Tale of the Whale Restaurant in Nags Head, NC

Tale of The Whale Restaurant in Nags Head, NC

Tale of the Whale is an upscale dinner-only steak and seafood restaurant that offers live music and overlooks the scenic Roanoke Sound. How good is the waterfront view? One of the best on the Outer Banks!

Almost every seat in the dining room has a view of the water.

According to the restaurant’s website, the Tale of the Whale is the legacy of one gentleman named Don Bibey.

Don spent his entire professional career in the food industry and traveled the world during his the United States Air Force tenure. During his time abroad and in the states, he accumulated many unique recipes and ideas on display at the Tale of the Whale, a restaurant he and his wife Carole opened in 1980.

What is the restaurant’s mission statement? “To serve good food in ample portions with superior service in a comfortable setting.” We’d say they’ve succeeded!

The restaurant opens at 4:00 p.m. daily for dinner, seven nights a week during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. Like many locally-owned restaurants on the Outer Banks, Tale of the Whale is closed during the off-season.

Menu at Tale of the Whale

Their appetizers include stuffed mushrooms, hot crab dip, fried oysters, and fresh tomato basil brochette. Daily specials are available, so check with your waiter or waitress before deciding. Many restaurants on the barrier island prepare this southern delicacy like the chefs at Tale of the Whale. Trust us, it’s good!

You can choose to have your seafood fried, broiled, or steamed, which is not something you typically see at other restaurants on the Outer Banks. However, sometimes the best choice isn't fried when you’re eating fresh crabs, fish, and shellfish.

In addition to the plethora of seafood options, diners can also enjoy an entrée with chicken, steak, or ribs. They also have about a half dozen or so pasta entrées.

There is a sizable bar section separate from the dining room and a great spot to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail while waiting for your table to be ready. You might have to wait if you go during the summer, but it’s typically less than 30 minutes.

Instead of waiting by the bar, you may prefer to enjoy your beverage outside, as there is a lovely wooden walkway that wraps around the restaurant and a pavilion just a few feet above the Roanoke Sound. So, yes, you can take your alcoholic beverage outside.

By combining the restaurant’s carefully crafted menu, well-prepared dishes, friendly service, and unbelievable sound front views, you have a unique place to enjoy dinner with close friends and family.

Ask any local, and they’ll tell you that Tale of the Whale is one of the very best restaurants in the area!

Tale of the Whale
7575 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7332