Corolla Restaurants
Choosing where to dine in Corolla is an enviable task. Discriminating vacationers demand top-quality dining, and Corolla restaurants have stepped up to serve them well. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, fast fare or intimate dining, you’ll find it here.
There are four fast-food chains here, but all of the other Corolla restaurants are locally owned, allowing for creativity and individuality you’ll never be able to find at a chain. We have to say that that’s one of the aspects of Outer Banks restaurants that locals are most proud of—that even given the hundreds of dining choices here, only a tiny percentage of them would be found anywhere else.
Seafood is the main event in almost every Outer Banks restaurant because that’s what is the freshest 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 here 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 in the off-season.
Bacchus Wine & Cheese
- 891 Albacore Street, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4333
Baccus is located on the south end of the plaza and offers wine, cheese and gourmet foods. You can get fantastic deli sandwiches, paninis, subs, wraps and salads for take-out or to eat in. Their sandwiches are made with 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 daily and weekly wine tastings, catering services and gift baskets. See Shopping for more about the wine and gourmet foods.
Bad Bean Taqueria
- 785 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4380
A cool and comfortable taqueria, the Bad Bean will exceed your expectations and has quickly become a favorite stop for locals and visitors to the Outer Banks. Honoring the essence of true Mexican cuisine by using fresh, simple ingredients cooked with integrity is what owner/chef Rob strives to deliver to you each time he prepares your meal. The fresh-made salsas and guacamole are perfect with the house-made corn tortilla chips. Don’t miss the pan-seared mahi-mahi (fish) tacos topped with Jicama slaw and homemade habanero hot sauce, quesadillas or a giant burrito. Like margaritas? They make them shaken and on the rocks in their own house-made mix—it’s the real deal! They have a casual, family-friendly atmosphere so sit back, relax and enjoy. Take-out is available, and be sure to ask about party packs for large groups.
Big Buck’s Ice Cream
- 794 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (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.
Big Mama’s
- 1152 Ocean Trail, Austin Complex
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4960
A great little take-out place, Big Mama’s serves up a satisfying combination of North Carolina favorite comfort foods such as home-made breakfast biscuits with sausage and eggs, sweet tea, local fresh-caught seafood and, of course, Edy’s ice cream. The beach survival kits she puts together are a huge hit and are filled with deviled eggs, potato salad, steamed shrimp, crab cakes sandwiches and more. Mama also does catering with wonderful down home cooking, her famous NC-style BBQ and fresh seafood. They’re open year round.
Bunkers Grille and Bar at The Currituck Club
- 620 Currituck Clubhouse Drive
- Corolla
- (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 3 p.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, and during summer months they also serve dinner; call them for details. Bunkers is open year round, every day but Christmas, and is completely open to the public.
China King
- 807 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 457-0030
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.
Corolla Brew Pub
- 817 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 453-6355
Stop in and you will find great food, a full bar, wine and of course a vast selection of bottled and draft beers that include your locally brewed favorites. The menu features reasonably priced entrees of steak, chicken, pasta and seafood, along with your usual pub grub such as sandwiches, salads, fish ‘n chips and daily specials. All of this, plus a relaxing family-friendly atmosphere, makes the Corolla Brew Pub a fun place to go. They are open for lunch and dinner and can be found in the courtyard next to the movie theater.
Corolla Market & Deli
- 1159 Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (252) 597-1024
This market has a general store feel and features a wide variety of everyday vacation needs, but it’s also a good little to-go deli and crab shack. In addition to beer it also has a good wine selection and fine cigars, too.
Corolla Pizza and Deli
- 1152 Ocean Trail, Austin Complex
- Corolla
- (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!
Corolla Village Barbecue
- 1129 Corolla Village Road
- Corolla
- (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.
Cosmo’s Pizza
- 110 Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (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 in-season for lunch and dinner, guests will also enjoy super salads, sodas and cold beer.
Dairy Queen
- 807 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (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.
Donkey Hotay’s Mexican Food
- 1109 Ocean Trail, Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (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.
Dr. Unks Oasis
- 803 Albacore Street, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (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 Crabs Rib Company
- 1159 Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (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.
First Light Breakfast & Burgers
- 793 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (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. They serve brunch mid-week, and their handmade biscuits, waffles with fresh fruit and a variety of omelet’s and Benedicts are a special treat for breakfast. Their juicy burgers are made with hand-formed patties, and they serve sandwiches, salads and a kids’ 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 have a full bar and dinner menu as of summer ‘08. They are closed January though mid-March.
Gabriella’s
- 798 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (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.
Giant Slice Pizza
- 785 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-3199
Giant Slice Pizza has been a Corolla favorite for more than 14 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.
GiGi’s
- 520 G Old Stoney Road
- Corolla
- (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.
Good Egg Breakfast
- 813B Ocean Trail, Monteray Shopping Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 453-GOOD
From the creators of Chilli Peppers and Stripers Bar & Grille comes this new breakfast experience in Corolla. Offering a $9.95 breakfast buffet as well as a full breakfast menu including all the best Benedicts and other creative concoctions, this bright and shiny restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.
Grouper’s Grille and Wine Bar
- 790 Ocean Trail, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (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.
Lighthouse Bagels, Deli & More
- 807 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (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 enjoy a breakfast sandwich cooked on the grill with eggs, bacon, sausage or pork roll. For lunch or dinner they have subs and sandwiches featuring Boars Head meats and fresh-baked bread. You can always order ahead to have your lunch ready or your deli meats sliced so you don’t need to wait line. In season, enjoy their real fruit smoothies (not from concentrate) plus those summer staples of burgers and hotdogs. Lighthouse Bagels is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in season.
Lovie’s Kitchen Table
- 1130-E Corolla Village Road
- Corolla
- (252) 453-0912
Set in an historic Corolla home nestled between the bookstore and the chapel in Old Corolla Village, Lovie’s loves all things fresh, local, seasonal and Southern. Stop in for coffee and also enjoy a continental-style breakfast with juices and pastries. They offer lunch salads and sandwiches and other light fare daily as well. They have a few seats, inside and outside. Here you can enjoy your lunch with a beer or a glass of wine, or pick up a nice bottle or interesting microbrew to take with you. They also do terrific picnic lunches to take to the beach. Their fine selection of chocolate, cheeses and homemade desserts are sure to tempt you too and, well, you’re on vacation, so why not!
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies
- 603 Currituck Clubhouse Road, The Shoppes at the Currituck Club
- Corolla
- (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. Free internet is available for customers, so just throw in some surf music and art and wowi, what a ride!
Metropolis
- 520 Old Stoney Road, Ocean Club Centre
- Corolla
- (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 from around the world. Metropolis has an extensive beer, wine and liquor menu. They’re open until 2 a.m. and don’t have booster seats or a kids’ menu.
