At Corolla Beach Services, we created this guide to help you find the top waterfront restaurants in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, where you can savor delicious meals while enjoying breathtaking views. We hope you love these choices as much as we do.
The Outer Banks is not just a great place for tans and adventure seekers, but also a spot for great dining experiences. In the OBX, you’ll discover an array of waterfront dining options that blend waterside views with an excellent food experience. Here’s how we chose the best Outer Banks waterfront restaurants for a dining experience you’ll cherish.
Scenic Views
For a dining experience that stands out, seek out restaurants with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, sound, or other scenic spots. Sunset views are particularly sought-after.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another getaway, a meal with a view is guaranteed to be a highlight of your Outer Banks adventure.
Fresh Seafood
The Outer Banks is renowned for its fresh seafood, so we prioritized restaurants that showcase locally sourced ingredients. We chose spots that offer a variety of seafood dishes. The region’s seafood is as diverse as its landscape, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every seafood lover’s palate.
Local Ingredients
We opted for restaurants that highlight local and seasonal ingredients. Supporting local agriculture and fisheries not only benefits the community but also ensures you’re enjoying the freshest possible meals. Many Outer Banks eateries are dedicated to sourcing their produce, meats, and other ingredients locally.
Outdoor Seating
We like to maximize the Outer Banks weather by choosing restaurants with outdoor seating. Dining outdoors allows you to relish your meal while soaking in views of the waterfront, listening to the gentle sound of waves, or feeling a refreshing breeze. An outdoor experience can transform an ordinary meal into an exceptional one.
Live Entertainment
Some waterfront restaurants enhance their ambiance with live music and entertainment. Check out the schedules of these spots to see if you can catch a live performance during your visit. Here are some top places for live music:
- Blue Moon Beach Grill
- Fish Heads Bar & Grill
- Jockey’s Ridge Crossing
- Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
Local Craft Beverages
Explore restaurants that feature local craft beers, wines, or cocktails. The Outer Banks has a great craft beverage scene. Consider trying a new beverage and supporting local producers while you’re here.
Family-Friendly Options
We looked for family-friendly restaurants that offer amenities such as children’s menus, play areas, or engaging activities. Here are some great family-friendly waterfront spots:
- Sooey’s BBQ
- Awful Arthurs
- Giant Slice
Top Waterfront Restaurant Recommendations
Here are some top picks for waterfront dining in the Outer Banks:
- The Blue Point: Renowned for its seafood and upscale ambiance, The Blue Point serves a variety of dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
- Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe: This waterfront spot focuses on fresh seafood and Southern cuisine, offering a relaxed yet refined dining experience.
- Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant: Located in Nags Head, Miller’s offers a diverse menu that includes seafood, steaks, and other American classics, all complemented by beautiful waterfront views.
- Aqua Restaurant: Situated in Duck, Aqua Restaurant is known for its contemporary American cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and inventive dishes.
- The Saltbox Cafe: A favorite in Colington, The Saltbox Cafe offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a menu that highlights seasonal, local ingredients.
- Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant: Located in Kitty Hawk, this eatery provides oceanfront dining and a varied menu of seafood, steaks, and more.
- Tale of the Whale Restaurant: In Nags Head, Tale of the Whale features a seafood-centric menu with an emphasis on regional flavors and ingredients.
- Mulligan’s Raw Bar & Grille: This casual Nags Head spot is known for its seafood, raw bar, and pub-style fare.
- Pamlico Jack’s Soundfront Restaurant: Situated in Nags Head, Pamlico Jack’s combines seafood, Southern cuisine, and live entertainment for a lively dining experience.
- Red Sky Cafe: Located in Duck, Red Sky Cafe offers a diverse menu with global flavors and a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Enjoy your culinary journey through the Outer Banks and savor the best that these waterfront restaurants have to offer! Also, make your stay more enjoyable with Outer Banks beach setup services that can turn your ordinary beach holiday into an unforgettable experience!