The North Carolina Coast Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The North Carolina Coast - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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35 Recommendations
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1. 1718 Brewing
$$ | |Coastal North Carolina's best beer is brewed at this outpost by the sea that doubles as a sunset hangout (the views from the rooftop deck are stunning) and a purveyor of next-level pub grub, courtesy of its partner business, Plum Pointe Kitchen. Order a hazy IPA or a coffee Kölsch, plus a slider platter or the catch of the day, and soak up the last rays of sunlight.
1129 Irvin Garrish Hwy., Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, 27960, USA252-928--2337Known For
- Mexican chocolate stout
- Crab-stuffed pretzel with beer cheese
- Buzzy evening scene with stellar views
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2. Blue Moon Beach Grill
$$$ | |“Once in a blue moon, you have to taste life on a sandbar," says the sign over the bar at this small, quirky, and locally popular restaurant set in a small strip center. The generously portioned fresh seafood and Southern comfort food, lively vibe, friendly bartenders, and an open kitchen make first-timers feel at home and keep regulars returning. There's no ocean view, but it won't matter when you bite into a mahi taco or perfect fillet of flounder. Try the Truckstop, panfried pork loin with potatoes and gravy. This is one of the few OBX restaurants open every day, all year long.
4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA252-261–2583Known For
- Chef-driven, moderately priced seafood
- Fun, local bar scene
- Authentic, not tourist-driven vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted -
3. Café Pamlico
$$$$ | |Overlooking Pamlico Sound, this upscale bistro puts the focus squarely on locally sourced seafood, vegetables from the accompanying inn's own garden, and friendly service by local staff. Among the favorites are shrimp and grits, grilled catch of the day, tuna ceviche, and crab cakes.
49684 NC 12, Buxton, North Carolina, 27920, USA252-995–4500Known For
- Gorgeous sunsets
- Fine-dining atmosphere rare on Outer Banks
- Crab cakes that don't skimp on the crab
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4. Cypress Hall
$$$$ | |Chef Ashley Moser's open kitchen at this magnificent, brick-walled, fine-dining hall (it's arguably the best restaurant in a 100-mile radius) generates intensely pleasant flavors, from the charred octopus with pea and mint romesco to the kimchi pork belly and mushrooms, served as a wrap with Bibb lettuce. The wine list is excellent, but don't overlook cocktails like a margarita that's crowned with sea-salt foam.
219 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, 28560, USA252-633--5909Known For
- Strawberry cake that's a local legend
- Excellent cocktails using house-made ginger beer
- Informed service and a relaxed dining experience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
5. John's Drive In
$ | |When a large milk shake is the only thing that will do on a hot summer day, this is the place to head for—locals say they are the best on the Outer Banks, or even on the planet. And when you just can't take one more night out at a fancy restaurant, John's will come to the rescue with the best handheld food on the Outer Banks: burgers, subs, sandwiches (including grouper), all-beef hot dogs, and sides. The Dolphin Boat is a must: pieces of mahimahi (dolphinfish) on a bun, served in a boat (basket), with fries or slaw, sauce, and hush puppies. Hours vary seasonally, so call ahead on the day you plan to visit.
3716 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261–6227Known For
- The Dolphin Boat mahi sandwich
- Laid-back beachfront drive-in vibes
- 24-ounce milk shakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Dec.–Feb., Reservations not accepted -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Manna
$$$$ | Downtown |Sleek design, creative lighting, and carefully orchestrated music provide a mesmerizing backdrop to chef Carson Jewell's locally sourced ingredients and culinary artistry and the talented mixologists who create cocktails using seasonal ingredients and house-made bitters. Try the braised pork shank with sweet-potato puree, collards, and radish pico de gallo, or the pan-seared Virginia scallops with parsnip puree, braised leeks, and apple salsa. You're made to feel very special here, and there's great attention to detail.
123 Princess St., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401, USA910-763–5252Known For
- Incredible desserts, like a deconstructed peanut butter cheesecake
- Creative, locally sourced dishes
- Impeccable service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
7. Moonrakers
$$$$ | |There's a lot to love at this gorgeous three-story destination restaurant, from the blackened grouper that emeges from the open kitchen's wood-fired grill, to the sunset views, enjoyed with a signature mai tai on the appropriately named Sky Deck. Order liberally from the small plates—amidst all the seafood of coastal North Carolina, this is the spot for next-level crab dip and calamari.
326 Front St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA252-838--0083Known For
- The best views in town
- Award-winning wine list
- Seafood cooked to perfection on a wood-fired grill
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. -
8. NC Coast Grill & Bar
$$$$ | |The small plates and seafood that emerge from the open kitchen at this bold and bright waterfront eatery are a lot more creative than the name, although it is fitting—sunsets from the dining room or the outdoor tables along the deck are truly stunning. If there's a long wait or you'd like more of a great experience, the same chef owns Red Sky Cafe across the street.
1184 Duck Rd., Duck, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261--8666Known For
- Shareable plates like Korean fried cauliflower
- Local seafood fusing European and Asian flavors
- Quality local draft beer list
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9. Poor Richard's Sandwich Shop
$ | |Open since 1984, there is often a long line at the rear of this downtown Manteo institution serving gourmet classics like BLTs, Reubens, tuna melts, and pimento cheese sandwiches. Enjoy your snacks up front in the friendly, honey-blond wood bar or on the waterfront deck around back. Poor Richard's After Hours bar serves pub food in the evening, and live music rocks the house on some weekends.
303 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo, North Carolina, 27954, USA252-473–3333Known For
- Hearty, inexpensive sandwiches
- After-hours pub scene
- Battered rockfish wrap
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted -
10. Seabird
$$$$ | Downtown |On a prominent Market Street corner, chef Dean Neff's long-awaited seafood-and-cocktail lounge fully delivers, from the selection of local raw oysters to the impossibly buttery swordfish schnitzel, served with lemon jam and a mustard emulsion. The throwback style of the comfortable bar and small dining room invites leisurely meals, lubricated by addictive concoctions like the Hummingbird, made with local End of Days rum and honey-rhubarb simple syrup.
1 S. Front St., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401, USA910-769--5996Known For
- A seafood tower, featuring seasonal catches like blue crab claws and littleneck clams
- Creative, delicious cocktails
- Wine and oyster pairings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
11. The Blue Point
$$$$ | |The Outer Banks' first farm-to-table restaurant, this upscale foodie haven marries Southern roots with contemporary flair and Currituck Sound views. During its three decades of existence, the Blue Point has maintained a commitment to a sustainable menu sourced as locally as possible, with seafood, beef, and other dishes prepared to highlight their texture and flavor. Try the seared Outer Banks scallops with quinoa and turnips or the fish of the day. Blue Point has upped its bar game, offering a nice selection of creative craft cocktails. Waterfront tables are limited, so make reservations early.
1240 Duck Rd., Duck, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261–8090Known For
- Locally sourced seafood, done right
- Sunset views over Currituck Sound
- Back bar with outdoor seating in Adirondack chairs
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential -
12. The Flying Melon Café
$$$$ | |This inviting neighborhood restaurant, with picnic tables and string lights setting an inviting scene in the yard, focuses on seafood with Louisiana Creole and Southern twists (the owners lived in New Orleans), creating dishes like seafood gumbo and fried green tomatoes with rémoulade. The atmosphere is lively, the service is friendly, and there's a full bar to quench your thirst.
181 Back Rd., Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, 27960, USA252-928–2533Known For
- Fresh seafood provided by local Ocracoke fishermen
- Some dishes done in a New Orleans Creole style
- Nice blend of modern and rustic
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. -
13. AQUA Restaurant
$$$$ | |This beautifully located restaurant offers creative takes on locally sourced seafood and other dishes; there's seating on a waterside patio for great sunset views, at the bar (live music some nights), or in the main dining area. You can also get a massage at AQUA Spa upstairs or relax with a craft cocktail at the restaurant's popular afternoon happy hour. At lunch, try the corn and crab soup, fish or shrimp tacos, or the beef burger. At dinner, besides the sunset, enjoy the selection of fresh fish (catches of the day vary), pasta, and steaks. There's plenty of parking.
1174 Duck Rd., Duck, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261–9700Known For
- Waterfront dining on Currituck Sound
- Fresh, locally caught seafood
- Sunset bar scene with live music
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
14. Back Porch Restaurant and Wine Bar
$$$$ | Ocracoke Village |This cozy little cottage under a stand of pines serves stellar seafood like crab cakes and fresh diver sea scallops. Other highlights include a pecan-crusted chicken breast in bourbon sauce and the seasonal veggie Dragon Bowl. Enjoy your meal indoors or on a screened porch. If you need picnic fare, the Back Porch Lunchbox, just a block away on North Carolina Highway 12, has sandwiches, snacks, and sweets to go.
110 Back Rd., Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, 27960, USA252-928–6401Known For
- Fresh local seafood in creative preparations
- Charming dining space
- Respectable wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted -
15. Basnight's Lone Cedar Café
$$$$ | |Despite a modern rebuild after a fire, this classic seafood house directly on the water (there's an osprey nest mere feet from the dining-room window) feels old-school, thanks to nautical decor and the laid-back atmosphere. North Carolina produce and seafood star here, including OBX-style clear clam chowder and whole fried flounder. Soft-shell crabs come from an on-site shedding facility, and an extensive herb garden provides fresh seasoning.
7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA252-441–5405Known For
- Local seafood and produce
- Extra-friendly service
- Massive glass-walled wine rack
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted -
16. Beaufort Grocery Company
$$$$ | |Well known for its lunchtime sandwiches, salads, and gumbo, this quaint neighborhood bistro's dinner menu expands and goes upscale, with an emphasis on duck, pork, and local seafood. Seating expands from the rustic, black-and-white-checkered-floor dining room out onto the sidewalk.
117 Queen St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA252-728–3899Known For
- Big selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch
- Gougères (Parmesan pastries filled with shrimp or chicken salad)
- Upmarket dinners like pan-seared duck with candied orange rind
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
17. Breakwater
$$$ | |Perched atop Oden's Dock with views across the sound, this midpriced, seafood-oriented spot serves broiled and fried shrimp and fish, and plenty of specialty entrées like Cajun scallop tortellini and veggie options like coconut-curry stir-fry. The dining room is a bit small, but waiting for a table in comfortable chairs on the deck overlooking Pamlico Sound is not a chore.
57878 NC 12, Hatteras Village, North Carolina, 27943, USA252-986–2733Known For
- Crab-stuffed flounder
- Live acoustic music
- Stunning sunset views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted -
18. Catch
$$$$ | Midtown |Native Wilmingtonian chef Keith Rhodes is a James Beard Award finalist who sources local seafood for inspired, beautifully plated Asian- and Southern-influenced dishes. Copper fish sculptures decorate the dining room's sky-blue walls and watch you enjoy lump crab cakes, blackened swordfish, pan-roasted grouper, and other seafood dishes.
6623 Market St., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28405, USA910-799–3847Known For
- Locally sourced seafood
- Artistic presentations
- Celebrity chef owner, of Top Chef fame
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted -
19. Ceviche's
$$ | |Panamanian-inspired food is the focus of this lively rum bar and restaurant just across the bridge from the beach. The eponymous ceviches—traditional Panamanian corvina, lobster, and tuna "cooked" in lime juice—are all wonderful, but ropa vieja (flank steak served over coconut rice) and blackened tuna are tasty, too. Outdoor seating includes a pleasant interior atrium, and tables on the patio by the road.
7210 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403, USA910-256–3131Known For
- Flavorful empanadas and tacos
- Four house ceviche blends
- Big selection of high-quality rum drinks
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
20. City Kitchen
$$$ | |At an otherwise working marina, this small-plates restaurant and cocktail bar offers a touch of upscale class with its excellent water views. The rotating "Littles" menu is globally inspired and full of flavor, while the "Bigs" are heartier, meatier choices for dinner. A seasonal tiki bar operates on the outdoor deck that's perfect for sunsets.
114 A Town Creek Dr., Beaufort, North Carolina, USA252-648–8141Known For
- Small menu with a diverse selection
- Sticky-toffee pudding
- Sophisticated but local vibes
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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