The Outer Banks of North Carolina may be known for lighthouses, wild horses, and stretching beaches, but the food-scene also deserves its share of the spotlight. If you find yourself frequenting familiar chains while on vacation, I’m here to rescue you. Wondering where to eat in the Outer Banks? I’ve researched, tasted, and compiled a list of my favorite Outer Banks restaurants so that you don’t have to. Add any one of these (or all) to your itinerary and enjoy!
Outer Banks Restaurants That You Need to Try: Starting with Nags Head
Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Fish Heads feels the most coastal of all the restaurants I’ve tried, and likely the one I’ll constantly return to. It’s located on the fishing pier, so it’s very inviting, casual, and entertaining to watch the fishermen and beachgoers down below.
The food is fabulous and they also specialize in craft beer and happy hour steamed shrimp (only .20 cents from 4-6pm)! We love this spot for the views, fish tacos, nachos, and relaxed vibe.
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
If we’re giving awards for the most beautiful Outer Banks restaurants, Miller’s takes the win. This casual dining spot boasts incredible views of the Roanoke Sound and we were lucky enough to catch the sunset as we were eating.
In addition to its glorious location, Miller’s has great food that left us very satisfied. From the coconut shrimp with loaded potatoes to the fresh salad—we ate every last bite.
Tortuga’s Lie
Tortuga’s Lie came heavily recommended to us and it certainly lived up to the hype. The food, vibe, and service were unmatched.
We ordered the “coco loco chicken” which’s consists of coconut fried chicken with a lime curry dipping sauce. It was incredible! You must finish your meal with a fresh-baked slice of pie! Our slice of chocolate chip pecan pie was outstanding.
This restaurant has fun decorations that are very fitting for a beachy shack. There are beach volleyball courts in the back that are free to use, or to watch the regular tournaments that take place there! We had a great time dining on the patio and watching a game.
Surfin’ Spoon
I’m not typically a froyo girl, but Surfin’ Spoon changed the game for me and is now the standard by which I compare all other frozen yogurt establishments (spoiler alert: no one else comes close).
The design fits a boho surfer vibe and is so aesthetically pleasing I could have stayed all day taking pictures and admiring each detail. The selection of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings are the best I’ve ever seen.
Finally, the walls are covered in dollar bills and coins as Surfin’ Spoon raises funds for Surfing for Autism by encouraging patrons to leave change in the cracks and crevices around the building. They’ve raised more than $70,000 for the cause. Enjoy delicious treats and support the autism community in one visit! How special is that?
Island Snowball Company
I have a thing for icy treats, especially when I’m at the beach. The shaved ice and ice cream combinations at Island Snowball Company are a refreshing treat I can’t pass up on any of my visits to the Outer Banks!
Kill Devil Hills
Stack’em High Pancakes and So Forth
With two locations, one in Kill Devil Hills and the other in Kitty Hawk, Stack’em High Pancakes and So Forth may be the most popular breakfast destination in Dare County. Served in a relaxed, country-style diner, these breakfast platters are no frills—just tried and true classics that warm the soul.
I have to admit, I didn’t have high hopes for this one. The idea of a classic breakfast felt a little boring that morning. Surely, I can just cook this food at home, right? Wrong. It was absolutely delicious. Comforting, buttery, and reminiscent of grandma’s house.
Kill Devil Grill
For a solid, casual spot serving American fare that has something on the menu for everyone, Kill Devil Grill is the place to go. We opted for a burger and the soft shell crab dish—both delicious.
Where this meal really shined was the appetizers. We heard that the wings and the cheesesteak egg rolls were incredible so we asked our waitress which we should try. She looked like we asked her to pick her favorite child and insisted that we go for both. That was some solid advice, miss. These are must orders, with the egg rolls being our top choice.
Goombay’s Grille & Raw Bar
Goombay’s is one of the most kid-friendly dining establishments in the Outer Banks thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and fun kids menu with “kiddie cocktails” that each come with a little toy. Our boys were ecstatic!
As for the grown ups, the menu leans Caribbean style with lots of island seafood dishes, but you’ll also find plenty of variety from quesadillas to pasta.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
A delicious restaurant, craft brewery, and pirate ship themed playground? Yep, that’s what makes Outer Banks Brewing Station so special! It’s the best of outdoor dining and is a must visit if you want to let the kids play while you sip and listen to live music. Don’t miss the big, scrumptious soft pretzel!
Country Deli
Every beach trip needs a good sandwich and Country Deli is our go to for deliciously stuffed sandwiches. Go for a classic off the menu or create your own. I highly recommend choosing the pretzel roll as your bread!
American Pie Pizza & Homemade Ice Cream
I’m not sure there’s a meal that gets kids (and most adults, honestly) more excited than pizza and ice cream. American Pie brings the two delicacies together in a casual eatery with a lovely outdoor patio. The New York style pizza is fantastic and who wouldn’t want to follow that with an ice cream cone?!
Max’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
We felt SO lucky to happen upon Max’s one day during a visit to the Outer Banks. It wasn’t a restaurant we saw regularly featured on tourist’s favorites, but it seems to be a special spot for the locals and it’s easy to see why. The stone oven pizzas are fantastic and the ingredients are clearly high quality.
In addition to the pizzas, we discovered “crusties” on their menu which are pizza rolls that have a spectacular crunchy crust of cheese on them. It’s hard to explain, but trust me when I tell you it’s one of the best things we’ve eaten on the coast!
Kitty Hawk
Bad Bean Baja Grill
Bad Bean is probably in my top three bites on the Outer Banks. It’s a laid back Mexican restaurant with a surfer vibe and chef-driven unique menu. It perfectly blends latin cuisine with coastal Carolina influence and the flavors are out of this world!
My favorite menu items I’ve tried so far are the Baja salad with steak and the giant smothered burrito. I have a feeling I’d enjoy everything on the menu and I intend to find out.
Barrier Island Bagels
Located in Kitty Hawk, Barrier Island Bagels is a convenient and delicious stop when you’re starting your day. These aren’t just the best bagels I’ve had in the Outer Banks, but some of the best I’ve had EVER.
We stopped by to grab a quick brunch to eat in the car on our way to visit the lighthouses. I ordered the hangover which is double toasted with double cheese, double egg, and double bacon—double the deliciousness, obviously. Harrison opted for the BLT which was not only beautifully colorful and fresh but so tasty. We were both extremely satisfied and found ourselves wishing we had more time to stop there again!
Rundown Cafe
Rundown Cafe is a great casual spot to enjoy a drink and some Caribbean inspired cuisine. Patrons enjoy the Koi pond as well as the second story patio seating with a view of the ocean close by. They are famous for their Rundown Chowder which is a flavorful fish and coconut milk soup. We really loved their Hawaiian Poke bowl as well!
Black Pelican
The Black Pelican has a very cool history as its building is a former lifesaving station constructed in 1874. Today, the only thing being saved here is hungry stomachs and I’m grateful for it. The menu has a little bit of everything for all tastes and you can’t miss the desserts!
Duck
Donutz on a Stick and Ice Cream
I know what you’re thinking— who goes to Duck, North Carolina, and gets donuts from somewhere that ISN’T the famous Duck Donuts?! Me, that’s who! Listen, I love Duck Donuts as much as the next girl, but we have a few locations in the Triangle.
When I travel, I want to eat something I can’t get back home. Enter: Donutz on a Stick.
I found this cute shop on Google and was immediately sold by the great reviews and scrumptious photos. It did not disappoint and dare I say….just as good (maybe better?) as its bigger competitor. I’m hereby naming this place as the best-hidden gem in the OBX.
These little donuts are served hot, fresh, and dipped in your toppings of choice. They seriously melt in your mouth! You can also order them in various creations like milkshakes and sundaes.
A tip for you: take your donuts behind the shop to find the Duck boardwalk overlooking the sound. It makes for a lovely walk while you eat your treats. Stop by some other stores along the boardwalk while you’re at it!
The Village Table & Tavern
The Village Table is located right along the water in Duck, giving it extraordinary views (especially during sunset!) along with its delightful menu. We enjoyed watching the sun go down over the sound through the many windows lining the wall while we ate our food.
Other Outer Banks Restaurants You Need To Try
O’Neal’s Sea Harvest is one of the best establishments on the Outer Banks for fresh off the boat seafood. They catch, clean, and cook their own seafood in the same location, making it as fresh as it gets. While they offer wholesale, locals truly love them for their casual eatery with front porch dining and delicious coastal creations.
Diamond Shoals Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Diamond Shoals in Buxton is a staple for a few reasons: their clam chowder is famous, they have the only sushi bar on Hatteras, and it’s just one mile from Cape Hatteras making it a popular stop for a bite to eat after visiting the iconic lighthouse.
I personally love their chowder and salad bar, while Harrison enjoys the burgers and sandwiches. We haven’t had the chance to try the sushi yet but look forward to it next time!
Risky Business Seafood
Risky Business is another great establishment for fresh off the boat seafood. Located in Hatteras, this no frill’s market offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, as well as steamed spiced shrimp. We loved enjoying a basket of shrimp while watching the boats return with their catches of the day.
Hatteras Sno-Balls and Ice Cream
As I previously mentioned, I’ll never pass up the chance to eat an icy treat on vacation. This cute little pink shack in Frisco serves up more than 60 flavors of sno balls and ice cream. Delicious and refreshing!
Which restaurants should we add to our list?
We are always looking for new quality, local establishments to taste on the coast! We know we have only dipped our toes in to the incredible, extensive food scene on the Outer Banks and we’d love to hear your recommendation!
No OBX dinner list can be complete without Urban Kitchen in Corolla! The food Joe is making will make you want to return the following night!
We will have to come try then! Any particular dish your recommend off of the menu?
I hate to tell you what all the locals know because its so hard to get in to but little Arts Place is always superb.
I love to go to these reastraunts in N.C. never been my heart is set on going just finding the time to go.
Blue Moon. They had unreal shrimp and grits and presiutto encrusted monk fish on a bed of home made mac and cheese with pork belly chunks and spinach. One of the best things i ever ate. Large portions too. You have to try the monk fish dinner
blue moon is always on our dinner list! They have the best fish tacos!!
Millers is a must too.
Always love a good fish taco!
We’ve been going to Awful Arthur’s since the 90’s. It’s always our first stop on the first day of vacation. Aqua is fantastic as well.
Fishheads, awful Arthurs, Mama, kwans, nc coast.
Sadly, Barrier Island Bagels has shut down. I hope they will find a new location. We’ve been on the Outer Banks since 2004 and Tortugas has been one of our steadfast favorites.
Barrier Island has reopened in a new spot in the bypass
Thank you for this tip, Casey! Glad they were able to reopen!
Can’t wait to get back to the Grits Grill this summer!
We ate an early dinner yesterday at Moonrakers in Beaufort. We sat on the rooftop and saw wild horses while we ate! The food was amazing! I recommend the baked shrimp and the mashed potatoes au gratin. Also THE CARROT CAKE!!! Omg. So good.
My favorite is Tale if the Whale on Manteo causeway. Delicious seafood and more dinners, and the peanut butter pie is creamy and delicious. It’s a beautiful white tablecloth place and I love to sit by the water!!!
Cannot believe you missed Watermans Grill in Rodanthe!
My very favorite restaurant and a place I’ve been going for years is Fishbones in Duck! The best of everything, new chef and new interior make it a must eat place for anyone visiting the OBX!
Black Pelican and Mulligans is a must too! There are so many wonderful restaurants, too many to name!
Sam and Omies is an icon
And Grits grill
We will have to try them. Thanks for the recommendations!
Donutz on a Stick is fabulous. So much better than the other chain. Add its not as popular so lines are few and far between. We stay at Corolla and always stop on our way in and out. Coastal Cravings in Duck is a fun spot too.
We tried Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill in Kitty Hawk in March, 2021. We were there on trivia night, which I think was a Monday. The food was great and they made the trivia so fun. Highly recommend!!!
Stack ‘Em High is our “Go-To” breakfast spot when we visit the Outer Banks. Fabulous breakfast! Hurricane Moe’s is also a must. Best scallops I ever had. And lastly try Country Deli for a stuffed deli sandwich. All are no frill places w% great food and worth every penny!
Scammels ice-cream and surf shop is a huge favorite of mine and my family’s. Its a must go multiple times a trip. Mmmmmmm Scaaaammmmellllllls.
The best Restaurant to me was Hatteras Sol!!!! Omg the filet was superb!! I honestly believe it was the best filet I’ve ever put in my mouth. Perfect mr w/a rich demi-glace and scallion and bacon mashed potatoes and a delicious vegetable medley! We also ate at, Dinky’s don’t waste your money unless you got it like that…we got there first to start the wait when a large group came in of 13 to 14 people…they were sat before us…which we were told we were next! So, they seat that group 15 mins later we get sat…1hour and 15 mins later! We were out on a side room where this large group was and they were so LOUD we couldn’t even have a conversation while having our meal. Come to find out that large party was the owners 80th Birthday. I’m sorry I’m a paying customer and was told I would be seated in 30 to 45 mins. The owner should have in my humble opinion allowed us to be seated as we came in! They came in and was seated, mind you they waited less than 30 mins. To our 1¼ hours. When I called I ask if we needed reservations and was told no. So, to be honest I felt like my money wasn’t good enough for them and bc she was the owner she took presidence over anyone that had been there 45 m8ns before them waiting….Yeah the place sucked over all. I got the Prime rib and it was VERY BLAND…as well the potatoes were hard and the veggies were not cooked throughly and lacked flavor! They will never see another penny of mine. You want the best steak…honestly go to Hatteras Sol!!! I promise ot won’t disappoint! Great atmosphere and service with great… no,, phenomenal food, spend your money at Hatteras Sol!
Have not been in a few years but I would say Salt Box Cafe is outstanding. For Breakfast there is no way to pass on Lighthouse Begals.
I have always enjoyed Island Barrier Bagels especially their pork belly bagels! I know some people might be afraid to try it because it’s name but the name is deceiving! It’s a truly yummy bagel. Kill Devil Grill has amazing food and I absolutely love the look of the restaurant. You have to try the Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Southern Fried Chicken Salad, and the Beer Can Chicken. Honestly you can’t go wrong with ordering any of the items on the menu. Jolly Rogers is also an awesome place to eat especially if it’s at dinner time (start’s at 4:30 p.m.) with the variety of choices. In my opinion they have the best Blackened Chicken Carbonara and I also l like their appetizer of Fried Ravioli. The last place I’m going to mention is Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar and Grill. Their name may have bar in it but this is a family restaurant with the best Fish Tacos on the beach.
Scammels ice-cream and surf shop is a huge favorite of mine and my family’s. Its a must go multiple times a trip. Mmmmmmm Scaaaammmmellllllls.
The Colington Cafe is also very very good. Amazing food.
Agreed! Always a perfect experience. We also love Cravings in Duck and Blue Moon Beach Grill in Nags.
No trip to OBX is complete without a visit to that trio.
I just got back from the Outer Banks . I ate at the Kill Devil Grill and Stack’em High Pancakes. Really enjoyed them both.
I also enjoyed a grilled MahiMahi salad at the Red Drum for lunch one day and Sunday brunch at the Salt Box Cafe. Had a delicious crab cake on a wonderful salad there.
My favorite restaurants in the Obx is Dianna and Mike’s in Corolla, Cravens inside the gas station in Duck and Road side Grill in Duck, Henrys for breakfast, Salt box, Collington Cafe, Mako Mike’s, Jks, Blue moon, Sam and Omnies for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Tale of the Whale.
Robin, we found out in March that my husband’s favorite, Mako Mike’s (now just Mako’s) is closing to make way for the fire department (?) expansion. They said they weren’t relocating. 😒
Any list of good eating places which fails to list Collington Cafe if obviously influenced by tbings other than good eating. The Collington Cafe is, by far,the best resturaunt in the entire region.
.This is very true. we’ve been here 20+ years, and there’s nothing better. A must stop on your next visit.
Oh yum! I love grilled mahi mahi so I will add that to my list to try next time. Thank you for sharing!
Stack em high for sure. Black Pelican forever my favorite.And Ive been coming to the OBX for 54 years so of course Jolly Rogers and Johns Ice Cream Stand.