One of the best parts of any vacation is digging into the delicious food scene while you’re there. The Outer Banks is no exception, with fresh, local seafood, beautiful waterfront dining options, and vibes you won’t find anywhere else. When you want to take a break from cooking in your Brindley Beach vacation rental, check out some of the best restaurants in Corolla, NC, and discover a true taste of the region.
Best Restaurants in Corolla, NC
Breakfast Restaurants in Corolla
Island Smoothie Café: Serving fresh acai bowls, avocado toast, coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads, Island Smoothie Café is a great place for breakfast or lunch in Corolla, NC. With fresh ingredients and light bites, it’s easy to fuel up for a day of surfing, fishing, or whatever else you may be getting into during your vacation. All their smoothies are made with fresh fruit and vegetables and are locally sourced whenever possible.
- Address: 603 Currituck Clubhouse Dr. Corolla, NC
- Menu
Lighthouse Bagels: This seasonal favorite has been serving authentic, kettle-boiled New York-style bagels on the OBX since 2001. In addition to their plethora of flavors, they also offer homemade breads, muffins, and pastries, as well as a few deli sandwiches. Enjoy the classic Jersey Morning with lox and capers, or go big with the Steak, Egg, and Cheddar piled high with London broil and horseradish on your choice of bagel. *Note: Lighthouse Bagels closes for the season on December 1 and will reopen in March 2025.
- Address: 807 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC
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First Light Restaurant: While you can certainly visit First Light for lunch or dinner, their breakfast menu is one of the best in Corolla. From fluffy French toast to southern-style homemade biscuits and gravy, they have you covered with craving-worthy specialties that will keep you coming back for more. Stop in for a sit-down breakfast before you head out for your day of fun, or grab something to-go and enjoy a full spread in your Brindley Beach vacation rental without the fuss of dirtying the kitchen!
- Address: 793C Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27927
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Casual Lunch and Dinner Restaurants in Corolla, NC
Bernie’s Brother Tropical Grill and Bar: A beloved Corolla, NC restaurant, Bernie’s offers an elevated yet casual dining experience in the Outer Banks. Relax on the deck and enjoy the sunset as you sip on one of their craft cocktails. With dishes that celebrate the area, you’re in for a real treat as you sample their Hot Maryland crab dip, Mahi sandwich, or seared tuna. And if you want something other than seafood, they’ve got you covered with tacos and even pizzas, so there’s something for everyone.
- Address: 803 Albacore St. Corolla, NC
- Menu
Uncle Ike’s Sandbar and Grill: Looking for family-friendly restaurants that tick every box? It can be hard, especially if you’ve got picky eaters on your hands. But Uncle Ike’s may be just the place. Here, you can enjoy incredible food, great views, and live entertainment all under one roof. Specializing in “comfort food done really well,” their menu is a diverse smattering of coastal creations like crab cakes, scallops, and shrimp mixed with chicken fingers, burgers, and mac and cheese. With gluten-free and vegetarian options available, it’s easy to feed the whole group something they’ll love.
- Address: 1159 Austin Street Corolla Light Town Center, Corolla, NC
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Elevated Dining in Corolla
La Dolce Vita: Mediterranean dining meets seaside charm at La Dolce Vita, where you can lean into the sweet life. The menu highlights the flavors of coastal Italy with hand-tossed pizzas, homemade sauces, fresh bread, and decadent desserts. Perfect for special occasions or a date night during your vacation. Try the Mussels Sicily, fresh Caprese salad, and Seafood Diablo for a truly exceptional meal. The drink menu features a robust wine list, as well as draft beer, cocktails, and Aperitifs. View their gallery for mouthwatering snapshots of some of their best dishes, and get ready for one of the best meals you’ll have in the OBX.
- Address: 798 Sunset Blvd. TimBuck II Shopping Village, Corolla, NC
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Sweet Treats in Corolla
When your sweet tooth cravings just won’t stop, Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream is the only answer. Choose from handmade Belgian chocolates, fudge, cakes, specialty candy bags, and, of course, ice cream! If you’re celebrating a birthday or special occasion during your vacation, they’ve also got excellent ice cream cakes that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Order your ice cream by the pint or gallon and take some back to your vacation rental to enjoy throughout your stay.
- Address: 891 Albacore St. Corolla, NC
- Menu
Thanksgiving Meals from Corolla to Nags Head
There’s still time to book a Thanksgiving getaway to Corolla. Trade the messy kitchen and crowded grocery store shopping for a beach retreat and let local restaurants handle everything.
This year, you can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at several Outer Banks restaurants.
- Captain George’s: Enjoy a Thanksgiving Buffet from 11 AM to 8 PM – All you can eat for $49.99 with all the classics and some ocean-inspired specialties.
- Jolly Roger: Located in Kill Devil Hills, the Jolly Roger will host its annual Thanksgiving Buffet for just $34.95 with children 12 and under costing the same as their age plus $5. The menu features she crab soup, roasted turkey, ham, gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, marshmallow candied yams, collard greens, corn, green beans, baby carrots, cranberry sauce, and homemade rolls. Dinner starts at 1 PM and you can call ahead for reservations at (252) 441-6530.
- Mulligan’s Grill – Enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal at Mulligans for just $30.99 for adults and $15.99 for kids 12 and under. With everything you’d want on a Thanksgiving plate, plus a mini cheesecake for dessert, it’s a great option for the holiday. Add-ons and alternatives are available so you can customize your meal.
Feed Your Cravings with an Outer Banks Vacation
Featured Property: BU15, Beach Ball
In addition to this list of some of the best restaurants in Corolla, NC, your Outer Banks vacation is guaranteed to be filled with beachside magic and moments your family will cherish forever. As you plan your upcoming getaway, be sure to browse Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales list of vacation rentals and book directly with us for the best price and service during your stay.
With homes all throughout Corolla and the Outer Banks, there’s a place perfect for your family.