Best OBX Restaurants
The Outer Banks are best known for their beaches, laid-back charm, and intriguing history. Beyond its scenic beauty, OBX is also known for its thriving food scene, which attracts visitors from near and far. Finding a great restaurant in the Outer Banks is an integral part of creating memorable vacation experiences, and that’s only half of the fun. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch spot or an upscale dinner setting, the OBX dining scene is a great place to start. With this guide, you’ll experience the diverse culinary scene and explore some of our favorites for every meal. Let’s dig in!
Rise & Shine to the Best Breakfast in OBX
Starting your day with a hearty, delicious breakfast is easy when you consider southern staples like fluffy biscuits and savory shrimp and grits as some of your options. The Outer Banks offers a stunning array of breakfast destinations to fuel your adventures and prepare you for a day in paradise. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients that not only nourish your body, but provide the perfect introduction to dining in the Outer Banks.
Henry’s Restaurant
3396 North Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Henry’s Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant highlighting a simple, down-to-earth dining experience in the Outer Banks. This principle is highlighted in Henry's breakfast menu, where you can find classic breakfast dishes with an OBX flair. Add crab to the start of the day with the crab benedict or a crab and cheese omelet. You can also keep it classic with pancakes or waffles and a delicious addition of breakfast sides like bacon and sausage. For an affordable restaurant that has something for the entire family, Henry’s Restaurant is a great way to start the day!
Stack ‘em High
1225 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
For breakfast lovers that really enjoy letting pancakes and waffles shine, Stack ‘em High has the ultimate breakfast menu filled with homemade creations. Open from 7 am to 12:30 pm, you can show up first thing in the morning or make it a brunch date. Create crazy waffle combinations using their extensive list of toppings and enjoy other breakfast dishes like omelets and breakfast sandwiches. Fill up your tummy or save some room for lunch with your choice of a short stack and tall stack of flapjacks.
Beachside Bistro
1731 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Kick your breakfast up a notch and discover American Coastal cuisine with an oceanfront view. Beachside Bistro is a member of Outer Banks Catch meaning that the menu features local seafood options that change with Chef’s Daily specials. Add fresh crab and diced shrimp to your grit bowl or omelet, and taste the fresh flavors of the Outer Banks. Beachside Bistro is the best start to your morning when you want to eat somewhere with an atmosphere that offers slightly more than casual comfort. Check out the breakfast menu for the season and find your next favorite dish!
Best Lunch Spots in the Outer Banks
Lunchtime in the Outer Banks is the perfect chance to recharge amid the day's exciting adventures. Unwind with a tasty meal overlooking the ocean as you enjoy seafood dishes fresh from its waters. Discover local favorites with a diverse array of cuisines to choose from. These OBX lunch spots highlight the vibrant culinary scene and create an exciting flavorful adventure during your trip.
Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill
4020 North Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill offers fun for the family, even for your pets! Creating the perfect atmosphere as you wait to get into your vacation rental, you can have fun, relax, and enjoy a delicious lunch all in one place. From burgers and sandwiches to soups and salads, you’ll enjoy the coastal charm of these dishes. Add crab cakes, salmon, fried oysters, and more to your salad or try out the jerk tuna nachos for a delightful burst of flavor. You can also keep an eye on the event calendar to keep Shipwrecks on your list as one of your favorite hangout spots.
Barefoot Bernie’s
3730 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC, 27949
You will never become tired of the fusion of flavors brought to your table at Barefoot Bernie’s. Blending Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asian flavors, and more, you can expect the bright and colorful atmosphere to match the welcoming decor on the wall. The huge lunch menu at Barefoot Bernie’s leaves you wanting to come back each day of your visit. Choose from pastas, gumbo, tacos, pizzas, and other classic dishes for an scrumptious presentation of the flavors of the world. Barefoot Bernie’s is a must-visit by locals and tourists alike.
Kill Devils Custard
1002 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
What better way to take a lunch break than cooling off with a cone or cup of ice cream from Kill Devils Custard. The fun doesn’t stop there, grab a hot dog, burger, or sandwich before heading to the beach to feel like a kid again. Build your own hurricane or grab a float and take a much needed break from your long day of adventures. To top it off, adding fresh-cut fries to the picture creates the perfect dipping companion for your ice cream. Take a break from the heat and grab a bite to eat from Kill Devils Custard! Take a look at the menu to find your next treat!
Dive into the Best Dinner in the Outer Banks
Outer Banks dinner restaurants are the best way to experience local seafood. With coastal dishes that include fresh-caught crab, shrimp, oysters, and more, you'll find restaurants that create unique dishes with these classic ingredients. You'll even find restaurants that help you savor your fresh catch of the day, allowing you to reel in relaxation as you wait for a mouthwatering dinner. Here are a few restaurants that create an energetic dining experience for you and your family!
Tortuga’s Lie
3016 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
The dinner menu at Tortuga's Lie is a delightful fusion of Southern flavors and fresh, locally-sourced seafood. Start with the creole crawdads or cayman conch fritters to get a true taste of coastal dining. Follow up with the St. Martin shrimp pasta or island steak to continue experiencing that burst of flavor. For dessert, you can enjoy a fresh baked pie ranging from key lime, coconut creme, chocolate chip pecan, or chocolate chip peanut butter. Tortuga’s Lie was voted one of the top places to eat and featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, so don’t take our word for it, give it a try yourself!
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
7623 S Virginia Dare Tr, Nags Head, NC 27959
Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe is the epitome of coastal waterfront dining. Voted one of the top restaurants to cater events in the Outer Banks, Basnight's serves fresh local seafood dishes and will even cook your clean catch of the day. Start with the jumbo lump crab dip to prepare your palate for fresh seafood. With entrees ranging from shrimp and grits to a half-pound burger and even a kid menu, there's something for the entire family. To finish out the night, enjoy one of the handmade nightly specials. When your vacation calls for an authentic seafood dinner, you can't go wrong with this pick. Take a look at the dinner menu to see for yourself!
Josephine’s Kitchen
3701 Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Although the Outer Banks is known for its fresh seafood restaurants, Josephine's Kitchen makes a mark in the community as the only place for authentic Sicilian food. Locals and tourists come for the tasty food and stay for the lively atmosphere and the passion behind each dish. Start your meal with the artichoke casserole or stuffed grape leaves to save room for the main course. Follow up with the veal parmesan or Josephine's combo for a flavorful pasta dish. For dessert, experience an authentic cannoli or the classic cheesecake for the perfect end to the night. Discover what Josephine's Kitchen has waiting for you in the Outer Banks!
Start Planning Your OBX Dining Experience For Your Trip
When visiting restaurants in the Outer Banks, we recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone to find a culinary gem in the diverse food scene. From cozy cafes to waterfront restaurants, you can find everything from a delicious meal for the seasoned palate to a comfort meal that compliments your beach getaway. Ready for dessert? The icing on the cake of this entire culinary journey is finding a comfortable vacation home to sleep off your food coma. Plan your beach vacation with Carolina Shores and find a luxury Outer Banks vacation rental near your favorite seafood restaurants!