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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18 Recommendations
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1. Blue Moon Beach Grill
$$$ | |“Once in a blue moon, you have to taste life on a sandbar," says the sign over the bar at this small, quirky, and locally popular restaurant set in a small strip center. The generously portioned fresh seafood and Southern comfort food, lively vibe, friendly bartenders, and an open kitchen make first-timers feel at home and keep regulars returning. There's no ocean view, but it won't matter when you bite into a mahi taco or perfect fillet of flounder. Try the Truckstop, panfried pork loin with potatoes and gravy. This is one of the few OBX restaurants open every day, all year long.
4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA252-261–2583Known For
- Chef-driven, moderately priced seafood
- Fun, local bar scene
- Authentic, not tourist-driven vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted -
2. Café Pamlico
$$$$ | |Overlooking Pamlico Sound, this upscale bistro puts the focus squarely on locally sourced seafood, vegetables from the accompanying inn's own garden, and friendly service by local staff. Among the favorites are shrimp and grits, grilled catch of the day, tuna ceviche, and crab cakes.
49684 NC 12, Buxton, North Carolina, 27920, USA252-995–4500Known For
- Gorgeous sunsets
- Fine-dining atmosphere rare on Outer Banks
- Crab cakes that don't skimp on the crab
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3. Moonrakers
$$$$ | |There's a lot to love at this gorgeous three-story destination restaurant, from the blackened grouper that emeges from the open kitchen's wood-fired grill, to the sunset views, enjoyed with a signature mai tai on the appropriately named Sky Deck. Order liberally from the small plates—amidst all the seafood of coastal North Carolina, this is the spot for next-level crab dip and calamari.
326 Front St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA252-838--0083Known For
- The best views in town
- Award-winning wine list
- Seafood cooked to perfection on a wood-fired grill
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. -
4. NC Coast Grill & Bar
$$$$ | |The small plates and seafood that emerge from the open kitchen at this bold and bright waterfront eatery are a lot more creative than the name, although it is fitting—sunsets from the dining room or the outdoor tables along the deck are truly stunning. If there's a long wait or you'd like more of a great experience, the same chef owns Red Sky Cafe across the street.
1184 Duck Rd., Duck, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261--8666Known For
- Shareable plates like Korean fried cauliflower
- Local seafood fusing European and Asian flavors
- Quality local draft beer list
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5. Seabird
$$$$ | Downtown |On a prominent Market Street corner, chef Dean Neff's long-awaited seafood-and-cocktail lounge fully delivers, from the selection of local raw oysters to the impossibly buttery swordfish schnitzel, served with lemon jam and a mustard emulsion. The throwback style of the comfortable bar and small dining room invites leisurely meals, lubricated by addictive concoctions like the Hummingbird, made with local End of Days rum and honey-rhubarb simple syrup.
1 S. Front St., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401, USA910-769--5996Known For
- A seafood tower, featuring seasonal catches like blue crab claws and littleneck clams
- Creative, delicious cocktails
- Wine and oyster pairings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. The Blue Point
$$$$ | |The Outer Banks' first farm-to-table restaurant, this upscale foodie haven marries Southern roots with contemporary flair and Currituck Sound views. During its three decades of existence, the Blue Point has maintained a commitment to a sustainable menu sourced as locally as possible, with seafood, beef, and other dishes prepared to highlight their texture and flavor. Try the seared Outer Banks scallops with quinoa and turnips or the fish of the day. Blue Point has upped its bar game, offering a nice selection of creative craft cocktails. Waterfront tables are limited, so make reservations early.
1240 Duck Rd., Duck, North Carolina, 27949, USA252-261–8090Known For
- Locally sourced seafood, done right
- Sunset views over Currituck Sound
- Back bar with outdoor seating in Adirondack chairs
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential -
7. The Flying Melon Café
$$$$ | |This inviting neighborhood restaurant, with picnic tables and string lights setting an inviting scene in the yard, focuses on seafood with Louisiana Creole and Southern twists (the owners lived in New Orleans), creating dishes like seafood gumbo and fried green tomatoes with rémoulade. The atmosphere is lively, the service is friendly, and there's a full bar to quench your thirst.
181 Back Rd., Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, 27960, USA252-928–2533Known For
- Fresh seafood provided by local Ocracoke fishermen
- Some dishes done in a New Orleans Creole style
- Nice blend of modern and rustic
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. -
8. Back Porch Restaurant and Wine Bar
$$$$ | Ocracoke Village |This cozy little cottage under a stand of pines serves stellar seafood like crab cakes and fresh diver sea scallops. Other highlights include a pecan-crusted chicken breast in bourbon sauce and the seasonal veggie Dragon Bowl. Enjoy your meal indoors or on a screened porch. If you need picnic fare, the Back Porch Lunchbox, just a block away on North Carolina Highway 12, has sandwiches, snacks, and sweets to go.
110 Back Rd., Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, 27960, USA252-928–6401Known For
- Fresh local seafood in creative preparations
- Charming dining space
- Respectable wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted -
9. Basnight's Lone Cedar Café
$$$$ | |Despite a modern rebuild after a fire, this classic seafood house directly on the water (there's an osprey nest mere feet from the dining-room window) feels old-school, thanks to nautical decor and the laid-back atmosphere. North Carolina produce and seafood star here, including OBX-style clear clam chowder and whole fried flounder. Soft-shell crabs come from an on-site shedding facility, and an extensive herb garden provides fresh seasoning.
7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA252-441–5405Known For
- Local seafood and produce
- Extra-friendly service
- Massive glass-walled wine rack
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted -
10. Breakwater
$$$ | |Perched atop Oden's Dock with views across the sound, this midpriced, seafood-oriented spot serves broiled and fried shrimp and fish, and plenty of specialty entrées like Cajun scallop tortellini and veggie options like coconut-curry stir-fry. The dining room is a bit small, but waiting for a table in comfortable chairs on the deck overlooking Pamlico Sound is not a chore.
57878 NC 12, Hatteras Village, North Carolina, 27943, USA252-986–2733Known For
- Crab-stuffed flounder
- Live acoustic music
- Stunning sunset views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted -
11. Catch
$$$$ | Midtown |Native Wilmingtonian chef Keith Rhodes is a James Beard Award finalist who sources local seafood for inspired, beautifully plated Asian- and Southern-influenced dishes. Copper fish sculptures decorate the dining room's sky-blue walls and watch you enjoy lump crab cakes, blackened swordfish, pan-roasted grouper, and other seafood dishes.
6623 Market St., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28405, USA910-799–3847Known For
- Locally sourced seafood
- Artistic presentations
- Celebrity chef owner, of Top Chef fame
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted -
12. Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill
$$$ | |The Widespread Panic concert posters lining the walls are the first clue that this isn't the usual waterfront seafood spot; the next is the quality of the non-seafood options, like a strawberry and arugula salad, or the spicy margherita flatbread pizza. Of course, the ocean's bounty is well represented, from seafood corn chowder to a creamy shrimp carbonara.
58646 NC 12, Hatteras Village, North Carolina, 27943, USA252-986--1414Known For
- Upscale food with a laid-back vibe
- Sunset views across the sound
- Creative approach to fresh seafood
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. -
13. MJ's Raw Bar and Grille
$$ | |This little downtown seafood joint with sidewalk and indoor seating serves fresh coastal food in a setting full of local charm. You'll see plenty of fried seafood on the menu, but reasonably priced plates from the raw bar (combination platters of oysters, clams, steamed shrimp, and crab) do not disappoint. Daily specials include deals on whole Maine lobsters, peel-and-eat Carolina shrimp, and beach-friendly cocktails.
216 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, USA252-635–6890Known For
- Crab cakes
- Steamed seafood platters
- Bloody Marys
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
14. Oceanic
$$$ | |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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15. Owens' Restaurant
$$$$ | |Family owned since 1946, this restaurant, housed in a replica of an early-19th-century Outer Banks Lifesaving Station, feels like dining in a nautical museum: classic clapboard construction, pine paneling, and walls of maritime artifacts. The traditional crab cakes are popular, and the 14-layer chocolate cake is a long-standing favorite.
7114 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA252-441–7309Known For
- Fresh-off-the-boat local seafood
- Filet mignon topped with lump crabmeat and asparagus with béarnaise sauce
- History as a Nags Head institution
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted -
16. Persimmons
$$$ | |New Bern's only waterfront restaurant doesn't rely on geography to impress—the craft cocktails, seared scallops, and entrées like salmon and local littleneck clams over angel-hair pasta taste even better when you're seated directly over the water, but this inspired menu is a win even without the stunning views.
100 Pollock St., New Bern, North Carolina, 28560, USA252-514--0033Known For
- Rich tomato pie
- Live music on the waterfront deck
- Inspired takes on the local catch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
17. Provision Company
$$ | |This laid-back, colorful joint right on the water is the place to enjoy the day's catch with zero pretension, prepared to simple perfection, from steamed local shrimp and clams to a 10-ounce yellowfin tuna steak.
130 Yacht Basin Dr., Southport, North Carolina, 28461, USA910-457--0654Known For
- Grouper salad
- Peel-and-eat shrimp
- Waterfront dining
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18. Sam and Omie's
$$$ | |Named after two fishermen, father and son, this no-nonsense shack opened in 1937 and is one of the Outer Banks' oldest restaurants. Fishing photos hang between mounted catches on the walls, and classic country music twangs in the background. Locals flock here, especially for breakfast or a lunch of Hatteras-style clear clam chowder and fried seafood.
7228 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA252-441–7366Known For
- Big breakfasts
- Local-style steamed and fried seafood
- Oysters lauded as the best on the beach
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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