Seafood Restaurants in Nags Head, NC

Including Steam Bars in Nags Head, NC

Seafood is for certain the most popular fare on the Outer Banks – in fact, eating Outer Banks seafood is one of the main reasons some people choose to vacation here. Crabs, oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp and a huge variety of fish are available in seafood restaurants in Nags Head, NC. What are some of the most popular seafood dishes? We’ll name a few, but keep in mind that we don’t have room to name all the favorites in Outer Banks seafood: soft-shell crab sandwiches, Hatteras-style clam chowder, steamed shrimp, oysters Rockefeller, clams casino, fish tacos, crab dip, crab cakes, stuffed flounder, grilled tuna, fried mahi bites, tuna sashimi, poke bowls … and the list goes on. If you’re looking for steamed or raw seafood, look for seafood restaurants in Nags Head, NC, that tout a steam bar.

Basnight’s Lone Cedar

Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
7623 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
(252) 441-5405

This Outer Banks landmark restaurant at the top of many locals’ lists of favorite places. The service is genuinely friendly, and the portions are more than generous. You’ll enjoy views of Roanoke Sound on both sides of the restaurant, including nightly sunsets. They feature only local, fresh North Carolina seafood that comes in whole and is cleaned in their state-certified fish-cleaning house, located onsite. They...read more

This Outer Banks landmark restaurant at the top of many locals’ lists of favorite places....read more

Dunes Restaurant

Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
7013 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Between The Bypass and The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-1600

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....read more

Dunes Restaurant has been a breakfast and dinner favorite among Outer Banks locals and visitors...read more

Fishheads Bar & Grill

Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road, MP 18.5, Nags Head
(252) 441-5740

You can't eat and drink any closer to the ocean than this. Fishheads at Outer Banks Pier offers a restaurant and bar with seating on the deck in the sun or moon or under a roof with open-air curtains. They serve fish tacos, steamed shrimp, fresh hamburgers, crab cakes, tuna bites, fries and more. And they also have some breakfast sandwiches for the early birds...read more

You can't eat and drink any closer to the ocean than this. Fishheads at Outer...read more

Mahi Mahi's Island Grill

Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
2217 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5, Nags Head
(252) 715-0106

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 teamed up 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...read more

Mahi Mahi’s Island Grill features American cuisine with a dash of Latin flavor and a strong...read more

Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row

Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
4005 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 13, Nags Head
(252) 480-2000

For more than 20 years, Mulligan’s has served Southern coastal cuisine with incredible views, thanks to its scenic location between Jockey’s Ridge and Historic Cottage Row. Long known for having some of the best burgers on the beach, their masterful chefs recently have been placing a brighter spotlight on local seafood prepared in an authentic Outer Banks style, all with fresh, local ingredients....read more

For more than 20 years, Mulligan’s has served Southern coastal cuisine with incredible...read more

Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant

Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
7340 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
(252) 441-4963

Offering a primo location right on the water, Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest seafood available to locals and visitors for years. The views of Sugar Creek and the Roanoke Sound are incredible. The outdoor walkways and decks on the property are great for strolling along and viewing the resident wildlife. Before dinner, enjoy a drink from their outdoor gazebo bar. Folks can also...read more

Offering a primo location right on the water, Sugar Creek has been serving the freshest...read more

Woo Casa Kitchen

Nags Head, NC, Seafood Specialties & Steam Bars
5000 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14, Outer Banks Mall, Nags Head
(252) 715-0089

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...read more

Woo Casa is the happy-medium place for the healthy eaters and those ready for their...read more