Where to Dine Outside with a View in the Outer Banks

Written by Megan Wilson, Dec. 19, 2023.

People come to the Outer Banks for a common reason: ocean air, wide-open scenery, and water views in every direction. This barrier island offers a break from landlocked routines, with many places to relax at a social distance. Each visit refreshes the mind and the heart, and the area’s chefs and restaurant owners draw on that same inspiration. From north to south, restaurants across the island serve their own takes on Outer Banks produce, seafood, and more. Some satisfy not only a craving for great food, but also the desire to sit near the water and take in the view.

Below is a north-to-south guide to restaurants pairing memorable menus with scenic surroundings.

Duck

Sunset Grill

Traveling north from Duck toward Corolla, Sunset Grill is easy to spot. At night, it shines green, and on breezy days, bright flags flutter around the building. A spacious wraparound deck and a second-floor dining room both look out over the Currituck Sound, the place to watch one of the area’s best sunsets. At the bar, guests can order the cocktail of their choice, including the popular Painkiller finished with nutmeg.

Coastal Cantina

This Tex-Mex restaurant often brings live music and other happenings to its large soundfront deck. Stick with favorites such as tacos, or branch out with the Crab or Duck Pizzadillas loaded with gourmet toppings. Frose, margaritas, and super sangria round out the meal.

NC Coast Grill and Bar

Set on the waterfront, NC Coast Grill and Bar serves a fresh, eclectic menu led by the chef’s perspective, with dishes such as Tuna Patron. That plate includes seared rare tuna over avocado, orange and Patron laced salsa, corn tortilla match sticks, fresh cilantro and a spicy aioli. Views are available from the tiered outdoor patio as well as through the restaurant’s large indoor windows.

Sanderling Resort

Sanderling Resort gives diners multiple choices. One starting point is the outdoor deck at the Life Saving Station restaurant, located inside the original Caffey’s Inlet Life Saving Station No. 5. The menu leans southern while still delivering the coastal flavors expected from an ocean-area restaurant. Across the street, Kimball’s Kitchen offers floor-to-ceiling windows designed for sunset-watching over the Currituck Sound. Begin at the bar with custom cocktails such as a smoked Manhattan. For a more casual option, Sandbar Restaurant offers fire pits for sunset smores along with relaxed bites like hot dogs, burgers and smoothies.

The Blue Point

The Blue Point is a farm-to-table restaurant that feels refined yet comfortable. Guests can dine outdoors at the well-loved Back Bar, where the Duck soundfront is in view. Start with a spicy margarita, then look for rotating seafood specials such as pan seared flounder with a butternut squash puree, wilted kale onions, bacon, apples and cider butter sauce. The espresso martini is carefully made and works as a polished dessert choice.

Aqua

Aqua shares its location with a spa, and the restaurant carries the same calm mood and elevated feel. From any outdoor seating area, the Currituck Sound view is impressive. Menu items include lobster mac & cheese, duck breast, and mussels, while the wine list is both broad and inclusive.

Kill Devil Hills

The Saltbox Cafe

The Saltbox Cafe is not directly on the ocean or sound, but its porch extends above a tucked-away Colington waterway. Sit outside and the main soundtrack is frogs calling from the water. Brunch is a highlight, with Bloody Mary’s, Crabby Benedict, Crab Scramble, fresh fruit and coffee served in balanced portions with well-crafted flavors.

Manteo

Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar

Manteo is a distinctive area filled with forward-thinking, refreshing places to shop, eat, and explore. Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar fits that spirit. The restaurant puts its own spin on favorites such as oyster shooters, smoked chicken wings and Sicilian Clam chowder, with a menu that changes regularly. From indoors, guests can enjoy strong views of the water and passing boats.

Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop

Classic choices endure for a reason. Poor Richards has been an Outer Banks Icon since 1984. The pub-style space feels like stepping into a ship’s cabin: guests climb a sloped ramp and move down a narrow, wood-paneled hallway to reach the ordering counter. Booths are available inside for Rueben’s and burgers, or diners can head to the open-air back porch for a view.

Ortega’s Grill

Ortega’z brings southwestern flavors with plenty of punch. The menu includes items such as Wasabi Shrimp tacos. For drinks, guests can stop at the wine bar in the center of the restaurant. Outside seating gives visitors a chance to take in the people and scenery of historic downtown Manteo.

Nags Head

Miller’s Waterfront

Sunset views at Miller’s Waterfront are striking. Multiple levels offer a range of outdoor seating options, and even the indoor dining areas provide a solid sound view. The popular restaurant gives many dishes a rich southern treatment, including BBQ Shrimp, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Fish & Grits. A dedicated vegetarian fare menu is also available. Upstairs, The Waterfront Bar & Grill offers a more casual restaurant experience with bites and apps served on a first-come first serve basis.

Tale of the Whale

Tale of the Whale is a spot many locals mention and recommend. This beautiful family owned restaurant looks over the Roanoke Sound. While waiting for dinner, guests can walk out to the gazebo and be surrounded by water on every side. Rich seafood classics include She Crab Soup, Blackened Halibut, and Fish Tacos. For cocktails, the orange crushes are a favorite with guests.

Fish Heads Bar & Grille

Nags Head has several standout watering holes, and Fish Heads Bar & Grille is one of them. Located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, it draws both serious and casual fishermen moving through with their catches. Fish Heads offers an extensive, well curated craft beer selection. Guests can pair drinks with local seafood beneath the covered open-air restaurant area or choose a table along the pier that extends over the ocean. Here, the ocean is close enough to see and often feel.

Mulligans

Mulligans is a burger joint and raw bar where locals frequently gather. It’s a lively place to meet people and relax. From the upper deck, views stretch toward Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the Atlantic Ocean. The upstairs bar pours a variety of cocktail specials alongside the scenery. The food specials change often, and guests can check them online before visiting.

Basnight’s Lone Cedar

Basnight’s Lone Cedar is an upscale family style restaurant focused on locally sourced seafood and non-seafood favorites. Outdoor seating comes with a view of the Roanoke Sound. The seafood served on the menu is caught in local waters and brought to the restaurant’s docks daily by local fishermen. It’s all cleaned and prepared right here. Diners do more than look at the surrounding water; they get to taste it, too.

Waves

Watermen’s Bar & Grill Restaurant at REAL Watersports

The Pamlico Sound is almost always active around REAL Watersports, a hub for athletes and adventure-seekers looking for lessons, gear, competitions, and community. Watermen’s looks out over a sound filled with kiteboards, kayaks, jet skis, and more. The menu includes smoothies, wraps, and grilled seafood. For drinks, the exclusive RUM BAR features rums and rum drinks from around the world. Check the live music schedule to see which performers are coming through next.

Buxton

Cafe Pamlico

Cafe Pamlico serves brunch, lunch and dinner with Pamlico Sound views. The creative cocktail menu is extensive, and the inclusive concept also provides a variety of mocktails for guests skipping alcohol. Visitors can also stay at the Inn on Pamlico Sound, where rooms overlook the sound and include private decks.

More Foodie Inspiration

Not every OBX restaurant sits on the water. Another article highlights a curated mix of places to eat and drink between Duck and Buxton.

Author

Megan Wilson is a travel writer and marketing specialist at SweetSauceBlog.com from Richmond, VA. She often makes the 3-hour drive to the Outer Banks for both adventure and rest, and she brings her work with her so she can create while enjoying a view.