Nags Head, NC Restaurants
Nags Head boasts some of the best local seafood restaurants, varying from quaint to quintessential beach fare. If you’re looking for more than just fresh local seafood, the town offers everything from traditional breakfasts, NC BBQ, and delectable lunch creations to authentic Japanese and Mexican restaurants, too.
Whether you’re dining on a pier as waves crash beneath you, stopping by a roadside dive, or stepping into one of the finest restaurants for an elegant evening overlooking the sound, Nags Head his the place to go for authentic Outer Banks dining. Scroll below to find all the options available, but keep a special eye out for picks with the Twiddy Preferred badge!
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- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Family-Friendly
- Preferred
The Blue Moon Grill is a quirky, fun-filled dining experience, serving southern comfort food, with a creative twist and flair.
- Restaurant
- Services
- Grocery & Food Markets
- Catering/Grocery Delivery
- Preferred
Casual coastal shrimp boils delivered directly to your home or event!
- Restaurant
- Coffee & Ice Cream
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
- Preferred
A swell little frozen yogurt bar established by professional surfer Jesse Hines. Located steps from the beach in Nags Head. Froyo, sorbet, and gelato, as well as locally-made ice cream sandwiches. Allergy-friendly and organic options are available.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Coffee & Ice Cream
- Family-Friendly
Acai bowls, fruit smoothies, coffee, and ice cream at two cool spots in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head.
- Restaurant
- Coffee & Ice Cream
Real fruit New Zealand-style ice cream.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
Low-key local chain serving BBQ sandwiches and platters, plus fried chicken and southern sides.
- Restaurant
- Deli & Bakery
- Family-Friendly
- Budget-Friendly
- Rainy Day
American fast food restaurant franchise selling submarine sandwiches and salads.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Coffee & Ice Cream
- Family-Friendly
- Budget-Friendly
A popular fast food chain featuring soft serve ice cream and their legendary "blizzards."
- Restaurant
- Deli & Bakery
- Coffee & Ice Cream
- Family-Friendly
- Rainy Day
A famous Outer Banks vacation treat! Where the donuts are "warm, delicious & made to order!"
- Restaurant
- Deli & Bakery
- Coffee & Ice Cream
- Family-Friendly
- Budget-Friendly
- Rainy Day
Long-time running chain restaurant serving signature donuts, delicious coffees and breakfast sandwiches for people on the go!
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Pizza
- Family-Friendly
- Budget-Friendly
- Rainy Day
As this Outer Banks classic covers a large scope of the area, Pizzazz Pizza offers delivery from Corolla to South Nags Head, and any of its three locations can be reached by calling one phone number. Also available for take-out or dine-in at a quaint selection of indoor booths and outdoor seating.
- Restaurant
- Deli & Bakery
- Family-Friendly
A popular franchise featuring nutritious smoothie and lunch items such as sandwiches and soups.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Family-Friendly
- Good for Groups
- Rainy Day
Authentic Mexican cooking offered up through an extensive menu of traditional favorites and eclectic new recipes. Both locations featuring a family-friendly dining room, as well as a full bar.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Pizza
- Nightlife
- Family-Friendly
Featuring 20 beers on draft, another 90 by the bottle or can, and 40 specialty martini recipes, Lucky 12 Tavern is a favored watering hole among locals and visitors alike. Not to mention they have affordable dining options like local seafood, burgers, chicken wings, New York-style pizza, a kids menu and more.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Family-Friendly
A down-to-earth Outer Banks classic breakfast spot that has as much history as it does character and good food!
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Family-Friendly
- Rainy Day
An Outer Banks favorite with a Caribbean flare, Tortuga's Lie Shellfish Bar & Grill' is home to some of the beach's finest fare, from mouthwatering appetizers to dinners and desserts.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Family-Friendly
Serving fresh sushi and an array of Japanese entrees in a quaint yet casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Restaurant
- Fine Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Family-Friendly
- Romantic/Couples
Fresh daily catch of local seafood, a panoramic view of the Roanoke Sound and friendly Outer Banks hospitality are trademarks of the Lone Cedar Cafe.
- Restaurant
- Fine Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Family-Friendly
- Romantic/Couples
Family-owned and operated for 35 years, Tale of the Whale in Nags Head serves fine dishes of fresh, local seafood, steaks, salads and more, while guests can enjoy dining overlooking the Roanoke Sound!
- Restaurant
- Fine Dining
- Specialty Spirits
- Family-Friendly
- Romantic/Couples
Family-owned and operated for 70 years, Owen's in Nags Head serves fine dishes of fresh, local seafood, steaks, salads and more. This is the oldest single-family owned restaurant in the state and is always high on our recommended list.
- Restaurant
- Deli & Bakery
- Coffee & Ice Cream
- Family-Friendly
A delicious assortment of fresh sandwiches, paninis, espresso drinks, as well as a wine and specialty beer bar, all set in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, accompanied often by live local music.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Activities
- Fishing
- Family-Friendly
One of the oldest and longest piers on the Outer Banks, the Nags Head Fishing Pier is a great place to cast out your line and reel in memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're fishing for fun, sport or for a delicious meal, Nags Head Fishing Pier is the place to be.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Activities
- Fishing
- Family-Friendly
For more than 50 years the fishing professionals at the Outer Banks Fishing Pier have been helping anglers make the most of their Outer Banks fishing experiences. In addition to their tackle shop, pier and boat rentals, you can also find Fish Heads Bar & Grill located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, offering premier oceanfront dining and live local music in the summertime.
- Restaurant
- Casual Dining
- Family-Friendly
- Budget-Friendly
Looking for an escape from the hustle-bustle of the beach? Venture out to Landing Grill at Wanchese Marina on Roanoke Island, a local favorite! Wanchese is famous for its fishing culture – whether you are looking for a great breakfast, a quick bite for lunch, pizza or something to go, we’ve got you covered. Looking for the freshest seafood available? You will not find anything fresher than in Wanchese, where all of the fish houses are located. Take a stroll out on the docks every afternoon and watch the charter boats come in with their catch. Be sure to plan an evening at the Steam Bar, overlooking the gorgeous harbor, and play some Keno and watch some of the most incredible sunsets you will ever see. Kick back and relax, enjoy a cold beer, a glass of wine or a glass of good ol’ fashioned sweet tea.
Explore More Things to Do in Nags Head
Once you’ve eaten your way through the many prestigious dining options available in Nags Head, you may be looking to switch it up. Whether you enjoy walking off your meal while you browse through unique shops or boutiques or if you prefer an after dinner cruise, there’s much more to do in Nags Head outside of the good food. Click a category below to round out your trip.
Explore Another Town
If you’ve explored all the Nags Head dining experience this quintessential beach town has to offer, visit restaurants in neighboring Outer Banks towns for a completely different adventure!
