7 Best Restaurants in Hatteras Island, The North Carolina Coast

Café Pamlico

$$$$ Fodor's choice
Overlooking Pamlico Sound, this upscale bistro puts the focus squarely on locally sourced seafood, vegetables from the accompanying inn's own garden, and friendly service by local staff. Among the favorites are shrimp and grits, grilled catch of the day, tuna ceviche, and crab cakes.

Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop

$ Fodor's choice
The long list of mocha varieties at this early-morning hot spot tempt you to deviate from your usual latte, and the fluffy muffins and scones only add to the decadence. All-fruit smoothies offer a healthy balance.

Breakwater

$$$

Perched atop Oden's Dock with views across the sound, this midpriced, seafood-oriented spot serves broiled and fried shrimp and fish, and plenty of specialty entrées like Cajun scallop tortellini and veggie options like coconut-curry stir-fry. The dining room is a bit small, but waiting for a table in comfortable chairs on the deck overlooking Pamlico Sound is not a chore.

Seafood Dinner $$$
57878 NC 12, Hatteras Village, North Carolina, 27943, USA
252-986–2733
dine.breakwaterhatteras.com
Known For
  • crab-stuffed flounder
  • live acoustic music
  • stunning sunset views
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted

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Buxton Munch Company

$
This casual lunch spot, tucked away in a strip center, has been going strong for over 20 years, specializing in fish and shrimp tacos, wraps, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. There's nothing fancy here, but prices are reasonable, and there may be a line at peak times.
Café Lunch Quick Bite $ Family
47359 NC 12, Buxton, North Carolina, USA
252-995–5502
www.buxtonmunch.com
Known For
  • crabby pattie crab cakes
  • inexpensive and fairly quick
  • local institution
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill

$$$
The Widespread Panic concert posters lining the walls are the first clue that this isn't the usual waterfront seafood spot; the next is the quality of the non-seafood options, like a strawberry and arugula salad, or the spicy margherita flatbread pizza. Of course, the ocean's bounty is well represented, from seafood corn chowder to a creamy shrimp carbonara.
Seafood Dinner $$$
58646 NC 12, Hatteras Village, North Carolina, 27943, USA
252-986--1414
hatterassol.com
Known For
  • upscale food with a laid-back vibe
  • sunset views across the sound
  • creative approach to fresh seafood
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Oceanas Bistro

$$$
Open year-round for lunch and dinner (seasonally for breakfast), this long-established and popular roadside restaurant is a great spot to get local seafood and a variety of other dishes at moderate prices. Daily specials range from prime rib to tacos and grillers, a cross between a pizza and a quesadilla that's topped with tuna, crab, chicken, or veggies. The bistro has a full bar and a good selection of local beers to wash it all down with.

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe

$

There's a line out the door during summer for this bakery's "Apple Uglies," fried amalgams of doughnut dough and apples. There's also a full menu of breakfast burritos and egg sandwiches to enjoy on the patio out front.