8 Best Restaurants in The North Carolina Coast, North Carolina

Café Pamlico

$$$$ Fodor's choice
Overlooking Pamlico Sound, this upscale bistro puts the focus squarely on locally sourced seafood, vegetables from the accompanying inn's own garden, and friendly service by local staff. Among the favorites are shrimp and grits, grilled catch of the day, tuna ceviche, and crab cakes.

Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop

$ Fodor's choice
The long list of mocha varieties at this early-morning hot spot tempt you to deviate from your usual latte, and the fluffy muffins and scones only add to the decadence. All-fruit smoothies offer a healthy balance.

Freshfit Cafe

$ Fodor's choice
When you need a break from seafood platters, head here for smoothies, local kombucha, and tasty wraps and BLTs.

Recommended Fodor's Video

CRU

$
In the morning, pick up a bagel, a breakfast burrito, and a latte at this downtown coffee shop. Grab a sandwich or wrap to go for lunch, and come back in the evening for ice cream or to enjoy one of coastal North Carolina's best wine selections, by the glass or the bottle.

Oceanas Bistro

$$$
Open year-round for lunch and dinner (seasonally for breakfast), this long-established and popular roadside restaurant is a great spot to get local seafood and a variety of other dishes at moderate prices. Daily specials range from prime rib to tacos and grillers, a cross between a pizza and a quesadilla that's topped with tuna, crab, chicken, or veggies. The bistro has a full bar and a good selection of local beers to wash it all down with.

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe

$

There's a line out the door during summer for this bakery's "Apple Uglies," fried amalgams of doughnut dough and apples. There's also a full menu of breakfast burritos and egg sandwiches to enjoy on the patio out front. 

Sam and Omie's

$$$

Named after two fishermen, father and son, this no-nonsense shack opened in 1937 and is one of the Outer Banks' oldest restaurants. Fishing photos hang between mounted catches on the walls, and classic country music twangs in the background. Locals flock here, especially for breakfast or a lunch of Hatteras-style clear clam chowder and fried seafood.

Seafood Breakfast Lunch Dinner Family $$$
7228 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959, USA
252-441–7366
www.samandomies.net
Known For
  • big breakfasts
  • local-style steamed and fried seafood
  • oysters lauded as the best on the beach
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted

The Workshop

$
The owner of this coffee, smoothie, and sandwich shop is a scuba diver and fossil hunter, and the bustling counter-service operation doubles as a gallery for her shark and megalodon jewelry and art. Most of the seating is outside at picnic tables.