18 Best Restaurants in Duck, NC [2023 Updated]

Although Duck, North Carolina, is a young town, it still has many adventures for people willing to visit it.

Asides the beautiful water views or the sunset sights on the beaches, Duck has a lot to offer the hungry locals and visitors in it. Below are some of the best restaurants to check out.

The Village Table & Tavern

$$ | (252) 715-1414 | WEBSITE

 

 
 
 
 
 
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This restaurant is the ideal gathering place for family and friends.  Located on a waterfront, The Village has something for everyone’s enjoyment.

You’ll find favorites and creative originals on the menu to make the ordinary extraordinary, from inspired sandwich combinations to local seafood.

The second-floor dining room includes a concrete bar, a comfortable fireside, and decks outdoors overlooking the water. Downstairs, you’ll find The Sound Lounge, the open-air bar where live music is hosted regularly.

There is a stunning waterfront location overlooking the Currituck Sound, and it can be tented.

The Village isn’t only a restaurant for only dining; it also serves as a suitable place for intimate gatherings and more significant events year-round. You can check out the waterfront setting by boat.

 

Duck Donuts

$ | (252) 480-3304 | WEBSITE

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The idea and name for Duck Donuts began in Duck, North Carolina, after a family vacation. It started as a whim and developed into fun recipe sessions.

After many months of research and collaboration, the first Duck Donuts opened in the town of Duck, NC, in 2007!

On the menu, you get fresh donuts with customized toppings.

You can also check for ideas from the seasonals, fan favorites, sandwiches, get coffee from the coffee espresso, and more. Orders can be placed easily online from your comfort zone to avoid the line.

They also have nutritional and allergy care for the family. Duck Donuts is a fast-rising family restaurant serving families, with branches across the country. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, where you can relax with family and friends.

 

Sunset Grille and Raw Bar

$$ | (252) 261-3901 | WEBSITE

Sunset Grille and Raw Bar Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

Located on one of the best waterfront properties on the Outer Banks, Sunset Grille and Raw Bar is a restaurant that offers you pasta, steaks, seafood, and many more, all with a Caribbean touch.

The restaurant is Caribbean-themed, both in and out, with a sushi bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and three tiki bars.

It is an excellent place to go with your friends and family, any time of the day.

Their renowned chefs are willing to satisfy you with the best foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You could also go there alone, watching the fantastic sunset as you sip your tropical drink.

 

The Cookshak Fried Chicken

$$ | (257) 261-1156 | WEBSITE

The Cookshak Fried Chicken Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

If you want to eat a chicken made the Southern way, check out this restaurant. Their short menu list allows them to focus mainly on this.

The Cookshak Fried Chicken serves meals in family size, and you can order a whole or half chicken to pair with fries, etc.

They also give a daily lunch special, so don’t be shy to check it out.  Cookshak in Duck, N.C only allows for takeout but still be sure that their chicken is fried till it’s golden and crispy. As usual, the taste is delightful.

 

Duck Pizza Company

$ | (252) 255-0099 | WEBSITE

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Duck Pizza was reopened in 2022 by Mark and Alyssa, who have always wanted to be business owners.

With Mark’s 15 years of experience in pizza making, when an opportunity came knocking, they leaped at ot, even with the birth of their daughter.

The freshest ingredients are served on a thin hand-tossed pizza in this locally-owned pizzeria. With over 20 choices of toppings, you could make your pizza to fit your mood.

Duck Pizza strives to make the best pizzas and a tremendous bang of strombolis and calzones.

 

Island Smoothie Cafe

$ | (252) 453-4545 | WEBSITE

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A family-owned cafe, Island Smoothie Cafe was first started and operated in the Corolla Harris Teeter Shopping Plaza in Corolla. They eventually branched out to Duck, N.C, after a while.

Inspired by their Vitamix blenders, the owners were surprised that they could make something so good of a healthy smoothie.

Their smoothies have no artificial sweeteners as they believe the fresher the fruit, the better and sweeter the smoothie’s taste.

Family is important for the Cafe owners, so they chose Corolla to be the home of their cafe while building a family-centered culture in their branches.

If you ever find yourself in Duck wanting something sweet yet healthy, then Island Smoothie Cafe is just your place.

 

Fishbones Raw Bar And Restaurant

$$ | (252) 261-6991 | WEBSITE

Fishbones Raw Bar And Restaurant Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

Fishbones Raw Bar and Restaurant has been in Duck, N.C., since June 9, 1995. It was renovated in 2006, making the restaurant casual and fun.

Over the past 25 years since it was first opened, Fishbones has offered one of the best Caribbean-style Cuisine and fresh Outer Banks local seafood.

There is a Tiki bar, the first of its kind on the Outer Banks, which serves Caribbean libations in tropical cups.

If you love your clam chowder, then Fishbones is your place, as four out of four judges voted it the best out of 41 other Outer banks Restaurants in a Clam Chowder cook-off.

 

Eventide

$ | (252) 715-1216 | WEBSITE

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Opened by the crew that started Wave Pizza Cafe in Duck, Eventide is a spot for bites and beverages by the water.

Sip, Savour, and Sunset being their motto, it is the ideal place to catch up with friends and family and relax on the waterfront after a long day. Sip their sparkling wine as you enjoy their sumptuous snacks.

 

Red Sky Cafe

$$$ | (252) 261-8646 | WEBSITE

Red Sky Cafe Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

Red Sky Cafe has been in existence for over 15 years, serving locals and customers delectable meals. It offers several seafood meals and vegan options to choose from. Owned by Chef Wes, the restaurant serves generous portions.

Apart from dining in, you could order takeout or use their Chef on Call service. Red Sky Cafe also has a competent team to cook for your indoor and outdoor food needs. All you have to do is order their Chef on Call service.

 

NC Coast Grill & Bar

$$ | (252) 261-8666 | WEBSITE

NC Coast Grill & Bar Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

NC Coast Grill & Bar is another masterpiece owned by the phenomenal Chef Wes Stepp.

Located where fantastic water and sunset views collide, NC Coast is a stunning place to eat excellent food. On the menu are local crab meat, soft-shell crabs, game fish, e.t.c.

Chef Wes, who has thirty years of hands-on experience, is all about making the simplest of food into something healthy and impressive. The atmosphere is casual, with very fair prices attached to exceptional food and generous portions.

 

The Blue Point

$$$ | (252) 261-8090 | WEBSITE

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Blue Point claims to serve food that fills the stomach and delights the soul.

With live entertainment at brunch, outdoor eating during lunch, and an incredible sunset to look at, it is evident that the restaurant truly is committed to making sure its customers have a wonderful time.

Rooted in Southern traditions, the restaurant has lovely meals for vegans and non-vegans. You could make reservations to have a meal in their outdoor dining area.

 

Roadside Bar And Grill

$$ | (252) 261-5729 | WEBSITE

Roadside Bar And Grill Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

This restaurant has been serving handcrafted wines and authentic foods since 1995. Located in one of Duck’s first cottages, Roadside Bar And Grill has a comfy atmosphere.

You could choose to eat your shrimps and grits with red-eye gravy out on the patio, sit in a booth indoors to savor your fresh seafood or slurp up some clam chowder in the bar.

If you feel a little outsy on a weeknight, their Backside Bar features live music. Roadside Bar and Grill is an all-around fun restaurant, open 24 hours for your pleasure.

 

Aqua Restaurant

$$$ | (252) 261-9700 | WEBSITE

Aqua Restaurant Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

Want someplace casual yet elegant? Then Aqua Restaurant might be the place for you. On their menu are fresh regional food and exquisite wines. For lunch, you can check out their salads or soups and spaghetti.

The chef makes a fancy list of dishes from seafood and locally caught fish for dinner.

You could choose from their exquisite wine, specialty cocktails, or craft beers for beverages. Aqua Restaurant is one place to go with loved ones for fun, fantasy, and lasting memories.

 

Duck’s Cottage Coffee and Books

$ | (252) 261-5510 | WEBSITE

Duck's Cottage Coffee and Books Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

Do you love to sip your coffee with a book in hand and the breeze blowing against your face? If yes, you should check out Duck’s Cottage Coffee and Books. It was opened on July 22, 2022, in one of Duck’s oldest buildings.

They have a reputation for making high-quality, excellent beverages, leading to acknowledgment by New York Times, The Washington Post, and Family Fun Magazine.

Try their tasty espresso drinks(hot or iced) if you go there. Their chai latte and pastry are also worth your money. Also, you can pick a book from their exquisite collection of books, grab a coffee and soar over the world.

 

Treehouse Coffee

$$ | (252) 722-3606 | WEBSITE

 

 
 
 
 
 
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If you love coffee, check out Treehouse Coffee. Located in the middle of Duck’s original shopping village Scarborough Faire, Treehouse Coffee offers different types of coffee, ready to be served.

You could start with North Carolina’s Famous Counter Culture Coffee or try their espresso. There’s a breakfast menu prepared in their adjoining Rope and Ladder Kitchen to accompany whatever you go for.

You could go as early as 7. a.m for their breakfast sandwiches, granola, and omelets.  If you are looking for something different, you can try their daily special.

 

The Paper Canoe

$$$ | (252) 715-2220 | WEBSITE

The Paper Canoe Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

Tommy Karole started The Paper Canoe in 2011. He first went past the home of The Paper Canoe when he was 24 and randomly mentioned to his friend that he wished to have a restaurant someday.

Like most restaurants in Duck, NC, The Paper Canoe is located on a waterfront with a beautiful, captivating view. Each day, they make fresh meals from their Outer banks’ backyard.

They have an ever-changing chalkboard that features fantastic seafood, hand-made pasta, and specialties made from the rustic kitchen. You could make a dinner reservation to enjoy a nice meal in their casual and comfortable atmosphere.

 

Pizzazz Pizza

$ | (252) 261-8822 | WEBSITE

Pizzazz Pizza Best Restaurants in Duck, NC

Pizzazz Pizza is a local family-owned and operated pizza company with well-trained and eager staff ready to serve. Pizzazz Pizza has four locations in the outer banks of North Carolina, Duck inclusive.

The menu is designed according to your preference. The small, medium and large pizzas are prepared with whatever toppings you want.

They also have specialty pizzas like Hawaiian, Greek, and Veggies. The dough is freshly made from scratch, so you’re not at risk of health complications.

 

Duck Deli

$$ | (252) 261-3354 | WEBSITE

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Located in the heart of Duck, North Carolina, Duck Deli is a restaurant with plenty of room for families. The atmosphere is warm and thick with the flavors of their delicious meals.

On the menu, you get platters and sandwiches, omelets for breakfast, salads, BBQ platters, appetizers, burgers, cheesecakes, to tasty homemade desserts from an old family recipe.

There are also flavored ice cream and smoothies with different toppings and beer. You can eat in or order takeouts. Orders can be placed online or by calling their mobile number.

 

Summary

Duck, North Carolina, is filled with thrilling adventures to excite your mind and taste buds.

Whether you are a food enthusiast or not, you are bound to discover a line of delicious cuisines and wines that catch your interest more than the adrenaline-pumping watersports Duck has in any of the restaurants mentioned above.

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About Restaurant Observer


Restaurant Observer is the ultimate go-to destination on the web when looking for nothing but fantastic places to genuinely enjoy food across the United States. Inspired by the saying when there’s good food, there’s a good life, Birch Restaurant starts the food blog to scout the best food places across the country.