2025 Vegetarian Guide

If you’re looking for fresh North Carolina seafood, Dinky’s will hit the spot. Chef Dwight Callahan cooks up a new seafood dinner special for every night of the week, with menu changes each season. Also on the menu are duck, steak and lamb, and Dinky’s is known for its mouthwatering pasta dishes like its Blue Crab Ravioli and its other shellfish teasers, all topped with Asiago cheese.For lighter fare, Chef Callahan creates a daily soup from scratch, and Dinky’s baby spinach salad, topped with Toasted Pecans and Crumbled Bleu Cheese,can also be served with either/or a combination of grilled chicken, shrimp, fish or scallops.Dinky’s menu also includes a couple of chicken entrees - parmesan and gorgonzola -vegetarian pasta dishes, a kids meal that includes vegetables and an 8-inch pizza, and a yummy desert selection highlighted by the chef’s Cheesecake Du Jour. You’ll also find a wide variety of wine and beers on the menu, along with desert drinks, cocktails and special martinis.Complimenting its fresh seafood specials and other dishes is Dinky’s delightful panoramic view of the Pamlico Sound, known for its breathtaking sunsets. Also exceptional is the restaurant’s décor, accented by woodwork and tables done in African Mahogany.Dinky’s motto, “Great Things Come From Small Places,” says it all. It’s located atop Village Marina in Hatteras on the Pamlico Sound.During the fall and winter, Friday night is Prime Rib Night and Monday is Sushi Night.

From an easy snack before a morning beach walk, to a sumptuous and casual lunch in between area explorations, Kat’s Deli has a little something for visitors and locals of all tastes. Located on the northern end of Hatteras Village, this tempting deli is a great destination for fast fare that doesn’t skimp on big flavors.

La Fogata offers tasty Mexican food for lunch and dinner at three locations on the Outer Banks. Prices are reasonable, and the always-friendly wait staff provide fast service. Locals love this restaurant because it’s got comfortable big booths, it’s open year-round and the speedy service makes it so customers usually don’t have to wait too long for a table even in the summer. Plus there’s tons of delicious choices on the menu, with all kinds of meat, beans and cheese.  There are numerous varieties of enchiladas, burritos, tacos, quesadillas and chalupas, and there’s chile relanos, huevos rancheros, nachos, Mexican rice, taco salads, guacamole, and fajitas.  This is a great place for vegetarians, because there’s much more to choose from than most other eateries. And there’s also a kids’ menu, dessert and a full bar available. 

Located in southern Hatteras Island, Pamlico Deli is one of the Outer Banks’ newest and most acclaimed spots for an easy lunch, a collection of freshly prepared meals and goodies, and fun events that everyone in the crew will adore. Hosting regular weekly wine tastings all year long, as well as live music on special nights throughout the summer and beyond, Pamlico Deli is a great destination for food, drink, and plenty of great times.

Tavern on 12 in Frisco is a fun and friendly restaurant with lots of homemade fare that is sure to please everyone in the crowd. From fresh seafood specials to hand-tossed pizzas with a range of specialty toppings, Tavern on 12 is a great destination for a little homegrown flavor on Hatteras Island.

Watermen’s Bar & Grill boasts a “unique indoor/outdoor design” with spectacular waterfront views and a friendly staff - and “the best coffee, beers and mixed drinks on the Outer Banks.” This includes an exclusive Rum Bar with rums and rum drinks from around the world.It’s also gotten great online reviews for its dishes, which the grill promises to be freshly prepared. Along with a huge list of coffee and drinks, the menu offers a light, healthy breakfast selection, sandwiches, wraps and Mexican foods for lunch, and lots of seafood entrees and appetizers for dinner. The menu includes deserts, weekly specials and a kids‘ favorites.Featured also are wide screen TVs, internet and live music on the deck several nights during the season, along with other special, family-friendly music events like the Sky Blue Summer Concert Series, which features a week of local and national musicians.An interesting note about the restaurant’s décor is that its wood is salvaged from the original 1921 Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York.At Watermen’s Bar & Grill, you can get your food to go, linger long indoors or go out on the deck and enjoy great sunset views and kiteboarding activity on the sound as you sip one of Watermen’s special drinks. The restaurant is open year-round except for one month off during the winter.

Visitors staying in the tri-village communities of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo will be just a stone’s throw away from the unique groceries and great eats they need for a delicious Outer Banks vacation, thanks to Waves Market & Deli. This small shop and eatery features a wealth of goodies to explore, from one of the largest beer and wine selections on northern Hatteras Island to a collection of gourmet sandwiches, burgers, and other fresh fare to go, making it a one-stop shop for visitors with exceptional taste.