Top Outdoor Dining Spots with Stunning Ocean Views in the Outer Banks
Top Outdoor Dining Spots with Stunning Ocean Views
Visitors flock to the Outer Banks for its refreshing ocean breezes and unparalleled waterfront vistas. This barrier island chain provides an ideal escape from inland routines, with ample opportunities for socially distanced outdoor relaxation. Each trip rejuvenates the spirit, and local chefs channel this inspiration into innovative menus year-round. From fresh seafood to regional produce, restaurants span the islands north to south, delivering exceptional flavors. Several standouts combine gourmet dining with mesmerizing water views.
Discover our curated guide to the best al fresco restaurants, organized from north to south for easy planning.
Duck
Sunset Grill
Hard to miss as you drive into Corolla from Duck, Sunset Grill glows green after dusk, with colorful flags fluttering in the breeze. Its expansive wraparound deck and second-floor dining room overlook the Currituck Sound—prime for the area's best sunsets. Expert bartenders craft custom cocktails, including the signature Painkiller dusted with nutmeg.
Coastal Cantina
This vibrant Tex-Mex favorite hosts live music and events on its spacious soundside deck. Indulge in classics like tacos or innovative Crab and Duck Pizzadillas with premium toppings. Pair with frosé, margaritas, or super sangria.
NC Coast Grill and Bar
Savor a chef-driven menu of fresh, eclectic dishes like Tuna Patron—seared rare tuna over avocado, orange-Patron salsa, corn tortilla matchsticks, cilantro, and spicy aioli. Enjoy multilevel outdoor patios or expansive indoor windows with Currituck Sound views.
Sanderling Resort
Dining options abound at this resort. Start with the outdoor deck at Life Saving Station, housed in the historic Caffey's Inlet Life Saving Station No. 5, offering southern-inspired coastal fare. Across the street, Kimball’s Kitchen boasts floor-to-ceiling windows for Currituck Sound sunsets and custom cocktails like smoked Manhattans. Casual Sandbar Restaurant features fire pits for s'mores, plus hot dogs, burgers, and smoothies.
The Blue Point
This elegant farm-to-table gem welcomes diners to its popular “Back Bar” with Duck soundfront views. Begin with a spicy margarita, then try rotating seafood specials like pan-seared flounder with butternut squash purée, wilted kale, onions, bacon, apples, and cider butter sauce. Finish with a expertly crafted espresso martini.
Aqua
Adjacent to a spa, Aqua's serene ambiance extends to its dining areas with epic Currituck Sound views. Highlights include lobster mac & cheese, duck breast, and mussels, complemented by an extensive, inclusive wine list.
Kill Devil Hills
Beachside Bistro
Step directly from the beach to this spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Crowd-pleasing classics like omelets, chicken wings, flatbreads, and crab cakes shine through large windows with ocean views.
The Saltbox Cafe
Nestled over a secluded Colington waterway (not oceanfront), its porch offers tranquil frog choruses. Brunch excels with perfectly portioned Bloody Marys, Crabby Benedict, Crab Scramble, fresh fruit, and coffee.
Manteo
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar
In vibrant Manteo, this spot reimagines classics like oyster shooters, smoked chicken wings, and Sicilian clam chowder amid evolving menus. Large windows frame passing boats and waterways.
Avenue Grille
Post-shopping, relax on the marina-view outdoor patio or by big windows. Chef-prepared dishes highlight local seafood and meats, with abundant vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop
An Outer Banks icon since 1984, this pub evokes a ship's cabin. Order Reubens and burgers at the counter, then dine in booths or on the open-air back porch with views.
Ortega’s Grill
Southwestern flair shines in dishes like Wasabi Shrimp Tacos. The central wine bar pairs perfectly, while outdoor seating captures historic downtown Manteo's charm.
Nags Head
Miller’s Waterfront
Breathtaking sunsets await across multilevel outdoor seating (sound views from indoors too). Southern twists like BBQ Shrimp, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Fish & Grits join a dedicated vegetarian menu. Upstairs Waterfront Bar & Grill offers casual bites first-come, first-served.
Tale of the Whale
A local favorite, this family-owned gem overlooks Roanoke Sound. Linger in the water-surrounded gazebo pre-dinner. Decadent seafood includes She-Crab Soup, Blackened Halibut, and Fish Tacos; orange crushes delight.
Fish Heads Bar & Grille
On the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, mingle with anglers amid craft beers and local seafood. Dine under the open-air cover or pier tables extending over the ocean.
Mulligans
Locals flock to this burger and raw bar joint. Upper deck views span Jockey’s Ridge and the Atlantic; upstairs bar specials enhance the vibe. Check online for daily food deals.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar
This upscale family-style venue sources seafood daily from local waters, prepared on-site. Roanoke Sound views pair with non-seafood favorites—you'll taste the freshness.
Waves:
Watermen’s Bar & Grill at REAL Watersports
Overlook action-packed Pamlico Sound—kiteboards, kayaks, jet skis. Enjoy smoothies, wraps, grilled seafood, and the world-class RUM BAR. Check live music schedules.
Buxton
Cafe Pamlico
Pamlico Sound panoramas enhance brunch, lunch, and dinner. Creative cocktails and mocktails cater to all; stay at the Inn on Pamlico Sound for private deck views.
More Foodie Inspiration
Not every OBX gem is waterfront. Explore this curated collection of diverse eateries from Duck to Buxton.
