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

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

Take a drive south over the causeway bridge towards Manteo and you’ll find a buried treasure tucked away in beautiful Pirate’s Cove Marina, Mimi’s Tiki Hut.  Waterfront bistro with live music, imported beers and fine wine, and you can bring your puppy!  Sip your favorite beverage and watch the  boats come in after a day of deep sea fishing….(No Food Service)

(Pirate’s Cove Marina) just over the causeway bridge www.mimistikihut.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

If you’re looking for a place that will simply make you smile for lunch or dinner, try this wonderful old timey beach restaurant with brightly painted walls, fresh flowers on every table, nooks and crannies that become dining areas, outdoor deck seating with views of BOTH the ocean and the sound!  I was entranced.

The walls have hand painted beautiful, thought provoking ‘quotes’ decorating the entire restaurant.  The ambiance of old beach lives here and you get a feeling of being back in time…soft rock music like Michael Buble, Tracy Chapman and Nora Jones drift from the speakers.  For less than $15 I ordered the She Crab Bisque, made perfectly with just a touch of sherry, and the seared tuna complimented with a wasabi and soy salad.

South Beach Grille is a place to ‘get away from it all’ and really feel like you are on a quiet tropical vacation.  Honestly, the restaurant and bar were packed, but it didn’t feel crowded at all and every single person was smiling.  Everyone.  Lovely, just lovely!

(MP 16 Beach Road) 6806 S Virginia Dare Tr, Nags Head    (252) 449-9313

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

Greatly expanded dining room with beautiful sound views offering “Southern Coastal Cuisine”.

Waterfront Shops, 1240 Duck Road, Duck (252) 261-8090  www.thebluepoint.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