Planning a trip to The Outer Banks of North Carolina? We have a list of the BEST places to eat while you’re there! You’ll find a bit of everything from amazing donuts to steaks but you must make sure you try the fresh oysters and soft shell crab while you’re there! Check out our list of favorites and be sure to add them to your itinerary when you visit!
The BEST Places to Eat in The Outer Banks
Coastal Provisions Oyster Bar & Wine Bar Cafe
Coastal Provisions was founded in 2006 with the goal of bringing great tasting foods to the beach. For oyster lovers, this is your mecca. A large wine selection, delicious food, and a selection of ten oysters on the daily menu, this is definitely a great place to eat while you are in the Outer Banks.
If you don’t love oysters, don’t cross this stop off your list because there are so many options! You’re sure to find something delicious!
I was lucky enough to be in the Outer Banks while there was fresh soft shell crab and of course, had to order! I am a huge soft shell crab lover so I was in HEAVEN when I devoured this sandwich!
I’ve had oysters before but never had I really learned about oysters like at Coastal Provisions. Being from Iowa, this isn’t something that’s usually a fresh item that we can really enjoy. I loved trying so many different oysters and really tasting the differences in them.
Kimball’s Kitchen
Our first evening in the Outer Banks, we had a delicious meal at Kimball’s Kitchen. Kimball’s Kitchen is a located at the beautiful Sanderling Resort and is the perfect spot to enjoy a special night with a sunset view. It’s located on the Sounside of Sanderling Resort and offers glorious views of the Currituck Sound.
Being from Iowa, I typically don’t order beef when I’m traveling (we have some amazing beef in our area). By recommendation from our host on the trip, I decided to try the filet – it was fabulous and cooked to perfection. I added a side of asparagus and hollandaise sauce to the meal as well.
Duck Donuts
Who doesn’t love donuts? They’re kind of a staple breakfast item, in my opinion. The only thing better is finding a fresh from the fryer, custom-made donut that’s topped with your favorites! You can stop at the Kitty Hawk or Duck location. Duck Donuts has fabulous coffee too that is the perfect pair with your warm donut!
Start by picking how many donuts you want – ALWAYS get more than one, in fact just go for it and order a dozen! Next, pick the coating – they have everything from traditional glaze to peanut butter or lemon. Choose your topping, with options like sprinkles or bacon you’ll be able to make the perfect breakfast creation! Add a drizzle of chocolate, caramel or even a berry sauce.
O”Neal’s Sea Harvest in Wanchese
O”Neal’s Sea Harvest in Wanchese if the perfect stop if you’re in the mood for great seafood! It’s located on the shores of the Wanchese Harbor and is a family owned and operated seafood wholesaler.
I think this is a great stop for everyone, their menu consists of everything seafood (including soft shell crab) or you can grab a cheeseburger if you aren’t a seafood lover. Don’t forget to try the fried okra too!
O’Neal’s offers the finest in both wholesale and retail seafood. All of the seafood is locally caught and purchased daily. They offer hard or soft shell blue crab, deep sea, and inshore fish, as well as North Carolina shrimp and ocean scallops.
Trio Wine, Beer & Cheese
With a name like Trio Wine, Beer & Cheese you can’t pass up this restaurant AND shop. It’s not just a great place to dine, but you’ll be able to find delicious cheese and wine to take home with you. They have over 2,000 different wines to select from around the world! I loved how much the staff knew about the different cheese, wine, and beer! They were able to answer questions and made spot-on recommendations!
I had the absolute best grilled cheese sandwich that I have EVER had. It was an artisan blend of cheese with truffle oil. Oh, My Goodness was it amazing. Make sure to order this, even if you aren’t a grilled cheese person you will love this!
Sam & Omie’s
Sam & Omie’s originally opened as a pre-fishing breakfast stop over 70 years ago, if you fish then you know that means it’s important to fill up before you head out for hours on the water. The restaurant has that beach feel that welcomes locals and tourists alike. If you want to try something different, grab the Crab Benedict for a different twist on the Egg Benedict classic dish.
Diamond Shoals Restaurant
Diamond Shoals was my last stop before heading back to Iowa, it was the perfect meal to end on too. Diamond Shoals serves up fresh seafood and southern hospitality. They have an award-winning clam chowder and crab bisque and homemade crab cakes.
This restaurant is conveniently located adjacent to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It’s the perfect stop to make after climbing over 200 steps to the top.
These are just a handful of the places to eat in the Outer Banks, there are so many options! I can’t wait to visit again to try out more amazing restaurants!
More Articles about the Outer Banks
Where to eat in the Outer Banks
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Disclosure: Complimentary accommodations, meals, and activities were provided by The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
Reesa Lewandowski says
May 24, 2018 at 6:57 pmMy husband and I Have been wanting to go to the OBX! We love trips like this! Thank you so much for your insight!
Krystel | Travel on a Budget says
May 22, 2018 at 7:37 amDon’t think I’ve seen so much delicious food in one place. I would love to head here
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
May 21, 2018 at 11:59 pmThis is such a great guide! Would love to visit with my family soon!
krystal says
May 21, 2018 at 10:18 pmI hope to visit one day soon. I have heard nothing but great things!
Amy says
May 21, 2018 at 8:52 pmDonuts are the best. I could eat them everyday but my waist would not live it.
Dawn Lopez says
May 21, 2018 at 8:36 pmI travel quite often so the next time I’m in The Outer Banks I definitely want to check out Duck Donuts. I’ve heard really good things about them. It looks like there are so many different options for dining in the area.
Kita says
May 21, 2018 at 7:17 pmEverything looks so good. I am planning a trip to the shore of North Carolina. I am originally from Charleston, SC so I am really curious to explore our neighboring state especially the outer banks.
Allison Cooper says
May 21, 2018 at 6:32 pmSo many amazing options! A dear friend of mine lives in the Outer Banks and I’m dying for a visit – not I know where to stop and eat!
robin rue says
May 21, 2018 at 5:26 pmI would love to visit the Outer Banks someday. When I do, now I know where to eat 🙂
Lisa Joy Thompson says
May 21, 2018 at 5:13 pmI’m pretty sure I just drooled all over my computer. These restaurants look amazing! The Crab Benedict looks to die for and after looking at that donuts, I’m totally craving a delicious donut! I’ll have to try some of these restaurants on my next trip to OBX.
Michelle Waller says
May 21, 2018 at 5:01 pmI have always wanted to visit here. The sandwich from Trio Wine, Beer & Cheese looks simply delicious and mouthwatering.
Connie says
May 21, 2018 at 4:46 pmA couple of my children live in North Carolina. I’ll have to keep this in mind for the next time I visit. These dishes look delicious.
Melissa Chapman says
May 21, 2018 at 4:36 pmI am a real lover of seafood so I need to get down there and try some of those restaurants, Crab Benedict and oysters sounds so good
Stacie says
May 21, 2018 at 4:33 pmThis is such a great resource. My favorite part of travel is finding the best places to eat! Thank you!