Even in the height of a North Carolina summer, outside dining is a pleasurable experience in Manteo, NC, restaurants. Enjoy a cold beverage on the docks of a harbor or marina and watch as commercial fishermen come in with their catches. Or enjoy a gourmet preparation of said fresh catch while you dine al fresco and overlook the Shallowbag Bay. Small sandwich shops, cafes and eateries also offer plenty of seating at picnic tables for people grabbing lunch and watching the downtown bustle.
Featured for Your Visit
Manteo, NC, Outdoor Dining
2000 Sailfish Drive, Pirate's Cove, Manteo
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar is a locally owned restaurant based at Pirate's Cove Marina, giving it a prime location between Manteo and Nags Head with fantastic views of the marina, sound and marsh. Their menu is varied and changes seasonally with a focus on fresh, local seafood. Oysters hailing from local and regional waters are the specialty at the raw bar, along with local seafood. Be sure to try their famous Oyster Shooters! The menus features appetizers, salads, hearty entrees of seafood and select meats and lighter fare. Lunch favorites include Seared Shrimp Pasta and Shrimp and Grits, and popular dinner dishes are the 12 oz. Certified Angus Beef Rib Eye and anything made with the fish of the day. The specials list never disappoints, and there are dedicated kids' and dessert menus. They'll even cook your cleaned fresh catch if you bring it in! The bar offers specialty cocktails and extensive wine and beer lists. The staff is friendly, and you’ll be happy with their service and care. Blue Water also offers Mimi’s Tiki Hut, open spring through fall, located on the docks right below the restaurant. Mimi's is a great place to wait for a table at Blue Water or just to watch the fishing boats come in from a long day, and you can have a drink or grab a bite to eat there. Open year round, Blue Water is popular with visitors and locals so it's always good to make a reservation if possible.
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar is a locally owned restaurant based at Pirate's Cove Marina, giving it a prime location between Manteo and Nags Head with fantastic views of the marina, sound and marsh. Their menu is varied and changes seasonally with a focus on fresh, local seafood. Oysters hailing from local and regional waters are the specialty at the raw bar, along with local seafood. Be...
read more Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar is a locally owned restaurant based at Pirate's Cove Marina, giving...
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Manteo, NC, Outdoor Dining
Salt & Cypress Kitchen + Cocktails is a new restaurant and event space at Shallowbag Bay Club in Manteo, created by brother-and-sister team Ryan and Bridget Karg. With spectacular waterfront views and indoor/outdoor seating, the restaurant blends American-style coastal cuisine with relaxed yet elevated ambiance. The menu features seasonal dishes, inspired salads with house-made dressings and seafood and protein add-ons, soups, entrées and inventive handcrafted...read more
Manteo, NC, Outdoor Dining
Crabber, restaurateur and wine aficionado, Vicki Basnight is an Outer Banks icon known for her strong commitment to serving local seafood and produce. Her latest venture is Vicki B's, a restaurant, bar, market and outdoor event venue in a former Downtown Manteo home. The lunch menu features cold plates, salads, a smashburger, meat pie, soups and more, while dinner offerings range from appetizers and salads...read more
Wanchese, NC, Outdoor Dining
Wanchese Tiki Bar at Safe Harbor Outer Banks is a locals' favorite for fun directly on the Wanchese docks. They serve cold draft beer and wine. Get here in late afternoon (between 4 and 5 p.m.) and you'll be able to see the charter boats coming in and unloading their catches. There's live music on the weekends in the warm seasons. They are open Tuesday-Saturday,...read more
Roanoke Island, NC, Outdoor Dining
We thought you might enjoy knowing about the locals’ favorite picnic spots. You can get take-out from most the restaurants we list in this section, so why not grab your feast and head out for a true outdoor dining experience?
1) Manteo Waterfront Boardwalk
Manteo Historic Waterfront Area
All along the Manteo Waterfront there are benches and tables that invite an outdoor meal....read more
