Locals Seafood - Restaurant & Market

Someone else recently called this place the hidden gem of the Durham Food Hall. Took the words right out of my mouth. Couldn't agree more. Got the Calabash platter this time with fried oysters and grilled scallops. OMG. So good. So fresh. The oysters were probably the best fried oysters I've had anywhere. Perfectly fried and yet tender and juicy and briny. Going with the grilled scallops was a nice contrast and they were also perfectly done. Sweet and browned just right. I smiled all through my dinner. The Food Hall itself could use some better acoustics and lighting and feng shui, but I'll come back for Locals anytime. I also love that instead of giving you a plastic beeper, they just sing out your name over the din when your order is ready. Keeping it real!

Picked the fish of the day and fried shrimp. Both are all very fresh and tender, just that the fish portion is a little bit small. Overall great experience:)

A Hidden Gem Inside Durham Food Hall What a surprise! We came for the seafood and had no idea Locals Seafood was tucked inside a full-blown food hall. with so many other delicious distractions (crunch wraps, Boba, curry-spiced Indian wraps, chili chicken wontons… we got a little carried away). But trust us, Locals Seafood is a star not to be missed. The tuna melt was outstanding. They smoke it in-house, layering with banana peppers and pickled onions, and perfectly pressed. Add a side of waffle fries (my personal fave) and you’re golden. The fresh oysters were amazing too. Super briny and fresh (though here’s hoping oyster prices drop one day… we can dream). The coleslaw was crisp and lightly dressed, just right. Prices were fair, portions generous, and the team at Locals couldn’t have

Such high quality seafood! Really enjoyed the oysters on the half shell, smoked fish roll, and that might have been the best kale I have ever had (maybe steamed with fish stock?). Portions we generous, food was delicious- I will definitely be returning.

The first thing that hits you at Locals isn't the menu, it's the sharp, briny perfume of freshly shucked shells mixing with the savory steam drifting from the fryer. The Carolina Flight ($36 for a dozen) arrives on crushed ice, each oyster glistening with that unmistakable NC coastal salinity. At $3 a shell, it's fair market to table pricing that reflects the reality of getting quality shellfish to the Triangle and into your belly. The Fried Catfish Po Boy ($16) has the right heft, a proper French roll with enough give to absorb the remoulade without totally collapsing, the fish itself crisp edged and flaky underneath. The room works against you if you're chasing peak intimacy. High ceilings, exposed ductwork, metal stairs, stone counters, every surface is hard and reflective. When t