Our Top Favorite Restaurants on Ocracoke Island to Add to Your Itinerary
A tasty roundup of Ocracoke Island's most beloved restaurants, featuring fresh seafood, cozy patios, global flavors, and laid-back coastal vibes that make every meal feel like part of the island experience.
Nestled in North Carolina's Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island is an outdoorsy dream. Miles of untouched beaches, scenic trails, and wide-open natural beauty make it a playground for anyone who loves fresh air and adventure. And the fun doesn't stop there. The island has a surprisingly delicious food scene, with everything from just-caught seafood to global flavors and plenty of vegetarian-friendly bites. There's a little something here for every appetite.
Here's a bite-sized intro to the good stuff:
- 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 a warm setting.
- Thai Moon: Take-out-only spot for authentic Thai cuisine.
- Back Porch Restaurant: Seasonal local seafood with a rustic, cozy vibe.
From the serene satisfaction of waking up to soundfront or harbor views to the joy of a dog-friendly vacation home where every member of the family is welcome, we at Ocracoke Island Realty offer an array of amenities designed to elevate your stay and make your getaway extra special.
Want more tips about Ocracoke Island? Head to our destination blog. As experts in all things Ocracoke, we've got plenty of local insights on year-round events, the best breakfast spots in town, perfect weekend itineraries, Ocracoke's best-kept secrets, and much more.
In this blog post, I've put together a list of the best restaurants on Ocracoke Island to help you experience the top food and dining spots this OBX treasure has to offer.
Ready? Let's dig in!
1. Dajio Restaurant
A go-to spot for elevated Southern fusion cuisine in the heart of the island.
After a day of exploring, recharge with great food at Dajio Restaurant, a go-to spot for elevated Southern fusion cuisine in the heart of the island. The menu features new takes on Southern classics, with highlights like Dajio Mac & Cheese topped with blackened tuna, Chargrilled Oysters, Shrimp and Oyster Platters, Crab Cakes, Shrimp Po'boy, and Oyster Po'boy. Everything is locally sourced and made from scratch.
Sit indoors or on the lovely patio and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Live music adds to the vibe, and the drink menu includes beers, wines, and standout cocktails, including a fresh twist on the Brazilian caipirinha
2. Howard's Pub
A fun and casual environment serving up local seafood dishes and American classics.
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 easy to find, and kids get their own lineup of crowd-pleasers like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, mac 'n cheese, and chicken tenders. The best part? Kids' meals come served on take-home Frisbees, which pretty much guarantees extra smiles at the table.
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
3. SmacNally's
From fantastic salads to seafood sandwiches, platters, and wraps, everything they serve is fresh and delicious.
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.
4. Ocracoke Oyster Company
Wood-smoked barbecue, vegetarian options, and the freshest North Carolina oysters served any way you like.
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.
5. Thai Moon
Authentic Thai flavors with a refreshing twist.
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.
This local gem 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.
6. Back Porch Restaurant
A consistently pleasant dining experience with a focus on fresh, local seafood and produce.
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.
7. Sorella's Pizza & Pasta
A beloved take-out-only restaurant with free delivery to your accommodation.
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.
FAQ: Best Restaurants on Ocracoke Island
This FAQ section is here to make your life easier! I'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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
Savor every second of your Ocracoke getaway
Stay like a local with Ocracoke Island Realty, where the island's most inviting vacation rentals are ready and waiting. You'll find waterfront homes with private docks, cozy cottages that welcome pets, and roomy spots with pools perfect for lazy afternoons. Every house has its own personality since each one is individually owned, so you get a place that truly fits your style. And if you need help choosing, our team of year-round locals is great at matching guests with the right home.
Curious what's waiting for you? Take a look at our rentals and find your match.