Hatteras Island Restaurants
Dining on Hatteras Island means that you can expect restaurants with originality, personality, fresh ingredients and even some secret family recipes.
The best thing about dining on Cape Hatteras is that there are no chain restaurants with predictable atmosphere and bland fare. All Hatteras Island restaurants reflect the laid-back personality of the island lifestyle in a variety of ways, but you can rest assured that the owners, chefs and staff are quite serious and very professional about the fare they serve and the experience they offer.
Most Cape Hatteras restaurants put a major focus on the bounty of the sea. Local menus tout such specialties as Gulf Stream fish (yellowfin tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi), inshore fish (trout, flounder and drum), succulent crab meat, oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and more. Restaurants will let you know what’s in season, and therefore the freshest, when you’re on the island. If it’s soft-shell crabs, don’t miss a chance to taste these delicacies! Fried seafood is no longer the staple of local menus, but you can get it if you want it. Most Hatteras restaurants feature more healthy preparations, like steaming, grilling, sautéing, blackening or broiling. If you want to cook seafood yourself, there are several Hatteras Island seafood markets; those are included in the listings in our Hatteras Shopping page.
If you’re not a seafood lover, don’t worry. Even the Hatteras Island seafood restaurants offer a wealth of other options like beef, pasta, chicken, pork and vegetarian entrees. And not every restaurant is seafood-oriented. You’ll find down-home North Carolina barbecue, Italian restaurants, plus pizza places, delis, ice cream shops and bakeries.
Meals are fairly priced on Hatteras Island, and dress is very casual. At this writing, Cape Hatteras restaurants can only serve beer and wine. Most Hatteras eateries close for some portion of the winter, though there is always something open, even in the dead of winter, to serve the growing population of locals. If you’re dining out from November through March, it’s best to call ahead to make sure your restaurant of choice is open. We have listed the Hatteras Island restaurants alphabetically within their respective villages, from north to south, starting in Rodanthe and ending in Hatteras Village.
Dirty Dick’s Crab House
- 58848 Marina Way, Hatteras Landing
- Hatteras Village
- (252) 995-DICK (3524)
This restaurant features a great setting on the waterfront at Hatteras Landing next to a marina and the ferry docks. Dirty Dick’s is a fun-loving restaurant that serves up seriously good food. The menu pays homage to New Orleans and Louisiana cuisine, with dishes such as seafood gumbo and Po Boys, but it also offers a vast array of classic seafood favorites, including the biggest variety of crab preparations we’ve ever seen. Steaks, chicken, pork, burgers, ribs, salads, unusual sides and appetizers and sandwiches round out the offerings. There’s also a location in Avon. Check out their popular T-shirts and other merchandise.
Down Under Restaurant and Lounge
- 25920 N.C. Highway 12
- Waves
- (252) 987-2277
Down Under is a longtime favorite family restaurant on northern Hatteras Island. Adventurous eaters might want to try the Australian specialties, including kangaroo burgers and Aussie-inspired sandwiches. But Down Under is really known for its seafood. The menu also includes chicken, pasta, steaks and kids’ offerings. The view of the sound and sunsets is fantastic, and large parties are welcome. It’s open for lunch and dinner.
Endless Summer
- 58848 Marina Way, Hatteras Landing Marina
- Hatteras Village
- (252) 986-2205
Endless Summer’s deli serves light breakfast fare (including waffles, biscuits, muffins, bagels and more) along with sandwiches, subs on fresh-baked bread, burgers, hot dogs and barbecue sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Endless Summer is also a convenience store selling drinks, beer, ice, snacks and some grocery items. Since it’s right next to the ferry docks, this is a great place to grab a meal or picnic supplies before you hop on the ferry to Ocracoke. In its dry goods market, the store sells apparel, gifts, local artwork and jewelry and is the exclusive purveyor of Hatteras Landing Marina logo merchandise.
Finnegan’s Dining Haul
- 46948 N.C. Highway 12
- Buxton
- (252) 995-3060
Located across from the entrance to the lighthouse, Finnegan’s serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. The whole menu is served all day, and can choose from their signature U-boat sandwiches, burgers, pizza, seafood and a bunch of great appetizers (nachos, wings, conch fritters, onion rings and more). A kids’ menu is available. Beer and wine are offered. Finnegan’s is open year round. Look for live music here on Saturday nights.
Fish House Restaurant
- 48962 N.C. Highway 12
- Buxton
- (252) 995-5151
If you want fresh seafood, this is about as close as you can get. Fish House is in a former fish house right on Buxton Harbor, where fishing boats unload their catches. You get fabulous water views, a cheerful atmosphere and good eats. Now owned and operated by the Oden family, with well-known local restaurateur Tracy Oden Callahan at the helm, Fish House offers lunch and dinner daily. The appetizer menu, which is available for lunch and dinner, features creative offerings, and lunch includes home-style lunch specials along with wraps, burgers, seafood baskets and seafood sandwiches. For dinner there is steamed or fried seafood, potato chip–encrusted crab cakes with red pepper aioli, and fresh local fish out of the Pamlico Sound and Gulf Stream. Fish House serves beer and wine, and delicious homemade desserts.
Frank’s OBX Dog House
- 25972 N.C. Highway 12
- Waves
- No phone
Across from the Waves Post Office, you’ll find Frank’s OBX Dog House, serving all-beef hot dogs piled with delicious toppings including sauerkraut and NY sweet onion sauce. Feel free to make your own combination or choose one of theirs. They also serve brats with spicy brown mustard, nachos piled high with chili, onions, jalapenos and cheese, and Coney Island Potato Knish, a slightly seasoned mashed potato pie. This restaurant is for take-out only, but they have picnic tables in the yard.
Froggy Dog Restaurant & Bar
- 40050 N.C. Highway 12
- Avon
- (252) 995-5550
Originally a hot dog stand, the Froggy Dog has grown into Avon’s largest restaurant over the years. The Froggy Dog serves three meals a day. Breakfast features everything from cereal to bagels to crab omelets to homemade biscuits. For lunch, there are burgers, sandwiches, salads and gourmet hot dogs (try the Froggy Dog). The dinner menu has something for everyone, from steaks and seafood to pasta and vegetarian dishes. Kids’ and seniors’ menus are available. Families are welcome at the Froggy Dog, and there’s a Kiddie Corner with toys and a TV to entertain kids while their parents eat. The lounge is a popular late-night hangout with karaoke and acoustic music. Ribbits Gift Shop sells T-shirts and a lot of other Froggy Dog paraphernalia.
Happy Belly Ice Cream, Smoothies and Candies
- 57204 N.C. Highway 12, Beacon Shops
- Hatteras Village
- (252) 986-6530
Happy Belly is a great spot for a cool, refreshing, sweet treat. They serve real fruit smoothies, hand-dipped ice cream in cones, cups, sundaes or shakes, plus fresh-made fudge, saltwater taffy and a great selection of candies. Open daily, Happy Belly is also a WiFi hotspot.
Harbor Delicatessen
- 58058 N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Harbor Marina
- Hatteras Village
- (252) 986-2500
The Harbor Delicatessen offers breakfast, lunch and take-out fare. It’s a great place to pick up lunches for a fishing trip; they offer boxed lunches if you call ahead and order. Breakfast includes biscuit and bagel sandwiches and more. The lunch menu is large, with lots of specialty sandwiches, seafood salads, daily specials and sides. In-season they open at 5 a.m. and stay open until 6 p.m. In the off-season they open at 5:30 a.m. and close in the early afternoon. That early opening hour means you can get your day’s eats for the fishing charter; call the day before and they’ll have your boxed lunches waiting for you.
Hot Tuna Grub & Pub
- 23500 N.C. Highway 12
- Rodanthe
- (252) 987-2266
When the meal calls for good, reasonably priced, casual fare, Hot Tuna Pub & Grub has what you need. Kicked back in the beach-tiki atmosphere, at the bar or in the dining room, you can enjoy steamed seafood, fried seafood baskets, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and more. Lunch and dinner are served daily. This restaurant is definitely family friendly, and kids’ meals are on the menu. Pool tables and Foosball games are in the bar area, where you’ll also find karaoke and entertainment on occasion. Hot Tuna offers take-out. The restaurant is next to Island Convenience in Rodanthe.
Inn on Pamlico Sound
- 49684 N.C. Highway 12
- Buxton
- (252) 995-7030, (800) PAMLICO
The Inn on Pamlico Sound is a casually elegant inn located on the banks of the Pamlico Sound. The intimate restaurant at the inn offers a unique fine dining experience overlooking the waters of the sound. Gourmet dining here features local seafood, organic beef and poultry, homemade soups, appetizers and desserts, an extensive wine and beer list, and is vegetarian and vegan friendly. The menu changes nightly. The inn has the only restaurant on the island that accepts reservations. As seating is limited, reservations are recommended. The inn and its restaurant are both handicapped accessible.
Island Coffee
- 26657 N.C. Highway 12
- Salvo
- (252) 987-1500
Stop at Island Coffee any time of the day for coffee, espresso-based drinks, tea, chai and pastries. The coffee shop sells some artwork and is linked to Island Dyes, so you can check out all their tie dyes, tobacco accessories, pottery, clothing and more while you’re here.
Island Perks Coffee Shop and Café
- 46618 N.C. Highway 12
- Buxton
- (252) 986-1111
Island Perks can load you up with your morning fuel, but it is way more than a coffee shop. It’s a bakery and cafe as well. Let’s see you try to resist their hot, fresh-baked cinnamon buns and scones in the morning. The café offers quick but homemade and satisfying breakfasts, lunches and dinners. For breakfast there are wraps, breakfast sandwiches and platters. For lunch there are burgers, soup, chili, fresh salads, sandwiches (your choice of traditional, wrap, focaccia or croissant) and comfort-food specials. The dinner menu changes daily according to what’s fresh. The café is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is the place to buy whole cakes and cheesecakes or to order a spectacular wedding cake or birthday cake.
Island Time Cups and Cones
- 40146 N.C. Highway 12
- Avon
- No phone
At Island Time, cool down with a Hawaiian ice, hand-scooped or soft-serve ice cream or a delicious malt, shake or smoothie. Or go for the coffee — Island Time serves all of the favorite coffee and espresso-based drinks. While you’re here, play a board game, Wii or shuffleboard, read a book or put together a puzzle. You can’t miss Island Time in its bright pink building. They’re open only in the summer and they stay open until 11 p.m. every night.
Java Junction
- 39774 N.C. Highway 12
- Avon
- (252) 995-7020
Java Junction, part of The Glass Bead store, serves coffee and espresso drinks. It’s also an Internet café, with high-speed Internet access on their computer or yours. While you’re here, create your own jewelry with more than a thousand types of beads.
Leonardo’s Pizza
- 11000 N.C. Highway 12, Reef Store
- Rodanthe
- (252) 987-6522
Leonardo’s offers delicious, fresh-made, New York-style pizza with a variety of toppings, plus salads, calzones and hearty subs stuffed with all the favorite fillings. It’s located at the Reef beach supplies store in Rodanthe. You can pick up your order or have it delivered in Rodanthe, Waves or Salvo. They’re closed on Mondays.
Lisa’s Pizzeria
- 24158 N.C. Highway 12
- Rodanthe
- (252) 987-2525
Lisa’s, in business for nearly 25 years, is legendary on Hatteras Island. Come here for lunch or dinner to chow down on Italian favorites like hand-tossed pizza, calzones, lasagna, manicotti and spaghetti. Submarine sandwiches, wraps and burgers are also on the menu. The side dishes are excellent, including salads, fried mushrooms and broccoli, chicken wings and outstanding garlic cheese bread. Small and casual, Lisa’s is great for eating in, but they also offer take-out and free delivery.
Mack Daddy’s Seafood Grill and Raw Bar
- 40396 N.C. Highway 12
- Avon
- (252) 995-5060
Mack Daddy’s specializes in fine coastal cuisine in an island casual atmosphere. Chef Seth Foutz has an appreciation for local ingredients and all-natural foods; he features fresh fish, shellfish and produce and makes everything by hand, never using processed or prepackaged foods. Specialties of the house include shrimp and grits, crab cakes, game fish and prime steaks, and Foutz creates a couple of not-to-be-missed specials every night. The menu, which changes seasonally, also includes chicken, duck, pork, pasta, a vegetarian option, homemade soups and desserts and a children’s menu. Specialty beers and draft beers and full wine list are available. Mack Daddy’s is open for dinner daily only from April through November. A private dining room can accommodate large parties and special events. Catering and private chef services are available.
Marilyn’s Deli
- 23532 N.C. Highway 12, Island Convenience
- Rodanthe
- (252) 987-2239
There’s a constant flow of customers at this convenience store deli counter, so you know that’s a sign that the food is delicious. The deli’s breakfast offerings include fresh-made biscuits and breakfast platters, breakfast sandwiches on croissants, muffins, bagels, toast or biscuits and more. For lunch you can get deli sandwiches, hot meats and vegetables, fried chicken, fries and ice cream. The service is quick, and you can eat inside or out. This is a great place to pick up a quick meal and all the ice, drinks, tackle and supplies you’ll need for a fishing trip or beach day.
Mona Lisa’s Pizzeria and Bakery
- 58848 Marina Way, Hatteras Landing
- Hatteras Village
- (252) 986-1587
Mona Lisa’s is a full-service bakery offering breakfast fare, pizza and fabulous baked goods. For breakfast, enjoy coffee and espresso-based drinks with pastries or breakfast sandwiches. The pizzas and calzones are of the gourmet variety, and slices are available, perfect for grabbing a quick bite before you board the ferry. Pizza and calzone delivery is available in Hatteras Village from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The bakery offers artisan breads, pies, cakes, cookies and other sweet treats. Mona Lisa’s is open all day.
Nino’s Pizza
- 41188 Palazzolo Rd., off N.C. Highway 12
- Avon
- (252) 995-5358
Come to this Hatteras Island favorite for homemade Italian specialties — pizza on hand-tossed dough, calzones, spaghetti, pasta dishes, lasagna and subs — along with hamburgers and salads. Whatever you order, it’s guaranteed to be great. Nino’s has been serving meals on Hatteras Island for nearly 30 years, so know you can trust that longevity. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and delivery is available in Avon. They serve beer too.
Oceana’s Bistro
- 41008 N.C. Highway 12
- Avon
- (252) 995-4991
Oceana’s has the casual, cozy atmosphere of a neighborhood pub. Oceana’s breakfast includes the standard fare plus delicious steak and eggs, quesadillas, omelets, pancakes and French toast. The all-day menu for lunch and dinner features freshly made, well-seasoned burgers, seafood, salads, stuffed baked potatoes and the very popular create-your-own quesadillas. The dinner-only menu is a little fancier, with prime rib, rib eyes, pastas, chicken, daily specials and a very nice wine selection. The bar area is sports-oriented with plasma TVs and all the sporting event coverage you need, including football on Sundays and Monday night. Oceana’s is open every day year round.
Orange Blossom Bakery
- 47206 N.C. Highway 12
- Buxton
- (252) 995-4109
Named for the orange trees that once grew on the property, the Orange Blossom is a Hatteras Island favorite for breakfast. Everyone loves the Apple Uglies, doughnuts and pastries (the Apple Uglies go fast, so get there early!). They also offer biscuits, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Orange Blossom serves organic coffees and chai. Sit inside or out on the porch. Breakfast is served every day from 6:30 until 11 am. It’s located just south of the entrance to the lighthouse.
Outback Kitchen
- 40396 N.C. Highway 12
- Avon
- (252) 305-2452
Hatteras Island is home to the Outer Banks’ only permitted mobile commercial kitchen on wheels. Owner Kylie Simpson, who is from Australia, hence the name of her business, bought a catering truck from a film company and transformed it into a stainless steel commercial kitchen. While the truck is based at Mack Daddy’s in Avon, it’s fully prepared to take any catering show on the road. Outback Kitchen offers catering for all types of events, including weddings, reunions and business conferences. They are also the only custom wedding-cake baker on the island. Outback Kitchen also offers a food-to-go service, preparing restaurant-quality, family-style meals delivered straight to the doors of vacationers who don’t want to cook. And if you’re out and about on Hatteras, look for Outback Kitchen’s inexpensive packaged sandwiches and Australian meat pies in convenience stores around the island, including Avon’s Breeze-Thru.
Papa Nino’s
- 47365 N.C. Highway 12, Osprey Shopping Center
- Buxton
- (252) 995-0060
An offshoot of Avon’s popular Nino’s Pizza, Papa Nino’s serves lunch and dinner every day. They feature Nino’s famous pizza plus subs, sandwiches and appetizers. They’re now offering an economical lunch buffet with pizza, pasta and a salad bar. Delivery is offered in Buxton and Frisco in the evenings. Call to ask about Latino/Mexican food nights in the summer.
