Outer Banks Restaurants

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. 

Serving healthy, clean and fresh foods and drinks, FreshFit Cafe makes it easy to stick to your health and fitness goals. The owners are health-focused and nutrition-oriented and they want to help people eat better so that they have more energy, less stress and fuller lives. FreshFit serves balanced breakfasts and lunches and offers organic coffee, a juice bar, smoothies, detox drinks, a kids' menu and healthy desserts. Local seafood, seasonal fruits and vegetables and clean proteins are the basis for the menu offerings. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. If you have questions about your diet or nutrition, just ask and they will help you.

The second restaurant from the team at Duck’s Red Sky Cafe, NC Coast Grill & Bar has an open kitchen, concrete bar, upscale coastal decor and waterfront location that create a lively, hip and low-key atmosphere for gathering with family and friends over drinks, snacks, shareable plates, popular Chef Boards and meals. Owner/Chef Wes Stepp describes NC Coast’s cuisine as celebrating the flavors of the coastal South while bringing in cross-cultural and global influences. The menu features eclectic preparations of local seafood, regional produce and all-natural meats, and vegetarian and vegan options are available. Indoors you’ll find a 15-seat bar, chef’s tasting seating by the kitchen and an open and airy atmosphere with a wall of windows overlooking the sound. Outdoors you’ll find seating and bar tables right on Duck Boardwalk, along with a temperature-controlled tent, perfect for catching sunsets and live music in the warm seasons. Dockage is available for shallow-draft boats. NC Coast serves lunch and dinner and is open seven days a week.

Acai bowls and fresh-pressed juice in Manteo? Yes, it's true! Roanoke Island Market is the place for coffee, juice, smoothies, toasts, salads, paninis, acai bowls and fresh-baked goods and bread in downtown Manteo. If you're familiar with the tasty, healthy offerings at Freshfit Cafe in Nags Head, you'll be glad to know that this is a sister restaurant from the same owners. Roanoke Island Market offers outdoor seating on the patio or indoor seating with an awesome view of Shallowbag Bay and the Manteo waterfront. Also located in this space is Poodles and Bob, a pop-up store with all the things you need (and want) for your dog friends. You'll find it in the Waterfront Shops, one level up from the street.

Getting Shipwrecked on the Outer Banks is far from a bad thing at this new tap house and grill in Kitty Hawk. If you're looking for inspired Outer Banks cuisine, exceptional drinks, a place to kick back in the fresh air, enjoy ocean views and find entertainment, this is your destination. Their two-story restaurant features a second-floor balcony, downstairs dining room and bars on both levels. Have lunch on the outdoor patio, happy hour with a wine, beer or craft cocktail on the balcony that faces over the ocean or settle down to dinner in the dining room. Their menu serves creative dishes, including Southern-inspired classics, Caribbean and Asian fusion, steamers, small bites and more. Their bar offers 22 brews on taps, and many TVs around the restaurant make it a great spot to catch the game. This restaurant is brought to you by the same family as Sooey's BBQ and Rib Shack, Sandtrap Tavern and Simply Southern Kitchen. 

Fig Tree Bakery & Deli serves breakfast and lunch menu items that offer choices for every craving. Breakfast combinations are available on biscuits, bagels and English muffins. Deli sandwiches and wraps are made to order, as are salads with fresh ingredients. Enjoy breakfast or lunch under the umbrellas on the outdoor seating area or grab and go on the way to the beach or ferry. You'll find it hard to resist. Sweettooth offers a variety of ice cream, candies, pastries, desserts and coffees. They're known for their traditional Ocracoke Fig Cake as well as a large selection of homemade fudge to choose from.

The Slushy Stand is the perfect place for refreshment and a relaxing spot to indulge your craving for sweets or coffee. Stop in and try one of their 21 flavors of ice cream, slushies, milkshakes, floats, cold drinks and smoothies. They have breakfast items like muffins and bagels to go along with their freshly ground regular brew, a very smooth but robust Cuban coffee. Espresso, cappuccino or lattes are additional options. With free WiFi and a morning newspaper, this is a great place to start the day. Relax on the porch rocking chairs and watch the world go by. Bike rentals are available by the hour, day or week.