Though it's hard to imagine, some people who vacation here -- or even who live here -- don't like seafood! Inconceivable, right? But that's ok...just leaves more for the rest of us. And, for you non-piscatorial folks, or just for you diners who are looking for a change from the fruits of the sea, we do boast some pretty darn good Outer Banks steak restaurants. Of course, their menus will also include chicken and fish, just as traditional seafood places also serve steaks and chicken, but for the restaurants we categorize here, their steaks and other meats are known to be top of the line and expertly prepared. We love the Outer Banks steak restaurants that have kitchens open to view so we can see the grill masters in action. When you pair these steaks and other grilled meats with the freshest, locally sourced vegetables and a wine that perfectly complements, well…you’re in for a fine meal. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the best Outer Banks steak restaurants are those considered the best Outer Banks restaurants overall. It just goes to show that an expertly trained chef – and all the top restaurants here have them -- will do it right no matter what!
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 Steaks
7013 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Between The Bypass and The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
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.
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...read more
Dunes Restaurant has been a breakfast and dinner favorite among Outer Banks locals and visitors...read more
Chilli Peppers Coastal Grill & Pupuseria is famous on the Outer Banks for its coastal cuisine, fresh seafood, flavors from around the world and award-...read more
The newest establishment from a longtime Hatteras restaurateur, Cockeyed Clam focuses on locally sourced seafood and New American cuisine. The setting is...read more
Colington Café is located on Colington Road in a Victorian-style home. This is a great place for a special night out, and it has received accolades...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Contributor
Specializing in fresh, local seafood, Dajio is the perfect choice for those looking for traditional, Southern-coastal dishes that are creative and exciting. They offer a casual lunch selection with salads, wraps, sandwiches and burgers and an elevated dinner menu featuring nightly specials and homemade desserts. The menu changes with the seasons to bring guests the finest ingredients from the sea and their backyard garden at the peak of freshness. A kids' menu is always available. Just off the harbor in the heart of Ocracoke Village, Dajio offers elegant indoor dining as well as a casual outdoor atmosphere with a multi-level patio and full outside bar with frequent live music. You will find craft beers, a wide wine selection and inventive cocktails. Pets are always welcome on the patio, especially during Shrimp Hour from 3 to 5 p.m. daily. Online orders are available. Look for the full menu and live music calendar online.
Specializing in fresh, local seafood, Dajio is the perfect choice for those looking for traditional, Southern-coastal dishes that are creative and...read more
Specializing in fresh, local seafood, Dajio is the perfect choice for those looking for traditional,...read more
Dinky’s name stems from the fact that the folks at the Village Marina call their small marina “the best little dink marina in town.” This is a cozy, 68-seat...read more
You can find Dirty Dick’s at two locations on the Outer Banks – in Nags Head on the Bypass and on Hatteras Island in the same shopping center as Food Lion...read more
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
Fuji is a Japanese steakhouse where hibachi cooks prepare authentic Japanese food right in front of you. The meals are...read more
The Hatteras Sol Deli has moved and expanded into the Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill. Just like their deli menu, everything at the grill is fresh and homemade...read more
Outer Banks Steaks
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Contributor
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring until late fall. Enjoy the air-conditioned dining room, the long wooden bar, the expansive screened porch with ceiling fans or the sky deck with an island view. The iconic bar features beers from craft and major breweries on tap and in bottles, wine and signature cocktails. Kids' meals are served on a take-home Frisbee. Howard’s Pub has been a destination for more than 30 years, creating Ocracoke memories for many generations. The wall-to-wall memorabilia and the Pub Shop with its collection of t-shirts, hats and other island treasures make Howard's Pub a legendary spot for food and fun for all ages.
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads, sandwiches and more every day from spring...read more
Fun, eclectic and casual, Howard's Pub serves local fish, oysters, shrimp, juicy chargrilled burgers, salads,...read more
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
JK's is famous for its steaks and fresh seafood, all cooked over a mesquite wood grill. The steaks are of exceptional quality and are prepared by JK's in-...read more
