Nags Head area fine dining

[Worldwide Diner]

It's almost that time for our first week of vacation (Memorial Day week). This year we're going back to Outer Banks and staying at Nags Head. Would love to hear your suggestions for fine dining. The last time we were in that neck of the woods, we really enjoyed Blue Point, and was somewhat disappointed by Ocean Blvd. Kill Devil Grill was great for lunch, not so much Sam and Omie's. Hoping to find restaurants of similar repute or better.

What's the best place for fresh simple seafood, such as steamed clams, crabs, fried/broiled captain's platter?

Any good Italian restaurants (not just pizza and red sauce pasta)?

Looking for lunch and dinner suggestions. Thanks.

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Kill Devil Grill
2008 S Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

[SweetPhyl]

Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills is fabulous as is Blue Moon Beach Grill. I've also heard great things aboput The Pearl at theSea Ranch in KDH. More casual, Food Dudes Kitchen--shoudl be great for lunch. Bon Apetit!

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The Pearl
1731 N Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Food Dudes Kitchen
1216 S Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Outer Banks Brewing Station
600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Blue Moon Beach Grill
, Nags Head, NC 27959

[Worldwide Diner]

What about a good place for raw oysters, in terms of variety, price and condiments? Ok, May and June aren't really good months for oysters...

[SweetPhyl]

You are right about May and June not being "good" months for oysters, but in reputation only. Oysters are acceptable on a year round basis these days, but the local restos tend to neglect them in the summer months. I'm more of a "homemade" oyster girl...buy a bushel and tshuck 'em myslef or throw on the grill with my own migionette or a hearty cocktail. However, you "might" try Sam and Omies or Sugar Creek in Nags Head. I'm sorry you had a "bad" experience at S&O's before, but they are usually terrific. Sugar Creek is more of a fried seafood platter kind of place, but they do some good steamed selections. Might also look into the Black Pelican in Kitty Hawk. They have good oysters in the winter, but don't know about the warmer months. Awful Arthur's in KDH might be worth a shot too...just be sure to stick to the steamed selections.

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Black Pelican Seafood Co
3848 Virginia Dare Trl N, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar
2106 N Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Sugar Creek Restaurant
7340 S Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head, NC 27959

[SweetPhyl]

Oh, and I forgot to mention that there's a new restaurant coming to Sanderling with Tommy Carroll of Fin and Claw fame in Corolla. The Paper Canoe is in the former location of the Duck News Cafe and the Canoe just recently won the People's Choice award at the Duck and Wine Festival in Duck a few weeks back. They made a Duck Ravioli that was amazing! THey *should* be open by the time you visit. Oh and if you come up Corolla way, don't miss Metropolis in the Currituck Club. Amazing tapas and terrific wine and martini list! Metropolis Little Bar Bistro - 520 Old Stoney Rd Corolla, NC

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The Fin and Claw
790 Ocean Trl, Corolla, NC 27927

[supernc]

In reply to your request for fine dining:

http://www.colingtoncafe.com/

[YTOWNOBX]

SweetPhyl

Read your recs from 2007. Excellent. What is your Best and Worst for 2012 OBX? We haven't been down since 2006 ad I'm sure things have changed. Except the Blue Point. It is a constant and our favorite. We are staying in Corolla in July. Thanks.

[SweetPhyl]

Blue Point
Paper Canoe
The Pearl
Metropolis
Kill Devil Grill
Brine and Bottle
Outer Banks Brewing Station
just to name a few of MY favorites!

[YTOWNOBX]

Thanks SweetPhyl. They are all new to me except Blue Point. Looking forward to trying them!

[Worldwide Diner]

Any thoughts on the Sanderling joints and other places in Duck? We're heading to Duck next week. Thanks!

[SweetPhyl]

Sanderling Inn is inconsistent--over the years I've had GREAT food there and then some of the worst meals ever. It's not worth the price to me to take that chance, so I tend to avoid it. But, if you want a burger at the bar, it has a nice atmosphere. In Duck, Aqua is good...fantastic sushi! Roadside has some good eats, too. Paper Canoe in Sanderling is amazing. Metropolis in Corolla is terrific, too. Good steamer type food try North Banks Seafood in Corolla and MIke Dianna's Grill Room does a great steak.

[Worldwide Diner]

Does any place do steamed clams? I suppose I can run to Food Lion and do it myself.

[Worldwide Diner]

Bought 50 clams at Austin seafood for around $14. Cooked them in garlic, onions, parsley and beer. Great way to eat loads of clams. We also stopped at Diamond Shoal next to the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. Steamed clams for $8.50/dz. With fantastic fried grouper - light breading and moist fish, with dill flavored tartar sauce. Better meal than the Pearl or Miller's Waterfront restaurant.

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Miller's Waterfront Restaurant
6816 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959

Diamond Shoals Restaurant
46843 Nc 12 Hwy, Buxton, NC 27920