Seafood Restaurants in Nags Head, NC

Dunes Restaurant has been a breakfast and dinner favorite among Outer Banks locals and visitors for nearly four decades (39 seasons in 2021 to be exact). Breakfast here is a certifiable Nags Head tradition. Their hearty meals and platters are a huge draw, and their breakfast menu is one of the biggest on the beach, with choices like shrimp and grits, creamed chipped beef, N.C. country ham, a crab and shrimp omelet and a waffle platter. For the 2021 season, the Dunes is staying open for lunch through 2 p.m., with plenty of local seafood, burgers and Southern favorites. At dinnertime, the Dunes is known for its Outer Banks-style seafood – shrimp, scallops, oysters and fish served lightly breaded and golden fried or lightly seasoned and broiled, with all the favorite sides. Other favorites include crab cakes, steaks, burgers, seafood pasta, fish tacos and their famous fried chicken. Just be careful not to fill up on the piping hot hush puppies with honey butter that are served before your meal (trust us, they’re irresistible!). Family-owned and –operated, the Dunes welcomes children and large groups to their casually and comfortably elegant restaurant and R-Bar, serving specialty cocktails, wine and beer. And yes, you can eat in or take out – whichever you want. A retail area in the front of the store tempts with children’s toys, women’s accessories, jewelry, scarves, original paintings, photographs, Outer Banks memorabilia and much more. 

Mahi Mahi’s Island Grill features American cuisine with a dash of Latin flavor and a strong emphasis on seafood. Owners Andrew and Leslie Mikhail have proudly partnered with Peruvian-born Chef Alfredo Landazuri to establish this new Outer Banks restaurant where customers can expect an affordable menu, quality ingredients and friendly service. After working in and opening different restaurants along the Outer Banks and winning first-place awards nine times in local competitions, Chef Landazuri is considered one of the Outer Banks' top chefs, and his award-winning Mahi Mahi Chowder and Shrimp & Grits are on the menu here. The menu also includes salads, shareable appetizers, handhelds that include burgers, sandwiches and fish tacos, fried seafood, crab cakes, pork, steak and so much more, and specials are offered daily. Beer, wine and spirits are available at the full bar. Mahi Mahi's serves lunch and dinner for dine-in and take-out.

Woo Casa is the happy-medium place for the healthy eaters and those ready for their cheat day. This brightly colored restaurant features good-for-you food that you actually want to eat, whether during brunch, lunch or dinner. Spanish, Asian and island influences diversify their menu offerings, and they strive to offer seasonal and available seafood caught on the Outer Banks. They're known for their colorfully plated rice bowls, but it's also a great spot for digging into fresh tuna sashimi and poke, a flavorful and refreshing salad or indulgent nachos or buffalo sliders.