Top Restaurants in Corolla
Where to Eat in Corolla: The Best Restaurants and Bars
You won’t find superstores or theme parks in Corolla. What you will find is a slow-paced vacation destination with vast, isolated stretches of beach. Corolla is the perfect place to gear down, relax and forget about your hurried life back home. While quiet dinners and strolls on the beach are mainstays of Corolla’s lifestyle, other more action-oriented recreation options include kayak tours, Jet Ski rentals, deep-sea fishing charters, and go-karting. No visit to Corolla is complete without climbing the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a 158-foot high structure built in 1875 that still flashes at 20-second intervals to warn ships hugging the chain of barrier islands. Next on the must see list is the Whalehead Club, a 21,000-square-foot Art Nouveau home that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A truly unique experience in Corolla is taking a tour of the Spanish Mustang Reserve, where you can see wild Spanish Mustang horses grazing in their natural habitat. Horse lovers will also enjoy the Corolla Wild Horse Museum located within the restored schoolhouse of Corolla Village. Kids have an opportunity to paint their own wild Colonial Spanish Mustang. For some great family fun, play the Grass Course, a miniature golf course on all natural grass.
Things to do in Corolla
1. Outer Banks Boil Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 231 reviews
Outer Banks Boil Company is a family owned and operated business specializing in Traditional Coastal Shrimp Boils.
Reviewed By JoeKool79 - Long Island, New York
The food was good but you cook it yourself, you pick it up yourself and you clean up after yourself...Its more like an overpriced grocery store in a can, which rusts if left outside. Be careful when purchasing too 20 dollars turns into 100 real quick. Great concept but be wary.
2. Urban Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By DK B - Corolla, North Carolina
Chef Joe prepares the best food! His careful preparation and presentations are culinary masterpieces! The usual, but spectacular plate, has layering involved with amazing pops of flavors. His style is incredible. Most times people boast about entrees or desserts at their favorite restaurant. But for me to boast about vegetables!? Chef Joe prepares veggie starters that are so remarkable. Like the broccolini with squash, layered and seasoned with an Indian flare. OMG. Not forgetting that dish for a long, long time. Many at our table enjoyed his delicious preparation of the special fish, rockfish, while others ordered chicken, pork chops and NY Strip. All plates were clean. Oh and a taste of my friends catfish appetizer was such a tasty delight! Thanks Jen & Joe for bringing your incredible talents to our beach!
3. Lighthouse Bagels and Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 814 reviews
For over over 17 years, Lighthouse Bagels has been the premier spot for breakfast in Corolla. We make our delicious NY/NJ style bagels and donuts from scratch every morning. Try our world famous yeast raised and cake donuts, grilled sandwiches like sausage, bacon, or pork roll egg and cheese on a bagel. Enjoy fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies and for lunch we have a full deli, featuring Boars Head sandwich meats. We have been the locals choice for over 16 years, come check us out! *New for 2017 - place your breakfast order online!*
Reviewed By jaxon27 - Frederick, Maryland
Went to this place based upon TA reviews. You have to stand in line but this gives you time to chat with others in the line as well as to make up your mind about what you want. I had bacon egg and cheese on a wheat bagel. Mrs. J had the same except on a plain bagel. Bothwe're very tasty and well worth the trip to go there. That's it
4. Mama Easley's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Easy going casual spot. We don't mind kids. Were are hidden but you will find us with the signs.
Reviewed By Paul S
We saw that trip advisor had rated this #2 of 12 in Corolla so figured it was worth the try. Had the fried green tomatoes ($10), Mahi sandwich (The Friendly Fish), beer battered Mahi (Fish N Chips $15), Fried Shrimp (Big Easley's Famous Poboy $12), Scallops Basket ($18) and a Kid Mac & Cheese ($5). Good price on alcohol drinks, Bud Light bottle $4, Pinot Grigio wine $6 and PBR in a can for $1!
Food was fresh, cooked just right (by Vinnie), drinks cold and though you order at the counter and then they bring the food out to you... the service personnel checked on us frequently during our meal. Friendly, courteous & professional. I would rate a 4.7 out of 5.0 only because I was not fond of the seasoned fries... though everyone else at the table loved them. Would have liked to have known they were seasoned prior to ordering.
5. Philly Steak Subs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Best cheesesteak on the beach! Family owned, family run business with a family-friendly environment! We have something for the entire group- cheesesteaks AND CHICKEN CHEESESTEAKS!, subs, burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and more. Don't forget to try a drink from the bar, or one (or two or three...) of the thirteen craft beers on tap! Here's to another great season!
Reviewed By carri m - Columbiana, Ohio
The staff was very friendly and not a long wait. My kids loved the cheeseburger ?. My husband and I liked the cheese steak I wouldn't say there Philly. But still one of the better ones outside Philly. There shirts are really cute too.
6. La Dolce Vita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Come get a taste of the sweet life ... In Corolla. Classic Italian dishes using family recipes including hand-tossed pizza, homemade sauces, bread and desserts. We are all about family, friends, good food and friendly service. Hope to see you soon! Ciao! During the high season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, we offer 30 minute call ahead seating. Before Memorial Day & after Labor Day we will be happy to take your reservation!
Reviewed By ref48 - Tonawanda, New York
We stopped for dinner on an early Saturday night and we were not disappointed. We were seated promptly and did not wait long for our order. We ordered the Chicken Saltimbocca and Baked Ziti. The portions were large. The Chicken Saltimboca was incredible. They have inside and outside tables but we decided to sit inside. Upon our return to the Outer Banks next vacation, this restaurant will be on our list.
7. Corolla Village Barbecue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By JoyfulWriter - Chesapeake, Virginia
I love good barbecue and this little eatery delivered. My sandwich was overflowing with nice, tender bbq meat and had almost enough cole slaw on top of the meat. I opted for the large sandwich ($6.50 vs 5.50 for the smaller version) since I was not getting any sides. My husband got a plate for $8.50, consisting of bbq, baked beans, potato salad and corn bread. I shared sides with him and they were very tasty. I'm not usually a big potato salad fan, but this was really different and good; and the baked beans were very good.
All in all, we were very pleased with our food and, even though it was a bit on the pricey side, it wasn't too bad - especially for beach prices. The service was quick and the folks were nice. We ate outside on the picnic tables - I think there were about six or so tables. It was a pleasant day and my only complaint was the flies. They too like the food and so I had to keep fanning our food to keep them off.
Corolla Village is quaint, charming and has a really neat, old-fashioned atmosphere that I really like.
8. Agave Roja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
We visited the last week of June, 2012 and they told us they had only been open 10 days. They handled a party of 15 as if they were doing if for years. The salsa was unbelievable! The food was light fresh and delicious!!
Reviewed By rgc1600 - Kernersville, NC
Our group of eight went to Agave Roja (with reservations this year - learned the hard way that they're necessary even in off season), and all enjoyed our meal. We had a variety of entrees, including chili con carne enchiladas, Mariscos, fajitas, fish tacos, and more. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and all portions were generous. You shouldn't leave Agave Roja hungry. Our service was acceptable, but not particularly friendly. Still, we had another good experience at Agave Roja and will be back next year!
9. Buddha'licious
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Contemporary-casual establishment featuring authentic Asian cuisine using the freshest ingredients as well as offering an extensive sake menu to include saketinis, handcrafted cocktails and flights
Reviewed By Meredith W
We came here hoping to get sushi since it's on their menu, but were disappointed when we were told they don't start serving sushi until Memorial Day weekend. Our entrees were very flavorful though. Overall, we had a decent experience.
10. North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
We have been a local's favorite seafood establishment for over 20 years. Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials feature fresh local fish and creative sauces. Our Raw Bar features Steamed Shrimp, Maine Lobster, Littleneck Clams, Seaside and Select Oysters and Snow Crablegs. Sit at our Full Service bar, hang with the locals, enjoy your favorite libation and watch Major League Baseball, NFL Footbal and NHL Hockey.
Reviewed By jomar75 - West Caldwell, New Jersey
We found this treasure while we were visiting our daughters new home. We made it slightly before 6pm so as to avoid the long lines. We had a small room just to the left of the entrance which allows the 7 us to sit in private. We had multiple dishes but I would like to tell you about mine, I started out with a walnut arugula salad followed by a sea food pasta every bite was fabulous
