Corolla Restaurants
Click on any link below to view all restaurants in each area of Corolla.
Seafood is the main event in almost every restaurant because that’s what is the freshest on the Outer Banks and that’s what everybody wants. Tuna, mahi mahi, rockfish, flounder and a variety of other fish, plus blue crabs, clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels and oysters are the most popular catches. If you’re visiting Corolla in early summer, don’t miss a chance to taste the regional delicacy of fresh soft-shell crabs. Of course, local chefs also serve meats, pasta, vegetarian offerings and fresh regional produce. Mainland Currituck County is home to many farms, so fresh vegetables are available year round.
Restaurants in Corolla are able to serve liquor in addition to beer and wine, so expect to find a full bar in many establishments. In the height of summer, restaurants can be quite crowded. This is a testament to their quality, but it’s also a sign that you need to make reservations. You should know, too, that dining out in extremely large parties can be taxing to some restaurants, while others can handle it with ease. If you must dine out en masse, always call ahead to make sure your restaurant of choice can accommodate a large party (and to give them a warning that you’re coming).
Dining is casual here, even in the finest restaurants. Dressing up means putting on long pants (or
nice shorts) and a collared shirt or a sundress. Most Corolla restaurants close for at least part of the winter and early spring, though a few stay open year round. Call ahead if you’re visiting Corolla in
the off-season.
Pine
Island Diner
N.C. Highway 12, next to Hampton Inn
(252) 453-4828
Pine Island Diner brings sit-down, kid-friendly dining to the Pine Island area. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a 1950s diner with checkerboard floors and booth or bar-stool seating. Expect diner-type fare like burgers, sandwiches, fries, milk shakes, malts and sundaes. A welcome surprise is a pizza oven. Beer and wine are available. Pine Island Diner is open for lunch and dinner.
Bunkers Grill and Bar at The Currituck Club
620 Currituck Clubhouse Drive
(252) 453-0926
Whether or not you’re golfing, make time for a meal at Bunkers. Located inside the beautiful clubhouse on the spectacular Currituck Club grounds, they offer lunch daily from 11 a.m. until 3p.m. with chef specials and house-made soups. The menu features a variety of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, and they are kid friendly with a special menu, high chairs and booster seats. Full bar service is also available. Bunkers is open year round, every day but Christmas.
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Restaurants at Ocean
Club Centre at the Currituck Club
GiGi's
520 G Old Stoney Road
(252) 453-2929
Gigi’s is a little taste of Italy on the Outer Banks! This restaurant has a menu that boasts a sampling of Italy, with the chef’s own family recipes. Under new ownership, GiGi’s strives to offer a five star, fine-dinning experience the whole family can enjoy. The homemade tiramisu is delicious! As you dine and sip wine, beautiful murals of Italian landscapes hand-painted by area artist Elizabeth Kays surround you. GiGi’s is open year round for dinner only. Reservations are recommended, especially in season, and like most places on the Outer Banks, casual attire is welcome.
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Metropolis
Ocean Club Centre
(252) 453-6167
Metropolis is a great spot for an evening out at the beach if you want something different from a grill and bar atmosphere. This contemporary tapas and martini bar offers an environment as urban and chic as the name suggests. The chef describes the menu as American fusion, and they borrow exotic flavors of Asia. Metropolis has an extensive beer, wine and liquor menu. They’re open until 2 a.m. and don’t have booster seats or a kid’s menu. |
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Restaurants at the Shoppes at the Currituck Club
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Zero's Subs
The Shoppes at the Currituck Club
(252) 453-0060
Regionally known for it’s made to order hot subs and cold Pepsi, this shop serves oven-baked classics such as the Grinder, the Cosmo Deluxe and a mean Meatball and Cheese. The surfing crowd’s favorite since Zero’s was established in Virginia Beach in 1967, it’s a great place for lunch or dinner. Create a meal deal with any sub for only $1.50. Kids’ meals, pizza, wings and lo-carb wraps are also available. |
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies
The Shoppes at the Currituck Club
(252) 457-0222
“Aloha” is the greeting visitors receive when they pass through the door of this colorful, Hawaiian-themed coffee and smoothie shop. Sit and sip a hot Kona Espresso or savor a smooth fresh fruit drink such as Passion Papaya in a Tiki cup. Throw in some surf music and art – wowi, what a ride!
Pizzazz Pizza Company
The Shoppes at the Currituck Club
(252) 453-8858
There’s a chance the owner may prepare your pie in the locally owned and operated pizzeria that prides itself on making fresh sauces and dough daily. Excellent, friendly servers ensure you’ll enjoy munching on this homemade, hand-tossed pizza. Try a California White, The Greek or a Tradition Vegetarian. Salads, snacks and hot subs round out the menu. Hungry families on the go will appreciate the daily buffet (dine in only) from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Delivery is also available.
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Bacchus
Wine & Cheese
Monterey Plaza
(252) 453-4333
Bacchus is located on the south end of the plaza and offers wine, cheese and gourmet foods. You can get fantastic deli sandwiches, subs, wraps and salads for take-out or to eat in. Their sandwiches are made with freshly baked bread and Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. There are yummy gourmet side items and sinful desserts as well. Order a glass of wine or have a bottle of beer as you enjoy your lunch here. They also have an amazing wine selection – more than 4,000 bottles in every price range! Combine that with a variety of hand-cut domestic and imported cheeses and it's one-stop happy-hour shopping. They are open every day in season. Ask about the weekly wine tastings, catering services and gift baskets. See our Shopping page for more about
the wine and gourmet foods. |
China
King
Monterey Plaza, across from Food Lion
(252) 457-0158
China King offers all the Chinese favorites in a bright, clean atmosphere. Order at the counter or partake of the popular daily buffet. China King is perfect for take-out for large crowds.
Whalehead
Pizza and Corolla Brew Pub
Monterey Plaza
(252) 453-6638
Stop here for gourmet pizza that you can eat in, take out or have delivered for free. The Brew Pub has local Outer Banks Brewing Station beers on tap and a variety of other beers as well, including seasonal brews. The pub menu features sandwiches, hot dogs, German sausages and burgers. Try the triple-decker club; like the menu says, “you can see Virginia from atop of it.” They have a full dinner menu with seafood entrees and some German specialties that pair nicely with the brew. It’s open for lunch and dinner and is in the courtyard area next to the movie theater.
Dairy
Queen
Monterey Plaza, across from Food Lion
(252) 453-3130
You probably know what to expect from this national chain: soft-serve ice cream, served in cones, cups, shakes, sundaes and a variety of creative concoctions. You can also get hot dogs and other quick food, plus delicious ice cream cakes.
Dr.
Unks Oasis
Monterey Plaza
(252) 457-0053
Dr. Unks Bar is a fun Corolla nightspot. Located in the same building as Tomato Patch Pizzeria, Dr. Unks serves a late-night menu. They have a fully stocked bar and feature live music during the summer season — call ahead for a schedule.
Fat Cat Ice Cream
Monterey Plaza, In the Courtyard by the Movie Theater
(252) 995-4563
Guava Jelly’s
Monteray Plaza
(252) 453-6777
This is a place to sit back and be happy. The name Guava Jelly’s was taken from a Bob Marley song, and that sets the light and mellow tone for the atmosphere and staff. The owner strives to serve inexpensive, healthy, quick meals without a lot of drama. Breakfast is perfect, with no surprises, and lunch and dinner feature California-influenced wraps and sandwiches. A kids’ menu is available. Sit inside or out on the deck and enjoy the reggae music, which will be live at times.
Lighthouse
Bagels
, Deli & More
Monterey Plaza, across from Food Lion
(252) 453-9998
Start the day at Lighthouse Bagels, Deli & More with fresh-brewed coffee and fresh-baked bagels, pastries and muffins. You can also order fresh-cooked eggs and meats. Bread is baked here daily, and in the summer, Krispy Kreme doughnuts are brought in. Later in the day, they serve bagel or grilled sandwiches or subs with Boar’s Head meats. New for 2007 are fresh fruit smoothies and Italian ice cream. Lighthouse Bagels is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in season.
Outer Banks Coffee Company
Monterey Plaza, across from Food Lion
(252) 453-0200
The sunny-orange atmosphere in the coffee shop is enough to wake you up, but you’ll want to try the coffee too — they have quite a variety and it’s roasted in the shop to delight your olfactory senses. All the usual coffee drinks are offered, as are tea and homemade pastries and other sweets, all baked in the Coffee Company’s bakery. For a nominal fee you can get connected here with wireless Internet access. Get connected here with the free wireless Internet access. Stop by the mini-newsstand on the corner to get your a.m. paper and you’re all set to go.
Philly Steak Subs
Monterey Plaza, across from Food Lion
(252) 453-4239
You don’t find many authentic Philadelphia cheese steaks in these parts, but this is the real thing. Philly Steak Subs uses marinated lean steak, chipped on the grill and served on a split-top Amoroso roll imported from Philadelphia. You can choose from several varieties of cheese steaks or try an oven-baked sub or burger. Definitely try the French fries or onion rings and put a quarter in the jukebox.
Sharky's Pub
Monterey Plaza
(252) 453-2051
A beach casual pub, Sharky's serves up the traditional pub fare plus steaks and local seafood from the docks in Wanchese. They have a large non-smoking dining room and are happy to accommodate large families and groups, though it would be good of you to call ahead to let them know you are coming. The kids' menu includes chicken fingers and mac n' cheese. They are open from Easter through October, and this year they will be having live entertainment in the evenings all summer.
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Smokey’s
Restaurant
Monterey Plaza
(252) 453-4050
This Corolla original is a family-style restaurant that will please everyone. Its specialties include house-made North Carolina barbecue, baby-back ribs, burgers, Southern fried chicken, yellow fin tuna, fried and steamed shrimp and crab cakes. The side dishes, such as cole slaw, baked beans and onion rings, are the best. Many items are available for take out. It's open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are not accepted. |
Sooey's
BBQ and Rib Shack
Monterey Plaza
(252) 453-4423
Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack specializes in authentic Eastern North
Carolina pork barbecue, slow smoked ribs, sliced beef brisket, pulled
barbecue chicken and Southern fried chicken. All the favorite homemade
sides are here, too, including potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans,
mac and cheese, corn bread, onion rings and killer hushpuppies. Appetizers,
wings, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and kids’ favorites
are also available. Sooey's excels at take-out, prepared family meals
and catered events; call ahead for large orders. Beer and wine are served.
Subway
Monterey Plaza
(252) 457-1080
It is presumed that you know all the attributes of Subway, with its nationally recognized made-to-order subs, wraps and salads. The Corolla location is conveniently located in the Monterey Plaza shopping center. Subway is perfect for fueling up during a busy day of shopping or ordering lunch to go for a picnic on the beach.
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Sundogs
Sports Bar and Grill
Monterey Plaza, across from Food Lion
(252) 453-GAME (4263)
For lunch and dinner, this is a great family-friendly restaurant. The grill offers an array of appetizers along with steamed seafood, salads, sandwiches, burgers and full entrees like seafood and ribs. A children’s menu is available. Looking for a little action in quiet Corolla? Sundogs is the place. They are open until 2 a.m. in the summer season and have live entertainment seven nights a week. They also have 11 TVs, a pool table, trivia games and a fully stocked bar where you can hang out and shoot the breeze. No one under age 21 is allowed after 10 p.m. |
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Tomato
Patch Pizzeria
Monterey Plaza
(252) 453-4500
A longtime Corolla favorite, Tomato Patch offers gourmet pizzas with a variety of standard and more unusual toppings (like salami, gyro meat, caramelized onion or grilled eggplant). The Tomato Patch also serves calzones, classic pasta dishes and fresh garden salads. Try a seafood basket, fish and chips or a po’ boy sandwich. It’s open for lunch, dinner and even late night. They have a fully stocked bar named Dr. Unks Oasis (see the write-up above).
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Bad Bean Taqueria
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252-453-4380
Owners Rob and John strive to redefine Mexican cuisine on the Outer Banks in this cool, comfortable taqueria. With special cooking techniques and flavors, they turn fresh, simple ingredients into authentic Mexican food. Try the pan-seared mahi-mahi (fish) tacos topped with Jicama slaw and homemade habanero sauce or a giant burrito, prepared just the way you want. Fresh-made salsas and guacamole help separate the Bad Bean Taqueria from the rest of the crowd. There's a casual, family atmosphere where you can watch a surf video on a large flat screen TV and listen to music. Catering and take-out are also available. |
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Big
Buck’s Ice Cream
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-3188
When all that shopping starts to wear you down, head to Big Buck's Ice Cream in the West building for a treat. Choose from more than 50 flavors of made from scratch ice cream plus sherbet, sorbet, yogurt, soft serve and frozen custard. You can get any flavor made into a shake, split, sundae or float, even a brownie sundae - yum! They have an espresso bar for a real pick-me-up. Candies, homemade chocolates and taffy are also available. Check out the Big Buck's T's.
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First Light Breakfast & Burgers
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-4664
It’s great to have a new little breakfast and burger place! This place feels a bit like Restoration Hardware meets Surf Shack with reclaimed hardwood floors and cool, red bench seats at the bar. Their hand-made biscuits, waffles with fresh fruit and a variety of omelettes and Benedicts are a special treat for breakfast. Their juicy burgers are made with hand-formed patties, and they serve sandwiches, salads and a kid’s menu. The owners are exactly what you would expect from a Corolla establishment, laid-back and super friendly. First Light serves wine and beer and will have a full bar and dinner menu come summer ‘08. They are closed January though mid-March.
Gabriella's Italy
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-0069
With recipes handed down from within the family, Gabriella's serves classic Italian entrees and appetizers as well as pizza and salads. Their restaurant is a celebration of family, friends and good food and they love to share their little piece of the Italian countryside with visitors. They serve lunch and dinner and can also do catering and items to go. Gabriella’s is open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m and is located on the soundside of TimBuck II.
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Giant
Slice Pizza
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-3199
Giant Slice Pizza has been a Corolla favorite for more than 13 years. Located in the South building at TimBuck II, Giant Slice bakes hand-tossed New York-style pizza with your choice of more than 18 toppings. The pies are baked to perfection in their stone ovens. Other popular choices are their appetizers, Stromboli, calzones, baked wings and Italian desserts. This pizza restaurant is for carry out or delivery only. They offer free delivery from Pine Island through Ocean Hill and can accommodate any large orders. |
Grouper’s
Grille and Wine Bar
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-4077
Grouper’s, in the East building, is a Corolla favorite that’s been pleasing diners since 1996. The menu offers Angus beef, lean-generation pork, regional and international seafood, pasta, vegetarian entrees, creative salads and house-made desserts, all prepared with distinctive flair. Grouper’s wine list is extensive and offers a large by-the-glass selection. The restaurant has even won the Wine Spectator award seven years in a row! The atmosphere is upscale but casual and is entirely smoke-free. Reservations are recommended.
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Mike
Dianna's Grill Room
TimBuck II Shopping
Village
(252) 453-4336
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room is quickly becoming a legendary Outer Banks restaurant. Fine dining with a casual atmosphere, it is most well known for its excellently prepared meats — USDA Prime beef, lamb, chicken and veal — cooked over a mesquite grill. Seafood is treated just as beautifully, and there are daily pasta specials. The distinctive wine selection has won Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past three years. They have an outdoor deck and bar where you can enjoy a sunset view through the trees and live music in season. Open for dinner only, the restaurant is kid-friendly and offers a kids’ menu. Mike Dianna’s Grill Room can accommodate rehearsal dinners, small intimate weddings and other family gatherings. Reservations are recommended. |
Mr. Munchies Sandwich Shop & Bar
(Phone and Address coming)
As the name suggests, Mr. Munchies has every kind of snack imaginable, from jalapeno poppers to burgers to a crazily named sandwich selection…would you like to try the Hogzilla, anyone? They have summer evening special entrées and are open all year for lunch and dinner. They serve wine and beer and have six picnic tables on the back deck that allow you to take in the gorgeous sound and sunset view.
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North
Banks Restaurant and Raw Bar
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-3344
North Banks, in the West building, is casual, contemporary and high-energy. Filet mignon and lobster are the house specialties. They also have several preparations of local fish every night and a raw bar offering up the freshest local delicacies. It’s open for lunch and dinner and has a fully stocked bar featuring specialty drinks. Take-out is available. |
Paradise Sweets
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-3500
You can grab just the right treat on any day no matter your sweet tooth preference. Cooling ice cream or shaved ice, warming cappuccino or a healthy and delicious smoothie are just some of the treats you'll find in this cute little shop. Oh, did we mention candy? Lots and lots of candy.
Route
12 Steak and Seafood Co.
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-4644
Route 12 has a casual atmosphere that’s appealing for the whole
family. Prepared with flair by Chef Ron Davidson (former owner of Finely
Ron’s), you can get fresh seafood, choice grade beef, duck, pasta
dishes and ribs. A few of their “must try” selections are
the crab bisque and the Ahi tuna pepper filet. Davidson is a veteran
of many Outer Banks kitchens and has quite a following. Route 12 is
open for lunch and dinner in season, with limited hours and a limited menu in the winter. They feature daily specials and a full ABC license
and wine selection. Kids are welcome with a menu of their own. It’s
located immediately south of the main Timbuck II complex, next to Brew
Thru and the video store. Call ahead for reservations, especially in
the busy summer months.
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Steamers
Shellfish To Go
TimBuck II Shopping Village
(252) 453-3305
Steamers comes to the rescue of Corolla vacationers who want to eat in but don’t want to cook. This establishment offers a variety of home-made entrees, kids’ meals, local seafood, soups, salads, side dishes and desserts. Call ahead for take-out or enjoy your meal at the picnic tables on their waterfront deck. The most popular item here is the original Steamer Pot To Go®. Corolla's version of the New England clambake is packed with your choice of shellfish, corn on the cob, red potatoes, onions and all the necessary complements, including claw crackers, butter, cocktail sauce and lemons. All you do is place it on the stove, add water and allow the pot to steam for 20 minutes. Steamers is located on the soundside of TimBuck II. |
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Cosmo’s
Pizza
Corolla Light Town Center
(252) 453-4666
The whole family will love these pies and subs homemade with fresh meats, vegetables, sauces, dough and cheese blends. Try one of the 22 specialty pies or build your own. Open for lunch and dinner, guests will also enjoy super salads, sodas and cold beer.
Donkey Hotay's Mexican Food
Corolla Light Town Center
(252) 453-8877
Since their opening in 2007, this funky little take-out place has quickly become a local favorite. "The Donkey" does New Mexican-style food prepared fresh from scratch, offering up breakfast burritos, tacos, quesadillas, awesome Carne Adovada and other New Mexican favorites. They have great prices and make feeding a large group easy and affordable. They are open March through December.
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Fat Crabs Rib Company
Corolla Light Town Center
(252) 453-9931
This is a great local take-out restaurant featuring North Carolina barbecue, St. Louis ribs, rotisserie chicken and more. A fun way to feed the whole family is with one of their steamed seafood pots -- they call it "the party in a pot" -- and it’s loaded with your favorite types of crab or seafood and plenty of seasoned vegetables. Just bring it home, steam it and enjoy! They are open April through October. |
The General Store
Corolla Light Town Center
(252) 453-0103
As the name suggests, this General Store features a wide variety of everyday vacation needs, but it's also a good little to-go deli and crab-shack. Check out the eclectic wine collection and fine cigars, too.
Nicoletta's
Italian Café
Corolla Light Town Center
(252) 453-4004
Let Naples, Italy, native Pasquale Anzalone prepare a fine Italian treat like the ones he loved back home. With white linen table cloths and fine wines, this comfortable café features such dishes as Lasagna Napolitano, Chicken Parmigiana and Linguine Pescatore. Call for reservations.
Northern
Light Pastries and Coffee
Corolla Light Town Center
(252) 453- 0201
Showcasing the talents of Chef Zack Grumet, these authentic, European-style pastries and breads
are out of this world. Made fresh daily, everyone will enjoy these donuts, cookies, hot coffee and
much more.
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Outer Banks Cheese Steaks
Corolla Light Town Center
(252) 453-0344
Watch owner Nancy Anzalone prepare these awesome cheese steaks on her flat-top grill. With more than 30 years of experience, she whips up these hot, cheesy delights in a flash. Grilled vegetables, Panini bread sandwiches and fried sides complement the steak, pizza, chicken, pork and cheese sandwiches. |
The Wild Horse Café
Corolla Light Town Center
(252) 453-8463
This family restaurant features plenty of seating and great food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look for owner John McDonnell to be in the middle of taking an order or ringing up a customer. He’s named some of his favorite dishes after best friends and family. This varied menu offers crab cakes, fresh game fish, pork and several Southwestern dishes. Check out the wildhorse photography too.
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Big Mama's
Austin Complex, 1152 Ocean Trail
(252) 453-4960
Big Mama’s serves up an unusual combination of North Carolina favorites such as home-made breakfast biscuits with sausage and eggs, sweet tea, local fresh-caught seafood and, of course, Edy's ice cream and soft serve. This is a take-out only establishment, and it’s closed in the off-season.
Corolla
Pizza and Deli
Austin Complex, 1152 Ocean Trail
(252) 453-8592
A longtime locals’ favorite, Corolla Pizza and Deli is a take-out restaurant offering New York style pizza by the pie or slice. They also serve up delicious hot and cold subs, sandwiches, Philly cheese steaks and more. They offer free delivery after 5 p.m.; call for details. Open almost all year round for lunch and dinner, they can handle large orders with ease, so feeding the entire (extended) family is no problem!
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Corolla Village Barbecue
1129 Corolla Village Road
(252) 457-0076
Locals sing the praises of the Carolina pork barbecue sandwiches served at this little restaurant that sits in the heart of old Corolla village. At meal times, the delicious smell of barbecuing pork, ribs and chicken lures customers from all over the village. This is a carry-out restaurant only, but there are a few picnic tables close by. You can also get soft-serve ice cream here, the perfect treat on a hot summer day. It’s open for lunch and dinner, until 8 p.m., in season. |
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