The Outer Banks along the North Caroline coast are a fascinating bland of primitive coastline and rich maritime history. Visitor to the the island can find excellent accommodations and fine cuisine. The coastal cuisine features food made with local ingredients, fresh seafood, and southern cooking.
Following are some of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks:
The Left Bank
The Sanderling
1461 Duck Road
Duck, NC
877-650-4812
Formal dining room features breathtaking views of the Currituck Sound. French-inspired, contemporary American cuisine is complemented by the award winning collection of fine wines. The menu constantly changes/ Tasting menus, with three or four course, are created by Chef Kenneth Sloane and his talented staff. The Left Bank has been the recipient of numerous awards including: “Cream of the Crop” in 2003 by Washington Post, two Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence, Culinary Hospitality Restaurant of the Year at the Santa Awards an has been featured in the 2004 August addition of Food and Win Magazine. AAA Four Diamond.
Blue Point Grill
1240 Duck Road
Duck, NC
252-261-8090
Waterfront restaurant overlooks the Currituck Sound. The Blue Point has a style of cooking known as southern coastal cuisine. Fresh, regional ingredients are used to create southern specialties. Seafood is the specialty of the house. The menus change continuously. There is an extensive wine list to complement the cuisine. Dinner entrees include: corn meal crusted southern fried catfish, red wine braised lamb shank, cider brined grilled pork chop, torchio pasta & fresh Carolina shrimp saute, grilled prime beef tenderloin, pan fried Carolina jumbo lump crab cakes, grilled prime rib eye, and pan seared king salmon. Delicious desserts include warm Kentucky Bourbon pecan tart, classic key lime pie, seasonal farm market fruit cobbler, warm dark chocolate torte, double vanilla bean creme brulee and milk chocolate mousses cake. AAA Three Diamond.
Elizabeth’s Cafe & Winery
Scarborough Fair
Duck, NC
252-251-6145
Awards include DiRona and Wine Spectator, Best of Award of excellence. AAA Three Diamond
Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar
Beach Road
Kitty Hawk, NC
252-261-2546
Big Plates include: herb roasted half chicken, braised Colorado lamb shank, baked local founder, panko crusted salmon, citrus-thyme-molasses grilled pork tenderloin, pan seared duck breast and grilled Angus tenderloin of beef or grilled New York strip. AAA Three Diamond.
Meridan 42
Kitty Hawk, NC
252-261-0420
Specializes in coastal Mediterranean cuisine. Eclectic wine list feature wines from European and America. Entrees include braised Wellington farms chicken, bacon and pine nut crusted Ikarimi salmon filet, pan seared local shrimp and Tuscan ham, ginger crested jumbo sea scallops, crispy potato wrapped local whitefish, Tuscan glazed sirloin of beef, and chicken fried port tenderloin. Desserts include “Reese’s Cup”, white chocolate creme brulee and summer lemon parfait. AAA Three Diamond.
1587 Restaurant
Manteo, NC
252-473-1587
Distinctive atmosphere where food is prepared with artistry and presented with flair. Fresh ingredients and herbs are grown from 1587’s own garden. Features local seafood and meats. Entrees include seared and peppered organic king salmon, marinated grill pork loin, grilled tuna steak over Asian shrimp, peppered beef tenderloin atop while cheddar scallion grit cake, char grilled rack of lamb and pan roasted duck breast . Hearty Chops menu offers chophouse style cuts of beef, chicken, king Salmon, pork and shrimp. AAA Three Diamond.
Owen’s Restaurant
Beach Road
Nags Head, NC
Family owned restaurant since 1946. Four generations have offered hospitality to visitors and residents. They have a collection of museum quality artifacts which are dedicated to the maritime history of the Outer Banks. Menu features the rich cuisine of the Coastal South. The menu highlights are fresh seafood and shellfish off the oat. Features Whole Maine lobster, Angus beef, ribs, pasta and homemade desserts. Excellent wine list. AAA Three Diamond.
Penquin Isle SoundsideRestaurant
6708 S. Croatan Hwy.
Nags Head, NC
252-441-2637
Information subject to change. Contact the restaurant for further information and to make reservations.
