this pizzeria started in the Bronx of New York, before opening two locations in the Myrtle Beach area. Carolina Forest is lucky to hold one of those. The restaurant's tagline, “We don’t do things the easy way - we do things the right way,” is substantiated through the taste of their food. Being an upscale establishment with a creative twist on traditional dishes, there is never a shortage of people lined up to get inside. Try appetizers like sweet and spicy brussels sprouts, eggplant chips, or caprese, before diving into fan favorite pizzas like the ‘Grandma’, ‘Truffle Mushroom’, and ‘Fig and Goat Cheese’.
Tucked away behind all the hustle and bustle on CF Boulevard is The Sneaky Beagle. This restaurant is part of the Grumpy Monk family, offering casual seating either inside or outside for you and your furry pets! This joint offers burgers, finger foods, tacos, Sunday brunch, and paninis. There’s an indoor sports bar that’s popular during peak sports season, and if you’re searching for a place to sit back and chow down while listening to live music, welcome! Grab a beer or cocktail, come alone for lunch or for dinner with friends - a hidden gem for various moods and occasions. You can even order a sweet treat for your pupper to enjoy a little something, too.
With the ever-growing scene in Carolina Forest, some people thought ‘Man! We really need another breakfast spot here,’ and boom! Scrambled was born. Catch everything here, from your Southern classics to dishes that have been dolled up quite a bit. They offer shrimp and grits, sweet potato pancakes, chicken and waffles, and Fruity Pebbles French toast! Pair it with a mimosa, cold brew flight, or a delicious cocktail. They have gluten-free options as well and a wide kids' menu, making it a good stop for brunch on Sunday mornings when everyone is off from school, or for your friends' group throughout the week.
On the other side of Carolina Forest near the Kroger plaza, is this family-owned pub & grub. Since 2004, its doors have been open to the community, providing a place to kick back with the kids or friends. Sit inside near the bar to catch a game on one of their 28 plasma screen tv’s, or if the weather is nice, sit outside on the covered patio to enjoy a nice breeze (they also have heaters in the winter!) If you visit, you can’t skip out on their fried peppers (jalapeño or banana peppers) and sandwiches like the Loco Larson French Dip. Also, try their pub mixers, where they throw different beers together to create their own tasty concoctions.
Local ingredients, authentic Mexican dishes, and good vibes - what else can a person ask for! Right next to the Food Lion off River Oaks, Chile Frito makes classic dishes like ACP, tacos, grilled chimichangas, burritos, and more, only from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Go in person or order directly from their website for an at-home taco night. And, if you’re adventurous, try their Cubana Tortas - a Mexican sandwich on a soft roll - that’s layered with a breaded chicken breast, sausage, ham, fried egg, chorizo, beans, mayo, butter, avocado, tomato, jalapeno, and mozzarella cheese. You’ll be rolling out when you leave, saying, ‘Mucho Bueno Restaurant!’
Welcome to the G.O.A.T bar and grill, aka, the Greatest Of All Time. After opening a location in Murrells Inlet, and everyone raving over the upscale bar food and relaxed atmosphere, the owners thought it was high time to open another location and decided it would be in CF. Located in the Ollie’s plaza, all your staple bar foods are available, but there is also an Asian twist that’s seeped into the menu. Try crab rangoon dip, bulgogi lettuce wraps, and pork pot stickers, or their specialty G.O.A.T burger piled high with Southern pimento cheese. Stop by daily during happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. for a special discount too on certain eats and drinks.
New to Carolina Forest and already making waves, Soho is the kind of spot you’ll want on your “go-to” list fast. While there’s plenty on the menu, the real star here is the sushi—fresh, beautifully plated, and packed with flavor. Add in a sleek, modern vibe, creative cocktails, and a mix of shareable bites beyond the rolls, and you’ve got an easy pick for date night, girls’ night, or anytime you’re craving something a little more elevated.