The Outer Banks, North Carolina, offers more than just pristine beaches, sand dunes, and natural beauty. The East Coast barrier islands are home to some of the world’s best seafood, famous desserts, and quintessential southern dishes. Whether you’re looking for a fine-dining experience or a casual seafood joint, here is a list of the best Outer Banks restaurants for every occasion.
In addition to Outer Banks restaurants, you’ll want to know the top activities and attractions to include on your vacation. Download our free OBX Destination Guide to discover the area’s best places for watersports, sightseeing, shopping, and more! This is the perfect trip-planning tool.
The Best Outer Banks Restaurants for Every Occasion
For Breakfast
There’s no better way to start the day than with a delicious meal! In the Outer Banks, there are several fabulous eateries offering freshly brewed coffee, homemade baked goods, and seasonal entrees to fuel you before a day at the beach. Here are a few of our favorite spots:
- Lighthouse Bagels & Deli – Corolla
- Tullio’s Bakery – Duck
- Northern Lights Bakery & Coffee – Corolla
For Delicious Seafood
The Outer Banks runs on seafood! It’s no surprise that our coastal region offers some of the freshest fish, crab, oysters, and shrimp in the country. You’ll find everything from crab cakes and seafood chowder to peal-and-eat-shrimp and the daily local catch, prepared just how you like it. Here are places worth a visit:
- Stripers Bar & Grille – Manteo
- Coastal Provisions – Southern Shores
- Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar – Kill Devil Hills
For a Special Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, important milestone, date night, or just the fact that you’re finally on vacation, you’re likely looking for the perfect spot to dine for the occasion. Here are a few cozy, upscale dining establishments that provide the perfect setting for a special occasion:
- Urban Kitchen – Corolla
- The Blue Point – Duck
- Mike Dianna’s Grill Room – Corolla
For a Casual Meal After a Day at the Beach
Nothing builds up your appetite quite like a day at the beach! If you’re looking for fabulous spots to sit back and relax after soaking up the sun, here are a few local spots perfect for just that. Don’t forget your shirt and shoes!
- Kill Devil Grill – Kill Devil Hills
- Eduardo’s Taco Stand – Ocracoke
- Red Sky Cafe – Duck
For Southern Comfort Food
There’s no doubt that the South boasts some of the country’s most delicious cuisine. Outer Banks restaurants live up to the region’s reputation, serving up everything from BBQ to shrimp and grits. Here’s where to go for a true southern meal:
- High Cotton BBQ – Kitty Hawk
- Blue Moon Beach Grill – Nags Head
- JK’s Restaurant – Kill Devil Hills
For Fabulous Views
With over 100 miles of shoreline, it’s not difficult to find a place to eat with stunning ocean views. When you’re ready for dinner, head out to one of these waterfront restaurants to watch the sunset while you savor your meal:
- Miller’s Waterfront – Nags Head
- The Paper Canoe – Duck
- Pamlico Jack’s – Nags Head
- Oceanfront Grille – Corolla
For Dessert
From famous, freshly-baked donuts to homemade ice cream, the Outer Banks is full of tasty treats to satisfy any kind of sweet tooth. Why not try them all? Afterall, you’re on vacation! This is where you’ll find the most delectable sweet treats:
- Duck Donuts – Duck, Corolla, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, & Nags Head locations!
- Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream – Manteo
- Surfin’ Spoon Frozen Yogurt Bar – Nags Head
For Takeout
There’s always one night on vacation when you just want to grab a pizza and head back to your vacation rental. In the Outer Banks, even freshly-caught seafood is available for drive-thru takeout! Grab the best meals to-go here:
- Cravings – Duck
- Max’s Pizza Company – Kitty Hawk
- Fat Crabs Rib Company – Corolla
Are You Looking for the Best Place to Stay?
If you’re already in town and searching for the top Outer Banks restaurants during your vacation, we hope this guide was helpful. If you’re in the midst of planning your trip and are looking for the best place to stay, look no further than Shoreline OBX! We have a range of fabulous vacation rentals throughout the Outer Banks that offer convenient access to the area’s top restaurants, activities, and attractions.
Take a look at our current Outer Banks Vacation Rental specials and book the perfect stay today. We’d love to host you on your next Outer Banks getaway!
