The past decade has seen the emergence of many ethnic restaurants on the Outer Banks, broadening the culinary possibilities in a very appreciated way. And, some of the most popular have been restaurants that expand their menus to include dishes with Caribbean and Mediterranean bents. This means you'll find such options as coconut-crusted fish, jerk-seasoned chicken, conch fritters, fish and chicken tacos with lime sauce, fresh sauces with tropical fruits at their center and -- our favorite -- Rasta Pasta. Ha! Don't you love it! Sides often include the staples of rice and beans and chips and salsa. Many of these Caribbean and Mediterranean restaurants also look the part, with bright colors, tiki lights and Caribbean-looking decor. To make it all work even better, your favorite tropical drinks are often specialties of the house too. Often, these Caribbean and Mediterranean restaurants are particular favorites of vegetarians since most all of them offer meat-free menu options. But, meat lovers savor the pulled pork, braised beef and pepper-seared tuna with a side of cucumber salad. Sushi is often on the menu too, as is a variety of steamed seafood. The laid back atmosphere of these Outer Banks eateries makes them fun places to just hang out and enjoy time with friends too.
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 Caribbean & Mediterranean
5218 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 1, Kitty Hawk
Rundown Cafe serves island cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food is a fusion of Pacific Rim and Caribbean flavors, and they have a substantial menu of vegetarian options. Upstairs you'll find an authentic surf bar with a super large ocean-view deck where you'll find live music in season. This is a great family-friendly restaurant since the menu is very affordable and there are lots of choices for kids. Rundown serves lunch and dinner seven days a week in the summer. You can also order take-out here. They are closed from the end of November until March 1.
Rundown Cafe serves island cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food is a fusion of Pacific Rim and Caribbean flavors, and...read more
Rundown Cafe serves island cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food is a...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
1608 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 7, Kill Devil Hills
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar is a casual restaurant with a colorful and lively island-style atmosphere. The interior decor inspires happiness with bright murals, local artwork, fish tanks and vintage license plates on the walls surrounding the lobby and bar. The menu is fresh and creative, combining Outer Banks seafood with vacation-destination island influences, like Caribbean Creole Pasta, Caberete Shrimp, Caicos Coconut Shrimp Salad and Seafood Kingston. The Rasta Pasta, Tuna Oscar, Tuna Reuben and Jazzy Coconut Chicken are rounded out by daily specials and selections from the steam and raw bar. Not in the mood for seafood? Goombays offers plenty of chicken, beef and vegetable options, from great burgers to awesome sandwiches and, of course, chicken wings. Goombays is family friendly with a unique kids' menu and specialty kid drinks. The full bar features about 50 beer selections, including a wide range of North Carolina craft brews along with wine and signature cocktails. Their namesake Goombay Smash can be served as a Kill Devil Smash using locally crafted Kill Devil Silver & Pecan Honey Rums. Goombays serves lunch and dinner, and the bar stays open until midnight with late-night steamed and raw seafood.
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar is a casual restaurant with a colorful and lively island-style atmosphere. The interior decor inspires happiness with...read more
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar is a casual restaurant with a colorful and lively island-style...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
5218 N. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 1, Kitty Hawk
Rundown Cafe serves island cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food is a fusion of Pacific Rim and Caribbean flavors, and they have a substantial menu of vegetarian options. Upstairs you'll find an authentic surf bar with a super large ocean-view deck where you'll find live music in season. This is a great family-friendly restaurant since the menu is very affordable and there are lots of choices for kids. Rundown serves lunch and dinner seven days a week in the summer. You can also order take-out here. They are closed from the end of November until March 1.
Rundown Cafe serves island cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food is a fusion of Pacific Rim and Caribbean flavors, and...read more
Rundown Cafe serves island cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food is a...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
47355 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
Experience island cuisine and the vibrant and bold flavors of the tropics at Rusty's Surf and Turf on Hatteras Island. Rusty Midgett, the owner and chef, is a native of the island who gained valuable experience in some of Philadelphia's top restaurants. Inspired by his travels to surf destinations like the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera and the Pacific Rim, Midgett creates creative and delicious dishes using fresh seafood and premium beef. The restaurant is adorned with colorful and cheerful local artwork and has a full bar that features North Carolina beers and handcrafted cocktails. Rusty's also offers a fun bar menu with appetizers. In the summer, dinner is served seven days a week, and off-season hours are available upon request. The restaurant is conveniently located between Natural Art Surf Shop and the ABC Store. Get ready to be surprised by the unique flavors and preparations at Rusty's Surf and Turf.
Experience island cuisine and the vibrant and bold flavors of the tropics at Rusty's Surf and Turf on Hatteras Island. Rusty Midgett, the owner and chef,...
read moreExperience island cuisine and the vibrant and bold flavors of the tropics at Rusty's Surf...
read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
Bad Bean Baja Grill creates a distinctive dining experience. Utilizing techniques and flavors found all across Latin America, California and the Baja...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
Barefoot Bernie’s is a fun, family-friendly restaurant that's open year round for lunch and dinner. They pride themselves on offering big portions at...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
In a marvelous, brand-new building a half-mile south of its original location, Blue Moon Beach Grill has evolved from a small, casual grill into a...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
Broken Plate Kitchen brings a taste of the Caribbean islands to Corolla. Chef/owner Sean Caiden and co-owner Amaloi Crossman hail from Jamaica, and they...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
A good place to gather your friends, Fishbones has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that will have you lingering over a beer long after you’ve
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Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
Food Dudes is a place that really is all about the food. With years of experience working in the best local kitchens, the Food Dudes are big on preparing...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Contributor
Check out Ocracoke's only Mediterranean-style cafe with delicious house-made offerings like hummus, baba ghanouj, tzatziki, falafel and a variety of salads. Local shrimp and lamb are on the menu as well. The hands-on owners freshly bake the pitas to perfection every day, as well as the dough for their personal 9-inch pizzas with your choice of toppings, including a Greek option. Breakfast includes traditional breakfast sandwiches, pita wraps, egg plates and spanakopita that can be kicked up a notch with a variety of add-ins. Located in Spencer's Market on School Road, Helios' Hideaway is open Monday through Saturday for takeout breakfast and lunch, and outdoor seating is available. Online ordering is available. Don't forget the baklava!
Check out Ocracoke's only Mediterranean-style cafe with delicious house-made offerings like hummus, baba ghanouj, tzatziki, falafel and a variety of...read more
Check out Ocracoke's only Mediterranean-style cafe with delicious house-made offerings like hummus, baba ghanouj, tzatziki,...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
Originally from Sicily, Josephine's owner, Josephine Caggese, has decades of experience as a chef and brings her passion...read more
Outer Banks Caribbean & Mediterranean
At the south entrance of the Currituck Club, Low Tide Bar & Grill is a great place for a casual lunch or dinner. The menu offers island-inspired, low...read more