Our Favorite Restaurants:
Restaurants that Deliver to the House:
Dominos Pizza - (252) 441-1525
Nags Head Pizza Company - (252) 715-3455
Pizza Hut - (252) 441-7101
Yellow Submarine Pizza and Subs - (252) 441-3511
Restaurants Within Walking Distance:
Cahoon’s Market:
Located just past the pier on the right side of the beach road, Cahoon’s market has a great mix of anything you’d need for a day at the beach or a day of fishing. It just so happens it also has a well-stocked market for those nights you want to cook but don’t want to do a full grocery shop. And for a quick bite, their deli serves made-to-order deli sandwiches and homemade desserts. Definitely a fresh meal and close to the house!
Dune Burger:
Dune Burger has excellent burgers and beach fries as well as other great items on the menu. It’s located just a couple of houses away on the same side of the road – just across from the pier. A good spot for ice cream, too!
Sam N Omie’s:
This is a Nags Head staple – beloved seafood restaurant that’s a favorite among locals and visitors. It’s also located near the pier on the left side of the road.
Fat Boyz:
Another great spot for beach food – burgers, fries, etc. Just a few blocks north of the house on the left side of the beach road. Also a great spot for ice cream!
Taco Bell/KFC:
Sometimes you just want to make a run for the border. It happens to be right behind the house! BONUS: It’s also a KFC!
Owens:
More upscale but appropriate for the whole family.
Our Favorite Restaurants:
Art’s Place
4624 N Virginia Dare Trail
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Known for the best burgers on the beach, there’s much more to Art’s Place than first meets the eye! There’s plenty of seating inside and the bar is a great place to sit and meet locals at happy hour! Outdoor seating offers deck-top views of the ocean and surrounding areas and the menu, though it may seem basic, is full of deliciousness. Get the burger, grilled cheese or check out the chalkboard – the nightly specials are some of the best options.
Avenue Grille and Goods
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue #5
Manteo, NC 27954
Fresh, local, natural, healthy and delicious food. Everything is made in house and locally sourced as much as possible. A great, casual atmosphere with water views in Manteo. We love this spot for lunch and a walk down the Manteo waterfront.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café
7623 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-5404
Built on a foundation of locally fresh foods, they purchase vegies, etc. from local growers and their menu will tell you who caught the seafood you’re eating! The food is delicious and the views over the Sound are worth the wait you’ll likely have to get a table. Wait times may be somewhat long for evenings - particularly on the weekends, so give yourself time to sit outside and enjoy the view!
Black Pelican
Milepost 4 – Beach Road
This restaurant is located in an old Lifesaving Station and you’ll find it full of charm and great food.
The Blue Point
1240 Duck Road
Duck, NC 27949
Take a drive about 55 minutes north to Duck and hang out for some shopping and a meal. The Blue Point is well respected for fine dining by the Sound. (Call to ask about reservations in the summer.)
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar
2000 Sailfish Dr.
Manteo, NC 27954
Airy restaurant featuring season seafood and meat dishes, plus cocktails in a comfy spot with water views.
Bob’s Grill
1219 S Croatan Highway (bypass)
Kill Devil Hills, NC
Low-key but delicious – Open early until 2 p.m. – easy, inexpensive breakfast options and great diner-style sandwiches and lunch options. P.S. If you order pancakes, just order ONE. They’re the size of a full plate!!!
Country Deli Outer Banks
1900 S Croatan Highway (bypass)
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Huge sandwiches – considered among the best sandwiches in the area. Order online if you’d like to pick up!
Dune Burger
Just three houses north of Sea Salt – This is a family tradition for summer at Sea Salt. After a long day at the pool or beach and right before everyone gets cranky – send the kids over with your order and they’ll bring back delicious beach burgers, fries and ice cream! (Hot dogs, too!) https://www.facebook.com/duneburgerobx
El Shaddai Chicken
112 US-64
Manteo, NC 27954
Peruvian chicken, civiche, rice dishes and some Mexican fare served in a no-frills, casual space.
Fatboys Ice Cream & Sweet Treats
7208 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
After dinner you can take a quick walk down (up, north!) to Fatboyz to grab an ice cream treat. Enjoy it on their covered porch. Try one of their Flurries!
Grit’s Grill
5000 S Croatan Highway (at the Outer Banks Malls)
Nags Head, NC 27959
Grit’s Grill is just that –a simple diner-style restaurant with an emphasis on amazing breakfast – located just 2 miles from Sea Salt.
Hurricane Mo’s
120 East Kitty Hawk Road
Kitty Hawk, NC
(252) 255-0215
The place to be for Happy Hour – typically from 3-6 p.m. – known for great Happy Hour deals on Shrimp, tacos, etc.
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
800 S Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Yes, it’s the same chain as the one in Harrisonburg, VA and Norfolk, VA. Simple menu of mostly burgers and fries but you can’t go wrong here. Also a lengthy list of beers and a funky, casual space. Outdoor seating is available during the summer as well. They have extended hours – which not many of the restaurants on the Outer Banks offer. (Not a bad spot to grab some greasy to-go food for a post-beach evening at home by the pool!)
Jolly Roger
1836 North Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Milepost 6.75
Jolly Rogers is a well-known fave for tourists – with plenty of options including local seafood, pasta and steaks. Expect a long wait in the summer, and expect it to be worth it!
La Fogata Mexican Restaurant
4933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant on the Outer Banks – and bonus – it’s only a couple of miles from Sea Salt and across from the Outer Banks Mall. (Not the outlet mall.) They’re also open later than a lot of other restaurants during the slower months – and we appreciate that!
Lost Colony Tavern
208 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954
Complete your Roanoke Island experience by enjoying the food, beer and spirits of the British Isles Authentic British tavern food and beers.
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
6916 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959
Milepost 16
Just a couple of minutes drive from Sea Salt, with beautiful Sound views, Millers is a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Mulligan’s Grille
4005 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959
We recommend the outdoor seating at Mulligans, particularly around sunset. There’s a ton of variety on the menu and the specials are usually excellent. After sunset, the outdoor area on the weekends takes on a laid-back beach bar vibe, typically with local musicians and good drink service.
Approximately two blocks north of Sea Salt Cottage on the beach road – a nice walk if you’re interested. A more upscale family restaurant known for excellent local dishes. We recommend this location for a nice date night style meal. Let the kids order burgers from Dune Burger and treat yourself to Owens’!
Ortega’z Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar
201 Sit Walter Raleigh Street
Manteo, NC 27954
Delicious southwest food and a low-key comfortable wine-bar atmosphere located in Manteo.
Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop
Manteo Waterfront
Some days you just want a great sandwich or salad. They’ve got great local seafood specials, too. Grab one of the tables outside for a close up view of the Manteo waterfront – and take a walk down the boardwalk after you eat to check out the Manteo Lighthouse. This is one of our favorite places to spend a quieter afternoon or evening. We recommend lunch over dinner as dinner is served in the bar area and tends to get loud! Lunch is served until 3 and dinner starts at 5.
Plaza Azteca
1502 S Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 255-1060
If you’re from the Virginia Beach area, you’ll recognize this one. We don’t think it’s quite up to the Virginia Beach Plaza’s but we’ve never met a Mexican restaurant we didn’t like. Located around the 9.5 milepost.
An easy walk from Sea Salt Cottage! One block north of the house on the beach road. The go-to down-to-earth locals and tourist’s fav seafood spot with plenty of all American options, too. Plan on mid day lunches or early to late evening dinners if you want to avoid the crowd.
Stripers Bar & Grill
1100A S Bay Club Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Casual, tri-level eatery on the bay featuring steamed and fried seafood, plus draft beer and deck seats. Great views and some good non-seafood options.
Surfin’ Spoon
3408 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 23759
We highly recommend making a little post-dinner trip to Surfin’ Spoon – it’s super aesthetically pleasing – as the kids say – and they have delicious frozen yogurt. It’s owned and operated by a former pro surfer and his wife – and you’ll enjoy the surf-vibe and casual, conversation inviting seating. Super fun and delicious frozen yogurt on the beach road about 8 minutes north. Be sure to leave a little change in the walls – you’ll see why when you’re there. It’s a great fundraiser!
Tortugas Lie Bar and Grill
3016 Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 23759
Very popular local style restaurant known for seafood and Caribbean style flavors. Seen on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Plan on a crowd during the summer!
Trio Restaurant & Market
Milepost 4, Bypass Road
Kitty Hawk, NC
Neighborhood bistro featuring New American fare and live music, plus a store with an excellent selection of wine, beer and cheese. Get the goat cheese appetizer – you will have no regrets!!
Gluten Free Options:
These are restaurants we’ve heard have a good selection of Gluten-free options on their menu. Google for address and current restaurant menus just to be sure!
• Barefoot Bernies
• Coastal Cravings
• Colington Café
• Jolly Rogers
• Mulligans
• Outer Banks Brewing Station
• Roosters Southern Kitchen
- Surfin Spoon
• South Beach Grill