7 Mouthwatering Seafood Restaurants in Nags Head
What's better than seafood? Fresh seafood. Where can you find plentiful fresh seafood? Nags Head, North Carolina, of course!
These restaurants listed below offer fish, shrimp, crabs, oysters, and more caught near coastal NC and are carefully prepared by one of the area's many talented chefs.
Many of these family-friendly eateries offer dining with a view with a soundfront location that will make you wish your dinner would never end. And the sunsets? They're free, and yes, they're spectacular.
A good number of restaurants on the Outer Banks have limited off-season hours, so do call ahead unless you are dining during the summer months.
Without further ado, here is our countdown of the best seafood restaurants in Nags Head, NC.
Facebook/Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe
Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe
Are you someone who enjoys dining at establishments who can tell you exactly where the vegetables and meat they serve are from? Well, Basnight's owners pride themselves on offering vegetables grown in North Carolina to liven up their entrees.
The restaurant's chefs use only organic and fresh beef and poultry, and of course, the seafood is fresh and caught locally by the network of fishermen the restaurant works with. They are located right along the Roanoke Sound, with sunsets nightly and plenty of seating in the dining room with a view.
7623 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-5405
Tale of the Whale
About the best shrimp and grits, you'll ever have. Tale of the Whale is located in close proximity to Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe along Highway 64, right along the Roanoke Sound.
Live music select nights during the peak-season summer months. Closed during the winter and early spring. Food quality that you'd expect at an upscale restaurant but served in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to seafood, high-quality prime rib, pasta, and choice steaks.
7575 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7332
Facebook/Blue Moon Beach Grill
Blue Moon Beach Grill
Yes, this restaurant is located in a shopping complex, but don't let that deter you from visiting. Blue Moon Beach Grill is where the locals eat, especially during the offseason.
Seafood and southern comfort food are served in a welcoming space with local and original artwork lining the walls. Local brews and very reasonable prices compared to many other area restaurants.
4104 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 261-2583
Tortugas Lie
Seeking something a little different for your taste buds? How about entrees with a Caribbean flare? Tortugas Lie was deemed the "hotspot of the Outer Banks" by Guy Fieri during an OBX edition of his hit show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Burgers, sushi, fish, crab, and more.
The black beans and rice here are done right and rightfully paired with an appropriate protein. Surfing films play on repeat on indoor TVs—Beach volleyball court in the back of the restaurant.
3016 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7299
Austin Fish Co
The building with the shark on the roof! Austin's is located across the street from Jockey's Ridge State Park and within walking distance of Kitty Hawk Kites' flagship location. Minus a couple of picnic tables in the parking lot, there is no seating at Austin's, which is as authentic of a seafood market that you'll find on the Outer Banks.
Peruse their collection of filleted and untouched fish laying on ice for you to take home, or ask them to cook it for you while you're there and enjoy your lunch or dinner on the beach.
3711 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7412
Sam & Omie's
This list of the best seafood restaurants on the Outer Banks wouldn't be complete without including Sam & Omie's. This well-known establishment is located right across the street from Jennette's Pier around milepost 16 on the beach road, originally founded as a place for local anglers to grab a bite to eat before heading out on the water many, many decades ago - 1937 to be exact.
Hushpuppies are dynamite. Crab cakes, fresh flounder, chicken, steak, there's literally something for even the pickiest of eaters. They are offering a wholesome atmosphere that's very much unassuming. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are closed during the offseason.
7228 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7366
Owens' Restaurant
Established in 1946 and owned and operated by the same family 80+ years later. Museum-quality maritime artifacts line the walls of the restaurant and tell a story of the fisherman of years past who made their living and provided for their family by catching whatever the ocean waters would provide.
On the menu, you'll find fresh seafood, prime rib, and pasta, to name a few items. Great wine selection, and a staff member is always happy to help you pair your entree with the appropriate beverage. Open nightly from March through December. Excellent and mostly-quiet spot for a table for two.
7114 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7309