There is no better way to enjoy Corolla, North Carolina, than with some local, fresh fare straight from the Eastern Seaboard; we’re talking about food you can only get in the OBX!
The Outer Banks offers endless opportunities to explore from our Kill Devil Hills luxury vacation rentals. Below are some of the tastiest, most unique, and most friendly restaurants in Corolla, just a forty-minute drive from Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, or Nag’s Head.
Staying at a vacation rental in the Outer Banks is the experience of a lifetime; let’s make it a tasty one! From shrimp cakes to BBQ and everything in between- these are the must-eat restaurants in Corolla, North Carolina.
1. Mike Dianna’s Grill Room
- Address: 777 Sunset Boulevard, Corolla (TimBuck II Shopping Village)
- Website: grillroomobx.com
- Price Point: $$$
Celebrating their 18th season in Timbuck II Shopping Center in the heart of Corolla, Mike Dianna’s Grill Room is a seafood lover’s paradise. This North Carolina staple is a great choice for brunch or dinner. It is known for being family-friendly and having incredible live entertainment.
With a daily menu that rotates, Mike Dianna’s has everything from shrimp cakes to fried oysters and crab cakes. Regardless of what seafood or steak you choose, top off your meal with a slice of homemade key lime pie!
Tip: Mike Dianna’s is open seasonally, so check their website for current hours.
2. Mama Easley’s Grub Hut
- Address: 799 Sunset Boulevard, Corolla (TimBuck II Shopping Village)
- Website: facebook.com/mamaeasleys
- Price Point: $$
Located in the same shopping center as Mike Dianna’s, you can find Mama Easley’s Grub Hut. Mama Easley’s is one of the best restaurants in Corolla and is well-known for its delectable food and ambiance. If you’re looking for an authentic hole-in-the-wall seafood restaurant experience- this is it!
Visitors rave about Mama’s corn chowder, hush puppies, shrimp baskets, steamers, and fish and chips. But above all, you must try the local fried green tomatoes topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, and aioli, a southern classic.
3. Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill
- Address: 1159 Austin Street, Corolla (Corolla Light Town Center)
- Website: uncleikesobx.com
- Price Point: $$
Another Outer Banks favorite is Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill. Known for having a fun ambiance, this is a great place for larger groups.
Uncle Ike’s is the place to go if you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food. There is no shortage of delicious options, from Fried Pickle appetizers to the BLT Steak. The menu also includes daily specials, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Uncle Ike’s is also a great spot for entertainment. This lively spot hosts local bands, karaoke, and other evening events throughout the week. There is a sports bar in the restaurant that keeps late-night hours.
4. Agave Roja
- Address: 807 Ocean Trail B, Corolla (Monterey Plaza)
- Website: agaveroja.com
- Price Point: $$
Wowing visitors with its tequila bar and authentic dishes since 2012, Agave Roja is the go-to Mexican spot for Corolla Latin food lovers. People come for the food and stay for the incredible margaritas!
It has consistently won accolades like Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for being a top eatery in the Outer Banks. Agave Roja has a welcoming atmosphere, complete with Latin vibes and killer dishes like Crispy Fried Shrimp Tacos and Chile Con Carne Enchiladas.
If you feel like you can’t leave your margarita behind, you can help yourself to Agave Roja’s MArgarita Mix, made fresh and sold for takeaway.
5. Off the Wall Tap House
- Address: 603 Currituck Clubhouse Dr., Corolla
- Website: offthewalltaphouse.com
- Price Point: $$
Delicious craft beer has found its home at Off the Wall Tap House with the unique experience of self-serve beer on tap. That’s right, choose your beer and serve it up yourself with their innovative draft system!
Off the Wall has communal tables inside and a relaxing outdoor patio for basking in the beautiful OBX weather. The food is the culmination of all the flavors of the Outer Banks.
From appetizers like their Crabby Seafood Dip or Brisket Nachos to entrees like their Second Shift Breakfast Burger, they do all in local laidback style.
6. Urban Kitchen
- Address: 603 B Currituck Clubhouse Drive, Corolla
- Website: urbankitchenobx.com
- Price Point: $$
The Urban Kitchen is Corolla’s hottest date night location. This intimate restaurant is charming and small but provides a superb three-course dinner experience in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
With “plates” like Pork Chops with a side of Cheddar Grit Cake and Scottish Salmon with Anson Mills Black Rice, visitors rave about their dining experience at Urban Kitchen.
Although perhaps more elevated than your typical OBX menu, portion sizes at Urban Kitchen do not disappoint, so bring your appetite!
Tip: Note that this restaurant is not recommended for large parties because of its size.
7. La Dolce Vita
- Address: 798 Sunset Blvd., Corolla (TimBuck II Shopping Village)
- Website: ladolcevitacorolla.com
- Price Point: $$
La Dolce Vita in Corolla is known for two things: jaw-dropping Italian fare and an award-winning wine list.
Enjoy a mouth-watering wine paired with one of many well-reviewed menu items. Patrons rave about the Eggplant Napoli, Portobello Mushroom and Spinach Ravioli, and gourmet pizzas. Everything at La Dolce Vita is house-made, including the bread, sauces, and desserts!
Regardless of what meal you decide to enjoy here (or takeout), you’ll surely have a new favorite!
8. Lighthouse Bagels and Deli
- Address: 807 Ocean Trail, Corolla (Monterey Plaza)
- Website: lighthouse-bagels.square
- Price Point: $
Lighthouse Bagels and Deli has brought the one-of-a-kind New York bagel to the Outer Banks. Since 2000, this family-owned breakfast spot has served up delicious handmade bagels. Enjoy a breakfast sandwich, or try the crowd-favorite: their signature French Toast Bagel.
While you’re there, grab some fresh deli meat or some local artisan coffee from The Kind Cup Corolla. Just be prepared. Lighthouse is one of the top breakfast spots in Corolla, so you’ll definitely encounter long lines during the summer season. Get there early for a taste of New York in OBX!
Tip: Lighthouse Bagels and Deli is open seasonally, so check their website for current hours.
9. Outer Banks Boil Company
- Address: 785 Sunset Blvd., Corolla (Timbuck II Shopping Center)
- Website: outerbanksboilcompany.com
- Price Point: $$
An experience you don’t want to miss during your time in the Outer Banks is a seafood boil. Steamed, fresh seafood in the form of fish, scallops, clams, oysters, and other treats are a must-have when you’re on staying at the Outer Banks.
This restaurant is takeout or catering only. Grab your seafood boil and some liquid and head to the sand, or have a family dinner gathered around the table at your vacation rental.
10. Corolla Village BBQ
- Address: 1129 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla (Corolla Village)
- Website: facebook.com/CorollaVillageBBQ
- Price Point: $
If you’re looking for one of the most popular barbecue joints in the Outer Banks, look no further than Corolla Village BBQ. This lunch and dinner joint has everything from pulled chicken to smoked pulled pork and legendary racks of ribs. Add cole slaw, candied yams, baked beans, and other sides for a full platter of smoked goodness.
You’ll be licking your chops and wanting more as soon as it’s gone! Make sure you plan a place to eat, as Corolla Village BBQ is takeout only!
Find Your Inner Foodie in Corolla
There you have it! Whatever it is, you won’t soon forget the fresh seafood experience you had in Corolla.
Any of these top Corolla eateries is an amazing choice for a night out or even a quick takeout option. After all, who wants to cook when they’re living it up at their vacation rental in the Outer Banks?