Outer Banks Restaurants

Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars

We bet you've been dreaming of eating an Outer Banks seafood dinner for months. (We understand. As locals, eating fresh-caught seafood is one of the true pleasures of living here.) Whether it's fried, broiled, blackened, grilled, steamed or raw (as in the oyster or sushi variety), there's a virtual sea of choices. Favorites such as shrimp, flounder, crab cakes and tuna are always found on menus, but seasonal favorites are much anticipated too -- soft shell crabs, oysters, rock fish, puppy drum and blue fish being big ones on the list. As you can imagine, almost every restaurant here serves Outer Banks seafood of some sort, but the ones we're noting in this category are the ones that feature it foremost on their menus and prepare it in imaginative as well as traditional ways. Steamed Outer Banks seafood is offered in many of these restaurants, but unless we specifically note it, you're smart to call ahead to confirm if that's what you're wanting. For diners who are particularly health conscious, steamed shrimp, clams or oysters accompanied by steamed veggies is a meal any trainer would approve of! A select number of Outer Banks restaurants will even cook your catch of the day – what a satisfying end to a successful day of fishing.

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

With recipes handed down from within the family, La Dolce Vita is a celebration of family, friends and coastal Italian cuisine. Favorite items from...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

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

This neighborhood tavern serves quality food at great prices. Lucky 12 has fresh local seafood, hand-patted burgers, great...read more

Mama Easley's Grub Hut is tucked away in a corner of the Timbuck II Shopping Village, and although it's a little hard to find, it's worth the hunt. The...read more

Mama Kwan's serves delicious, local Outer Banks seafood with flavors from the Pacific Rim. The chef whips up specials every...read more

Metropolis is a great spot for an evening out if you want something different from a grill and bar atmosphere. This contemporary tapas and martini bar...read more

Mexikind Taqueria is the place to go for authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu has everything from fresh guacamole and homemade salsa to fresh mahi-mahi...read more