Ocracoke Flavors: Our Top Favorite Restaurants on Ocracoke Island

Nestled within North Carolina’s Outer Banks along the eastern coast of the United States, Ocracoke Island is an outdoorsy paradise. With miles of unspoiled beaches, scenic trails, and endless natural beauty, it’s perfect for nature lovers. But that’s not all! Ocracoke also boasts a delightful local culinary scene. From fresh seafood to international fare and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. In this blog, we will bring you our top favorite restaurants on Ocracoke Island.

At Ocracoke Island Realty, we offer a variety of rentals close to the island’s best craft beer spots. Whether you’re into cozy beachfront cottages or spacious houses, we have the perfect place for your stay.

Want to live like a local? Check out our destination blog. Besides the best craft beer locations, we’ve got the scoop on great local events, the perfect spots to have breakfast and much more. Our blog is packed with articles and local insights to help you make the most of your stay.

Now let’s start some food explorations!

TLDR:

• Howard’s Pub: Fun, casual spot with a diverse menu and vibrant pub feel.
• SmacNally’s: Open-air dining on Silver Lake Harbor with fresh seafood.
• Dajio Restaurant: Elevated Southern fusion cuisine with live music.
• Ocracoke Oyster Company: Family-friendly with BBQ, oysters, and a cozy ambiance.
• Sorella’s Pizza & Pasta: Classic Italian fare with pizzas, pastas, and warm setting.
• Thai Moon: Take-out-only spot for authentic Thai cuisine.
• Back Porch Restaurant: Seasonal local seafood with a rustic, cozy vibe.
• FAQ: Secction with All the Essential Information
  
  

Howard’s Pub

For over 30 years, Howard’s Pub has been a favorite for locals and visitors, offering a fun and casual environment. Their diverse menu features local seafood dishes like Buffalo Shrimp and Oysters Rockefeller, along with American classics such as Chicken Wings and Fried Pickles. They also serve mouthwatering sandwiches and burgers. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and kids have plenty of yummy choices like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, mac ‘n cheese, chicken tenders, and fried or sautéed shrimp. Kid’s meals are served on take-home Frisbees, adding to the appeal for families.

If you want to grab some drinks after dinner, Howard’s Pub’s ambiance is perfect. The eclectic decor featuring neon signs, college pennants, and hundreds of license plates creates a colorful pub feel where you can enjoy local craft beers, frozen margaritas, wine, and much more.

SmacNally’s

Enjoy more of the outdoors and Ocracoke’s natural surroundings by dining at SmacNally’s, a casual open-air restaurant on the dock at Silver Lake Harbor. Their extensive menu will satisfy your hunger after a day on the beach. From fantastic salads to seafood sandwiches, platters, and wraps, everything they serve is fresh and delicious. Stellar dishes include Fried Oysters and the Fried Seafood Dinner. If you dine early, around 4 PM, you’ll see charter boats at the Anchorage Marina returning to unload their catch, adding to the allure of this sea-to-table restaurant.

The lake views, splendid music, excellent cocktails, and cheerful atmosphere of SmacNally’s make dining at this local gem a memorable experience.

Dajio Restaurant

After a day of exploring, recharge with great food at Dajio Restaurant, a go-to spot for elevated Southern fusion cuisine in the island’s heart. The menu features new takes on Southern classics, with highlights like Dajio Mac & Cheese with blackened tuna, Chargrilled Oysters, Shrimp and Oyster Platters, Crab Cakes, Shrimp Po’boy, and Oyster Po’Boy. All ingredients are locally sourced and made from scratch.

Whether you sit indoors or on the lovely patio, the restaurant exudes a welcoming atmosphere. Live music adds to the vibe. They also serve beers, wines, and fantastic cocktails, including a new take on the Brazilian classic caipirinha.

Ocracoke Oyster Company

Ocracoke Oyster Company is Ocracoke’s best-kept secret, offering a fun, casual, family-friendly atmosphere with a rustic island vibe. Enjoy wood-smoked barbecue, chicken, vegetarian options, and the freshest North Carolina oysters served any way you like. Their menu features prime rib, local seafood, specialty oysters, steaks, and in-house smoked barbecue. Don’t miss the Hot Crab Dip, Blackened Tuna Bites, and Key Lime Pie. The cozy ambiance, complete with a screened porch and pet-friendly deck with games, makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal. The excellent beer and drink selection adds to the overall appeal.

Sorella’s Pizza & Pasta

Sorella’s Pizza & Pasta is a take-out-only restaurant with free delivery to your cottage. Indulge in specialty pizzas like the Fat Boy, or create your own. The menu also features delicious pasta dishes such as Penne with Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Carbonara. 

Thai Moon

Thai Moon brings authentic Thai flavors to Ocracoke Island with a refreshing twist. This take-out-only restaurant offers homemade dishes like Pad Thai, Satay Chicken, Tom Yum Goong, and Panaeng Curry, all made to order with fresh ingredients. The cash-only establishment ensures every dish meets your spice preference, from mild to Thai-level hot. The aroma of traditional spices fills the shop, which also carries Thai groceries and clothing. Dinner at Thai Moon is by advance order only, make sure to call ahead and place your order at least a day before. Lunch can be ordered the day of. 

Back Porch Restaurant

Back Porch Restaurant provides a consistently pleasant dining experience with a focus on fresh, local seafood and produce. The menu, which changes seasonally, includes creative dishes like Shrimp Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce and Horseradish-Encrusted Salmon. Enjoy your meal on their spacious screened porch or in the air-conditioned dining room. The rustic, cozy ambiance and friendly service make it a great spot to unwind. The bar offers innovative cocktails and an extensive wine list, perfect for pairing with your meal. The Back Porch is dedicated to environmentally conscious practices, ensuring a quality dining experience for all.

FAQ: Best Restaurants in Ocracoke Island

This FAQ section is here to make your life easier! We’ve gathered all the essential information about the best dining spots on Ocracoke Island, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying delicious meals.

• What is the best thing to eat on Ocracoke Island?
  
  Ocracoke Island offers a variety of delicious dishes that reflect its coastal heritage and vibrant local cuisine. Some must-try delicacies include seafood platters, crab cakes, and for dessert, fig cake, a local specialty boasting a unique and rich flavor.
  
  
• Are there vegetarian restaurants on Ocracoke Island?
  
  While the number of purely vegetarian or vegan restaurants on the island is limited, most restaurants offer vegetarian options. You’ll find plenty of meat-free dishes at places like Sorella’s Pizza & Pasta and Dajio Restaurant, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a great meal on Ocracoke Island.
  
  
• Which restaurant is best for a casual dining experience on Ocracoke Island?
  
  When considering a more casual dining experience on Ocracoke Island, both the Back Porch and Dajio are known for their relaxed atmosphere and good food. The best choice can vary depending on your specific tastes and what you’re in the mood for.
  
  
• Where can I enjoy open-air dining on Ocracoke Island?
  
  SmacNally’s has a gorgeous view of Silver Lake Harbor, and Dajio has a wonderful patio, both are pet-friendly establishments. The Back Porch and Howard’s Pub both have a delightful screened porch. 

• Is there a good spot for Southern fusion cuisine on Ocracoke Island?
  
  Dajio Restaurant is a go-to spot for elevated Southern fusion cuisine. The menu features creative takes on Southern classics with locally sourced ingredients, and live music adds to the welcoming atmosphere on Ocracoke Island.
  
  
• Where can I find the freshest oysters on Ocracoke Island?
  
  Ocracoke Oyster Company is renowned for serving the freshest North Carolina oysters. Enjoy them any way you like in a fun, family-friendly setting with a rustic island vibe on Ocracoke Island.
  
  
• Which Italian restaurant should I try on Ocracoke Island?
  
  Sorella’s Pizza & Pasta offers excellent classic Italian cuisine as takeout-only on Ocracoke Island. You can enjoy specialty pizzas, delicious pasta dishes, and choose from an extensive wine list to take home. Their takeout option allows you to experience the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own space.
  
  
• Where can I get authentic Thai food on Ocracoke Island?
  
  Thai Moon offers authentic Thai flavors with homemade dishes like Pad Thai and Panaeng Curry. This take-out-only restaurant ensures every dish meets your spice preference and offers a variety of Thai groceries and clothing on Ocracoke Island.
  
  
• Is there a restaurant focused on environmentally conscious practices on Ocracoke Island?
  
  Back Porch Restaurant, Dajio, and SmacNally’s are all dedicated to environmentally conscious practices, providing a pleasant dining experience with a focus on fresh, local seafood and produce. 
  
  
• Are there pet-friendly restaurants on Ocracoke Island?
  
  Yes, Ocracoke Island offers several pet-friendly dining options where your furry friends are welcome. SmacNally’s, Dajio, and Ocracoke Oyster Company feature pet-friendly outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying a meal with your pet by your side. Many of the restaurants on the island are accommodating, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged companion behind while you dine.
  

Where to stay in Ocracoke Island, NC

If you choose to vacation with Ocracoke Island Realty, you’ll have an unparalleled experience of relaxation and adventure on the stunning shores of Ocracoke Island.

Our local expertise means you’ll have access to insider tips on the best activities, dining, and attractions on Ocracoke Island. Our rental properties are top-notch, equipped with all the amenities and comforts you and your family need for a memorable vacation by the sea.