OBX Restaurants You Don't Want to Miss

Lighthouse Bagels and Deli
Best known for their authentic bagels, they also offer coffee, sandwiches, pastries and more. But careful, their bagels are so delicious you’ll be wanting one every day!

KEES staff recommend: French toast bagel with sausage, egg and cheese

Corolla Cantina
Love taco Tuesdays? Then Corolla Cantina is perfect for you. "Mexican cuisine with a coastal flair” is how they’ve coined themselves. They have fresh guacamole and even fish tacos, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

KEES staff recommend: Shrimp quesadillas

La Dolce Vita
Annie and the company offer divine Italian food with fresh seafood dishes and hand-tossed gourmet pizzas. They also offer event catering for your wedding or family reunions!

KEES staff recommend: Basil pesto gnocchi and tiramisu

Tullio’s Bakery
This family-owned bakery will have you ordering more than just breakfast! Breakfast options include bagel sandwiches, muffins, croissants and more. Tullio’s also has a great selection of fresh breads, cookies, cakes, pies and donuts – remember you’re on vacation! They also offer custom cake orders and they cater!

KEES staff recommend: Cinnamon buns and bacon,egg and cheese bagel sandwich

NC Coast Grill & Bar
The owner of Red Sky, Wes Stepp, has opened another fabulous restaurant here on the Outer Banks! Enjoy your tasty lunch with friends and a great view of the Currituck Sound at this stylish restaurant. Don’t miss out on their drink menu either, full of fun cocktails and craft beers.

KEES staff recommend: Carolina crab dip and coconut curry bowl

Blue Point
If you’re looking for a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or have a date night, Blue Point is sure to please. Order a cocktail or enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sun set at the backbar, where you can find live music.

KEES staff recommend: Pan fried local jumbo crab cakes and chocolate chip brownie with ice cream for dessert

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Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
Prefer to eat outside? Then you must visit Sunset Grille. This fun, Caribbean-inspired restaurant is located soundfront, so you don’t have to miss a breathtaking OBX sunset. Choose from one of their island themed cocktails for an even better night out.

A great choice for families and groups, they also offer catering. KEES staff recommend: Local oysters and firecracker shrimp rolls

Barrier Island Bagels
Your one stop for breakfast, they have everything from bagel sandwiches and coffee to acai bowls and smoothies. Grab a bag of fresh bagels for the family vacation or for the car ride back home. They also offer lunch and they do catering.

KEES staff recommend: The hangover cure bagel sandwich

High Cotton Barbeque
You haven't had real southern barbeque until you’ve had High Cotton. Choose from a variety of family packages that makes take out for large groups super easy. Ribs, fried chicken, hush puppies, fried okra? YES PLEASE. High Cotton also offers catering.

KEES staff recommend: Pork BBQ plate and chocolate pecan chess pie

Steamers Restaurant and Catering
Dine in or order take out at one of the Outer Banks’ most popular restaurants. With a vast drink menu and an ocean view deck, you won’t want to leave! Tell them KEES sent you, they will love to hear it. Steamers also offers catering.

KEES staff recommend: Shrimp and lobster bisque and New York style cheesecake

Masala Bay Grill
A delicious waterfront restaurant that offers authentic Indian cuisine, the first of its kind here on the Outer Banks. Located on the northern end of the Wright Memorial Bridge. Watch from your table as the sky change colors while the sun sets. Masala Bay Grill also offers to-go party trays that can feed up to 40 people.

KEES staff recommend: Chicken tikka masala and samosachaat

Art's Place
Sit on the rooftop deck and watch the waves crashing as you soak in the morning light. You’ll recognize Art's by its colorful artwork and sign. Also a great place to enjoy lunch, dinner or a drink!

KEES staff recommend: French toast and wrapped omelet

Trio Restaurant and Market
Day out with the girls or lunch date? Choose from their brunch menu available Saturday and Sunday, or their lunch menu offering a wide variety of wine or beer. Not to mention, they have a full dinner menu, including charcuterie boards to choose from and live music a few nights a week.

KEES staff recommend: Carolina shrimp and grits and brioche French toast

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John’s Drive In
A local and visitor favorite for over 43 years! Located on the beach road in Kitty Hawk, this small window-order restaurant serves big flavors! Sit outside at one of the picnic tables and soak up the sunshine while enjoying a milkshake and a fried fish sandwich.

KEES staff recommend: Dolphin boat and chocolate peanut butter milkshake

Barefoot Bernie's
Taste island cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for the whole family! Sports fans can catch the game on one of the flat screen TVs. While health fans can choose from their “Lean-a-Licious" menu for a meal under 550 calories, gluten free options included.

KEES staff recommend: Ahi tuna bowl and Nashville crispy chicken sandwich - careful, its spicy!

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Josephine’s Sicilian Kitchen
Authentic Italian food and homemade desserts, you will not want to miss! Nothing says vacation like catching up with friends over an exquisite meal. They offer take out and their menu changes weekly, so there’s always something new to try! Josephine’s also does catering.

KEES staff recommend: Pepperoni bread, veal parmesan and a cannoli

The Spot
Most well known for their Instagram-worthy acai bowls, they also whip up some awesome fresh smoothies, waffles, avocado toast and coffee! Ice cream too, if your sweet tooth just can’t wait - calories don’t count on vacation, right? Now with two locations, the other in Kitty Hawk, you can order twice as many acai bowls!

KEES staff recommend: Loggerhead bowl and coffee crunch shake

Kill Devil Grill
Their menu is full of mouthwatering food, it’s hard to choose just one thing! Plus, with a daily specials board, you can always order something new. Make sure to indulge in their apple crisp for dessert, you can thank us later.

KEES staff recommend: Cheese steak eggrolls and apple crisp

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Mama Kwan’s
This restaurant offers a fun, tropical atmosphere! Their specialty drinks will have you thinking you’ve teleported to an island in the Caribbean.

KEES staff recommend: Special occasion pasta and blackened fish tacos

JK’s Restaurant
This restaurant offers you fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. Steak, seafood and more – celebrate a special occasion or just bring the family together for a memorable meal. You will leave with full bellies and content hearts!

KEES staff recommend: Petite filet and seafood pasta

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The Colington Café
This quaint cute restaurant was once a home, now converted to serve some of the best dishes on the beach! Fresh off the boat, the seafood meals are delectable. This restaurant is a hidden gem, you need to see to believe. Reservations are encouraged.

KEES staff recommend: Mixed grill and shrimp scampi

Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Pub
Stop by and get all you need for your day at the beach! Order your breakfast sandwich with a coffee or smoothie. They also serve deli sandwiches and have beer and wine to go, mimosa buckets as well, but you didn’t hear that from us.

KEES staff recommend: Breakfast bowl and avocado toast

Greentail’s Seafood Market & Kitchen
Did you really visit the beach if you didn’t eat fresh, local seafood? Their seafood dishes are served with real southern sides such as hushpuppies, cole slaw, plus more. A great choice for seafood lovers!

KEES staff recommend: The Poke Bowl

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Freshfit Café
This health-focused café has organic coffee, a juice bar, detox drinks and a menu that accommodates gluten-free, vegans and vegetarians. Get your nutrients at this waterfront restaurant!

KEES staff recommend: Portobello mushroom wrap and custom lunch bowls

Single Fin Thai-Sushi Restaurant
Craving Thai or sushi, maybe both? With quality service and fresh, tasty dishes, this will be your new favorite!

KEES staff recommend: Single Fin Roll and sesame chicken

Front Porch Cafe
If you’re a longtime OBX visitor you’ve probably been here before. This cute café offers fresh bagels, pastries and specialty coffees. They even have their own coffee blends and ceramic mugs, so you can take a piece of the beach back with you.

KEES staff recommend: Everything bagel with cream cheese and a white raspberry mocha

Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop
Located waterfront on the Manteo boardwalk, Poor Richard’s has been serving its customers since 1984. Grab a flavorful sandwich, then explore the Manteo waterfront, Poor Richard’s is in a prime location!

KEES staff recommend: Turkey Reuban and Club sandwich

Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar
Here they believe “each customer is a celebrity” and should be treated as one! Peering over the docks of the Pirate’s Cove Marina, enjoy your dinner while watching the boats come in from another day at sea. They even offer the choice to bring in what you catch and they will cook it for you!

KEES staff recommend: Seared Shrimp pasta and topped oysters

Waves Market & Deli
Waves Market also offers delicious burritos, a fine selection of beers and they are open late!

KEES staff recommend: The Steak Burrito (any time of day!)

Lisa’s Pizzeria
Pizza isn't the only thing they specialize in! They also serve wraps, subs, calzones, salads, plus more. Or choose from one of their delicious specialty or premium pizzas. Lisa’s is also open for dinner.

KEES staff recommend: Buffalo chicken pizza and eggplant parmesan sub

Watermen's Bar and Grill at Real Watersports
Watermen’s offers a unique experience, located on the sound, you can choose to dine inside or out. Watch the kiteboarders perform tricks before sunset for an evening of fun. They also offer live music and they boast a rum bar that supplies rum beverages from around the globe.

KEES staff recommend: Hatteras Island style crab cakes and sesame-crusted seared tuna

Oceana’s Bistro
Sit inside or outside and enjoy your breakfast at Oceana’s. Get the most for your money and leave with full bellies. Go back for lunch or dinner and try one of their famous cocktails or NC craft beers!

KEES staff recommend: Chicken biscuit and breakfast quesadilla

Bro’s Sandwich Shack
A tasty place to stop in between your day at the beach. These sandwiches are like nothing you’ve ever had before – a must-visit in Avon.

KEES staff recommend: Cali club and chili cheese fries

Pangea Tavern
A family-owned restaurant with fresh, Outer Banks ingredients integrated into their international and local cuisine. They have 14 North Carolina craft beers on tap and fun cocktails, Pangea Tavern is not a place you want to miss. Reservations are encouraged.

KEES staff recommend: Tuna wonton nachos

Orange Blossom Bakery & Café
Built back in the 1950s, this cute bakery has a unique history. It was once a motel called the “Orange Blossom Motel” named after the orange trees on the property. Now serving yummy pastries, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and lots more! Oh, and don’t forget about their famous “Apple Uglies,” you can’t leave without trying one. They offer custom cakes and catering.

KEES staff recommend: homemade biscuit with bacon egg and cheese and of course, Apple Uglies

Buxton Munch
For over 21 years Buxton Munch has been serving locals and visitors! They have an extensive menu, so there is something for everyone. From sandwiches to fish tacos, they have it all!

KEES staff recommend: The fish tacos!

Café Pamlico at the Inn on Pamlico Sound
Enjoy fine dining overlooking the Pamlico Sound. This café also offers outdoor dining, live music on select evenings and they are open for breakfast! Reservations are highly encouraged and they also offer catering.

KEES staff recommend: The fresh catch of the day!

Scratchmade Snackery
As the name suggests, this snackery has a passion for creating goodies from scratch. For breakfast, they have croissants, muffins, cinnamon buns, scones, plus more! And enough baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth.

KEES staff recommend: The scones

Harbor Deli & Grill
Harbor Deli has a wide variety of sandwiches, fresh local seafood dishes and even some homemade sweet treats including a 12-layer chocolate cake! They also have a daily specials board to keep you coming back.

KEES staff recommend: Classic club sandwich

Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill
Experience Hatteras dining while watching the sunset with the boats come in from a day of fishing. They offer local seafood dishes, flatbread pizzas, salads and steaks. Their dessert menu includes mouthwatering treats from local bakery, Scratchmade Snackery.

KEES staff recommend: Shrimp and grits

Orcacoke Coffee Co
You will fall in love with this cozy quaint coffee shop. Offering an array of coffee specialty drinks, smoothies, teas, fresh pastries, bagels, plus more. They have lots of outdoor seating so you can take in the beautiful Ocracoke atmosphere.

KEES staff recommend: Cinn-a-yum bun and coffee cake muffin

Eduardo’s Ocracoke
Most locals you speak to will tell you Eduardo’s is the place to go in Ocracoke! This food truck has a real passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and providing customers the absolute best for their money. Eduardo’s also offers catering.

KEES staff recommend: Cheesy fusion tacos and carne asada burrito

Flying Melon Café
The Flying Melon offers daily specials, lots of outdoor seating, and outstanding southern dishes. They also have a great drink menu. Take-out is available!

KEES staff recommend: Parmesan crusted local flounder and jumbo lump crab cakes

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SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
Overlooking the ferry docks, enjoy your fresh seafood meal while listening to live music at SmacNally’s. This is a local and visitor favorite so be sure to get there early to secure your spot by the water!

KEES staff recommend: Beer battered chicken tenders and shrimp po boy sandwich