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!
Breakfast
Barrier Island Bagels
Located in Southern Shores, 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!


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.
The line to order may look daunting upon entering, but it moves quickly! Hang tight and you’ll be happy and stuffed in no time.

Lunch and Dinner
Tortugas Lie
If I could send you to only one of these Outer Banks restaurants, this would be it. Tortugas 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! We also ordered a quesadilla which was the day’s special and we both agreed it’s one of the best we’ve ever had. 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



GET TO KNOW: Don’t miss out on this dining view in the Outer Banks.
[PAID CONTENT] On my recent traveling story trip for The Outer Banks, I discovered one of my new favorite restaurants. I’m a die-hard believer that patio dining on vacation is elite. Patio dining with a view? Transcendent.

That’s why I was thrilled to find Fish Heads OBX situated right on the Nags Head pier. Gorgeous ocean views and a fun vibe. Known for its casual seafood fare and craft beer, Fish Heads is a must-try in The Outer Banks.

Check out their fresh menu. Classic bar-and-grill seafood favorites make for a casual and easy date on the pier.
Head up: Fish Heads offers inside and pier-side seating. On windier days, you might just want to eat inside if you can get a table and then take a stroll down the pier.
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.



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. This is another one of the Outer Banks restaurants that came highly recommended and did not disappoint. We opted for a burger and the soft shell crab dish—both delicious. Where this meal really shined was the appetizers. We heard that both 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.

Kill Devil Grill soft shell crab and burger

The Lifesaving Station
For a more upscale dining experience, The Lifesaving Station of the Sanderling Resort is worth checking out. Located inside of an 1870’s rescue station, this restaurant features both excellent foods as well as nautical artifacts.
The blue crab and corn chowder is the perfect start to your meal— creamy, flavorful, and full of hearty chunks of fresh crab meat.
As for an entree, I highly recommend the pan-seared scallops. They were beautifully cooked and were paired with rice pilaf, broccolini, and blood orange-rosemary butter. Yes, as delicious as it sounds. It was one of my favorite dishes on this trip.
I have a hunch that you can’t go wrong with any of the desserts but we greatly enjoyed our toasted brownie s’mores stack and deconstructed key lime pie!
It’s also worth mentioning that while this restaurant is a bit more modern and pricy, it’s very family-friendly and resort casual. They were extremely accommodating to our toddler and he enjoyed his kid’s meal and coloring page!



Dessert
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!
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!

Island Snowball Company
I have a thing for icy treats, especially when I’m at the beach. The shaved ice at Island Snowball Company is a refreshing treat any time of the year. One of my very favorite food combinations is shaved/Italian ice and ice cream. I LOVE the mixture of thick creamy vanilla ice cream with fruity ice. It’s actually a really hard concept to come by, and this was the first small business I’ve found in NC that does it. This will be a definite on my itinerary for every trip to the OBX.

If you’re new to our state, OBX is a popular destination for North Carolinians and east beach trippers. We hope these picks help make it tastier and sweet!
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.