Moonrakers Restaurant is a state-of-the-art, 254-seat, upper-casual dining, full-service restaurant with an additional 90-seat rooftop dining and bar lounge area located at 326 Front Street on the Beaufort waterfront. The restaurant’s cuisine focuses on an American-Coastal menu with a twist of Caribbean influence.
Executive Chef Chris Stephens’ career path was an easy decision when he gained early admittance to Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island on scholarship. After graduating, he relocated to the Isle of Wight, England and spent a year apprenticing in a rigorous work environment under a Michelin star chef.
With over 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chris has spent most of his time acutely focused on food and in the kitchen, assuming lead roles and executive chef positions in exclusive member clubs and restaurants throughout New England. As General Manager, Chris enjoys influencing and positively impacting guest experiences in any way he can.
The restaurant’s menu is inspired from different countries’ specialties and appeal to a diverse clientele, changing every season while keeping the favorites. In addition, Moonrakers offers an extensive wine list and drink menu. During the favorable weather days and busy summer months, local patrons and seasonal guests sitting outside on the waterfront deck and rooftop areas will enjoy the waterways in this fun, casual gathering place-type atmosphere.
The restaurant features a captivating dining room and bar overlooking the waterfront on the ground floor including 14-foot open ceilings, display kitchen, custom mural, acoustical sails, dedicated wine wall and a wood fired brick oven. Their comfortable décor is centered around an inviting, light and airy coastal theme atmosphere featuring amazing original artwork of the area and sounds of local musicians for entertainment.
The ground floor includes an attraction of open-air dining space on and/or above the waterfront overlooking the coastal waterway. The second floor is comprised of open spaces catering to larger group events accommodating up to 110 guests.
Moonraker’s signature Sky Deck on the uppermost level is a focal point of everyone from the street and seaward. Comprised of a combination of dining, bar and comfortable lounge seating, patrons enjoy outstanding views of the Town of Beaufort’s Historical District along Front Street to the north, east and west. A southerly view takes patrons overlooking the waters of Taylor’s Creek and the wild horses grazing on Town Marsh.
Wine Spectator has awarded Moonrakrs their “Award of Excellence’ for their wine list for the last three years.
Located between the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center and Finz Grill & Eatery, Moonrakers is open five days a week for dinner..
What’s in a name? A “Moonraker” is a rectangle sail flown at the uppermost height of the mast of a three-mast,17th-century ship. They are unusually small sails that would be added primarily for speed.
