Roanoke Island Restaurants

For a tasty treat, head to Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream. Choose from more than 50 flavors of made-from-scratch ice cream plus sherbet, sorbet and soft serve. You can get any flavor made into a shake, split, sundae or float, even a brownie sundae – yum! Big Buck’s has an espresso bar and all the espresso-based coffee drinks you need to pick up your day. Handmade Belgian chocolate and fudge are made fresh daily, and they also accept custom orders for wedding favors, baby showers and other events. And don't forget the ice cream cake! They have a flavor for every occasion. One of their locations, The Coffeehouse, is right in the middle of downtown Manteo and offers all the same great things as the other Big Buck's plus an expanded selection of fresh coffees, pastries and muffins.

For a tasty treat, head to Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream. Choose from more than 50 flavors of made-from-scratch ice cream plus sherbet, sorbet and soft serve. You can get any flavor made into a shake, split, sundae or float, even a brownie sundae – yum! Big Buck’s has an espresso bar and all the espresso-based coffee drinks you need to pick up your day. Handmade Belgian chocolate and fudge are made fresh daily, and they also accept custom orders for wedding favors, baby showers and other events. And don't forget the ice cream cake! They have a flavor for every occasion. One of their locations, The Coffeehouse, is right in the middle of downtown Manteo and offers all the same great things as the other Big Buck's plus an expanded selection of fresh coffees, pastries and muffins.

Darrell’s is a family-style seafood restaurant that’s a locals' favorite and has been operated by the Daniels family for more than five decades. It dates back to 1960, when Darrell Daniels started the Polar Bear Drive-In. When the second generation came on board in 1972, the family changed the focus to a seafood restaurant and renamed it Darrell's Seafood Restaurant. Now the third generation is working here. Seafood is still the specialty, and locals know that Darrell’s does seafood right. The fried oysters, served with the traditional fixings of cole slaw, French fries and hush puppies, are widely touted as the best anywhere. The blackened tuna over black beans and rice is both healthy and delicious. Land food, children’s fare and light dishes are also available. Darrell's also has a wood-fired grill for barbecue. Helpings are heaping, and the desserts are delicious, if you have room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday, and on-site and off-site catering for groups and events of 20 people or more are available. Darrell's has a second location, Darrell's 2 BBQ & Seafood, at Outer Banks Mall in Nags Head.

At the Hungry Pirate Waterfront Café you’re sure to find something to satisfy all your cravings. Bringing tastes of the Old World to the Outer Banks, their mouthwatering menu presents a top-quality selection of imported meats, cheeses and specialty seasonings, served with freshly baked breads and baguettes. Honoring Italian traditions, they prepare healthful fare focused on freshness and an international flavor that is simple, with a touch of refinement. The chefs at Hungry Pirate take a health-conscious approach to mid-day favorites such as sandwiches, paninis and pizzas, all made to order. Their low-sodium dishes and appetizers are seasoned with heart-healthy olive oils, balsamic vinegars and house-made roasted vegetables. You can also create your own salad using crisp, organic ingredients. With the feel of a European bistro, the cozy eatery offers both indoor and outdoor seating that showcases some truly spectacular water views in downtown Manteo. Prepare to relax as you also enjoy a glass of wine or sangria with your meal. Be sure to sample their tempting homemade desserts, like the rich chocolate mousse, a popular choice winning rave reviews. The Hungry Pirate serves breakfast too, offering the locally loved Barrier Island Bagels, ham and cheese croissants, organic eggs and mimosas. Combined with their stunning view of Shallowbag Bay, this is a great way to start the day.

For award-winning locally brewed beer and creative cuisine, head to Lost Colony Brewery & Café. This longtime local restaurant has the chops of any urban gastropub but with the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere of small-town Manteo. Notable for bringing a touch of city style to the downtown Manteo waterfront, the restaurant and pub are located at the intersection of Queen Elizabeth Avenue and Sir Walter Raleigh Street.

The beer, all of it brewed in nearby Stumpy Point, has gained national and international awards and fame over the past few years. Patrons can enjoy all eight of their regular beers plus other seasonal offerings in both the tasting room/pub and in the café (as well as at other bars and bottle shops around town). The cafe has long been a locals’ favorite for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and eclectic eats. Take a seat at one of the umbrella-covered outdoor tables on a warm day or night, or sit inside in the intimate restaurant with a similar view of the streetscape. The menu offers something for everyone, from grilled Angus steaks and delicious seafood entrees to tasty vegetarian dishes. The wine list is extensive, with more than 50 choices available. The outside terrace is dog friendly – they even serve your pooch homemade dog chews.

The cafe is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week in-season. Call for off-season hours. Dinner reservations are accepted. Trivia night is held in the pub on Tuesdays, and brewery tours are offered in Stumpy Point on Wednesdays (call for information).

Shaddai is an authentic Peruvian and international-style restaurant. Its specialty is Peruvian charcoal chicken, a rotisserie-style roasted chicken packed with the bold flavors that Peruvian cuisine is known for. You can enjoy your meal in their spacious, colorful dining room or take a meal home to your family. Though Shaddai does not serve alcohol, it offers a variety of delicious traditional Peruvian beverages such as chicha morada, a sweet, colorful drink made from purple corn and spices, and maracuya, a passion fruit nectar. Less-adventurous eaters will find plenty of American favorites as well as Mexican dishes on the menu.