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
Bacchus 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 Thumann’s 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. They consistently deliver a delicious experience by using fresh simple ingredients cooked with integrity. 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 salsa fresca, quesadillas or a giant burrito. Like margaritas? They make them shaken and on the rocks with 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.
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!
Giant Slice Pizza
- 785 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-3199
Giant Slice Pizza has been a Corolla favorite since 1994. Located in TimBuck II, Giant Slice bakes hand-tossed New York-style pizza in their stone ovens with your choice of more than 18 toppings. Other popular choices are their appetizers, stromboli, calzones, baked wings and Italian desserts. They offer dine-in, carry out or delivery service that is free from Pine Island through Ocean Hill. They can happily accommodate orders both large and small.
Lovie’s Kitchen Table
- 1130-E Corolla Village Road
- Corolla
- (252) 453-0912
Set in an historic Corolla home, Lovie’s is a sweet place to find refreshment. Stop in for coffee and homemade pastries in the morning or for locally made salads, sandwiches and wraps at lunch. Freshly baked breads, cheeses, chocolates and homemade desserts will satisfy your afternoon cravings. Enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine on the screened porch. Lovie’s is a welcoming spot. It’s situated between the bookstore and the chapel in Corolla village.
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room
- 777 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4336
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room has become a legendary Outer Banks restaurant. Fine dining with a casual atmosphere, it is most well known for its excellently prepared meats — offering all-natural and 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 with 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.
North Banks Restaurant and Raw Bar
- 794 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (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 including their house special flaming martini. Take-out is available.
Northern Light Pastries and Coffee
- 109 A Austin Street, Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (252) 453-0201
Showcasing the talents of locals Dori Grezlik and Kristina McCleary, these authentic, European-style pastries and breads are out of this world. Made fresh daily, everyone will enjoy the donuts, cookies, hot coffee and much more.
Route 12 Steak and Seafood Co.
- 786 Ocean Trail, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (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.
Smokey’s Restaurant
- 501 Old Stoney Road, Ocean Club Centre
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4050
Smokey’s moved last year to a new location at the Ocean Club Centre across from the southern beach access. They first opened their doors in 1991 and are truly considered a Corolla original. This family-style restaurant is sure to please everyone, and their specialties include house-made North Carolina barbecue, Southern fried chicken, barbecued ribs, seafood, burgers and more. A children’s menu is offered. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week in season and serve beer and wine as well. All items are available for take-out.
Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack
- 807 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (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. You can sit down and eat in the restaurant, but Sooey’s also excels at take-out, prepared family meals and catered events; call ahead for large orders. Beer and wine are served.
Steamers Shellfish To Go
- 798 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village
- Corolla
- (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.
Sundogs Sports Bar and Grill
- 807 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (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.
Tomato Patch Pizzeria
- 802 Albacore Street, Monterey Plaza
- Corolla
- (252) 453-4500
Operating since 1993 with the same Greek family, 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. Tuesday nights they do something really fun—it’s Kids’ Night, and the small fry get to make their own pizzas! They also have a fully stocked bar named Dr. Unks Oasis (see separate write-up).
Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill
- 111 A-B Corolla Light Town Center
- Corolla
- (252) 453-2385
Opening early for breakfast and staying open late into the night seven days a week, Uncle Ike’s is the place to go anytime. Beginning with breakfast at 7:30 a.m., they serve Southern favorites such as shrimp ‘n grits and biscuits & gravy plus some great Northern additions like pork roll. The lunch and dinner menu has tons to offer, from great salads and burgers to crabcakes, amazing fish tacos and steaks. They serve everything fresh and homemade and are also one of the only places in Corolla with outdoor covered seating and a full bar open until 2 a.m. Plus, with eight flat screen TVs, a DJ spinning tunes or karaoke on Thursdays (for kids from 8-10 p.m., adults only after that), you’ll be sure to be entertained. New owners at the end of last season, Tony and Jen pride themselves on offering great service, great food and a fun atmosphere.
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) 453-0061
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 dinner is also served during summer months. They happily host weddings and private events such as family reunion dinners, and offer off-site catering as well. 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 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.
