White Oak River Bistro

On the river but still easy to overlook, an interesting throwback Bistro.  Complete with aproned waitstaff and live piano, this is a cool restaurant at sunset.  The meal starts with fresh rosemary bread from the bush outback. The pasta is home made as are the sauces and, BTW the salad dressing.  I am not a pasta  lover but the pesce sauce made what was one of the best meals I have had in a while. So, slow down, enjoy a glass of wine, a nice meal, and the wonderful view.  And, if you are lucky you may get a lesson by the owner on the origin of pesce sauce ...  Or just go to <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiteoakriverbistro.com&s=39df8099e6e01267c1a85387343cf6ed7d9f628eef4ef1aa2be2077ea118ad22" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.whiteoakriver…</a>.

What a wonderful find in this small beach town! The service was incredible- our waiter was knowledgable, polite and enthusiastic. The food was absolutely amazing. A diner in our party cannot eat dairy so the chef seemed more than willing to prepare her a special basil pesto sauce without cheese! Wine and beer selection is great, also a full bar is available. The atmosphere is rustic- has the feel of a woodsy cabin (complete with fireplace and candles) with the added benefit of outdoor dining in the warmer seasons. Will be back here again and again!

I love this place! It's the best food I've had anywhere near Jacksonville, and I recommend it to all my friends.

I ate there when we were stationed at Lejeune in 2007 and again in 2009/2010, so it's been a while. However, their gorgonzola scallops are still memorable. Tasty bread, wonderful and cozy outside seating area. Don't pass this up if you're in Jacksonville/Swansboro! You'll be missing out on a star.