Key Points
- For some fresh NC seafood, head over to either Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill or the Low Tide Bar & Grill. The Outer Banks Boil Company specializes in traditional seafood boils, with both takeout and catering options.
- Broken Plate Kitchen is one of the best places in town for a romantic date. Their menu features a variety of options, but always focuses on fresh, local ingredients.
- There are a number of places for casual food and a quick treat, including Lighthouse Bagels, Giant Slice Pizza, and Big Buck’s Ice Cream.
From seafood to pizza, you’ll find a wide variety of delicious dining options in and around Corolla. Here’s your guide to the best.
- Key Points
- Uncle Ike's Sandbar & Grill
- Mike Dianna's Grill Room
- North Banks Restaurant & Raw
- Broken Plate Kitchen
- Pizzazz Pizza
- Low Tide Bar and Grill
- Fat Crabs Rib Company
- Outer Banks Boil Company
- Lighthouse Bagels
- Urban Kitchen
- Mama Easley's Grub Hut
- Giant Slice Pizza
- Oishii Poke and Sushi
- Corolla Village BBQ
- Big Buck's Ice Cream
- The Bottom Line
Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill
Known for its tasty burgers, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails, Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill is a great place to unwind after a long day at the beach.
One of the standout dishes at Uncle Ike’s is Ike’s famous tacos, served with your choice of mahi, tuna, or shrimp, either blackened or grilled. It’s finished off with a side of black beans and Spanish rice.
For the little kids, they’ve got mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and quesadillas. And don’t forget to try one of their refreshing cocktails, like the Carolina Dream or the Fresh Squeezed Mimosas.
When it comes to atmosphere, Uncle Ike’s is hard to beat. With its casual beach vibe and welcoming staff, you’ll feel right at home. Plus, they often host live music and events, making it a fun and lively spot to enjoy a meal during your Corolla vacation.
They are located inside the Corolla Light Town Center, so it’s easy to find. Plus, their late-night bar menu is available until 2 AM.
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room is an elegant restaurant known for its high-quality steaks, fresh seafood, and incredible wine selection. Located in the Timbuck II Shopping Center, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
They’ve got a great Filet Mignon, which is perfectly cooked and melts in your mouth. Seafood lovers will enjoy their crab cakes or fresh Prince Edward Island Mussels.
They’ve got an extensive wine list to find the right pair for your meal. And although they give you a more upscale dining experience, they have a great kids’ menu, so the whole family can enjoy coming here.
North Banks Restaurant & Raw
North Banks Restaurant & Raw is a popular spot for seafood lovers, offering the finest seafood in town. They pride themselves on having the freshest seafood in town.
Start your meal with one of their delicious appetizers, like the hand-shucked regional oysters or their fresh cream of crab soup. Their hush puppies are delicious little gems to pique your appetite.
For your main course, try one of their popular seafood dishes, like their Grilled Atlantic Yellowfin Tuna or the Shrimp and Grits. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, they also offer a variety of tasty non-seafood options, like steaks, chicken, and sandwiches.
They are also vegetarian-friendly and have a number of delicious dishes featuring mushrooms. Don’t forget to save room for dessert – their Key Lime Pie and Ghirardelli Chocolate Pudding are both divine.
In addition to its delicious food, North Banks is also known for its extensive wine list, but its bartender-made craft cocktails really stand out. Like many other restaurants on our list, North Banks is in the Timbuck II Shopping Center.
Broken Plate Kitchen
For a more upscale, intimate dining experience, you may also want to go to Broken Plate Kitchen. With its eclectic menu, innovative food, and focus on fresh, local ingredients, Broken Plate Kitchen has quickly become one of the top-rated restaurants in the area.
One of the things that sets Broken Plate Kitchen apart from other restaurants in the area is its menu, which is Caribbean-inspired and all made in-house. The chefs here are passionate about creating delicious dishes that showcase the bounty of the Outer Banks, from seafood and produce to herbs and other local products. Executive Chef Sean Cadien prides himself on the “New American” menu.
They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While their lunch and dinner are outstanding and worth a visit, they also have the best breakfast in the area. It has classic dishes, like pancakes, french toast, eggs, and more, but with the Broken Plate signature spin.
Their Churro French Toast, inspired by its namesake Mexican dessert, is dusted with powdered sugar and comes with all-natural maple syrup. Their lighter side menu includes bruschetta toast, crab cakes, breakfast tacos, and omelets.
Finally, they offer an impressive wine list featuring a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world.
Pizzazz Pizza
Pizzazz Pizza is a popular eatery that offers a variety of delicious pizza options, as well as salads, subs, and wings, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal. They have several convenient outer bank locations, including Corolla, Ducks Head, Nags Head, and Grandy.
Try the Hurricane White, featuring a garlic and pepper white sauce, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and mozzarella. Or build your own pizza so you can have it the way you want it. Their salad bar has a big assortment of different toppings for your salad starter.
In addition to their delicious pizza, Pizzazz Pizza also offers a variety of other menu items, like their popular Cheesesteak Sub and their crispy Chicken Wings.
Low Tide Bar and Grill
Low Tide Bar and Grill offers a variety of tasty menu options, from fresh local seafood to juicy burgers, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family. They pride themselves on offering “Island-inspired, low country dishes.”
Start your meal with one of their delicious appetizers, like the Peel and Eat Shrimp or Mussels. They’ve also got delicious pretzels and even Fried Green Tomatoes.
For your main course, try one of their popular dishes, like the Caribbean Lobster Roll or the Low Tide Burger, made with a brisket and short-rib blend and topped with bacon, cheddar, and their signature sauce.
Fat Crabs Rib Company
If you’re craving some delicious comfort food during your Corolla vacation, look no further than Fat Crabs Rib Company. This great local spot offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes, from slow-smoked ribs to fresh seafood, making it a must-visit spot for foodies in the area.
One of the standout dishes at Fat Crabs Rib Company is their Baby Back Ribs, which are slow-smoked to perfection and slathered in their signature barbecue sauce.
Seafood lovers will enjoy their Carolina Blue Crab Cakes or Steamed Seafood Sampler, complete with oysters, clams, scallops, jumbo shrimp, and mussels.
The kids will appreciate their peanut butter and jelly or mac and cheese. Takeout and catering are both available.
Although you might not know it from its namesake, this restaurant is vegetarian-friendly. They offer both gluten-free and vegetarian options to be sure everyone in your family has something they can enjoy.
Outer Banks Boil Company
For a truly unique dining experience in Corolla, head to Outer Banks Boil Company. This popular eatery specializes in traditional seafood boils, which are a delicious and fun way to enjoy fresh, local seafood.
They take the freshest ingredients, like jumbo shrimp, Andouille Sausage, and corn on the cob, and cook them to perfection with this classic cooking method.
Unlike a traditional restaurant where you order and receive your food, Outer Banks offers both takeout and catering options for the boil.
The takeout option comes packed with the good stuff. All you need to do is add liquid (water, beer, or white wine), place it on the stovetop, and let the magic happen. With their catering option, they’ll show up about an hour before your event and prepare the boil for you.
Lighthouse Bagels
For a tasty breakfast or lunch option, head to Lighthouse Bagels in Corolla. This place serves up bagels made fresh daily, boiled in their signature kettle and baked to perfection. Don’t miss this one – they have the best bagel in Corolla!
Start your day off right with one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches, like the Southern Gentleman Bagel which features ham, egg, and Swiss on a freshly baked bagel.
Also be sure to check out their Steak, Egg, and Cheddar Bagel, loaded with steak and cheese and packed with flavor.
For those with simpler tastes, they offer bagels served up with just butter or cream cheese, too. Vegetarians will appreciate their Grace’s Way bagel, an avocado sensation.
Urban Kitchen
With its sleek industrial design and open kitchen concept, Urban Kitchen exudes a cool, urban vibe. It’s perfect for a night out with friends or a special date night. The menu features a variety of classic American dishes reimagined with a modern twist.
Their Halloumi Cheese is served with pomegranate molasses, golden raisins, red pepper, and pistachio dukkah. They offer fresh fish served with farro, as well as landlubber options like pork and chicken.
To complement their creative coastal cuisine, Urban Kitchen also boasts an extensive drink and cocktail menu, featuring creative cocktails and a wide selection of craft beers.
Mama Easley’s Grub Hut
For a taste of true Southern hospitality, don’t miss out on Mama Easley’s Grub Hut. This charming, family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious, home-style cooking since 2004.
There are a ton of options here, from mouthwatering barbecue and fried chicken to hearty seafood platters and even vegetarian options.
They also serve up delicious versions of classics that everyone loves, like the Shrimp Basket, served with fries or their famous hush puppies, the Jack Burger, and locally-caught, beer-battered fried fish.
Giant Slice Pizza
Craving a slice of authentic New York-style pizza? Be sure to check out Giant Slice Pizza, one of the most popular places in the area. With its thin, foldable crust, tangy tomato sauce, and generous toppings, Giant Slice Pizza offers a taste of the Big Apple right in the Outer Banks.
At Giant Slice Pizza, you can build your own pie from a selection of fresh, quality toppings or choose from one of their many specialty pizzas. Some favorites include the classic Margherita, the spicy Buffalo Chicken, and the Meatman. For those with dietary restrictions, Giant Slice also offers gluten-free crust options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious pizza experience.
In addition to its fantastic pizza, Giant Slice offers a variety of other menu items, including calzones, strombolis, salads, and sandwiches. Its garlic knots are a must-try, as are its homemade desserts, like the creamy cannoli and rich cheesecake.
Giant Slice Pizza is located in the Timbuck II Shopping Center.
Oishii Poke and Sushi
For a lighter, healthier dining option, head over to Oishii Poke and Sushi. This Hawaiian-inspired eatery specializes in poke bowls, a popular and delicious dish made from raw, marinated fish served over rice and topped with a variety of fresh ingredients.
In addition to their signature poke bowls, Poke Oishii Sushi also offers a variety of sushi rolls, from traditional favorites like the California roll and spicy tuna roll to more unique offerings like the “Eel Roll,” which features BBQ Eel, cucumber and avocado with eel sauce.
They also serve a selection of appetizers, like crispy gyoza and chicken tender appetizers, as well as refreshing bubble teas and smoothies.
Corolla Village BBQ
For a taste of mouthwatering Southern barbecue, you may want to try Corolla Village BBQ. This casual eatery is located in the heart of Corolla, making it the perfect spot for a quick and delicious meal during your beach vacation.
The menu at Corolla Village BBQ features all of your favorite barbecue classics, like pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken. Be sure to try their signature Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Sauce, which adds the perfect tangy kick to your meal.
Don’t forget to order a side of their creamy coleslaw or Mac and Cheese to complete your barbecue feast.
Big Buck’s Ice Cream
No trip to the beach is complete without a scoop (or two) of ice cream, and Big Buck’s Ice Cream is the place to go. They have over 50 flavors of soft-serve ice cream, all made in-house daily using fresh milk, cream, and sugar for a treat packed with flavor.
Some of the fan favorites at Big Buck’s include their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, a rich and creamy chocolate ice cream with chocolate chunks, and their refreshing Key Lime Nut Pie, which perfectly captures the flavor of the classic dessert.
In addition to ice cream, Big Buck’s also offers a variety of other sweet treats, like homemade fudge, milkshakes, and smoothies. Their espresso bar can get you your afternoon pickup to power through your day.
The Bottom Line
You’ll find some of the best seafood in town at Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill. For a heck of a seafood boil, get takeout or catering from the Outer Banks Boil Company and head to the beach for a boil on the beach.
Mama’s Easley’s Grub Hut serves traditional Southern fixin’s and Corolla Village BBQ holds its own with Eastern NC BBQ. Last but not least, don’t forget to stop by Big Buck’s for a scoop (or two) of ice cream.
