8 Top Restaurants in Outerbanks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a favorite for food lovers, with a wide range of seafood joints, casual cafes, and elegant dining spots that reflect the region’s coastal roots and culinary creativity. Whether you’re fueling up with a hearty breakfast before hitting the beach or sitting down for a sunset dinner by the water, the Outer Banks has restaurants for every part of the day.
With help from our friends at Coastal Carolina Vacations, we’ve put together this guide to 9 excellent Outer Banks restaurants, organized by mealtime to help you plan your next food-focused trip.
Best for Breakfast & Brunch
1. The Saltbox Café at Kill Devil Hills
1469 Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills
Set in a small cottage tucked off the main road, The Saltbox Café feels like a hidden OBX eateries treasure. The husband-and-wife team behind the café brings years of fine dining experience into a cozy, unfussy atmosphere. It’s especially popular for brunch, thanks to their creative spins on coastal Southern classics.
One of the most popular dishes here is their jumbo crab cakes, which are served pan-seared and packed with sweet, lump crab meat and feature roasted baby potatoes and crispy Brussels sprouts served on the side. It’s hearty but not heavy, perfect for kicking off a day of exploring.
2. Art's Place at Kitty Hawk
4624 N Virginia Dare Trail Kitty Hawk
This longtime local hangout keeps things simple but satisfying. Art’s Place is known for its burgers, but breakfast holds its own. The breakfast sandwich, bacon, fried egg, and melted cheese on a toasted bun, is the kind of morning meal that sticks with you in the best way.
Home fries on the side add a little crunch, and you’ll often see regulars chatting over mugs of coffee on the front porch. It’s no-frills, but that’s part of the appeal.
Best for Lunch
3. Blue Moon Beach Grill at Nags Head
102 E Dove St, Nags Head
This mellow restaurant near the beach serves coastal dishes with a Southern spin. The crab-stuffed flounder is a menu favorite with its featuring flaky fish wrapped around tender crab, topped with a light sauce and served with fresh vegetables. Not sold on this menu item?
Other good bets include the shrimp and grits or the shrimp tacos, depending on your mood. Portions are generous without being over the top, and the atmosphere is welcoming for both couples and families.
4. Kill Devil Grill at Kill Devil Hills
2008 S Virginia Dare Trail
Housed in a retro diner, Kill Devil Grill mixes nostalgia with top-notch food. For those who live along the southern coast, po'boys are always a go-to lunch option, and this place does that quintessential mid-day meal perfectly. The fried shrimp po’ boy is probably their biggest hit, loaded with golden, crispy shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and a spicy remoulade on a toasted roll.
Pair it with a side of fries and you’ve got a meal that’s satisfying without slowing you down for the rest of your day. If you have room at the end of all that, then make sure to order a slice of key lime pie, a true favorite among repeat visitors.
Best for Dinner
5. The Colington Cafe at Kill Devil Hills
1029 Colington Rd
Tucked inside a picturesque Victorian house shaded by oak trees, The Colington Cafe feels like a secret OBX hideaway. Its French-inspired menu leans into local seafood, with favorite dishes like the rich, sherry-soaked crab bisque and pecan-crusted fish of the day.
Candlelit tables and soft music make it a favorite for date nights or quiet dinners. With welcoming service and a peaceful setting, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to year after year. Maybe make it an anniversary tradition?
6. Ocean Blvd Bistro at Kitty Hawk
4700 N Virginia Dare Trail
For a more modern and upscale dining experience that isn't overly fussy or otherwise "too Much", check out Ocean Blvd Bistro in Duck. This restaurant delivers creative dishes and a warm, intimate setting. The seared scallops are a highlight with their being served perfectly caramelized, plump, and alongside a bright citrus beurre blanc that cuts through the richness.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you linger over dinner, really taking in and relishing every bite. Note that this location can get pretty packed on weekend nights, and so we certainly recommend reservations for dinner at this popular Duck restaurant.
7. JK's at Kill Devil Hills
1106 S Croatan Hwy
When it comes to Outer Banks restaurants that serve up a good steak, you'll find no better than JK's. This Kill Devil Hills steakhouse specializes in mesquite-grilled meats, and their ribeye is a real big crowd-pleaser. Juicy, smoky, and cooked to perfection, it comes with creamy mashed potatoes that round out the plate.
It’s a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that hits all the right spots. We especially love this best of Outer Banks restaurants for their commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients wherever and whenever possible.
Best for Desserts
8. Duck Donuts at Multiple Locations in the Outer Banks
Duck Donuts is an OBX institution for good reason. Born in Duck, North Carolina, the brand has become synonymous with warm, made-to-order donuts topped exactly how you like them. While you really can’t go wrong, the “Bacon in the Sun” is legendary with its maple icing, crispy bacon crumbles, and a drizzle of salted caramel on a vanilla cake donut.
It's sweet, salty, and surprisingly addictive. Whether you’re grabbing a half-dozen for the road or enjoying one with your morning coffee, Duck Donuts is a rite of passage for Outer Banks visitors.
Crave that Outer Banks Flavor
Eating your way through the Outer Banks is part of what makes any trip here unforgettable. From early-morning crab cakes to seafood dinners and sunset drinks, these restaurants show off the best of the local flavors and the coastal ingredients that define OBX cuisine.
For more personalized recommendations and to find the perfect vacation rental close to these dining hotspots, make sure to check in with our trusted local partner, Coastal Carolina Vacations and get ready for your next vacation to the Carolina coastline!
