The 1587 Restaurant is located in the Tranquil House Inn on the waterfront in beautiful, historic downtown Manteo.  World-Class chefs,  herbs grown from the Inn’s own gardens, today’s Atlantic seafood, meats & fowl, and vegetables from the Outer Banks’ finest growers. You’ll dine in an atmosphere that is elegant but relaxed as you gaze through the large windows that frame a view of quaint Shallowbag Bay and a moonrise that is truly spectacular!  Personally, I’ve never had a more scrumptious appetizer as their Sesame seared Scallops with  gourmet Wasabi Soy Cream sauce.

405 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Downtown Manteo/Roanoke Island  (252) 473-1587   www.1587.com

Known for their romantic atmosphere, piano bar, steak & seafood dinners and chocolate gourmet desserts.

(MP 2.5 Bypass) 4716 N. Croatan Hwy., Kitty Hawk (252) 261-7325  www.argylesrestaurantandpianobar.com

The Asian Bistro ambiance offers a cool, dimly lit, quiet getaway from the summer dinnertime hoopla and long lines found at other restaurants on the beach.

It is a peaceful place, tastefully decorated with a menu that offers the best of traditional Chinese and Japanese cuisine.  The Crab Rangoons are absolutely the best I’ve had, crispy and delicious and served with a tasty sweet & sour sauce for dipping.   For a sushi craving,  “Men in Black” rolls with a dollop of black caviar, and the “Super Duper Roll” with smoked eel and avocado hit the spot.  The popular and delicious “General Tso’s” chicken was served with spears of fresh broccoli.

I’d recommend the Asian Bistro for a delicious lunch (lunchbox specials until 4PM) a quiet date night, or girl’s night out.

(MP 4 Bypass) 3919 N. Croatan Hwy., Kitty Hawk  (252) 261-1946

A local landmark that was totally rebuilt after a catastrophic fire two years ago. Lone Cedar has a special connection to the Village People. Everything is homemade, fresh seafood is bought from local fishermen daily. Everything is organic and all vegetables are grown by local North Carolina farmers. Lone Cedar grows their herbs and tomatoes! Their Jumbo Lump She Crab Soup Cup has been described as “the best on the planet” made with fresh local jumbo lumps of crabmeat from the Alligator, Croatan, Albemarle and Pamlico waters in sherry-laced cream.

(Manteo Causeway) 7623 S. VA Dare Trail, Nags Head (252) 441-5405 www.lonecedarcafe.com

Chef’s prepare your Hibachi grilled steak, chicken or shrimp dinner with flaming volcanoes right at your table.  Be sure to try the Spicy Beach Roll (tuna, salmon and crab), the KDH roll (for Kill Devil Hills) and the classic Spider Roll. Fuji offers quick take-out as well; either call ahead or pop in to place your order and enjoy a bowl of edamame or Miso Soup and a cold Sapporo while you wait.

(MP 9.5 Bypass) 1201 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills (252) 449-0628

Known for fabulous steaks cooked to perfection on their wood-fired grill.

(MP 9 Bypass) S. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-9555  www.jksrestaurant.com

Kelly’s is definitely one of the finer places for dinner and nighttime entertainment here on the Outer Banks. Mike and Willow Kelly know how to do it right when it comes to dining with fabulous seafood specials and fantastic restaurant service in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. Our favorite place for Sweet Potato Biscuits!

The Tavern at Kelly’s offers an eclectic mix of entertainment, with Alan Ross Karaoke Road Show (Tuesday Nights), live local and regional performers of Beach Music for Shag Dancers (Sundays), Hard Rock for the weekend crowds and a variety of magic, and individual performers throughout the year.  Kelly’s Tavern also hosts Chamber of Commerce functions, art shows, post golf and fishing tournament events and private parties in the upper deck lounge.  You never know what you’re going to get at Kelly’s Tavern, but you can count on a fun night out in one of the prettiest, two level nightclubs on the beach.  Huge wooden dance floor and prominent stage!

(MP 10.5 Bypass)  2316 S.Croatan Hwy., Nags Head   (252) 441-4116    www.kellysrestaurant.com

You have never tasted anything like Mama Kwan’s!  They describe their cuisine as a fusion including borrowed tastes from the Pacific Rim, Hawaii, Japan, Thailand and such.

(MP 10 Bypass) Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-7889  www.mamakwans.com

Metropolitan upscale restaurant & martini bar with a view of the ocean.

(MP 2.5 Beach Road) (252) 262-2546  www.obbistro.com

My grandmother lived on the oceanfront in Nags Head for over 15 years.  Whenever the family (and we have a big one) came to visit, we always spent at least one evening at Owens’.  The atmosphere is incredibly cozy and romantic in the dining room with the fireplace, and in the bigger rooms there is so much to see…gorgeous artwork, beautifully appointed decor.  The food from the appetizer to the dessert is absolutely perfect in every way.  It’s a bit pricey, but soooo worth it!

(MP 16.5 Beach Road) Nags Head  (252) 441-7309  www.owensrestaurant.com

Try some authentic crispy and delicious “Fried Green Tomatoes” topped with a zesty caper sauce while dining on the outdoor pirate deck “Rum Jumpers” overlooking the calm waters of the Sound at sunset.

Note:  Real Mojito’s are hard to come by on this beach, but Kip (Bardenter) knows how to make them with white rum, limes, fresh mint leaves and sugar…like they do in the Florida Keys.

It doesn’t get much better than this…

(MP 16 Bypass) 6708 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head (252) 441-2637

Native crab cakes, soft crabs and prime rib are the special favorites at this soundside family style restaurant.

Also visit their Sugar Shack Fresh Seafood Market, for seafood on the go!

(MP 16.5 Bypass) 7340 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head  (252) 441-4963 www.sugarcreekseafood.com

Locally owned and operated, carrying on the Bibey family tradition since 1980…this uniquely Outer Banks soundview restaurant is one not to miss.  Their homemade Shrimp & Lobster Bisque is one of the absolute best on the beach….(and would make Elaine Benis forget about a bad date…yadda yadda yadda).

Steaks are amazing and melt in your mouth. Seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection. Great fast and friendly staff. Decor is clean and inviting. Wine lists offer a huge variety. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two, or a party of friends and family…and the dessert tray…OMG!

Once we were at another area restaurant, having drinks and decided to go to DINNER at Tale of the Whale, simply because we love their friendly service and delicious dinner menu much more than the place we were at.  My husband, who has a naturally  loud voice, inadvertently announced our plans.  Much to the chagrin of that not-so-friendly bartender we left, followed by several other families who happened to hear him.   Ooops.

(MP 17 Bypass Causeway) 7575 S. VA Dare Trail, Nags Head (252) 441-7332  www.taleofthewhalenagshead.com

Extensive menu with something for everyone.  Kids meals are served on Frisbees.  Outdoor seating is available with a view of the ocean.

(MP 4 Beach Road) Kitty Hawk (252) 261-3171  www.blackpelican.com

Southern Living Magazine rated this cozy Victorian Inn restaurant the best on the Outer Banks and one of the best kept secrets.  French Cuisine with some Carolina twists…

(MP 7.5 off Bypass) 1029 Colington Road, Kill Devil Hills (252) 480-1123  www.colingtoncafe.com

Locals eagerly await their opening day each spring.  One of the signature favorites is their Cheese Steak Egg Roll with sliced steak, cheese and caramelized onions in a crispy egg roll wrapper.

(MP 9 3/4 Beach Road) Kill Devil Hills (252) 449-8181 www.thekilldevilgrill.com

AAA’s Four Diamond designation.  French inspired contemporary American cuisines overlooking the sound at the Sanderling Resort in Duck.

1461 Duck Road, Duck (252) 261-4111  www.theleftbank.com

Upscale French Style Cuisine and the only remaining oceanfront outside dining  on the beach…fantastic local seafood

(MP 7 Beach Road) 1731 N. VA Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills (252) 480-3463  www.thepearlobx.com