This category -- Diners, Delis & Grills -- sounds a bit like the popular TV show starring Guy Fieri known as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and, indeed, five Outer Banks restaurants made the cut to be on that show in 2013! For an area the size of the Outer Banks, that's pretty impressive! And, it says a lot about the quality of food you find here, even at establishments that aren't considered fancy and five star. In fact, some of the most sought after food here can be found at burger joints that have been here for decades, restaurants that offer Blue Plate specials, delis that make sandwiches so packed that you honestly can't open your mouth wide enough to take a bite and simple Mom and Pop places that have been pleasing their patrons for a long time with their own brand of Outer Banks fare. Most of the Outer Banks diners, delis and grills tend to be moderate in price, and all of them are places you wouldn't need to dress up for or hesitate to take your kiddos along. But, as we've said, that by no means should tell you to lower your expectations about the food. As with all restaurants, ask your server to tell you the menu items that locals order most, and then do the same. Imitation is flattery, but it's also smart when it comes to ordering a meal.
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
Dune Street Rawbar & Grill is a new Nags Head restaurant tucked in the corner of Surfside Plaza. The restaurant is spacious, and the ambiance is vibrant...read more
Fatty's Eatery is open for breakfast and lunch every day. They describe their menu as "crazy on purpose," satisfying everyone from the most adventurous...read more
Firetender is an exciting new casual yet upscale restaurant in Manteo. Based at the Hotel Manteo on the main highway, the restaurant is centered around its...read more
First Light feels a bit like Restoration Hardware meets surf shack with reclaimed hardwood floors and cool, red bench seats at the bar. In addition to lunch...read more
Five Guys serves up their famous burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and, of course, french fries. You can add cheese and bacon to your burger and then...read more
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
New in 2023, Frisco Bay Coastal Gril is open for lunch and dinner daily. They serve a big menu with something for everyone, from shareables and...read more
Frisco Sandwich Company serves quick, healthy fare for people on the go. It’s fast, but we can’t call it fast food because it’s all prepared with care and...read more
This friendly neighborhood takeout restaurant is a Roanoke Island favorite for delicious New York-style, hand-tossed pizzas that are loaded with...read more
Lunch at this deli is worth a trip to Wanchese, whether you go by car or by boat. The name comes from what the locals call a water feature near here. The...read more
Grits Grill serves up monstrous portions of breakfast foods all day along, with huge fluffy biscuits and all the eggs, bacon and grits combos you can...read more
Harbor Deli offers lunch and take-out fare. The lunch menu is large, with specialty sandwiches – including the popular Shrimp Burger – seafood salads, daily...read more
