10 Best Outer Banks Restaurants

1587 Restaurant

405 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-1587
www.1587.com/showcase.htm

At 1587, diners enjoy world-class chefs who blend the freshest of ingredients, including herbs grown from the Inn's own gardens, the day's Atlantic catch, a variety of meats and fowl, and vegetables from the Outer Banks' finest growers. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed, with large windows that frame a view of Shallowbag Bay. Travel writers and food critics agree that 1587 is a "must-do." The writers from Southern Living said simply that this establishment has "remarkably creative cuisine," and the producers of Food Network's "Best Of" featured 1587's creations as the "ultimate in Outer Banks dining."

Owens' Restaurant

7114 South Virginia Dare Trail - Milepost 16 1/2
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7309
www.owensrestaurant.com

Since 1946, four generations of locals and visitors have experienced the famous fare and hospitality of the Owens family. History buffs marvel at the Owens' collection of museum-quality artifacts dedicated to the maritime history of the Outer Banks. Serving the rich cuisine of the Coastal South and influenced by the provocative culinary flavors of today, no other restaurant captures the true spirit and romance of this magical coast. Menu highlights are fresh-off-the-boat seafood and shellfish, whole Maine lobster, tender-aged Angus beef, ribs, pasta and homemade desserts. Market availability of seasonal ingredients determines the chef's choice of nightly specials. An exceptional wine list rounds out the menu.

Ocean Boulevard

4700 North Virginia Dare Trail - Milepost 2
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-2546
www.ocean-boulevard.com

Ocean Boulevard provides a seasonal menu using nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Guests enjoy fine-dining a la cart from a menu featuring gourmet cuisine and an extensive selection of wines and martinis. On Friday nights, Ocean Boulevard features live jazz music in the martini bar, making it one of Kitty Hawk's best nightspots.

Red Drum Grille and Taphouse

2412 South Virginia Dare Trail - Milepost 10
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 480-1095

Red Drum pours 18 beers on tap, including hard-to-find brews like Sierra Nevada, J.W. Dundee's Honey Brown, Woodpecker Cider, Black Radish, and Pyramid-Hefeweizen. Enjoy wine by the glass or the bottle and liquor from Red Drum's beautiful long, redwood-colored bar.

1 Ocean Boulevard
Southern Shores Crossing
Southern Shores, NC 27949
(252) 261-0420
http://meridian42.com/index.html

Tortuga's Lie Shellfish Bar and Grille

43014 South Virginia Dare Trail - Milepost 11
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7299
www.tortugaslie.com

This is one of the favorite meeting places for Outer Banks natives. The atmosphere is classic, with old license plates perched on the low, wooden ceiling beams, and the sand volleyball court remains ready for pickup games out back all summer. Bartenders serve Black and Tans in pint glasses, as Tortuga's has Guinness and Bass Ale on tap. The steamer is open until closing for those needing to satisfy late-night appetites with shellfish or fresh vegetables. Whether you're visiting or here to stay, Tortuga's is one place you won't want to miss.

Gigi's Italian Restaurant & Catering

520 Old Stoney Rd
Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-2929
outerbankscaterer.com

If you love Italian food, you'll recognize Gigi's as the real thing... Serving simple Italian dishes, all made fresh, with homemade desserts and an extensive Italian wine list to compliment the menu. They also offer catering for both large and small parties.