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In the heart of Cornelius, a culinary gem has emerged on North Main Street.
Seaboy, which opened in March 2025, is the creation of acclaimed chef Jonathan Cox, formerly of Rare Roots Hospitality.
With just 10 tables in its intimate dining room, this seafood-focused establishment has quickly become one of Lake Norman’s most sought-after dining destinations.
Photography by @brookedolen
The Seaboy Experience
What sets Seaboy apart is its unwavering commitment to fresh, local ingredients. Chef Cox and his team partner closely with farmers and fishers from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia to bring the freshest seasonal ingredients to your plate. Every dish receives meticulous attention in this cozy yet sophisticated space.
Located at 20822 North Main Street in the former DanielSan space, Seaboy offers more than just a meal – it provides a genuine connection to the community and the region’s bounty. The restaurant features a main dining room, additional patio seating, a chef’s counter, and a bar where guests can enjoy the full experience.
Menu Highlights
Seaboy’s menu changes frequently based on seasonal availability, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients make it to your table. Signature offerings include:
- Fresh Daily Oysters: Served with housemade accompaniments including Fresno hot sauce and mignonette
- Yellowfin Crudo: Featuring peanut chili crisp, orange, radish, and cilantro
- Lobster & Shrimp Roll: Fresh lobster with mayo and lemon on a brioche roll
- Golden Tilefish: Served with hominy maque choux and leek cream
- Chargrilled Whole Branzino: With romesco, lemon, and chive
The bar program showcases creative cocktails like the Controversial Spritz (featuring seaside botanical gin and fish sauce) and the Bulletproof Boulevardier (with brown butter bourbon).
Community & Sustainability
“We’re a team of locals who care about where our ingredients come from and how they’re prepared,” says Cox. This philosophy extends beyond the kitchen, as Seaboy strives to create a space where good food and genuine connections come together naturally.
The restaurant’s intimate setting makes it perfect for special occasions, while its shareable menu encourages a communal dining experience. For larger gatherings, private dining options and even full restaurant buyouts are available.
Visit Seaboy
With a stellar 4.9-star rating on OpenTable, reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating. The restaurant is also now accepting online pick-up orders Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday for those wanting to enjoy Seaboy’s culinary creations at home.
Overflow parking is available in the lot of The Cycle Path after 6:30 p.m., making it convenient to access this hidden gem.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply appreciate thoughtfully prepared cuisine with a story, Seaboy delivers an authentic dining experience that celebrates the best of what the Lake Norman region has to offer.
Make your reservation today and discover why this intimate restaurant is quickly becoming the crown jewel of Cornelius’s dining scene.
Seaboy
20822 N Main St
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 728-1069
About the Author:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN podcast, blog, YouTube channel, and email newsletter.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find him boating, running & cycling local greenways, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.
Jeff Hamm
Allen Tate Realtors®
Lake Norman, NC
www.LKNreal.com
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