Ocean Bay Seafood Restaurant opens at The Plaza in Kinston

Kinston joins Jacksonville and Wilmington as Ocean Bay Seafood Restaurant opened on March 1, 2021 at 2405 N Herritage Street #J. With Po’Boys, fresh fried plates, mini boils and family boil packs, this new restaurant has something for seafood lovers.

“We’ve had success in Jacksonville and Wilmington, but I think we’re really hitting it off in Kinston,” said Samantha Zielinski, the manager of the Jacksonville restaurant who is assisting with the launch of the Kinston location.

Ocean Bay Seafood Restaurant is open 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 11:00 am through 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturdays, and 11:00 am - 8:00 pm on Sundays.

“The first restaurant was open two years ago and its family owned and operated,” said Zielinski. “They are great people to work for.”

Ocean Bay Seafood restaurant is hiring motivated individuals with seafood knowledge and the ability to safely handle food. Employees are certified to sanitize for COVID-19. Masks are required inside the restaurant when ordering. Social distancing is in effect and tables are marked off to help maintain the distance.

The fresh sea food is made to order.

“We make our food with love,” said Zielinski. “We put our all into the food. We cook with passion and strive to do our best.”

The community reaction has been positive for the new restaurant.

"The boiled peel-to-eat shrimp was quite possibly the best I've ever had and that's not hyperbole. The fried talipia was delicious. In fact, all the seafood my boo and I had was very, very good," said Bryan Hanks who visted the restaurant in its first week. "Also, the portions were as large as I've ever had at a seafood restaurant; the prices are good and overall, I was immensely pleased."

Ocean Bay Seafood restaurant will be participating and volunteering within the community as they do in their other locations.