RESTAURANT REVIEW: Kalani @ The Harbor
Review by Denice and Jeff Allen Jones
We don’t dine out often, preferring to wait a few weeks after a new spot opens for the initial rush to die down and for any service kinks to be worked out. However, when a restaurant fills up completely on an early Tuesday evening in Sunset Harbor, North Carolina, the word is officially out. Kalani @ The Harbor currently opens Monday through Saturday at 4:00 PM, and though we arrived right as they opened their doors, the dining room was buzzing at full capacity by the time we finished. Between the warm hospitality and a menu that delivers standout seafood and steaks, it’s easy to see why Kalani @ The Harbor is quickly becoming a local favorite. Owners Felix Scroppo and Jeffery McDowell have done an outstanding job with the decor and menu, all while navigating a long, uphill battle with governmental regulations just to open their doors—a long-awaited arrival for local residents who had begun to wonder if the harbor would ever see a local dining destination.
Atmosphere & Service
The atmosphere strikes the right balance—relaxed, welcoming, and beautifully decorated in a charming ocean theme. Highlights include a striking fish tank, strategically placed TVs, and background music at a volume that allows for easy conversation. Service was exceptionally hospitable, with the front-of-house team regularly checking in to keep glasses full and ensure everything met expectations.
The Food
The kitchen truly shined across the board:
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12oz Sirloin Steak: Ordered medium-rare (skipping the Hawaiian Glaze), this was hands-down one of the best steaks I’ve had in years. Juicy, flavor-packed, cooked to absolute perfection, and incredibly tender. I’m going to have a hard time ordering anything else next time.
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Flounder Platter: A total home run. Tender, flaky, and coated in a seasoned breading that hit every mark.
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Side Salad: Don’t let the fancy mixed greens fool you—this portion was generous enough to be a dinner salad and tasted fantastic. The house-made bleu cheese dressing was outstanding. Just be sure to ask for an extra side cup of dressing if you like a little extra.
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Onion Rings: Beer-battered with a perfect crunch and zero grease. A definite reorder.
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Coleslaw: A unique blend that offered a refreshing, unexpected twist.
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Pickle Fries: The concept sounds great, but the shoestring cut couldn’t stand up to the deep fryer, leaving them twisted and falling apart. Switching to traditional pickle spears would make a world of difference.
Room for Fine-Tuning
A few minor pacing and presentation tweaks could elevate the experience:
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Pacing: While drinks arrived promptly, a bit more breathing room between appetizers and entrees would be welcome.
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Signature Fries: These really thin, heavily seasoned potato wedges carry fantastic flavor, but they lack the potato bite of a true wedge. Doubling their thickness would give you that ideal balance of a crisp exterior with a soft center—plus, reducing the sheer volume on the plate would keep it from crowding the main dish. They have great potential.
The Verdict
Minor tweaks aside, Kalani @ The Harbor delivers where it counts: exceptional food, a gorgeous environment, and genuine hospitality. If a Tuesday night crowd like we saw is any indication, this harbor-side gem is here to stay.
Overall, our first trip to Kalani @ The Harbor was a hit. The generous portions outshined similar, pricier local spots, making this hidden gem one that won’t stay secret long. We give Kalani @ The Harbor 4 out of 5 stars—and with a few minor tweaks, they’ll easily reach a perfect 5.
Kalani at the Harbor
3792 Sunset Harbor Rd
Sunset Harbor, NC 28422
910-842-2233
KalaniSunsetHarbor.com
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