The North Carolina Coast Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The North Carolina Coast - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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27 Recommendations
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1. 1718 Brewing
$$ | |Coastal North Carolina's best beer is brewed at this outpost by the sea that doubles as a sunset hangout (the views from the rooftop deck are stunning) and a purveyor of next-level pub grub, courtesy of its partner business, Plum Pointe Kitchen. Order a hazy IPA or a coffee Kölsch, plus a slider platter or the catch of the day, and soak up the last rays of sunlight.
1129 Irvin Garrish Hwy., Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, 27960, USA252-928--2337Known For
- Mexican chocolate stout
- Crab-stuffed pretzel with beer cheese
- Buzzy evening scene with stellar views
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2. Blue Moon Beach Grill
$$$ | |“Once in a blue moon, you have to taste life on a sandbar," says the sign over the bar at this small, quirky, and locally popular restaurant set in a small strip center. The generously portioned fresh seafood and Southern comfort food, lively vibe, friendly bartenders, and an open kitchen make first-timers feel at home and keep regulars returning. There's no ocean view, but it won't matter when you bite into a mahi taco or perfect fillet of flounder. Try the Truckstop, panfried pork loin with potatoes and gravy. This is one of the few OBX restaurants open every day, all year long.
4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA252-261–2583Known For
- Chef-driven, moderately priced seafood
- Fun, local bar scene
- Authentic, not tourist-driven vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted -
3. Cypress Hall
$$$$ | |Chef Ashley Moser's open kitchen at this magnificent, brick-walled, fine-dining hall (it's arguably the best restaurant in a 100-mile radius) generates intensely pleasant flavors, from the charred octopus with pea and mint romesco to the kimchi pork belly and mushrooms, served as a wrap with Bibb lettuce. The wine list is excellent, but don't overlook cocktails like a margarita that's crowned with sea-salt foam.
219 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, 28560, USA252-633--5909Known For
- Strawberry cake that's a local legend
- Excellent cocktails using house-made ginger beer
- Informed service and a relaxed dining experience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
4. Freshfit Cafe
$ | |When you need a break from seafood platters, head here for smoothies, local kombucha, and tasty wraps and BLTs.
7531 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA252-715--6444Known For
- Picnic-table seating directly on the water
- Fun bar with beer and wine
- Vegan breakfast and lunch options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Thurs. -
5. John's Drive In
$ | |When a large milk shake is the only thing that will do on a hot summer day, this is the place to head for—locals say they are the best on the Outer Banks, or even on the planet. And when you just can't take one more night out at a fancy restaurant, John's will come to the rescue with the best handheld food on the Outer Banks: burgers, subs, sandwiches (including grouper), all-beef hot dogs, and sides. The Dolphin Boat is a must: pieces of mahimahi (dolphinfish) on a bun, served in a boat (basket), with fries or slaw, sauce, and hush puppies. Hours vary seasonally, so call ahead on the day you plan to visit.
3716 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261–6227Known For
- The Dolphin Boat mahi sandwich
- Laid-back beachfront drive-in vibes
- 24-ounce milk shakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Dec.–Feb., Reservations not accepted -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Moonrakers
$$$$ | |There's a lot to love at this gorgeous three-story destination restaurant, from the blackened grouper that emeges from the open kitchen's wood-fired grill, to the sunset views, enjoyed with a signature mai tai on the appropriately named Sky Deck. Order liberally from the small plates—amidst all the seafood of coastal North Carolina, this is the spot for next-level crab dip and calamari.
326 Front St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA252-838--0083Known For
- The best views in town
- Award-winning wine list
- Seafood cooked to perfection on a wood-fired grill
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. -
7. NC Coast Grill & Bar
$$$$ | |The small plates and seafood that emerge from the open kitchen at this bold and bright waterfront eatery are a lot more creative than the name, although it is fitting—sunsets from the dining room or the outdoor tables along the deck are truly stunning. If there's a long wait or you'd like more of a great experience, the same chef owns Red Sky Cafe across the street.
1184 Duck Rd., Duck, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261--8666Known For
- Shareable plates like Korean fried cauliflower
- Local seafood fusing European and Asian flavors
- Quality local draft beer list
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8. Poor Richard's Sandwich Shop
$ | |Open since 1984, there is often a long line at the rear of this downtown Manteo institution serving gourmet classics like BLTs, Reubens, tuna melts, and pimento cheese sandwiches. Enjoy your snacks up front in the friendly, honey-blond wood bar or on the waterfront deck around back. Poor Richard's After Hours bar serves pub food in the evening, and live music rocks the house on some weekends.
303 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo, North Carolina, 27954, USA252-473–3333Known For
- Hearty, inexpensive sandwiches
- After-hours pub scene
- Battered rockfish wrap
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted -
9. The Blue Point
$$$$ | |The Outer Banks' first farm-to-table restaurant, this upscale foodie haven marries Southern roots with contemporary flair and Currituck Sound views. During its three decades of existence, the Blue Point has maintained a commitment to a sustainable menu sourced as locally as possible, with seafood, beef, and other dishes prepared to highlight their texture and flavor. Try the seared Outer Banks scallops with quinoa and turnips or the fish of the day. Blue Point has upped its bar game, offering a nice selection of creative craft cocktails. Waterfront tables are limited, so make reservations early.
1240 Duck Rd., Duck, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261–8090Known For
- Locally sourced seafood, done right
- Sunset views over Currituck Sound
- Back bar with outdoor seating in Adirondack chairs
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential -
10. AQUA Restaurant
$$$$ | |This beautifully located restaurant offers creative takes on locally sourced seafood and other dishes; there's seating on a waterside patio for great sunset views, at the bar (live music some nights), or in the main dining area. You can also get a massage at AQUA Spa upstairs or relax with a craft cocktail at the restaurant's popular afternoon happy hour. At lunch, try the corn and crab soup, fish or shrimp tacos, or the beef burger. At dinner, besides the sunset, enjoy the selection of fresh fish (catches of the day vary), pasta, and steaks. There's plenty of parking.
1174 Duck Rd., Duck, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261–9700Known For
- Waterfront dining on Currituck Sound
- Fresh, locally caught seafood
- Sunset bar scene with live music
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
11. Back Porch Restaurant and Wine Bar
$$$$ | Ocracoke Village |This cozy little cottage under a stand of pines serves stellar seafood like crab cakes and fresh diver sea scallops. Other highlights include a pecan-crusted chicken breast in bourbon sauce and the seasonal veggie Dragon Bowl. Enjoy your meal indoors or on a screened porch. If you need picnic fare, the Back Porch Lunchbox, just a block away on North Carolina Highway 12, has sandwiches, snacks, and sweets to go.
110 Back Rd., Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, 27960, USA252-928–6401Known For
- Fresh local seafood in creative preparations
- Charming dining space
- Respectable wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted -
12. Beaufort Grocery Company
$$$$ | |Well known for its lunchtime sandwiches, salads, and gumbo, this quaint neighborhood bistro's dinner menu expands and goes upscale, with an emphasis on duck, pork, and local seafood. Seating expands from the rustic, black-and-white-checkered-floor dining room out onto the sidewalk.
117 Queen St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA252-728–3899Known For
- Big selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch
- Gougères (Parmesan pastries filled with shrimp or chicken salad)
- Upmarket dinners like pan-seared duck with candied orange rind
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
13. Buxton Munch Company
$ | |This casual lunch spot, tucked away in a strip center, has been going strong for over 20 years, specializing in fish and shrimp tacos, wraps, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. There's nothing fancy here, but prices are reasonable, and there may be a line at peak times.
47359 NC 12, Buxton, North Carolina, USA252-995–5502Known For
- Crabby pattie crab cakes
- Inexpensive and fairly quick
- Local institution
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
14. Ceviche's
$$ | |Panamanian-inspired food is the focus of this lively rum bar and restaurant just across the bridge from the beach. The eponymous ceviches—traditional Panamanian corvina, lobster, and tuna "cooked" in lime juice—are all wonderful, but ropa vieja (flank steak served over coconut rice) and blackened tuna are tasty, too. Outdoor seating includes a pleasant interior atrium, and tables on the patio by the road.
7210 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403, USA910-256–3131Known For
- Flavorful empanadas and tacos
- Four house ceviche blends
- Big selection of high-quality rum drinks
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
15. Clawson's 1905 Restaurant and Pub
$$ | |A combination of fresh seafood, local beers, and live music make this a Front Street staple, especially for lunch. Housed in a 1900s grocery building, Clawson's is stuffed with memorabilia dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Beaufort. Hearty food such as ribs, steaks, pasta, and seafood are part of the attraction, and ask about blue-plate lunch specials. The pub highlights a selection of North Carolina microbrews and schedules regular Friday Night Flights tastings.
425 Front St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA252-728–2133Known For
- Casual atmosphere for lunch or a hearty dinner
- Good selection of microbrews
- Historic memorabilia about Beaufort
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted -
16. Cow Café
$ | |This black-and-white-spotted café and ice cream parlor is popular with families. Sandwiches, "cowlossal" all-beef hot dogs, "cowsadillas," house-made caramel corn, and apple pie "à la moo" are served, too.
319 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, 28560, USA252-672–9269Known For
- Many varieties of ice cream
- Black-and-white cow toys, gifts, and memorabilia
- Kid-friendly fun
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted -
17. CRU
$ | |In the morning, pick up a bagel, a breakfast burrito, and a latte at this downtown coffee shop. Grab a sandwich or wrap to go for lunch, and come back in the evening for ice cream or to enjoy one of coastal North Carolina's best wine selections, by the glass or the bottle.
120 Turner St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA252-728--3066Known For
- House-made chocolate bars
- Gourmet coffee drinks
- Ice-cream cones and floats
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18. MJ's Raw Bar and Grille
$$ | |This little downtown seafood joint with sidewalk and indoor seating serves fresh coastal food in a setting full of local charm. You'll see plenty of fried seafood on the menu, but reasonably priced plates from the raw bar (combination platters of oysters, clams, steamed shrimp, and crab) do not disappoint. Daily specials include deals on whole Maine lobsters, peel-and-eat Carolina shrimp, and beach-friendly cocktails.
216 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, USA252-635–6890Known For
- Crab cakes
- Steamed seafood platters
- Bloody Marys
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
19. Oceanas Bistro
$$$ | |Open year-round for lunch and dinner (seasonally for breakfast), this long-established and popular roadside restaurant is a great spot to get local seafood and a variety of other dishes at moderate prices. Daily specials range from prime rib to tacos and grillers, a cross between a pizza and a quesadilla that's topped with tuna, crab, chicken, or veggies. The bistro has a full bar and a good selection of local beers to wash it all down with.
40774 NC 12, Avon, North Carolina, 27915, USA252-995–4991Known For
- Well-prepared seafood and other dishes
- Moderate prices
- Tuna, crab, or chicken grillers
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20. Oceanic
$$$ | |At Crystal Pier, this casual fine-dining destination lets you indulge in entrées like crab-stuffed salmon or a platter of Calabash seafood while sitting directly over the sand and surf. Sunday brunch—when specialties like crab and wild mushroom hash make their appearance—is particularly popular.
703 S. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, 28480, USA910-256--5551Known For
- Carolina crab dip
- Upscale but reasonably priced seafood
- Stunning location with outdoor seating directly on the ocean
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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