From the very first writings about the Outer Banks by 1585 explorers Phillip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe, we've been lauded for our natural surroundings -- "the goodliest land under the cope of heaven." Certainly, anyone who comes here does so mostly because of the gifts Mother Nature has bestowed on the Outer Banks. Where else could you stand on top of a giant sand dune and watch the sun both rise and set? So, it's no wonder that dining under this cope of heaven, without a roof over your head, has been an Outer Banks restaurant tradition since the start of tourism. Outer Banks outdoor dining takes advantage of the magnificent environment that hosts it. There's no way any restaurant lighting can compete with twinkling stars! Lots of the restaurants with open air dining are located on the soundfront, so the scenic beauty is amped up as you watch the different colors of the sunset reflecting on the water. And, as an added benefit, many Outer Banks outdoor dining restaurants also offer live music on their decks. Want a local’s tip: Order a meal for take-out from your favorite restaurant, then go climb to the top of that giant sand dune and have a picnic. It’s a view that you’ve never had before while dining, that’s for sure!
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
Hurricane Mo’s is just steps from the ocean and has an intimate, beachy atmosphere. It's open year round, and you can find fresh seafood, steaks, chicken,...read more
Johanna's, operated by a longtime local restaurateur and caterer, is a food truck based at Wanchese Tiki Hut at Safe Harbor Outer Banks. Open Wednesday...read more
The specialty here is authentic frozen custard: a thick, delicious concoction of fresh cream, milk, egg yolk, sugar and...read more
Lifesaving Station is Sanderling Resort’s family-oriented, casual restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Under...read more
Lighthouse Sports Bar offers good food and brews in a laid-back atmosphere. For brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks, check out their extensive new menu that...read more
There’s a constant flow of customers at this convenience store deli counter, so you know that’s a sign the food is delicious. The deli’s breakfast offerings...read more
Authentic Indian food has finally arrived on the Outer Banks, and diners who know their North Indian cuisine are impressed. Open for lunch and dinner...read more
One of the few soundfront restaurants in the beach communities, Miller's has been a favorite on the Outer Banks for 33 years. With plenty of room to handle...read more
Part of Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar, Mimi's Tiki Hut is located directly on the docks at Pirate's Cove Marina, making it the perfect place to watch the...read more
Nags Head Pizza Company has moved from the Nags Head-Manteo Causeway to a new location on the beach road in Nags Head. The owners fixed up a 1960s...read more
Looking for great food and live music with a waterfront view? It's ready for you in Rodanthe at Neptune's Kitchen and Dive Bar. They offer live music...read more
The O’Neal family is known on the Outer Banks for its commitment to harvesting and selling fresh seafood straight out of the sea. At their fish-house...read more
