If you’re looking for fresh, local seafood, Saltbox Seafood Joint is where it’s at. Chef Ricky Moore was inspired by classic seafood shacks you find dotted along the coast. Moore’s passion for food comes through with each bite, and that’s why he is a James Beard Best Chef: Southeast Award winner.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed
Was on a journey to find some seafood when I came across this worthy spot. Very small but overall amazing. The guy who took our order was really nice and gave us some suggestions on items. He was very helpful and pleasant the entire time. This will definitely be my seafood spot when I am in the mood for some seafood. We had the flounder, trout, catfish, spicy Mahi and shrimp. Everything was amazing and very flavorful. Ohhhhh and the honey hush puppies or whatever they are were amazing as well as the 1/2 lemonade 1/2 sweet tea was delicious!!!!!
Sean
Jan 8, 2026
5
Absolutely fantastic seafood joint that never disappoints. I’ve never been disappointed here. Every item is delicious. The food is always fresh, local, and well seasoned. The owner and staff and kind, passionate, and genuine. The location and decor itself really reflect NC seafood in a fun and unique way. Every item I’ve tried on the menu is delicious, and it makes the decision on what to order a tough one every time!
Nik Snacks
Dec 23, 2025
4
I really don't like seafood. It's not my thing, but I appreciate well-prepared food no matter what it is. I got grouper bites, lemonade (wow-oh-wow it was good! Not tart, not too sweet) and a bunch of dipping sauces. They were all excellent. The star of the show was the hush-honeys, though. I wish I'd gotten TWO orders!
Parents of WLA
Dec 13, 2025
5
First time trying SALTBOX. It was on my radar after seeing it listed in DURHAM MAGAZINE. The place is so cute — decorated appropriately with lots of nautical themed art and tchotchkes. The staff welcomed us — even the chef said hello and thanked us for coming! We ordered the crabcake platter with coleslaw and came with their fried potatoes/green peppers/onions, a trout roll (which comes with slaw on it) and a slice of lemon pie. I was very happy to learn that the crabcakes are baked, not fried. The crabcake was nicely seasoned and tasted great but different than the Maryland lump crabcake. The coleslaw was perfect — vinegary with a little sweetness, and the potatoes were a revelation! Thinly sliced a lightly fried with a crisp outside and soft potatoey inside — I have never had anything like this dish and they were amazing. The trout was plentiful in the roll — lightly seasoned which allowed the flavor of the fish to come through. We enjoyed everything — including the lemon pie which was similar to a key lime pie. I didn’t think to take a before photo, but here’s the evidence of our enjoyment in the after! We will return!
X Z
Dec 6, 2025
5
Staff here are extremely friendly and genuinely make you feel taken care of every time you visit. The food is authentic, fresh, and so flavorful you can really tell they put love into what they make. I absolutely love this place and will definitely be coming back again!
Taylor Kohl
Nov 17, 2025
5
I was expecting Saltbox to be very good. It happened to be phenomenal. This is a true must for anyone in the area. And good enough that even if you aren't in the area, it would be worth a VERY long drive.
The grouper and the catfish were exceptional. Both perfectly flavored in a way that accentuated the natural flavors of the fish without ever losing the identity that makes each distinctive. Highly recommend getting the full complement of sauces - mustard, tartar and cocktail. Each adds a slightly new profile to the fish or the potatoes.
Crispy potatoes and hush honeys were truly great sides. The potatoes have a perfect texture to match with the fish. And if available, get the hush honeys. Just do it. The complexity of the flavors - salty, sweet...all of the above - are one of those must haves from an experience standpoint.
Dylan G
Nov 17, 2025
5
Just fantastic! The fish was fresh and had amazing flavor, and the hush hunnies were excellent. Also enjoyed the lemon pie. Service friendly too.
KATRINA MCKINNON
Nov 2, 2025
5
Hubby & I were trying to decide where to eat before an event we were to attend. Stopped by and ate here on a Friday evening. Let's just say from the great customer service to the food...everything was a 10+. We can't wait to return😋
Elizabeth Cheney
Nov 1, 2025
5
Phenomenal food and service. We loved our rolls (one shrimp and one grouper). The side of Brussels was also delicious. There are no words for how good the coleslaw is… and beautiful to boot!
Ki & Tye (BlackGirlsBlackWorld)
Sep 24, 2025
5
I’ve had Saltbox on my list for a while, and finally made a trip to Durham to try it, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
We ordered the crab cakes with crispy potatoes, the spicy mahi sandwich, an order of hush-honeys, plus drinks: Uncle Waithley’s ginger beer and an Arnold Palmer. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. You can really tell that all the sauces and sides are made from scratch—it elevates the entire meal. The crab cakes were tender and perfectly seasoned, the sandwich had just the right amount of heat, and those hush-honeys were the kind of sweet-savory bite you dream about later.
The atmosphere sealed the experience for me. They had blues playing in the background, which gave it that warm, soulful vibe that just fits. I also loved seeing Uncle Waithley’s (a Black-owned brand) as a beverage option: it shows intention and community in the details.
If you’ve been eyeing Saltbox like I was, make the trip. It’s one of those restaurants that not only delivers on flavor but also feels good to support. I’ll definitely be back.
terressa yeakle best
Aug 16, 2025
5
Love Saltbox food! and kitsch atmosphere, but the food is the most important 😋 And the vinegar based slaw does not disappoint.
I had the spiced Mahi, which is my fav. My husband had the crab cake. We are Marylanders at our foodie hearts and while this was not a Maryland crabcake, it was decent.
Mr.
Jul 25, 2025
5
I have been in town three weeks and I hate that I just found out about this amazing place on my last night in town. The customer service was amazing and knowledgable young man at the register was a delight. The catfish, crab cakes, shrimp, and oysters were amazing. But what stuck with me was the potatoes. I am glad I went here last night with some friends and will definitely be coming back in a few weeks.
Karen Keys
Jul 22, 2025
5
The BEAUTIFULLY seasoned and cooked fried potato side was worth the price of admission! They weren’t just salted but SEASONED! The cole slaw and collard greens tasted like a person actually cooked them. No typical “straight out the can” predictably (non) flavored side dishes. My tongue was happy. But the catfish! THANK YOU, Chef Ricky and crew. When fish tastes good even without hot sauce, that’s GOOD!
Andrew Rubley
Jul 13, 2025
5
Our friends took us here on Friday and it was beyond anything I had imagined. As soon as you park, you get the smell of fresh seafood, like you have arrived at the local beach.
The building is small, shack like. When we opened the doors, there was a line and limited seating. The crowd was lively and full of locals acting like they didn’t want their secret to get out.
They have a chalkboard menu that changes daily to reflect the local catch from the North Carolina waters. Food includes: shrimp, muscles, flounder, grouper, mahi, soft shell crab, oysters and catfish.
I ordered the spicy mahi roll and it was amazing: from the Aroma, taste, crunch from the coleslaw. It perfectly hit the spot.
Chef Ricky Moore opened this spot in 2012. He graduated CIA school and was also a cook in the army. This place has been featured in Southern Living Magazine and won a James Beard award in 2022.
DO NOT MISS THIS SPOT NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN DURHAM!
David Danner
Jun 28, 2025
5
A piece of the ocean in the middle of Durham!
What a treat to have fresh seafood made to order in this restaurant. Counter service ordering, then sit inside or out.
The portions at lunch were plentiful, filling the paper take out boxes that all customers get, as well as our appetites.
