Seaboy

The food was all perfectly prepared and all very fresh tasting. We had raw oysters, salmon, tuna and sablefish, all delicious. Wait staff were very friendly, attentive and helpful. We also pleasantly surprised by the sparking wine and after dinner port that was provided!

I was in love with this place the moment I walked in! Everything we ate was DELICIOUS 🤤! The drinks were spectacular! The service was amazing! Such a lovely space and has such a magical vibe!

Awesome experience. Exceeded all my expectations from the reviews. Our server Peter was on point. Chef John has an extremely special restaurant going on here. WOW........... speechless. Taste buds are still recovering.

Five stars is not enough for SeaBoy! We sat at the counter and got to chat with the owner/chef and all the staff. Everything on the menu was explained with prestige detail and extreme care for my gluten intolerance. Cannot wait to come back again.

We had the most amazing dinner at Seaboy for my husband’s birthday! The service was truly exceptional. Everyone we encountered was so friendly and said happy birthday. The food was all delicious- we can’t decide what was best. We got 8 oysters (4 raw and 4 herb grilled), the crab dip, grouper cheeks, and the yellowfin tuna crudo. They gifted us a key lime posset and two shooters of cream sherry for my husband’s birthday. We will be back asap!

Had an amazing meal at Seaboy and would definitely recommend to friends and family. Our server Peter was extremely nice and knowledgeable. He gave some amazing recommendations that did not disappoint. The restaurant is small and cozy with covered outdoor seating. All of the staff we interacted with were kind and friendly. The food was fresh and served in a timely manner. Also the desserts were just as delicious. I enjoyed the fact that the menu was small so you know each dish was made with care. It’s also a plus everything is made with locally sourced ingredients. We had the Crispy Skate Wings, Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Branzino, Flounder, and Grilled Tuna. Each dish was delicious and would recommend them all. The dessert was a Keylime mousse with graham cracker and a toasted meringue top, also very delicious.

Amazing!! Top notch all around— genuinely nice and talented people running this operation— awesome cocktails, wine list, food— the tuna crudo was to die for! Check this place out!

Seaboy was INCREDIBLE! My husband and I ate here last night to celebrate closing on a new home in this area and this place did not disappoint. As someone from New England who loves and misses good seafood, this spot felt like I was back home. And as a fellow foodie, this was probably the first meal in a very long time that left me speechless. We sat at the chef’s counter, which I’d highly recommend, and from the moment we sat down to the moment we walked out the experience was top notch. Amazing food, staff, and ambiance. I will be dreaming of the key lime dessert for the rest of my life lol. This is officially my new favorite restaurant in Charlotte and we will certainly be regulars here!! Kent, Joe & Eve were all wonderful to talk to throughout the night. We will be back very soon :)

This place is a gem. I grew up on the gulf coast and always skeptical about seafood this far inland but this place blew me away. We had the opportunity to sit at the bar facing the kitchen and it was so cool to watch the back of house prepare dishes. The service and our drinks were on point. We tried the oysters various ways & the herb grilled oysters were AMAZING. I’ve had all kinds of oysters in different styles and these were unique and delicious. We followed it with a couple of small plates, the scallop toast and sea bass cheeks. I’ve had scallops, I’ve had sea bass, but I have never had them prepared this way and I was blown away. We topped off our meal by sharing the grouper over succotash and I know I’ve bragged about everything else we’ve had but this dish was so delicious. The crispness of the fish paired with sweetness of the corn and brightness of the other vegetables was perfection. 13/10, bring your family & friends!

I finally made it! I am so happy to see a new seafood restaurant take over this space. As a Davidson resident, Cornelius is so close. We hardly notice the city limits. Just a short drive from our lovely town. The owners of Seaboy transformed this old building into a spectacular dining space. We have always loved the old front porch. They also built a small but impressive bar & their dining space in the back. Our server Megan was a delight, and Winter really knows how to treat customers with her southern charm & hospitality. I noticed that the powder rooms have been upgraded & are nicely decorated with vintage sea themes, luxury soaps, lotions & lovely candles. We also got to meet Chef Jonny & he’s really nice & passionate about making delicious food. He highly recommended the yellowfin crudo, we also ordered the lobster Mac & Truffle & the candied beets. Full disclosure, I cannot see lobster and the words, Mac or cheese and not order it. There were also two desserts and we tried the cheesecake which is sourced from Joan’s Bakery & Deli in Charlotte & it was scrumptious! We topped it all off with champagne. We recommend Seaboy for their exceptional service and food. I may need to try more off their menu next time. I’ll be sure to share with our Davidson community & neighbors. Bon appetit Josephine Local Guide

We had the most incredible dinner last night! The food was absolutely delicious but what made the evening unforgettable was the exceptional service from Kent. He’s an absolute gem, attentive, funny, and full of genuine warmth. He brought so much joy, which was needed after a rough work week. We look forward to visiting again soon 🐟

We had such a fabulous experience at Seaboy! We were here to celebrate a birthday and our server Peter went above and beyond. Every dish was phenomenal, the service was incredible, and the special touches for our celebration made our night. We had the oysters, tuna crudo, lamb ragu, and flounder. We can’t wait to try more of the menu.

I absolutely loved this restaurant! Everything was exceptional and… soft shell crab! It is like being in a cottage in New England, from the quaint home expertly remodeled, to the adorable porch, and all of the Cape cod blue! We sat at the bar and bartenders were phenomenal! Making us drinks and mocktails according to our tastes. Don’t skip the oysters! They had moon dancers too, which are just about my favorite! I highly recommend! I don’t know how it took us four months to realize they had opened, but it won’t take 4 to go back! We went early as we had no reservation, but I’d go later and sit on the porch. It would be such a lovely evening!

5 stars? 10 stars. 100 stars! I was just excited to come here for my birthday and get cheap happy hour oysters, but these guys surpassed all expectation. The service and atmosphere is professional, but also delightful and whimsical. Friendly isn’t even the right word. We sat down and suddenly we were “in”. We savored food, we chatted, we laughed, the cooks passed us mystery spoons to taste test, complimentary drinks appeared in front of us. We didn’t want to leave. See you all again real soon!

This is one of the best meals I have ever had! When we got there, we were greeted so nicely by the hostess. The restaurant was busy, nice vibe and decor. Our server joe was outstanding! He educated us on the menu, and let us take our time and was also extremely attentive during the whole meal. The Caesar salad was amazing. Get the lamb ragu- It was absolutely fabulous! For our main meals, I had the scallops which were so amazing and the shrimp in the risotto were great. My husband had the swordfish and he loved his meal. For dessert we had a delicious lime meringue treat which was light, great texture and delicious. Also, the bill was reasonable for all the high quality food and drinks we had.

I came here for my early birthday dinner. We visited Daniel-San once so I was familiar with the space and location. The remodel is great and truly brings a high end, nautical vibe to the small space. Our server was very friendly and attentive, answered all of our questions and gave us spot-on recommendations. The food was delicious. My fiancé had the steak and it was cooked perfectly to his liking. I had the flounder and grits, delicious and very flavorful since it had okra and sausage. We tried the oysters, fresh and yummy. And finally, they added a key lime dessert for me which we loved. Tangy and sweet. The space is quite small so be advised if you are looking for a quiet setting - the table next to us was boisterous so I had to lean in and speak up when conversing with my date. The bar section looks gorgeous and will be my pick next time I go. This restaurant is well-suited for a milestone celebration, business lunch/dinner, or simply to level up from your casual fried fish type of meal!

Dined tonight at SeaBoy in Cornelius, NC. By far the best seafood we have had in the Charlotte area. Every dish was incredibly creative and flavorful. Our server Peter was excellent. He was attentive to detail, knowledgeable about the menu, and very friendly. Overall probably the best customer service we have ever had in general. For anyone looking for fresh fish, craft cocktails and just amazing food I can not recommend SeaBoy enough.

Seaboy checks all the marks! Amazing how it has this homey/warmth feel but also modern, close and personal areas but you also have open space on the front porch but they all interconnect so well! All that to draw you into the beautiful food. Everything had flavor and was well balanced, so I recommend trying something here you don’t you usually order because it was that well executed. The service was the cherry on top where you know you are well taken care of. My wife and I love to find new places to eat and I must say, get here quick before the word spreads.

The best mussels I’ve ever had! The sauce it’s cooked in is so delicious and the mussels are so plump and tender! Highly recommend the P.E.I mussels! The bacon grilled oysters and the crab & chorizo croquettes were a hit as well. Can’t wait to go back and devour another plate of mussels!

My husband and I have visited Seaboy three times now, and we’ve vowed to return at least monthly. We are fans of tapas with big flavors, and Seaboy is so good that it deserves to join our regular rotation. The restaurant itself is small, with only ten tables in the back room (reservation only) and eight tables outside, along with several tables/seats in the bar area (no reservation required). Because they are so small, we are glad they offer earlier reservations (starting @ 4pm) for us early birds who enjoy eating when restaurants are less crowded. We’ve been able to get seating in the bar without a reservation, too! We have tried seven of their dishes, and here’s how I’d rank them - Repeat Dishes (in order of favorites) * Lamb ragu - This dish is a favorite, and it’s gotten better each time we’ve had it. If I came with friends and only got one dish, this is what I’d get without a doubt. * Tuna crudo - Definite repeat, and probably the best tuna crudo we’ve had anywhere, especially because of big flavors imparted by the Asian chili oil. * Sea bass cheeks/crispy skate wing - Definite repeat with whatever fish they have on rotation. We love their homemade tartar sauce, the light and crispy coating, and the quality of their fish. * Shrimp Skewers - This dish is full of flavor! * Scallops with Rock Shrimp Risotto - Our only large plate, this dish was served with three large scallops and perfectly cooked—and seasoned—risotto. On the Fence * Candied beets - This was a large portion for sharing and tasty, but it could have used more candied walnuts. Skip Next Time * Crab and chorizo croquettes - These were large and well-filled. However, we preferred the other dishes we discovered over this one. Seavoy’s drinks are well-prepared with great care, and if you request something off the menu, you’ll likely get a special creation by the mixologist. The Bulletproof Boulevardier & jazzed up French 75 were some of the best we’ve ever had! Service has always been impeccable, and the dishes were timed well enough that we never had more than one at one time. The plates also looked like a lot of care was factored into the presentation. They gave us fresh plates after our courses, which I really appreciated. I do wish they offered tableside payments via Apple Pay—or at least via a QR code. However, that won’t deter us from being regulars! They have recognized us each time we’ve had a repeat visit. I love their attention to food, service, and hospitality, and am so glad we have such a great restaurant close to home!

Seaboy is the best restaurant in the Lake Norman area hands down! Jonny is an amazing chef! The food is incredible, ambience is great and the service is top notch! I go here often - every time my experience gets better and better!

Our first time at Seaboy and we felt like we hit the lottery jackpot! We had yellowfin crudo, p.e.i. mussels, scallops on shrimp risotto, and blackened swordfish with butternut squash & roasted potatoes. Everything was sinfully delicious, but the mussels took the grand prize. The menu offers a super variety of flavors in the seafood dishes. We will be back, for sure!

Very hospitable staff. Creative dishes. Delicious and well prepared! Immaculate dining area and kitchen. The owner was hands on and the rest of the staff were amazing! We celebrated my sister and her fiance's upcoming wedding tonight and could not have chosen a more intimate dining spot. Will be back as soon as we can!

Phenomenal! Everyone in there was friendly and welcoming. Food was the best we’ve had in a while. The chef/owner is impressive by the way he runs his business and team. He had so much gratitude for every guest. The ambience was impeccable (and the music), it’s a whole vibe in there and we loved every second. It is a well oiled machine with the most incredible food. We can’t wait to go back. We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful small business to support. Thank you guys for a fantastic anniversary evening for us!! That’s all. A thousand stars!

Wife and I moved from NYC to Charlotte 8 years ago and this by far is the best meal we have had since we've been down here. The service is excellent the waiter gave a great 5 minute summary of the menu and at one point during the meal asked if I want the ice in my drink refreshed! The food was so good, I had the best whole Bronzino I can ever remember eating, perfectly seasoned & cooked & tasted so fresh like it was caught that day. My wife loved her steak and the appetizers were amazing as well. The food is high quality and they know how to prepare it. This exceeds any seafood restaurant in Charlotte by a mile, we'll be back frequently making the 45 mile trip.

Highly recommend this restaurant! My staff and I visited on a weekday, and we had an outstanding overall experience. We were a party of seven, which can be a bit large for a restaurant of this size, but the service was exceptional—we were never neglected or overlooked. Ken was our waiter, and he did a phenomenal job. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and able to answer all of our questions with ease. He was very informative, and we truly enjoyed his personality and hospitality. He is clearly a great server and excellent at what he does. The food was even better. Everything we tried was phenomenal—the swordfish, tuna, lamb chops, and the special of the night (a fish whose name I unfortunately can’t remember) were all delicious. We sampled almost every small plate, and each one impressed us. As someone who loves oysters—raw, steamed, or grilled—I was especially happy. One person at our table ordered the steak and said it was great. Even though it’s their only steak option, it’s clear they make it a priority to ensure it’s outstanding. If you love seafood, this place can’t be beat. I hope anyone reading this review takes the time to check it out and enjoys the food as much as our party did.

Seaboy was fantastic! Really creative dishes, great portions. The tuna crudo with chili crisp was probably the best crudo I've ever had. Peter was a fantastic server! Very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. We'll definitely be back regularly.

Fantastic, food, atmosphere, our server Kent was a delight. The octopus appetizer was melted in your mouth good. The swordfish and sablefish entrees were delicious and filling. Definitely will be back one of the best dinners we have had in a while.

Seaboy was absolutely outstanding. We sat at the chef’s counter and loved watching Chef Jonny work—every dish was thoughtful, beautifully executed, and packed with flavor. Megan was an incredible server: warm, knowledgeable, and perfectly attentive. The rest of the staff was just as polished and welcoming. An exceptional dining experience from start to finish. Would absolutely recommend and can’t wait to go back.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Culinary Gem in Cornelius! From the moment we stepped in Seaboy restaurant, we felt warmly welcomed. Our server was an absolute star—effortlessly combining professionalism with genuine charm, making our dining experience truly exceptional. Their attentiveness and enthusiasm were like an added sprinkle of magic to our evening! Now, let’s talk about the food—oh my goodness, where do I begin? Every dish was a delightful symphony of flavors, crafted with such artistry that each bite transported us to culinary heaven. From the vibrant appetizers to the masterfully prepared entrees, it was clear that the kitchen operates with passion and precision. In a world where dining can sometimes feel routine, Seaboy restaurant stands out boldly. If you're in Cornelius, do yourself a favor and treat your taste buds to this extraordinary experience. We can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu! Thank you Winter, thank you chef Jonathan, thank you our cool waitress which we didn’t get the name from the receipt, shame(!!!) Thank you to everyone on the team !!! Amazing , exceptional service !!

Had the absolute most amazing visit. We were celebrating a birthday and actually booked here by accident but I turned out to be the most amazing experience. We have enjoyed high end restaurants from Boston to San Francisco and Sea Boy did not disappoint. The atmosphere was intimate and inviting; the staff was friendly and fun; the chef was engaged with the customers; and the food was unprecedented. This will be a new favorite as we booked Valentines Day while we were onsite.

My wife and I went for our Anniversary and fell in love with this place! The service was amazing, drinks were spectacular and most importantly, the food was out of this world. We sat at the counter which made for a really unique and fun experience. Best seat in the house in my opinion! The atmosphere was so great with all friendly staff and great music playing!

We just had the best dining experience since moving here 2 years ago! All the dishes (we had the tuna crudo, crispy grouper cheeks, swordfish and strip steak) were so perfectly balanced in flavor, texture, and presentation. We were thoroughly delighted at each course! The chef let us try the Florida Rock Crabs which were unlike any crab I have ever tasted (in the best way). You must give this place a try, but make a reservation, and if you can get a place at the chef’s counter, you won’t regret it!

This place is outstanding. I am not a seafood eater, but I tried seafood while out with family and it was outstanding. The servers and bartenders were experts — completely helpful and knowledgeable! They were able to tell me everything that was gluten free or how each dish could be accommodated to be gluten free. Food and atmosphere was incredible. Definitely worth the money!

I’ve been to Seaboy about 5 times now since it opened and I can’t rave enough about it. Not only is the food absolutely to die for(the potatoes with the yellowfin are unreal) but from the first time I went, the staff has made me feel so known. We have had Peter every time and every single time we go in, he greets us by name and takes care of us as if we were the most important customers in the world. He is extremely personable, attentive, kind, and helps us to be adventurous with our food choices. With all the understandable recognition Seaboy is receiving, he still makes us feel right at home at our favorite restaurant ever. I could not recommend this place more, it’s unmatched!

What a gem! The food was outstanding. There were 4 of us. We shared the tuna crudo, crispy grouper cheeks, the charred eggplant and the crab and chorizo croquettes. For mains we had the scallops, swordfish and 2 had the sable fish. Everything was delicious. Service was excellent. I highly recommend this place, but make a reservation. It is small and popular. Deservedly popular.

We dined there last night celebrating a friends birthday. As soon as we were seated the waiter come over and introduced himself and brought 4 glasses of Champagne for us to toast our friend for her birthday. We all thought this was great. The food was outstanding. There were no complaints from any of the 4 of us. I ordered one of the fish entrees but didn't like the sides that came with it when ordering. I ask if I could get the sides from the swordfish dish with my dish and waiter said no problem. Service was great never had to wait for anything. When we were done they brought over a nice desert with a couple of candles so we could sing Happy Birthday to our friend. Check came promptly. Prices are not cheap. The service, quality of food made it worth the price charged. We would all recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for really good seafood.

OMG! Taste bud overload! Chef kitchen, small and large plates. Limited, but highly exotic menu. Server was outstanding and knew his menu well. Lamb ragu and yellowfin tuna were to die for. The crispy potato salad danced off my tongue! It came with the tuna, but is also offered as a small plate. My wife had the scallops. They were huge and the accompaniments added a special touch. Reservations mandatory, as it fills up fast and is a small venue. The chef run kitchen is small, but the chef assures that everything that leaves the kitchen is remarkably prepared. The finest meal that I’ve had in the Charlotte metro area. Entrees about $45-50, small plates $16-24 and well worth it. Our bill was $166 without alcohol for 2.

Seaboy is an absolute must for anyone who loves a genuinely memorable dining experience. Every dish I've tried has been exceptional. The scallops with risotto were cooked to perfection. The lamb ragu is the BEST I've ever had. You have to try the grouper cheeks, crab & chorizo croquettes, and mushroom toast. The place is about more than great food. Chef John is incredible-he interacts with guests, explains the dishes, and brings something very special to the dining experience. The service is outstanding. Expect exceptional hospitality from servers like Kent, Nico, and Jade, who are knowledgeable and professional. Lanie and Winter are warm, welcoming, and truly inviting, setting the tone the moment you arrive. The entire staff is attentive and well-informed, making sure every detail is just right. An unforgettable dining experience from start to finish.

Summer 2025. Based on these reviews, we made a weekend trip of going to check out Seaboy. As someone who has lived by the ocean most of my life, on four continents, I’m no stranger to good seafood. We went there to celebrate a special birthday. A two top, reserved. The place was loud & overcrowded. The dining room was tiny, pond scum green, cramped, no windows and loud chatter reverberated off the walls. It looked like the place where Covid was born. My partner had the server’s backside in his face, that’s how cramped it was. We were inches away and couldn’t hear each other. We could’ve lived with that, had the food ‘delivered’. It didn’t. It started with crispy skate wings. They arrived almost cold, on a bed of roulade, instantly making the batter very soggy. How such an acclaimed chef could’ve failed this, we’ve no clue. We couldn’t find the fish. I maintained hope for the lamb Ragu. Neither the French or Italian version have ever been laced with cumin & curry powder. Was it dropped in there by accident? Competing with the eye watering amount of salt, this was a hard pass. His tuna entrée arrived in the midst of this. I tried a tiny piece which tasted as it smelled; expired. We were stunned & in disbelief. The server was nowhere to be seen to cancel my entree, so the scallop risotto arrived - 30 minutes after the tuna. We trudged on, defeated & hungry. The 3 scallops were cooked well. The only passable item. The risotto was bland, watery porridge. So for 200 bucks we got three edible scallops served in a noisy bunker. The service and the food were so disappointing, the prices, ridiculously inappropriate. When you have the brass bits to offer just five entrees, they’d better be spectacular. When you call yourself Sea Boy and offer old fish, you better hope your customers are at least drunk. We weren’t. When we finally found our server to pay the bill, he said ‘oh I was gonna bring you over a piece of Sam’s club cheesecake for free’. That was their dessert offering…… he added the Sams club reference as if it was exotic. 100% no joke. Sam’s club cheesecake. I wondered if he was going pour brandy over it and set light to it - for flair. I think he was keeping a low profile after clearing so many full plates from our table at once. We declined & literally felt like we were paying ransom money to leave & not endure any more Sea Boy. We felt like absolute mugs for paying so much for miserable meal & not complaining, that’s on us. but truly, there were no staff around, the front of house was even more packed & noisy- basically a cocktail/oyster bar, someone else dropped off the scallops and ran & I doubt they could have heard us anyway. Our mission at that point was just to get the heck out of there asap & salvage what was left of the evening. We took a chance & this place tanked for us. After all the hype & only 5 star reviews - it was so hard to process how truly bad it was for us. I spent some time cooling off, to ensure a fair review. I waited to see if anyone else had a similar experience, but the five star reviews just keep on coming. I cannot be disingenuous in reviews. If people go there and genuinely enjoy it, fantastic. I don’t like slamming places. This was hard to write and I’m sure very hard to read. I wanted to cheer for them, but it’s so undeserved, one star is generous. The only highlight was a really lovely host. She was the only welcoming staff member we encountered - but I wish we’d U-turned and gone anywhere else & saved ourselves the PTSD.