It’s no secret that restaurants on the OBX are among the best on the east coast! Enjoy local steamed oysters or grilled tuna after the beach. Treat the family to mouth-watering southern classics like shrimp & grits or Carolina barbeque.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular establishments from Corolla down to Nags Head and everywhere in between, to help you in your quest for the perfect thirst-quenching, hunger-satisfying delectables to try during your vacation. Don’t forget to look for the Twiddy Preferred badge to check out some of our personal favorite places to dine in the OBX!
restaurants matching . Clear FiltersWhat kind of restaurants are you looking for?
A unique family-friendly restaurant that blends technology with craft beer and great food. Do-it-yourself beer technology allows you to refill your drink when you want it. The casual dining menu includes new spins on old favorites. Wine and cocktails available as well. Indoor and patio seating with a laid-back vibe. Patio is pet-friendly.
Located in the Shoppes at the Currituck Club next to Harris Teeter and in the Timbuck II shopping center, The Chill Spot offers ice cream, homemade waffle cones, cookies, candy and slushies. Swing into The Chill Spot for all of your Corolla sweet tooth needs.
Aqua Restaurant offers fresh regional cuisine, exquisite wines and casual dining in an elegant waterfront setting on the Outer Banks. Overlooking peaceful waters, Aqua Spa is the oasis of serenity on the Outer Banks with a full menu of spa services that are designed to renew and relax you during treatments using only organic products.
Specializing in gourmet take-out, Steamers offers Corolla's signature steamer pots-to-go, gourmet entrees, kids meals, soups, fresh fish and shellfish, chicken and ribs, vegetarian dishes and more, all in their new location in Southern Shores! Their commitment to quality is their hallmark.
A laid-back restaurant in an old life saving station serving up stone oven pizzas, fresh seafood, steaks, homemade desserts and a late-night menu to enjoy at their full bar, both inside and out on the deck overlooking the ocean.
The first wind-powered brewery in the United States, and the first business to produce wind power on the Outer Banks, this restaurant is forward-thinking and dynamic. Serving brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night food, this family-friendly restaurant by day also boasts one of the best nightlife spots by night, offering great live acts, DJ's and more...and of course their award-winning hand crafted brews.
Satisfy your hunger with our food! Yummy foods in our bistro, including breakfast all day. Prepared gourmet meals to go. Personal chef at your vacation home. Catering services for your wedding or special event.
The Blue Moon Grill is a quirky, fun-filled dining experience, serving southern comfort food, with a creative twist and flair.
Casual coastal shrimp boils delivered directly to your home or event!
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.
Acai bowls, fruit smoothies, coffee, and ice cream at two cool spots in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head.
Specializing in Japanese cuisine, including sushi. Made fresh with high-quality ingredients, including fresh seafood and vegetables.
Artisan coffee house with small batch coffee roaster located in Historic Corolla Village in the Parker House.
An eclectic shop offering small batch coffee, roasted in-house. Local artwork and a laid-back vibe make the Parlour a favorite spot among OBX locals.
Cold pressed juice and plant-based food.
Homemade ice cream, milkshakes, vegan options, and donut paninis with ice cream. Located at 1006 South Virginia Dare Trail in Kill Devil Hills and 1223 Duck Road in Duck.
A Kitty Hawk shop offering the highest-quality wine, meat, and cheese. Charcuterie boards are available for pre-order. Gourmet sandwiches and local beer are also available.
Real fruit New Zealand-style ice cream.
Delicious pizza with fresh hand-tossed dough, plus Philly cheese steaks, subs & sides. Free delivery from Ocean Hill to Pine Island. Located just north of Twiddy & Company, next to Wink's in Corolla.
This modern Mexican restaurant in Corolla is a casual, warm eatery offering creative Mexican cuisine with tequila pairings and a full bar.
A great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in Corolla featuring Baja/Cali-style fare in a pet-friendly location with an outdoor shaded patio.
A tiny local favorite, Corolla Village BBQ features its famous chopped pork BBQ in a delicious vinegar sauce, hickory smoked chicken and ribs, and more! Located in the Old Corolla Village, it's the perfect place to grab some lunch and walk around to explore the enchanting area.
A super-casual atmosphere, Fatcrabs Rib Company is a roadside stop & take out hub for steamer pots, BBQ platters and more, but also offers indoor and outdoor seating and room for large parties.
Classic Italian dining featuring family recipes and fresh seafood incorporated into many of the dishes. Enjoy seasonal specials and even tables on the sound-view deck to catch a spectacular sunset. Open for lunch and dinner.
Found in the Timbuck II Shopping Center, this eatery is a casual, easygoing seafood spot featuring Outer Banks favorites!
A casual, intimate spot preparing inventive fish and meat dishes and steamer items, plus craft cocktails.
A fun, oceanfront, family restaurant with poolside and beach service, The Oceanfront Grille features a unique menu of dinner entrees, generous portion sizes, and friendly service all in a casual atmosphere with a beautiful ocean view.
Delicious cheesesteaks, hoagies, and more in a relaxed casual atmosphere. Located in the heart of Corolla.
Low-key local chain serving BBQ sandwiches and platters, plus fried chicken and southern sides.
Sunfish Grill is a restaurant that offers just about everything! Their menu consists of seafood, sandwiches, appetizers, breakfast, entree platters, and so much more.
A casual dining experience featuring live music, karaoke and sports on TV, Sundogs provides entertainment in an upbeat seafood-centric tavern.
This family-friendly restaurant features fresh, local fish and chef specials everyday, and also offers a party on the dance floor following the dinner crowd until 2 a.m.
Mike Dianna's Grill Room has been a family owned and operated restaurant in Corolla since 2005. Their menu changes daily so that they can offer USDA prime beef, the freshest seafood, great pasta dishes and a children's menu too. This restaurant is one of the few to take reservations and large enough to host parties of all sizes!
Working with fresh, seasonal fare, Urban Kitchen in Corolla offers organic and free-range farm to table options, with unique small and large plates and a selection of spirits. It's gourmet, thoughtful food in an environment so fine you'd think you were in Manhattan.
A premium meat and seafood market that doubles as a deli serving up delicious sandwiches and even wine and craft beer, The Butcher Block brings quality, freshness and excellent customer service to every table.
One of the best breakfasts in town. Also serving lunch, Lighthouse Bagels & Deli is a local favorite serving up NY/ NJ style bagels to the Outer Banks. Also famous for their handmade donuts and delicious deli wraps and salads.
American fast food restaurant franchise selling submarine sandwiches and salads.
Start your morning off right at the Northern Lights Bakery. With a wide variety of specialty coffees and smoothies, as well as freshly made donuts and cupcakes and a large selection of breakfast pastries and more, this is a one-stop shop for all of your sweet breakfast desires! Located at 1159 Austin Street 109A in Corolla.
With more than 50 different homemade ice cream flavors, Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream has been an Outer Banks favorite since 1996. You can create your own custom ice cream cake or enjoy delicious homemade chocolates, too. Voted Best of the Beach in 2014 and 2015, it's a surefire win for ice cream lovers!
A popular fast food chain featuring soft serve ice cream and their legendary "blizzards."
A famous Outer Banks vacation treat! Where the donuts are "warm, delicious & made to order!"
Long-time running chain restaurant serving signature donuts, delicious coffees and breakfast sandwiches for people on the go!
Delicious, healthy smoothies using fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and all natural ingredients.
Offering healthy, fun, and refreshing food and drink creations. Usually organic and always fresh!
The popular one-stop coffee shop offering up daily brews, specialty concoctions and frozen blends, as well as an assortment of breakfast pastries and sandwiches, can be found in Kitty Hawk and inside the Harris Teeter Grocery Stores in Kill Devil Hills and Corolla.
Bacchus Wine and Beer Bistro has been serving residents and visitors to Corolla for almost 30 years. Enhance your visit to the Outer Banks with a great selection of fine wines, craft beer, gourmet foods, imported cheeses, Angus Steaks, sinful desserts, and their famous sandwiches.
Afternoons and evenings, the Beer Garden comes alive with outdoor live music, wines, and one of the largest beer selections around.
No-frills pizzeria featuring New York style pies with a variety of toppings, plus a full bar. Catering, including a mobile pizza oven, also available for your event or a fun family dinner.
Dine-in, carry-out, or free delivery all day. Serving Corolla for more than 15 years!
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.
A kid-friendly, hopping spot for seafood, pub eats & drinks in a casual, tiki-themed environment with TV's to watch sports and live music on select nights.
Memorable meals in a cozy atmosphere right in the heart of Duck Village. Offering lunch, dinner and chefs-on-call catering.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere in the heart of Duck Village. Full service restaurant and bar.
Seafood-centric American dining in a quaint renovated house with an upstairs bar & grill. Roadside Bar & Grill also offers live music and a backside bar for an entertaining outdoor experience.
Caribbean-style seafood in a waterfront setting with an outdoor deck and tiki bars, as well as a raw and sushi bar. Complete with specialty drinks and a full kids menu, Sunset Grille & Raw Bar is the perfect place in Duck to bring the whole family while on your Outer Banks vacation, and offers a spectacular sunset view from the upper, lower, and outside dining areas.
Overlooking the Currituck Sound from the Waterfront Shops in Duck, The Blue Point offers a unique spin on your traditional favorites for lunch, dinner and drinks. Call for dinner reservations.
High-end eatery with scenic views and French-inspired New American meals, boasting an extensive wine list.
An truly unique restaurant, the Lifesaving Station at the Sanderling Resort in Duck is just what it sounds like. It is actually located inside the historic Caffey's Inlet Life Saving Station No. 5. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this well-known and locally loved destination is impressive and upscale, while maintaining a southern charm that many vacationers look for in an Outer Banks restaurant. New Southern fare in memorabilia-filled digs in an 1870s rescue station is what you will find here.
A wood-fired oven, ale house and wine bar, The Paper Canoe is a delicious gourmet eatery featuring the freshest local ingredients and seafood. From ethnic twists down to eclectic variations on classic southern favorites, the unique food style sets the tone for this fine waterfront dining location in Duck.
Enjoy pastries and donuts fresh out of the oven, as well as other breakfast items, including bagels, croissants and more.
Donuts, Ice cream and coffee treats - great for the whole family!
Delicious coffee, espresso and specialty coffee drinks, as well as pastries and healthy breakfast and snack options, nestled within a local bookstore featuring well-known works alongside some of our local authors' works. A great atmosphere for a relaxing morning pick me up or a mid-afternoon pit-stop.
Ice cream, smoothies and coffee with a beautiful view of the sound. The perfect way to end the day: a spectacular sunset and a sweet dessert!
A unique find serving up specialty coffees, teas and breakfast fare, but known locally for their great selection of craft beers and wine, located in a tree-house type establishment with a shaded deck in the heart of Duck.
Family-owned shop offering specialty pizzas, as well as wings, salads, wraps, calzones, sandwiches and more. They even do catering! Eat-in, carry-out, or enjoy free delivery to Southern Shores, Duck and southern Pine Island.
Delicious bagels, sandwiches, and homemade baked goods to choose from!
A popular franchise featuring nutritious smoothie and lunch items such as sandwiches and soups.
Serving award-winning New York style pizza to Outer Banks locals and visitors since 1996.
During the summer season, Pizza Stop is open 6 days a week, excluding Tuesdays, and offers takeout, dine in and delivery of all of their specialty pizzas, salads, appetizers, pastas, hoagies, desserts and more.
Specializing in stone oven, hand tossed and New York style pizza, Southern Shores Pizza is available for dine-in, take out, or free delivery to Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores and Duck.
A local favorite and long-running burger bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean just across the "Beach Road," this tiny but unique spot features delicious burgers, breakfasts and live music inside and out back in the yard.
The popular local spot for delicious Baja cuisine outgrew its former location and has recently moved from Kill Devil Hills, north, to the former Pizzazz Pizza building on the bypass in Kitty Hawk. Try a salsa sampler and one of their delicious margaritas of the day!
Refreshing island cuisine with a little something for everyone. From pastas, salads and seafood, to chicken and steak dishes, to diverse blends of Asian and Caribbean concoctions, the food at Barefoot Bernie's isn't your run-of-the-mill fare, but there's such a great selection that there's a good chance everyone will find something they love. With a full bar, and a lean menu to boot, swing in for a drink, lunch or dinner or something light to satisfy your urge for some tasty Outer Banks cooking.
An old-fashioned hot dog joint that has been serving hot dogs, seafood and beer to the Outer Banks since 1975!
A down-to-earth, no-frills Outer Banks staple serving breakfast lunch and dinner year-round since 1989.
Hickory-smoked bbq, traditional sides and sweet tea mark this Outer Banks restaurant as an excellent destination for people looking for an authentic North Carolina BBQ meal.
Come right off the beach and step into this energetic tiki bar, serving lunch, dinner and a happening happy hour. Featuring live music and a rooftop deck, Hurricane Mo's in Kitty Hawk is a fun place to swing in for full plates or appetizers, steamed shrimp and more!
If you're looking for crabs on the Outer Banks, this locally-owned and family-operated establishment has just what you need. Take out bushels of crabs, oysters, and steamer pots, as well as anything off of their delicious menu, featuring homemade soups and their famous fried oyster tacos. Their friendly oyster bar is happy to accommodate you for dining in as well.
Authentic Italian cuisine, with a rotating weekly menu, depending on the freshest ingredients available and the inspirations from the Sicilian chef, Josephine.
An Outer Banks classic, John's Drive In is a mainstay for both locals and repeat vacationers to the Outer Banks. Found on the "Beach Road" in Kitty Hawk, this delightful walk-up-window restaurant adorned with picnic tables filling the parking lot, will take you back in time, while exciting your taste buds with one of their signature milkshakes or famous dolphin sandwiches.
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.
Located at the foot of the Wright Memorial Bridge in Point Harbor, enjoy the taste of India with a view of the OBX. Indian seafood, meats and vegetables on the most scenic stretch of the Albemarle and Currituck Sound. Relax in the tastefully decorated open air dining room or take a step away from the expansive views to focus on the freshest most flavorful dishes in the main dining room.
Thai and other internationally-inspired dishes fill the menu of this acclaimed local restaurant. Chef Pok is well-known for creating delicious, unique dishes in a small but friendly restaurant. Available for dine in, take-out, and delivery.
A local favorite featuring caribbean-inspired cuisine, diners can enjoy a meal in the dining room, or upstairs by the indoor bar or out on the deck, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean just across the dunes. With live music, daily specials, and unforgettable food and cold drinks, Rundown Cafe is a little slice of the islands brought to the Outer Banks.
The original Outer Banks pancake house, featuring a hearty breakfast in a family atmosphere at a good price. Serving the Outer Banks since 1985.
Family-owned and operated thai restaurant serving daily specials, sushi, and some of the most delicious Thai food around, all in a quaint, inviting and friendly atmosphere.
A delightful bistro and martini bar situated just across the Beach Road from the dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this local favorite features an extensive wine and bar menu selection to go with some of the most decadent small and large plates around. Featuring seafood, steak and vegetarian options, too, Ocean Boulevard is a welcoming yet upscale way to enjoy a meal on the Outer Banks.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, but always with a health-conscious approach, Outer Bean Juice and Java offers freshly-squeezed juices, coffee, smoothies, salads and more.
With an extensive selection of wines from around the world, more than 250 beers with a focus on microbrews, and over 50 artisanal cheeses, the retail shop at Trio is a one-stop-shop for your specialty spirit needs. The bar and bistro also boasts a delightful atmosphere, often featuring live local music to enjoy along with one of their many carefully-chosen wines or beers from their 24-rotating craft taps.
Authentic stone oven New York-style pizzas made with signature hand-tossed crusts are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Also featuring salads, pasta dishes and more for dine in, take out, and delivery.
A takeout and delivery chain featuring pizzas, wings, breadsticks and desserts.
Serving lunch and dinner of seafood, signature pasta dishes, American fare, steam bar items and more. Featuring a full-service bar area and outdoor patio.
Dine-in, catering, and gourmet food to go, this tiny restaurant boasts big flavors with fresh Outer Banks seafood, delicious daily specials and unique wraps, tacos and sandwiches, all in a laid-back coastal environment.
Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar that is a local's favorite! With hibachi grills, a sushi bar and a full take-out menu, Fuji is always a packed house full of happy patrons.
A local favorite featuring fresh local seafood, chicken and steak all prepared with a Caribbean flare. A fun bar and atmosphere, Goombays Grill & Raw Bar on the beach road is a fun place to dine, both day or night!
Since 1984, JK's live wood-fired grills has been providing mouth-watering steaks that keep locals and visitors alike coming back again and again. With daily specials, appetizers, fresh fish and shellfish and more, JK's offers a delicious meal in a relaxed yet polished dining room and bar.
Offering a variety of fresh-caught local seafood, steaks, home cooked favorites and what they're known best for...their famous breakfasts! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in fun, family-friendly environment with a late-night flare and live music and karaoke to boot! Jolly Roger has it all!
Great local spot in Kill Devil Hills with amazing food. Local, fresh seafood, awesome cheesesteak eggrolls, yummy salads, and more! The bar area is really unique, located in the diner area of the restaurant!
This laid back, fun restaurant offers a casual dining experience for the entire family. Make sure you try the fish tacos and the garbage plate! Thai money bags are great too for an appetizer.
An Outer Banks dining tradition, Millers is a family-run breakfast, lunch and dinner staple when you're looking for fresh seafood and delicious steaks during your Outer Banks vacation.
With an extensive menu in an authentic, fun, inviting atmosphere, Plaza Azteca offers up enticing mexican recipes along with traditional favorites.
A charming cottage-style restaurant in the heart of Colington Island featuring an array of delicious local seafood, fresh meats and produce. Open for Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner!
American fare, featuring fresh salads, unique oysters, juicy burgers, and a variety of entrees and sandwiches.
Serving local food with a gourmet touch for more than 24 years, The Colington Cafe features a decadent menu of steaks and seafood, with delicious daily specials and a hand-picked wine list to pair the perfect wine with the equally perfect dinner. A Victorian house nestled between giant live oaks, this restaurant provides an elegant experience.
Open for breakfast and lunch, New York Bagels in Kill Devil Hills is an inexpensive, delicious dining option where you can build your own sandwich on a bagel, wrap, or bread!
Fresh brewed coffees, organic blends, specialty coffee drinks, pastries and more to start your Outer Banks morning off RIGHT!
Serving appetizers, pizza, salads, stromboli and more, Dare Devil's is a family-friendly, full-service restaurant available for carryout or dine in at their full service bar or casual dining room.
Since 2008, Slice Pizzeria has been combining contemporary Italian food with old classics, providing delicious NY and Chicago style pizzas baked in their stone ovens, as well as calzones, pastas, subs, salads and more in a pizza-pub environment at an affordable price!
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.
A down-to-earth Outer Banks classic breakfast spot that has as much history as it does character and good food!
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.
Serving fresh sushi and an array of Japanese entrees in a quaint yet casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
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.
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!
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.
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.
A landmark small town grocery store with a big reputation. Offering wine, beer, a deli, whole foods, steaks, crabcakes, homemade pies and more.
Serving the Outer Banks for over 25 years, Stop N Shop continues to provide friendly, relaxed and informative customer service to our community, visitors and rental property owners. A local legend that offers all of your beach essentials, plus cold drinks and tasty breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re a foodie, no vacation to the Outer Banks is complete without exploring the abundance of unique eateries we have. Venture out to get a taste (or two or three) of the local fare to experience some of the freshest seafood around. After all, food is one of the best parts of any vacation and the Outer Banks in particular happens to be teeming with unforgettable restaurants for you to try.
Most local Outer Banks restaurants are independently-owned and operated, allowing them to put their own personal spin and unique touch on your experience. So when you’re dining out on the Outer Banks, be ready to be entertained by live, local music; spoiled by savory recipes you won’t find anywhere else.
"A quintessential Outer Banks classic. They've been getting it right for a long time.”
"Yummy food and located in a really cool, historic building. ”
"Always fresh and always delicious. Best view in Duck and if tuna is
Whether you’re dreaming of a trip to relax, adventure or a mixture of both, click on a category to get started and find a handful of memorable things to do in the Outer Banks.
Each town on the Outer Banks has different dining experiences to offer. Learn all about restaurants in the town where you’re staying, then check out dining experiences in neighboring areas!