The 10 Best Outerbanks Restaurants for Dining | Love the OBX (2024)

Dining out is one of the highlights of visiting the Outer Banks in North Carolina so it’s important that we identify the best Outerbanks restaurants for visitors to try. With a range of restaurants offering fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, and farm-to-table cuisine, visitors can expect a variety of delicious dining options. From upscale fine dining experiences to casual beachside eateries, there is something for everyone. Visitors can savor local specialties such as fried oysters, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits, and enjoy breathtaking ocean or sound views. With the abundance of dining options, visitors are sure to find a restaurant that fits their taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or a fun family outing, dining out in the Outer Banks is an unforgettable experience.

Here are some of the Best OuterBanks Restaurants:

1. Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar – Located in Manteo, Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar is known for its fresh seafood and breathtaking views of the Roanoke Sound.
2. The Black Pelican Seafood Co. – Situated in Kitty Hawk, this restaurant boasts of stunning ocean views and a menu full of delicious seafood, sandwiches, and burgers.
3. The Paper Canoe – Located in Duck, this restaurant offers a coastal-inspired menu featuring locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
4. The Colington Cafe – This intimate restaurant in Kill Devil Hills offers upscale dining experiences with a rotating seasonal menu.
5. Bad Bean Baja Grill – For those looking for a casual dining experience, this restaurant in Nags Head offers a tasty selection of Baja-style tacos, burritos, and margaritas.
6. The SaltBox Cafe – Located in Colington Harbor, this restaurant is a farm-to-table gem that offers a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients in a cozy setting.
7. The Kill Devil Grill – This classic diner in Kill Devil Hills is a local favorite that serves up comfort food with a twist, including breakfast all day.
8. Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar – This restaurant with locations in both Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk offers delicious oysters and other seafood in a casual atmosphere.
9. Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe – Located in Nags Head, Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe is an iconic restaurant that has been serving fresh seafood since 1996.
10. Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar & Grill – For those looking for a beachfront dining experience, Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar & Grill in Kitty Hawk offers a menu of seafood, sandwiches, and salads.

Fresh Seafood is Best on the Coast

Fresh seafood is a hallmark of the Outer Banks culinary scene. Visitors can expect a variety of seafood options from the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound, such as shrimp, clams, oysters, crab, and fish like flounder, tuna, and Mahi-Mahi. The catch of the day can be found in many local restaurants, and many offer the option to choose how the seafood is cooked, such as grilled, fried, or steamed. Seafood markets are also scattered throughout the area, selling fresh seafood for those who prefer to cook at home. The Outer Banks is a prime destination for seafood lovers, and the abundance of fresh, locally sourced seafood makes dining here an unforgettable experience. Seafood is served at the best outerbanks restaurants.

What Makes a Great Restaurant Experience in OBX?

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is known for its diverse culinary scene, which features fresh seafood, local produce, and farm-to-table cuisine. With so many dining options, it can be challenging to choose where to eat. Here are some criteria that make a great restaurant in the Outer Banks.

1. Freshness and Quality of Ingredients: A great Outer Banks restaurant should serve fresh and high-quality ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible. Many restaurants in the area offer a farm-to-table menu that showcases seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
2. Unique and Creative Menu: A great Outer Banks restaurant should have a menu that stands out from the rest. The dishes should be creative, unique, and offer a taste of the local cuisine. A restaurant that offers a unique and creative menu is a great option for foodies looking to try something new.
3. Stellar Service: The best restaurants in the Outer Banks have exceptional service. From the moment you walk in, you should feel welcomed and taken care of. The staff should be knowledgeable about the menu and provide recommendations based on your preferences.
4. Ambiance and Atmosphere: A great Outer Banks restaurant should have a pleasant ambiance and atmosphere. The decor should reflect the local area, and the restaurant should have an inviting atmosphere that makes diners feel comfortable and relaxed.
5. Value: A great Outer Banks restaurant should provide good value for the price. While fine dining restaurants in the area can be expensive, there are plenty of casual eateries that offer affordable and delicious meals.

In summary, a great Outer Banks restaurant should have fresh and high-quality ingredients, a unique and creative menu, exceptional service, a pleasant ambiance and atmosphere, and provide good value for the price. By considering these criteria, you can find the best restaurants in the Outer Banks for your next culinary adventure.

Experience the Best Outerbanks Restaurants on Your Trip!

These are just a few of the many excellent dining options in the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks in North Carolina is a food lover’s paradise, with its diverse culinary scene that is sure to satisfy every palate. Whether you are looking for casual seafood joints, fine dining experiences, or farm-to-table cuisine, there is no shortage of great dining options. Truly, the Outer Banks have something for everyone.