2026 American Guide

A popular spot for years with island residents and locals alike, The Flying Melon Café is known for its distinctive blend of Creole and Southern cuisine that’s amplified with a collection of locally and regionally sourced fresh...

Excellent, upscale food with a world-class view!

An Italian and American restaurant with a huge recreation room including pool tables. 

Aqua Restaurant and Spa in Duck, like the ocean its name represents, aims to provide a place of healing and rejuvenation. Aqua offers not only nourishment for the body, but the for soul and the environment as well.Along with providing the best...

Ardent is a delightful gem nestled in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, perfect for those who appreciate fine dining and cozy atmospheres. This charming eatery impresses guests with its carefully crafted menu, showcasing fresh, local ingredients that...

A shop full of souvenirs, food, clothing with special services, too.

Ate.5 Market embodies the spirit of community and culinary delight in Kill Devil Hills. This charming establishment welcomes visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, where the aroma of fresh produce and local delicacies creates an irresistible...

A pleasant, casual cafe with two locations offering seafood, sandwiches, salads, and coffee and frozen drinks.

Bacchus Wine & Beer Bistro is a great stop for a wide variety of tasty treats. Create a meal from their selections or take home a great bottle of wine and one or more of their tempting cheeses! Gourmet is the watchword here. You will enjoy...

Located in the charming village of Ocracoke, Back Porch Lunchbox brings a delightful slice of coastal life to your day. This inviting eatery is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and delicious, homemade offerings that embody the spirit of the...

At Bad Bean Baja Grill, a delightful culinary oasis in Kitty Hawk, locals and visitors alike gather to savor the vibrant flavors of Baja-style cuisine. This charming eatery brings the warmth of the sun-drenched coast to life, offering a colorful...

Specializing in exquisite and refreshing island cuisine in a classy yet casual tropical ambience, Barefoot Bernie's Tropical Grill & Bar has become a true destination on the Outer Banks restaurant circuit. The bright and welcoming family...

Beachside Bistro is a charming oceanfront restaurant in Kill Devil Hills offering American Coastal cuisine in the heart of the Outer Banks. With a focus on fresh flavors and creative dishes, the bistro provides a welcoming atmosphere for both...

Nestled along the beautiful coastline of Kitty Hawk, Beachside Bites is a charming eatery that captures the essence of seaside dining. As soon as you step inside, the inviting atmosphere wraps around you like a warm ocean breeze. Bright...

Blue Moon is one of the hottest new restaurants on the Outer Banks. Scott and Melissa Shields opened the Blue Moon in the dead of the winter of 2009, when everyone else was running worried over the shaky economy. But the restaurant has...

Enjoy a long and lingering meal with the bustling on-the-water activity of Manteo as your backdrop at this spacious eatery that is renowned for fresh seafood and a beautiful coastal atmosphere. Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar has an ever-changing and...

Boardwok South is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Waves, North Carolina, where the laid-back vibe of the Outer Banks meets vibrant culinary creativity. This charming eatery invites visitors to relax and savor an array of delicious...

If you’re looking for a delicious diner where you can find down home, southern-style cookin’, Bob’s Grill in Kill Devil Hills is a must visit. This unique, retro-style diner serves breakfast and lunch all day.  Just...

The most laid back beach grill on the Outer Banks featuring bistro quality Coastal Comfort Food all with a throwback to the surfboard shapers and wave riders on the break! The Shack has an inviting and warm old school driftwood atmosphere with an...

An onsite golf restaurant with full bar open for lunch year round and dinner seasonally.

Located in the heart of Avon, Burger Burger Island Bites is a local favorite that captures the spirit of beachside dining with its laid-back atmosphere and delicious menu. This charming eatery is a go-to spot for both residents and vacationers...

Buxton Munch Co is a delightful gem that locals and visitors alike adore. Nestled within the charming Osprey Shopping Center, this eatery captures the essence of coastal cuisine with a twist. As you enter, a warm atmosphere greets diners, making it...

Since its opening in early January 2012, Café Lachine has become a popular stop for fresh deli sandwiches and salads, and truly delectable homemade baked treats and breads. Better still, the menu, written on chalk on the wall, is interesting...

Capt’n Franks opened its doors in 1975, and since has been a local and visitor favorite. It’s laid back menu is perfect for picky kids, or a craving for an easy, delicious meal. If you need a change from the regular fast food...

If you’re vacationing, why not enjoy “all you can eat.” Captain Georges Seafood Restaurant offers an incredible buffet of over 70 items. Pile your plate high with snow crab legs, oysters, shrimp, salmon and mahi-mahi --- and all...

At Captain's Quarters Bar and Lounge, visitors discover a cozy retreat that perfectly captures the spirit of Nags Head. With its nautical theme, the atmosphere is both relaxed and welcoming, inviting guests to unwind after a day of sun and surf. The...

Carolina Bar-B-Que & Seafood Company is a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Manteo, where the warm aroma of smoked meats and fresh seafood fills the air. This locally owned eatery embodies the essence of coastal North Carolina cuisine, offering...

Carolina Kitchen is a beloved local eatery that captures the essence of coastal North Carolina living. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, patrons are greeted by the aroma of homemade dishes that reflect the rich culture and culinary traditions...

Situated inside convenient outposts like Duck Thru Food Stores along the busy routes leading to and throughout the North Carolina Outer Banks, Champs Chicken provides a quick and hearty dining option for both year round locals and hungry summer...

Situated along the picturesque Shallowbag Bay, Charlotte's on Shallowbag Bay is a delightful culinary gem that captures the essence of waterfront dining in Manteo. This charming eatery offers breathtaking views of the water, creating a serene...

Chilli Peppers Grill & Pupuseria is a local favorite for great food and a fun nightlife. The restaurant serves great food from around the world with a southwestern influence and sandwiches for lunch, as well as seafood and hearty entrees for...

Coastal Cantina offers the best in open-air eateries and award-winning Tex Mex menu items. Customers can have the best in cantina cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Currituck Sound in the Waterfront Shops in Duck. 

Whether you’re in the mood for an easy-going breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the heart of Duck, or are looking for a big feast to enjoy at the vacation rental home, there’s a lot to crave at this eatery that has plenty of variety, and...

Tucked away just off of N.C. Highway 12 in Buxton, Cockeyed Clam is a popular restaurant with families, fishermen, and visitors of all tastes, thanks to its expansive and crowd-pleasing menu, and a variety of local staples and fresh seafood dishes...

The Colington Cafe is a unique and romantic upscale restaurant located off the beaten path in Kill Devil Hills off Colington Road. The Victorian house is nestled in shady oaks with beautiful gardens and southern ferns, offering a unique atmosphere...

There’s an art to doing a home-style chicken dinner right in the South. You need a chicken fried to golden, crispy perfection obviously. Then you need the appropriate fixings, like mac and cheese and coleslaw. Finally, you need that familial...

A natural grass mini golf course.

Corolla Seafood Buffet is a delightful dining destination where seafood lovers can indulge in an array of fresh and flavorful dishes. Nestled in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, this charming buffet offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect...

Best Pizza in in Corolla since 1995! Cosmo’s Pizzeria has continued to be a family favorite on the northern Outer Banks for over 15 years. Outdoor dining, full bar, and specialty menu (including gluten-free pizza) are a few of our many...

Family owned and operated since 1990 at the same location, this deli is not fancy, but it’s got what counts: good food at good prices.  And since Country Deli has been time-tested on the Outer Banks, where the word of mouth can kill off a...

Cozy Kitchens is a delightful haven for food lovers in the heart of Kitty Hawk. This charming establishment is known for its warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a visit to a friend’s home. The aroma of fresh-baked goods and...

Wow! A drive-up with great tasting and healthy food? That’s what this unique restaurant ---which had once been a Burger King ---offers, at least for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is just great food, and you’ll have to come inside to get...

Dairy Queen, endearlingly called “DQ” by fans, is a soft serve ice cream and restaurant chain serving tasty eats, treats and beverages. 

Located in the center of Ocracoke village, Dajio showcases the best of local ingredients in a fresh and distinctive menu that borrows inspiration from the heart of the island. With a mouth-watering array of brunch, lunch, and dinner items, food fans...

Dare Devil’s Pizzeria is the perfect beach town pizzeria, where you can enjoy good food and a casual atmosphere with a menu that will please anyone in your group. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, or you prefer a salad, sandwich or...

If you’re looking for fresh North Carolina seafood, Dinky’s will hit the spot. Chef Dwight Callahan cooks up a new seafood dinner special for every night of the week, with menu changes each season. Also on the menu are duck, steak and...

Dough Shack Express is a delightful little gem nestled in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, perfect for anyone craving fresh, delicious pizza. This cozy spot captures the essence of beachside dining with its welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering...

Serving Hickory-Smoked Barbecue & Deli Sandwiches for over 25 Years, Duck Deli is as popular and as quaint as its location. The Deli was opened in 1988 by a retired PA dentist, Ronald Forlano, and his son Ken. Today it remains a family venture...

Duck Pizza Company’s menu features a huge selection of creative pizza combinations with 24 varieties to choose from. They also offer a variety of ice cold beer. Eat in, take out or take advantage of free delivery from Pine Island to...

Opened since the 1950s at the same Whalebone Junction location,  although no one seems to know exactly when, Dune Burger is one of the oldest drive-up burger joints on the Outer Banks. It’s just a cinder block square, painted red and...

Dune Street Rawbar & Grill is a delightful destination for seafood lovers and casual diners alike, nestled along the picturesque coastline of Nags Head. This restaurant perfectly captures the relaxed atmosphere of beach life, where the salty air and...

Cap off a long day on the beach and toast an Outer Banks sunset with a visit to this gathering spot that’s perched on the edge of the Currituck Sound. Eventide features a selection of cheese and charcuterie boards, sandwiches, salads, and...

What’s great about Fatboyz is you can stroll over to it from the beach in your bathing suit, get some tasty food and ice cream, and sit right down on their outside porch and enjoy it. No worries about your wet bathing suit or sandy bare feet...

WELCOME TO OBX’S HOTTEST GATHERING SPOT—a celebration of craft, comfort, community, & conversation. LOCATED IN THE NEWLY RESTORED HOTEL MANTEO, we’re serving up stone-oven pizzas & hearth-fired skillets, along with Weeping...

Start your day with a tasty breakfast and keep them in mind for lunch and dinner, too. A real mix of American foods. 

Since it first opened in June 1995, Fishbones has offered the best in creative Caribbean style Cuisine combined with fresh local Outer Banks Seafood to complement its upbeat casual dining atmosphere. It is is also the home of the "Best Clam Chowder...

This 50's style burger joint is loved by many because it offers simple, delicious, made-to-order burgers, hot dogs and fries. Five Guys Burgers and Fries is well-known for offering some of the best burgers in town, and in many towns for that matter...

Flying Melon is a delightful eatery that captures the heart of Ocracoke Island’s laid-back charm. Nestled among the charming scenery, this cafe is famed for its warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service. Guests are welcomed by the vibrant...

This chilled out surfer restaurant is a hot spot for locals, and for good reason. Food Dudes offers casual dining with a gourmet menu of fresh, local and delicious homemade food. Two chefs/owners are the“food dudes” themselves. They cook...

A past winner of the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, this takeout, catering, and delivery establishment proves that great things can come in small packages. Fork'et Me Not has more than 30 years of experience and a new mobile kitchen to call home...

Freshfit Cafe is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Nags Head, where wholesome eating meets a vibrant atmosphere. This charming eatery features an inviting interior adorned with cheerful decor that makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal or...

Fressia is a charming haven tucked away in Corolla, where the delightful aromas of freshly prepared dishes fill the air. This quaint eatery invites guests to indulge in a unique culinary experience that showcases the vibrant flavors and freshness of...

Frisco Bay Coastal Grill is a hidden gem nestled along the scenic route of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This charming eatery captures the essence of coastal living with its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu brimming with fresh seafood and...

Frisco Sandwich Co is a delightful spot nestled on the Outer Banks that everyone raves about. Known for its friendly atmosphere and mouthwatering sandwiches, this charming eatery quickly becomes a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As you...

A year-round restaurant, bar and gift shop.

Delicious sauce and crust make for delicious pizza! 

Nothing sets a hotel apart like a good restaurant. At Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk, we’re proud to serve our guests and visitors at Garden Grille & Bar.Our chef prepares an American-style breakfast buffet each morning and...

At Good Winds Restaurant, we proudly serve tasty and inventive beach cuisine, fresh-caught local seafood, and the widest selection of wine and regional craft beer and in the Tri-Villages. Located above Kitty Hawk Kites on the second floor of the...

Great Gut Deli is located in Wanchese at the southernmost tip of Roanoke Island. It’s a small family-owned and operated deli that prides itself in its homemade specialties and its use of only the freshest available ingredients.The deli...

This charming breakfast and lunch restaurant is the Outer Banks version of an old-fashioned diner, complete with a counter and stools, retro pink or green vinyl and metal chairs and tables, and big comfortable booths.   With affordable...

Harbor Grill is a delightful dining spot nestled in the scenic charm of Hatteras, North Carolina. This local gem offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to unwind after a day exploring the beautiful...

The Harbor Star's Wild Dolphin Tours depart three times daily plus a Sunset Cruise (weather permitting) This 2 hour cruise includes an entertaining tour and an opportunity to spot wild dolphins aboard the all new 40-foot Pontoon boat. Tickets must...

Hart's Hotdog Hut is a beloved local gem located in the heart of Ocracoke, North Carolina. This charming eatery is a must-visit for anyone craving a delicious bite in a laid-back atmosphere. With its quirky decor and friendly staff, the Hut captures...

Located on the southern edge of Hatteras Island, and surrounded by water in multiple directions, Hatteras Sol is an ideal destination for a romantic evening out with a steller view of the Pamlico Sound. Serving a variety of classic Hatteras dishes...

In the charming town of Manteo, Honey is a delightful haven for food lovers and visitors seeking a taste of the local bounty. This cozy eatery exudes warmth and friendliness, inviting everyone to sit back and indulge in culinary creations inspired...

Hotline Too is a beloved local eatery in Nags Head, known for its delectable blend of flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Nestled along the scenic Croatan Highway, this charming establishment draws locals and tourists alike with its mouthwatering...

A legendary Ocracoke spot since 1991, Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant continues to be a favorite destination for longtime visitors thanks to its fun and engaging atmosphere, huge selection of post-beach worthy drinks, and delicious fare that...

Huanchaco Lounge in Kill Devil Hills brings a fresh and flavorful twist to the Outer Banks dining scene, blending vibrant Peruvian flavors with a laid-back coastal vibe. Named after the famed surf town of Huanchaco, Peru, this cozy lounge is a...

Hurricane Mo’s, a local favorite, is a perfect place to grab some grub after hitting the beach. Serving lunch, dinner, and even happy hour, Hurricane Mo’s will satisfy your hunger pangs anytime of the day.  

The Inn on Pamlico Sound is a full body experience. They offer the services of a European boutique hotel, the amenities of a small resort, and the comfort and charm of a North Carolina coastal bed and breakfast. What this translates as is waterfront...