Though it's hard to imagine, some people who vacation here -- or even who live here -- don't like seafood! Inconceivable, right? But that's ok...just leaves more for the rest of us. And, for you non-piscatorial folks, or just for you diners who are looking for a change from the fruits of the sea, we do boast some pretty darn good Outer Banks steak restaurants. Of course, their menus will also include chicken and fish, just as traditional seafood places also serve steaks and chicken, but for the restaurants we categorize here, their steaks and other meats are known to be top of the line and expertly prepared. We love the Outer Banks steak restaurants that have kitchens open to view so we can see the grill masters in action. When you pair these steaks and other grilled meats with the freshest, locally sourced vegetables and a wine that perfectly complements, well…you’re in for a fine meal. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the best Outer Banks steak restaurants are those considered the best Outer Banks restaurants overall. It just goes to show that an expertly trained chef – and all the top restaurants here have them -- will do it right no matter what!
Outer Banks Restaurants by Area
Corolla | Duck & Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island
Outer Banks Restaurants by Category
Outer Banks Steaks
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Contributor
1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring until late fall. Enjoy the air-conditioned dining room, the long wooden bar, the expansive screened porch with ceiling fans or the sky deck with an island view. The iconic bar features beers from craft and major breweries on tap and in bottles, wine and signature cocktails. Kids' meals are served on a take-home Frisbee. Howard’s Pub has been a destination for more than 30 years, creating Ocracoke memories for many generations. The wall-to-wall memorabilia and the Pub Shop with its collection of t-shirts, hats and other island treasures make Howard's Pub a legendary spot for food and fun for all ages.
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring...read more
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads,...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
This Outer Banks landmark restaurant at the top of many locals’ lists of favorite places. The service is genuinely friendly, and the portions are more than generous. You’ll enjoy views of Roanoke Sound on both sides of the restaurant, including nightly sunsets. They feature only local, fresh North Carolina seafood that comes in whole and is cleaned in their state-certified fish-cleaning house, located onsite. They also serve local produce, all-natural chicken, vegetarian dishes, pasta and USDA Angus steaks. Their dedication to freshness includes their own herb and vegetable garden as well as their own crab shedders. Their wine room features thousands of bottles of wine and accompanies a roomy bar area where you can order from a bar menu, a tapas menu or the full restaurant menu. Their special occasion buffets – Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, Father's Day – are hugely popular, and they also offer on- and off-premise catering for any size or type of event. In season, Lone Cedar Cafe serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), Sunday brunch and lunch at the food truck in the parking lot Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you want a quick and delicious lunch, the Lone Cedar Cafe food truck is your ticket for local seafood sandwiches, fish boats and more (the daily menu is posted on Facebook). Lone Cedar Cafe closes between New Year's and Valentine's Day every year. Call for off-season hours.
This Outer Banks landmark restaurant at the top of many locals’ lists of favorite places. The service is genuinely friendly, and the portions are more...read more
This Outer Banks landmark restaurant at the top of many locals’ lists of favorite places....read more
Outer Banks Steaks
3848 N.Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 4, Kitty Hawk
Housed in a former U.S. Lifesaving Station and full of character and rustic charm, the Black Pelican is on the Beach Road, directly across from the ocean. They have a deck bar with great ocean views and, of course, lots of fresh seafood on the menu. Choose from steamed seafood, steaks or pizza from the wood-fired brick oven, a locals' favorite. Each night they offer an eclectic list of chef’s specials, and they have a kids' menu with lots of choices. Save room for one of their home-baked desserts; you’ll see what we mean when you pass the display case on your way in. The Black Pelican serves lunch and dinner every day, plus a late-night menu is served at the bar and in the restaurant. This is a lively place where you can find a fun bar scene. They are open all year.
Housed in a former U.S. Lifesaving Station and full of character and rustic charm, the Black Pelican is on the Beach Road, directly across from the...read more
Housed in a former U.S. Lifesaving Station and full of character and rustic charm, the...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
49684 N.C. Highway 12, The Inn on Pamlico Sound, Buxton
An intimate restaurant, Cafe Pamlico is The Inn on Pamlico Sound’s signature eatery, offering gourmet cuisine overlooking the waters of the sound. Cafe Pamlico’s casual fine dining features local seafood, vegetables grown on-site, organic beef and poultry, homemade soups, appetizers, desserts and an extensive wine and beer list. You can opt for a multi-course meal or stop in and grab appetizers at their well-stocked bar. Their chefs are always willing to accommodate special dietary needs including offering options that are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan. The menu changes seasonally. With a large enclosed party room and outdoor balcony seating, you can dine indoors or al fresco; both options offer an unforgettable waterfront sunset view. Cafe Pamlico features live acoustic music year-round and also offers on-site and off-site catering. The inn and its restaurant are both handicapped accessible. Reservations are strongly recommended.
An intimate restaurant, Cafe Pamlico is The Inn on Pamlico Sound’s signature eatery, offering gourmet cuisine overlooking the waters of the sound. Cafe...read more
An intimate restaurant, Cafe Pamlico is The Inn on Pamlico Sound’s signature eatery, offering gourmet...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
521 S. U.S. Highway 64, Manteo
Darrell’s is a family-style seafood restaurant that’s a locals' favorite and has been operated by the Daniels family for more than five decades. It dates back to 1960 when Darrell Daniels started the Polar Bear Drive-In. When the second generation came on board in 1972, the family changed the focus to a seafood restaurant and renamed it Darrell's Seafood Restaurant. Now the third generation is working here. Seafood is still the specialty, and locals know that Darrell’s does seafood right. The fried oysters, served with the traditional fixings of coleslaw, French fries and hush puppies, are widely touted as the best anywhere. The blackened tuna over black beans and rice is both healthy and delicious. Land food, children’s fare and light dishes are also available. Darrell's also has a wood-fired grill for barbecue. Helpings are heaping, and the desserts are delicious, if you have room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday.
Darrell’s is a family-style seafood restaurant that’s a locals' favorite and has been operated by the Daniels family for more than five decades. It...read more
Darrell’s is a family-style seafood restaurant that’s a locals' favorite and has been operated by...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
46843 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
Diamond Shoals is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving visitors and locals for 30 years. It’s open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and welcomes large groups. Breakfast is full service and hearty, including omelets, platters, hotcakes and more. At lunch or dinner, be sure to try their award-winning clam chowder and crab bisque. They are well known for having the largest fish selection on Hatteras Island as well as for their large salad bar and full-service sushi bar, which is open Monday through Saturday. Since Diamond Shoals Restaurant carries all ABC permits, they have a vast selection of cocktails and favorite draft beers as well as an established sake bar, which makes them unique on Hatteras Island. Their seafood market is open daily with a large selection of fresh, local seafood. Catering for all your events or family gatherings is available; choose from sushi, fresh seafood or from their vast menu of options.
Diamond Shoals is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving visitors and locals for 30 years. It’s open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and...read more
Diamond Shoals is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving visitors and locals for 30 years. It’s...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
7013 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Between The Bypass and The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
Dunes Restaurant has been a breakfast and dinner favorite among Outer Banks locals and visitors for more than four decades. Breakfast here is a certifiable Nags Head tradition. Their hearty meals and platters are a huge draw, and their breakfast menu is one of the biggest on the beach, with choices like shrimp and grits, creamed chipped beef, N.C. country ham, a crab and shrimp omelet and a waffle platter. At dinnertime, the Dunes is known for its Outer Banks-style seafood – shrimp, scallops, oysters and fish served lightly breaded and golden fried or lightly seasoned and broiled, with all the favorite sides. Other favorites include crab cakes, steaks, burgers and their famous fried chicken. Just be careful not to fill up on the piping hot hush puppies with honey butter that are served before your meal (trust us, they’re irresistible!). Family-owned and -operated, the Dunes welcomes children and large groups to their casually and comfortably elegant restaurant and R-Bar, serving specialty cocktails, wine and beer. And yes, you can eat in or take out – whichever you want. A retail area in the front of the store, Roxie's Retail, tempts with children’s toys, women’s accessories, jewelry, scarves, original paintings, photographs, Outer Banks memorabilia and much more.
Dunes Restaurant has been a breakfast and dinner favorite among Outer Banks locals and visitors for more than four decades. Breakfast here is a certifiable...read more
Dunes Restaurant has been a breakfast and dinner favorite among Outer Banks locals and visitors...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
40050 N.C. Highway 12, Avon
This long-established, freshly updated seafood-oriented restaurant is committed to serving top-quality, scratch-made fare in a friendly setting. In the ship-themed pub and dining room, diners enjoy lots of seafood, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, pasta dishes, gluten-free items, vegetarian options and kids' offerings. The full bar has a focus on craft brews and North Carolina beers, and their in-house sommelier has gathered wines from around the world into an impressive wine selection. On select evenings, they offer a six-course wine-pairing dinner. The popular Sunday Brunch is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a special menu. Private dining areas are available for wine dinners, events and celebrations. Froggy Dog is the sister restaurant of the popular Avon restaurants Cups & Cones and Muffins & Scones.
This long-established, freshly updated seafood-oriented restaurant is committed to serving top-quality, scratch-made fare in a friendly setting. In the ship...read more
This long-established, freshly updated seafood-oriented restaurant is committed to serving top-quality, scratch-made fare in a...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
24502 N.C. Highway 12, Waves Village Watersports Resort, Rodanthe
Whether you’ve worked up an appetite kiteboarding on-site or you just want a meal with a water view, Good Winds Restaurant is an excellent choice on northern Hatteras Island. Good Winds serves tasty and inventive beach cuisine, fresh-caught local seafood and the widest selection of wine and regional craft beer in the Tri-Villages. Located above Kitty Hawk Kites on the second floor of Waves Village Watersports Resort in Rodanthe, Good Winds is known for delicious food at a reasonable price and for the most spectacular sunsets on the Outer Banks. Situated directly on the soundfront overlooking a premier kiteboarding spot, Good Winds is an unforgettable setting for a romantic dinner, casual get-together with friends or a family outing.
Whether you’ve worked up an appetite kiteboarding on-site or you just want a meal with a water view, Good Winds Restaurant
...
read more Whether you’ve worked up an appetite kiteboarding on-site or you just
...
read more
Outer Banks Steaks
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Contributor
1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring until late fall. Enjoy the air-conditioned dining room, the long wooden bar, the expansive screened porch with ceiling fans or the sky deck with an island view. The iconic bar features beers from craft and major breweries on tap and in bottles, wine and signature cocktails. Kids' meals are served on a take-home Frisbee. Howard’s Pub has been a destination for more than 30 years, creating Ocracoke memories for many generations. The wall-to-wall memorabilia and the Pub Shop with its collection of t-shirts, hats and other island treasures make Howard's Pub a legendary spot for food and fun for all ages.
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring...read more
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads,...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
1110 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke
Jason's Restaurant has a lot of loyal local customers because it serves tasty, traditional and reasonably priced food in a casual atmosphere. Pizza, pasta, subs, sandwiches, salads, steaks, chicken and, of course, fresh seafood are served for lunch and dinner. Chef Jimmy Bowen offers a different tasty special every day. See their beer and wine menu for drink choices. Don't miss the mouthwatering homemade desserts for the finishing touch for your meal. Jason's is open January through November.
Jason's Restaurant has a lot of loyal local customers because it serves tasty, traditional and reasonably priced food in a casual atmosphere. Pizza, pasta...
read moreJason's Restaurant has a lot of loyal local customers because it serves tasty, traditional and...
read more
Outer Banks Steaks
208 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
For locally brewed beers and perfectly accompanying British pub-style cuisine, head to Lost Colony Tavern in downtown Manteo. The tavern offers a wide range of dishes for all tastes, ranging from British favorites like Welsh Rarebit, Fish & Chips, Scotch Eggs, Bangers & Mash and Cottage Pie to burgers, salads crab cakes and shrimp and grits. The Full Moon Crab Dip from this restaurant's predecessor is, blessedly, still on the menu. There's a kids' menu as well. They serve the award-winning beers of Lost Colony Brewery in Stumpy Point along with wine and cocktails. Take a seat at one of the umbrella-covered outdoor tables on a warm day or night or sit inside in the intimate restaurant with a similar view of the streetscape. The outside terrace is dog friendly. The tavern is open for lunch and dinner; call for hours. Dinner reservations are accepted. Live acoustic music and trivia nights are popular here.
For locally brewed beers and perfectly accompanying British pub-style cuisine, head to Lost Colony Tavern in downtown Manteo. The tavern...read more
For locally brewed beers and perfectly accompanying British pub-style cuisine, head to Lost Colony Tavern...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
777 Sunset Boulevard, Corolla
Mike Dianna's Grill Room is owned and operated by a true Corolla local who grew up here and has lived in the area since 1984. The restaurant starts with the best raw products they can find, such USDA Prime beef, fresh and local seafood, all-natural chicken, pork and pasta. The restaurant has a live hardwood grill where they cook all of their steaks and seafood, and it's the only one of its kind on the northern part of the Outer Banks. They have a wonderful children's menu and an ever-changing specials menu, and they cater to gluten-free, dairy-free and allergy-related restrictions. The Grill Room serves brunch complete with homemade buttermilk biscuits, a house-cured lox platter, crabcake sandwiches, deviled eggs, daily omelette specials and more. Indoor and outdoor dining are available, as are curbside pickup and free delivery on the paved roads of Corolla (online ordering available). Reservations are recommended for all party sizes for both brunch and dinner and can be made online.
Mike Dianna's Grill Room is owned and operated by a true Corolla local who grew up here and has lived in the area since 1984. The...read more
Mike Dianna's Grill Room is owned and operated by a true Corolla local who grew up...read more
