Across the Hatteras restaurants scene in Outer Banks seafood steals the spotlight. As is the custom of Outer Banks cuisine, many places serve up big, broiled or fried platters of fresh seafood – most of which is locally caught. Mahi mahi bites with beach fries, shrimp tacos and fried oyster sandwiches are available in surplus at many restaurants in Hatteras. In fact, it’s often not surprising that several of these eateries are long-standing local establishments where villages and fishermen gather to share stories, have a drink and grab a bite. Hatteras restaurants also include some less-expected players in their seafood dishes. The seafood, which changes by availability and what’s in season – often reflects the chefs’ creativity at these restaurants. They’ll play with different flavors, and diners get to taste the result in innovative preparations of shrimp succotash, artistically seared tuna or flavorful Hawaiian poke.
Featured for Your Visit
Hatteras Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
46843 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
A mile north of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Diamond Shoals is a traditional family-style restaurant that has been a favorite among Hatteras Island locals and visitors for more than 30 years. Owners Keith and Angela Gray are proud to serve a variety of fresh, local, carefully sourced seafood and sushi alongside a diverse menu of steaks, vegan options, chef's specials and the popular salad bar. Be sure to try their award-winning clam chowder and crab bisque. Diamond Shoals serves well-crafted cocktails, local and N.C. draft beers, wines and a good selection of sake to complement the sushi. They are open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their brand-new event room is a great place to host special occasions and celebrations. For large groups of six or more, call ahead for quicker seating options. To-go service and catering are available. Whether you're dining indoors or outside or gathering in their event room, Diamond Shoals strives to make your time with family and friends a memorable experience.
A mile north of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Diamond Shoals is a traditional family-style restaurant that has been a favorite among Hatteras Island locals and visitors for more than 30 years. Owners Keith and Angela Gray are proud to serve a variety of fresh, local, carefully sourced seafood and sushi alongside a diverse menu of steaks, vegan options, chef's specials and the popular salad bar. Be sure...read more
A mile north of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Diamond Shoals is a traditional family-style restaurant that has...read more
Home of the "Saltiest Gagger You'll Ever Swaller," Sticky Bottom Oyster Company is the storefront of an oyster farm of the same name that's located in Sandy Bay in Pamlico Sound. They farm Henry triploid oysters and sort and tumble them every week to ensure the best possible product. Stop by the storefront in Hatteras village to pick up oysters that were harvested fresh from...read more
Hatteras Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
In the heart of Frisco close to Frisco Woods Campground, Tavern on 12 is a great year-round stop for lunch and dinner or drinks and apps. They serve delicious tavern fare like salads, burgers, sandwiches, steamed local seafood, fish tacos, entrees and wood-fired pizza, including a few vegetarian options. Be sure to try their signature hushpuppies with tomato jam and their Pimento Mac and Cheese,...read more
Hatteras Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
The Mad Crabber is Hatteras Island’s original crab house; they’ve been specializing in crab legs and steamed seafood for more than 25 years. They also offer a kids’ menu, appetizers, soups and salads, homemade desserts and any steamed or fried seafood option you could dream of. Try their Mad Crabber Platter for a plethora of crab legs, shellfish and steamed seafood. The Mad Crabber is...read more
Hatteras Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
Hatteras Island’s happy spot is The Wreck Tiki Bar, located on the docks at Hatteras Landing next to the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry. The Wreck serves casual fare such as panini sandwiches, nachos and quesadillas with creative touches. The bar features classic tiki cocktails with a twist and local favorites as well as 10 beers on draft, most of which are local to the Outer Banks and...read more