14 Best Restaurants in The North Carolina Coast, North Carolina

“Once in a blue moon, you have to taste life on a sandbar," says the sign over the bar at this small, quirky, and locally popular restaurant set in a small strip center. The generously portioned fresh seafood and Southern comfort food, lively vibe, friendly bartenders, and an open kitchen make first-timers feel at home and keep regulars returning. There's no ocean view, but it won't matter when you bite into a mahi taco or perfect fillet of flounder. Try the Truckstop, panfried pork loin with potatoes and gravy.

This is one of the few OBX restaurants open every day, all year long.

When a large milk shake is the only thing that will do on a hot summer day, this is the place to head for—locals say they are the best on the Outer Banks, or even on the planet. And when you just can't take one more night out at a fancy restaurant, John's will come to the rescue with the best handheld food on the Outer Banks: burgers, subs, sandwiches (including grouper), all-beef hot dogs, and sides. The Dolphin Boat is a must: pieces of mahimahi (dolphinfish) on a bun, served in a boat (basket), with fries or slaw, sauce, and hush puppies.

Hours vary seasonally, so call ahead on the day you plan to visit.

Sleek design, creative lighting, and carefully orchestrated music provide a mesmerizing backdrop to chef Carson Jewell's locally sourced ingredients and culinary artistry and the talented mixologists who create cocktails using seasonal ingredients and house-made bitters. Try the braised pork shank with sweet-potato puree, collards, and radish pico de gallo, or the pan-seared Virginia scallops with parsnip puree, braised leeks, and apple salsa. You're made to feel very special here, and there's great attention to detail.

There's a lot to love at this gorgeous three-story destination restaurant, from the blackened grouper that emeges from the open kitchen's wood-fired grill, to the sunset views, enjoyed with a signature mai tai on the appropriately named Sky Deck.

Order liberally from the small plates—amidst all the seafood of coastal North Carolina, this is the spot for next-level crab dip and calamari.

The small plates and seafood that emerge from the open kitchen at this bold and bright waterfront eatery are a lot more creative than the name, although it is fitting—sunsets from the dining room or the outdoor tables along the deck are truly stunning. If there's a long wait or you'd like more of a great experience, the same chef owns Red Sky Cafe across the street.

Open since 1984, there is often a long line at the rear of this downtown Manteo institution serving gourmet classics like BLTs, Reubens, tuna melts, and pimento cheese sandwiches. Enjoy your snacks up front in the friendly, honey-blond wood bar or on the waterfront deck around back. Poor Richard's After Hours bar serves pub food in the evening, and live music rocks the house on some weekends.

The Outer Banks' first farm-to-table restaurant, this upscale foodie haven marries Southern roots with contemporary flair and Currituck Sound views. During its three decades of existence, the Blue Point has maintained a commitment to a sustainable menu sourced as locally as possible, with seafood, beef, and other dishes prepared to highlight their texture and flavor. Try the seared Outer Banks scallops with quinoa and turnips or the fish of the day. Blue Point has upped its bar game, offering a nice selection of creative craft cocktails. Waterfront tables are limited, so make reservations early.