Outer Banks Restaurants Serving Locally Sourced Seafood

By Keyla Vasconcellos on Jun. 23, 2021

On the map, The Outer Banks (OBX) looks like a pair of linked coral wands reaching into the Atlantic, working its magic on everyone who visits its windswept beaches and inviting coastal towns.

The east coast offers plenty of world-class seafood, from Maine lobster rolls and Cape Cod oysters to Maryland crab. North Carolina stands confidently among them. Shaped by rich colonial history and warm southern hospitality, these narrow barrier islands serve up many distinctive locally sourced dishes. You’ll find the highest quality sustainable seafood here, making OBX an ideal destination for a seafood-focused getaway.

Planning meals on vacation can feel like a lot, so this guide gathers standout OBX seafood restaurants. Whether you’re craving fried soft crab, award-winning clam chowder, fresh grilled grouper, or Outer Banks-style sushi, OBX delivers a generous catch from nearby waters straight to the table.

Aqua Restaurant

For a special celebration or a relaxed outdoor meal, Aqua Restaurant suits either mood. Duck is known for pristine beaches, and this lively waterfront restaurant pairs the setting with beautiful views. Chef Cory Bryant prepares local-caught fish with sustainably farmed ingredients, crafting vibrant plates alongside top-notch craft cocktails.

1174 Duck Rd Downstairs, Duck, NC 27949
(252) 261-9700

Basnight’s Lone Cedar

Basnight’s Lone Cedar is a longtime Nags Head favorite that opened in 1996. Fishermen bring in fresh catches each day, which are cooked with care and served beside vegetables grown on-site. Guests can enjoy it all with a lovely view over the Sound. Tip: If she-crab soup is new to you, try it here for a rich blue crab treat.

7623 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-5405

Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar

Manteo, a charming waterfront town, is tied to one of the country’s most intriguing mysteries: The Lost Colony. It is also the birthplace of English colonization, making it a meaningful place to experience Outer Banks history. After browsing boutiques, gift shops, antique stores and more, head to Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar for a satisfying seafood meal highlighting some of Manteo’s best. From its perch above Pirate’s Cove, guests can see fishermen returning to the marina with fresh fish from the sea. The raw bar offers plenty to choose from, and during happy hour, oysters are $1 each. Order freely—there is no requirement to share.

2000 Sailfish Dr, Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-1955

Breakwater Restaurant

After kiteboarding, parasailing, or taking on any number of Hatteras adventures, stop at Breakwater Restaurant for coastal favorites. Arrive close to sunset if you can, and request a deck table to take in the colors across the Pamlico Sound. Then settle in with a delicious cocktail and live music. The only challenge is choosing between options such as crab-stuffed flounder and fried North Carolina shrimp. Tip: Breakwater Restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so plan accordingly.

57878 NC-12, Hatteras, NC 27943
(252) 986-2733

Diamond Shoals Restaurant

In the quiet town of Buxton, Diamond Shoals Restaurant is worth seeking out. Attached to a seafood market, the restaurant welcomes guests into a cozy diner-style space with plenty of purchasable tchotchkes near the entrance. Choose a booth and order award-winning hearty clam chowder, then select blackened, broiled, fried, or grilled fish brought in fresh each day. Sushi fans can look forward to a sushi bar serving a range of carefully made rolls featuring the freshest caught seafood in town.

46843 NC-12, Hatteras, NC 27953
(252) 995-5217

Fish Heads Bar & Grill

During a Nags Head vacation, Fish Heads Bar & Grill is a strong pick. Set on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, it gets crowded quickly, so arriving early helps. With the ocean breeze coming through, settle in for flavorful seafood. Beer lovers will appreciate 40 beers on tap. Happy hour also features 15 cent steamed local shrimp from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with orders required in increments of 20. If the crowd seems too much, stop first at Nags Head Brew Thru, where Brew Thru car tenders can stock your cooler with alcohol and snacks through a one-stop-shop drive-thru experience. Then pick up takeout from Fish Heads Bar & Grill, find a sunny patch of beach, and enjoy paradise.

8901 S Old Oregon Inlet Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-5740

O’Neals Sea Harvest

At the far southern end of Roanoke Island sits Wanchese, a working fishing village. A little away from the main path, O’Neal’s Sea Harvest draws plenty of locals. Have lunch at O’Neal’s, then visit the market to gather seafood ingredients for dinner. The line may stretch long and the menu is limited, but the fried soft crab BLT is worth it.

618 Harbor Rd, Wanchese, NC 27981
(252) 473-4535

Author

Keyla Vasconcellos is a freelance writer with a passion for food, lifestyle, and travel. She is often exploring Los Angeles in search of her next memorable bite, photographing food for restaurant clients, or imagining where she will travel next.

Categories and Tags

Category: Culinary

Tags: Manteo, Duck, Hatteras, Wanchese, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk