11 Best Restaurants in Hatteras, NC
Nestled on the shores of Hatteras Island in the southern portion of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, the coastal town of Hatteras is known for its natural beauty and abundance of things to do, including kite surfing, birding, and fishing. However, the food scene in Hatteras, NC, isn’t to be missed! From fresh seafood shacks serving you the catch of the day to waterfront restaurants, your palate will thank you.
If you can’t decide where to stop for lunch or book your dinner reservations while staying at the Edgecamp villas or suites, let this list guide you on the way to the best meals in town!
1. Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill
Photo Credit: Natalia Lisovskaya
Address: 58646 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Website: hatterassol.com
Price point: $$
Favorite menu item: She Crab Soup followed by Shrimp and Scallop Pasta
Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill only opens during the April to October season, so you’ll find a broad seasonal menu with locally outsourced ingredients from Jeffrey’s Seafood.
You can enjoy a nice meal created by Chef Nate Giroux while taking in the ocean views. The location is also a great place to experience the sunset views on their deck and drink a cold cocktail from their full bar while listening to live music.
2. Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant
Photo Credit: Trevor Allen Weddings
Address: 57980 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Website: dinkyswaterfrontrestaurant.com
Price point: $$$
Favorite menu item: Carolina Shrimp followed by Filet Oscar
Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant offers a classic American and local seafood menu served as its nautical theme location. The atmosphere is easy and laid-back, with views of the harbor, and you can expect top-notch service.
We highly recommend the Carolina Shrimp, but many will argue that the Crab Stack is the best - it is a crab cake topped with a soft shell crab, which is then topped with more crab meat.
3. Breakwater Restaurant
Photo Credit: Ken Privett
Address: 57878 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Price point: $$$
Favorite menu item: Cajun Scallop Tortellini
Located at Oden’s Dock, Breakwater Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Hatteras where you can enjoy dinner with the family. It has a great atmosphere and the occasional live music to listen to while you dine.
This seafood restaurant also has a covered outdoor seating section for those who prefer it with views of the Pamlico Sound. Breakwater is also only open during the high season between early Spring and late Fall.
4. The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop
Photo Credit: S_Photo
Address: 57196 Saxon Cut Dr., Hatteras, NC Hatteras, NC
Price point: $
Favorite menu item: Your favorite coffee flavor with a chocolate muffin
The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop is the place to visit when you need a caffeine jolt to start your day or a little afternoon pick-me-up. You’ll find the classic coffee brews, such as Espresso, Cappuccinos, Lattes, and Iced Coffee.
However, you’ll also find some summer specials, like a Lavender Latte, Key Lime Pie mochas, and fresh smoothies perfect for hot summer days!
5. Sonny’s Restaurant
Photo Credit: alisafarov
Address: 57947 Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Website: sonnyshatteras.com
Price point: $
Favorite menu item: Coconut Shrimp appetizer followed by steamed snow crab legs
Sonny’s Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that has been part of the Quidley family for over 40 years. Located in Hatteras Village on the Outer Banks, this restaurant in Hatteras is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Breakfast includes classics like eggs, omelets, and pancakes, while lunch provides juicy beef burgers with salads and soups (try the fried clam strips!). You can expect fresh seafood platters cooked to your preference for dinner - broiled, fried, or steamed!
6. Gingerbread House Bakery
Photo Credit: Cristi Lucaci
Address: 52715 North Carolina Hwy 12, Frisco, NC
Price point: $
Favorite menu item: Cheese Pizza
Located only a 10-minute car ride in Frisco, NC, the Gingerbread House is the place to try for those who wish to eat a classic pizza with their favorite toppings.
They also offer bread and baked sweets – all of which you can order to eat there or to go. They even offer gluten-free options and various cheese toppings, including ricotta, swiss, and feta.
7. Rusty’s Surf & Turf
Photo Credit: Sven Sauer
Address: 47355 North Carolina Hwy 12 HWY, Buxton, NC
Website: rustyssurfnturf.com
Price point: $$$
Favorite menu item: Pamlico Paella
Located further north in Buxton is Rusty’s Surf and Turf - a steakhouse and seafood eatery - where the chef loves incorporating local and international flavors.
It’s recommended that you make reservations at this spot as it’s popular after dark. The dinner menu includes some seafood classics like hushpuppies, but there’s also shrimp linguine, coconut mahi bites, and fried green tomatoes!
We highly recommend the Pamlico Paella as it has all the sea goodies, including shrimp, sea scallops, and mussels stewed with saffron rice, peas, and veggies.
8. The Wreck Tiki Bar
Photo Credit: Steve
Address: 58848 Marina Way A-4, Hatteras, NC
Website: thewreckobx.com
Price point: $$
Favorite menu item: The Wrecked Cuban
Located at the Hatteras Landing Marina, The Wreck Tiki Bar is one of the perfect restaurants in Hatteras for those seeking a delicious and simple lunch menu and craft beer. They have a variety of snacks and starters, and their delicious hot-pressed sandwiches and paninis are made to order.
We recommend the wrecked Cuban panini as it has smoked pork loin, deli ham, swiss, and house-made Cuban sauce. You can end your lunch with one of their locally-made ice cream sandwiches for a sweet treat!
9. Snack Shack
Photo Credit: Maddy A
Address: 58848 Marina Way, Hatteras, NC
Website: thewreckobx.com/snack-shack
Price point: $$
Favorite menu item: Blackened Mahi Tacos
Located right next to the ferries to Ocracoke Island is the Snack Shack, which joined the Wreck Family in 2023. You’ll notice their proximity to each other and with a menu that complements each restaurant.
As its name implies, the Snack Shack has a delicious, casual, but filling menu. From mac & cheese bites to the Island burger and the Blackened Mahi Tacos, you’re bound to find something you’ll love to eat.
10. Harbor Grill and Deli
Photo Credit: Lisa Top
Address: 58058 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Price point: $
Favorite menu item: Tiki Tacos
Located at the Hatteras Harbor Marina 1, the Harbor Grill and Deli is a great place to stop for a quick meal. You can even pre-order lunch bags to take away. The deli is known for its signature shrimp burgers and fried fish sandwiches. Whatever it is, make sure it includes their secret Baja sauce!
11. ISOLA Pizzeria and Bar
Photo Credit: ersaguncelebi
Address: 57331 Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Website: facebook.com/ISOLAHATTERAS
Price point: $$
Favorite menu item: Truffle Shroom with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and truffle oil.
ISOLA Pizzeria has some excellent pizza creations, classic sandwiches (we love the Buff Chicken Sandwich), burgers, and pasta. Basically your classic home cook Italian meal right in Hatteras.
They also have a kid’s menu with some favorite classics, including chicken tenders and butter noodles. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the fried Oreos covered in powdered sugar.
Eat and Stay in Hatteras with Edgecamp
We hope this list of the best restaurants in Hatteras, NC, helps you find and enjoy some of the best seafood when you book your Edgecamp stay. Choose from private villas or the new 1-bedroom suites at Pamlico Station.
If you wish to enhance your food experience while staying with us, you can book a private chef to prepare a meal for you and your guests. Our concierge team will be happy to arrange this for you.
Regardless, one thing’s for sure, a stay in Hatteras doesn’t just mean great beaches and outdoor activities, it also means fantastic dining options!
