20+ Best Outer Banks Seafood Restaurants (2024)
The Outer Banks is a coastal paradise on the east coast that boasts a number of beautiful islands with seafood restaurants, cafes, activities, and history on every corner.
The best part about this serene destination in North Carolina is quite frankly the food with unlimited dishes to try including fruity desserts and mouth-watering crab.
Although the Outer Banks doesn’t have as many local restaurants nowadays, the fun part about your trip will be discovering your favorite places to eat that still have the Outer Banks island charm.
If you ask any local who lives on the Outer Banks, they will most likely tell you to try some of the seafood restaurants as the east coast is known for world-class seafood like the oysters in Cape Cod and Maine’s lobster rolls.
Going back in time, the Outer Banks have specific delicacies that perfectly capture the local culture like shrimp and grits.
What Foods Are Popular in the Outer Banks?
The most popular foods include Hatteras clam chowder, fig cake, oyster dressing, and terrapin stew.
These unique dishes drawback to the food that the villagers would consume and are often a part of holiday feasts or passed down through generations.
Here are the recipes for some of the traditional dishes made by locals.
Seafood Restaurants in the Outer Banks
1. Goombays Grille & Raw Bar
One of the best restaurants that the Outer Banks has to offer, Goombays is a beautiful Caribbean-accented seafood place with a great selection of local ingredients in every dish.
Even though this restaurant has a bar, the casual atmosphere and tropical decor are kid-friendly. If you do decide to order oysters, you don’t have to worry about sand.
Try the seafood Kingston, Goombays Smash, and the classic Outer Banks crab dip at this colorful place with a view of the ocean.
Tip: Stay at a nearby hotel or beach house within walking distance.
1608 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
2. Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar
Despite the restaurant’s name, Awful Arthur is a restaurant that visitors cannot miss when staying on the Outer Banks. It is often crowded so plan in advance.
With a nautical backdrop, this bar-style restaurant is a cozy way to spend the afternoon while diving into unique and classic seafood dishes.
Make sure to try the Kill Devil Hills cocktails, Bloody Mary, raw oysters, and steamed shrimp.
Fun Facts: This restaurant is family-owned and is located across the Avalon Pier.
2106 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
3. Tale of the Whale
Overlooking the Roanoke Sound, Tale of the Whale is an upscale restaurant featuring both seafood and steak. One of the best parts about this restaurant besides the food is the professional service that handles large groups with ease.
After trying out some of the best seafood on the east coast, don’t forget to stop by a grab a few souvenirs for your family.
Try the surf and turf, scallops, and she crab soup.
7575 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC
4. Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill
A great place to dine for both locals and tourists, Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill is located in Kitty Hawk and carries unique seafood dishes that will cater to everyone.
Even though the restaurant is not directly on the beach, the view from the outdoor seating area is beautiful and calming.
When eating at this coastal and rustic-style restaurant, make sure to try the Wright crab cake sandwich, shrimp and grits, and Admiral’s platter.
4020 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC
5. Miller’s Seafood & Steak House
A family restaurant with a casual tropical setting, Miller’s Seafood & Steak House offers not only seafood but flavorful drinks as well.
With the recent remodeling of the dining area, Miller’s is a beach lover’s dream with a seamless blend of both rustic and nautical interiors.
When visiting this delicious place, try the colorful sushi, the famous hush puppies, and the stuffed flounder.
1520 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
6. Outer Banks Boil Company (Kitty Hawk)
Ideal for large groups who love fresh seafood, Outer Banks Boil Company in Kitty Hawk is one of the few locations on the east coast. This casual restaurant brings the Outer Banks directly to you with local crabs, clams, and shrimp.
You also don’t have to worry about having very little seasoning as everything is perfectly laid out for you. Choose to take your seafood pot home or eat it at the restaurant!
3701 N Croatan Hwy, #F Kitty Hawk, NC
7. Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant
A former life-saving station, Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant is a favorite among locals with specialties from the area featured on their menu.
This cozy place also has happy hour drinks to pair perfectly with baked shrimp and crab, prime rib, or even pepperoni pizza.
For a great view of the ocean, make sure to sit in the second-floor dining area.
3848 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC
8. Blue Moon Beach Grill
Serving lunch and dinner, the Blue Moon Beach Grill is a cozy coastal-style restaurant featuring seafood and Southern comfort food.
There are also an array of beers and cocktails that you can’t find anywhere else. During the peak season, it is recommended to go an hour before dinner to avoid a long wait time.
Add a delicious twist to your dinner with the buffalo shrimp, crab cake sandwich, or the Mahi Mahi BLT.
102 E Dove St, Nags Head, NC
9. I Got Your Crabs Shellfish Market and Oyster Bar
Located in Sea Dunes Shoppes, this seafood market and bar is the perfect place for seasonal steamed dishes.
The casual restaurant is also great for trying different types of seafood and wine that are local to the Outer Banks.
One of their seasonal seafood is blue crabs which are based on demand and are first come first served. You can also ask to take home a steamer pot for cooking.
3809 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC
10. Mad Crabber Restaurant
A family-owned restaurant in Avon, Mad Crabber has a lively and cozy atmosphere with an assortment of colorful dishes with generous portions.
When visiting this Outer Banks seafood restaurant, try the snow crab legs and the chargrilled fish tacos.
40606 North Carolina Hwy 12, Avon, NC
11. Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
A restaurant specializing in Outer Banks seafood, Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe is a great place to spend the evening if you’re looking for a waterfront view as you enjoy locally caught seafood dishes.
Make sure to try the clam chowder and the jumbo lump crab dip.
7623 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC
12. Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Located on a fishing pier in Nags Head, this laid-back restaurant with live music and beer is an ideal place to hang out after a day on the beach. This rustic waterfront pub is as close as you can get to the ocean with an outdoor seating area and colorful umbrellas.
Some people also buy a pier pass to fish right beside the restaurant. The most popular dish that attracts everyone to Fish Heads Bar & Grill is the happy hour shrimp.
It is also recommended to try the tuna bites and the wicked weed dragonfruit burst drink.
8901 S Old Oregon Inlet Rd, Nags Head, NC
13. Mahi Mahi’s Island Grill
One of the best-rated restaurants on the Outer Banks, Mahi Mahi’s Island Grill features a great selection of locally sourced seafood with a nautical backdrop. There are also plenty of tables for large groups who love the taste of fresh seafood.
While just about every dish is exceptional here, make sure to try the shrimp and grits, street tacos, scallops, and the Mahi Reuben.
(This restaurant does not take reservations at this time.)
2217 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC
14. Tortugas Lie
A lively Caribbean restaurant in Nags Head, Tortugas Lie is one of the most popular places during both peak travel season and nonpeak season. The tropical-themed restaurant blends in perfectly with the well-crafted and colorful dishes.
To snag one of the tables, make sure you go before dinner. Pick from a Caribbean fare, burgers, and seafood but also don’t forget to ask about the specials not on the menu.
Popular food items: Coco Loco chicken, Bajan Burger, Alaskan snow crab legs, and salmon salad.
3016 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC
15. Rusty’s Surf and Turf
In the Osprey Shopping Center, this eatery serves both steak and seafood with tropical accents and a Polynesian-style interior.
Keep in mind that the restaurant serves fairly small portions with high-quality ingredients for an expensive price. But the flavorful drinks and delicious food make up for the price tag.
Some of their unique dishes include Hawaiian sticky ribs, hushpuppy crusted oysters, and the coconut mahi mahi bites.
47355 North Carolina Hwy, Buxton, NC
16. Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar
A comfy yet spacious seafood restaurant in Manteo, Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar offers an eclectic mix of seafood dishes, meat dishes, and cocktails.
While the interior seating is already beautiful with blue walls and brown furniture, the outdoor seating is even better with a waterfront view to help guests experience the true atmosphere of the Outer Banks.
Popular menu items: fried local oysters, shrimp and grits, Baja fish tacos, and seared salmon over mixed greens.
2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo, NC
17. North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar
A tropical intimate dining spot in Corolla, this restaurant serves both fish and meat with flavorful cocktails and beer. You can also order a few steamed dishes like oysters and king crab legs.
This specific restaurant is located in the Timbuck II Shopping Village and is known for its filet and lobster tail, jumbo crab cakes, and seared ahi tuna.
794 Sunset Blvd G, Corolla, NC
18. Bob’s Grill OBX
An American restaurant that serves seafood and other classic dishes in Kill Devil Hills, Bob’s Grill OBX is a comfort restaurant for locals who want meals that remind them of OBX. The family-friendly restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast and brunch during peak season.
While the slogan may put some people off, the lively and carefree atmosphere is what makes people come back for more.
Popular menu items: fried oyster benedict, shrimp n grits, and corned beef hash omelette.
8709 1219 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC
19. Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant
One of the few restaurants on a marina from this list, Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant whisks you away to another world with amazing sunset and water views. Although the restaurant doesn’t have an outdoor patio, it is still possible to snag a seat with a harbor view.
Try the seafood platter, snow crab legs, blue crab ravioli, and wine.
57980 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
20. The Jolly Roger Restaurant
A restaurant that just about serves it all, The Jolly Roger Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills not only has amazing dishes but also strives to provide a fun experience for guests with a stained glass interior, glowing lights, and an added gift shop to pick up souvenirs.
Try the seafood lasagna, bloody mary, shrimp scampi, and the breakfast lasagna.
1836 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
21. Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill and Bar
Possibly one of the most popular restaurants in the Outer Banks, Barefoot Bernie’s is not only a seafood restaurant that serves fish tacos and lobster, but they also serve Asian inspired dishes like Pad Thai as well as Caribbean dishes.
If you want to dine at a restaurant in the Outer Banks that dips you into the flavors of a tropical island, then you need to visit this place.
I would also recommend trying their selection of drinks like the margarita to really get in the island mood.
3730 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Many of the top restaurants in the Outer Banks have seafood but some of them offer hearty breakfast or other lunch and dinner options for people who may not indulge in seafood as much.
Whether you want a low-key place or an upscale dining experience, there is a seafood restaurant in the Outer Banks that will fulfill your tastebuds.
Here is some more Outer Banks content to get you excited about planning your next trip: