My husband and I really enjoyed our food here. Excellent preparation and presentation. We even ordered dessert, which we don't usually do, and the calories were well worth it. Very nice and reasonably priced wine list and almost overly friendly and attentive service. We will go back. I don't give it a 5, as I've had 5-worthy meals in my lifetime, and this wasn't quite there. But great food and atmosphere that isn't like all the other beach eateries. read more

Its true that a wonderful meal can chase the blues away! What a treasure we have in the Colington Cafe - fabulous food and staff.

Absolutely amazing! Service, food & housemade dessert are top notch. Will enthusiastically go every year!

We stopped by the Colington Cafe for dinner in the Outer Banks. Very nice place. Should definitely go back. It's a restaurant in a little house. After I showed off my parking skills, including be complimented by some woman from Jersey, we sat down to a very nice meal. Service was great. We started with the crab dip. J got the chicken alfredo. A got the filet mignon. P got the mixed grill. I got the Shrimp And Scallop Napoleon (A wonderful combination of both fresh shrimp and scallops in a sherry cream sauce). We got the peach cobbler and creme brulee. I was a little late on the pics on that one. read more

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We had a fabulous experience at the Colington Café last week when we were down in the Outer Banks for our annual spring vacation. We wanted to celebrate a big anniversary (one of the "ends in zero" anniversaries), and local friends had recommended this restaurant. We dropped in on Monday evening around 5:30 with no reservation but were seated immediately. Our server, Austin, was superb, very attentive and helpful, yet willing to give us the time and space we needed to study the menu and decide on our choices. My husband had the crab bisque for an appetizer (he loved it!) and one of the daily specials (broiled salmon with crab), while I chose the crab cake appetizer on greens (perfectly prepared) with homemade ravioli and scallops (which was amazing). The wine list is terrific and the wines very reasonably priced. (Plus, in North Carolina, if you don't finish the bottle, you can re-cork it and take it home -- makes getting a bottle even more practical.) We definitely recommend this restaurant and will go there again! (If you plan to visit in the summer months, however, please do reserve in advance!) read more

A continued disappointment. Wait staff rude and food just "meh and unimaginable". Beef over cooked and entrees boring. Save your $ and go to Blue Point for real quality food. read more

We had read so many reviews about how fantastic the food was here so we decided to take my parents here for an anniversary dinner. The ambience and staff were very nice. Because we had to wait a few minutes past our reservation time they even gave us a free appetizer. I would definitely recommend this place for the seafood or steak lover as I think those are the dishes this restaurant executed well. The chicken Normandy was a little lacking in flavor is our only complaint. Don't expect outstandingly fantastic but it is somewhere for a nice meal. read more

Truly outstanding food and service. We have been twice and enjoyed everything we have tried. Though it's somewhat expensive, I think the prices are fair and actually a good value in most cases considering the high quality meats, wines and seafood they serve. I would highly recommend the filet del mar and the peanutbutter cheesecake but I am convinced they wouldn't serve anything bad here so I don't think you can go wrong. Perfect spot for a celebratory meal! Enjoy! read more

Food is amazing! Service is wonderful! So glad we found this restaurant on one of our trips to Duck/OBX. Our date night go to (though our older kids would probably enjoy it too). Can't wait to go back but it'll likely be a couple years til we get back down there. read more

We ordered the scallops rumaki appetizer and the crab cake appetizer. They were both exceptional. The seasoning in the lightly panko breaded crab cake was perfect. For the main course it was seared yellow fin tuna with summer vegetables and mashed potatoes. The tuna was accompanied with a champagne reduction of some kind. We both felt the tuna would have stood fine on its own. I thought it was a bit overpowering. The other dish was vegetables primavera with shrimp and penne accompanied with some grated cheese. It was totally on point. We came on Thursday evening without reservations and there was an hour wait. We made Friday reservations and walked right in. The staff was extremely courteous and efficient. The food arrived promptly and was played very professionally. For dessert we chose vanilla bean creme brûlée with a snicker doodle cookie and chocolate bread pudding. The brûlée was nice with a thick crust but the vanilla bean seemed absent until halfway though. We spotted some and it was ground very fine. The bread pudding was served warm and the chocolate chips melted right down through it. Holy decadent Batman! Never a bad experience from the Colington. read more

Ever time we come to the outer bank this restaurant is one of our favorite places. The food is amazing along and place are always the best. If you have never been make sure you put this place at the top of your list!!!! read more

A great eating experience! Great staff, food, and atmosphere! Love the place, they make you feel like family! If you have never tried it, it's a MUST! Especially for special occasions! We go every year for my wife's Bday! And they always make it special! read more

6 of us visited Colington Cafe again last night and again we all were very pleasantly pleased with our food here. This place just stays great everytime we visit, plus they take reservations so you avoid the long lines at some places here. Some had the filet and mushroom ravioli which was spectacular. We almost linked the plate when done. Others had the mixed grill of tuna and a filet. All were great and this place should be visited when you visit us here on the Outer Banks. read more

I called and they Are opened. Yelp says they are not. I'm looking forward to taking my daughter from Oregon there for some great food.

Food is good overall but the steaks and desserts are outstanding. Portions are smaller like any fine dining experience, though the pop music in the background and Victorian decor make it a unique one. Great for birthdays and other celebrations! read more

My parents hosted the rehearsal dinner for my brother's OBX wedding at the Colington Cafe. The staff was so kind from the time we made our reservation to the end of the dinner. They took excellent care of our party of 12 and 7 week old baby. The food was amazing. Everyone was very happy with what they ordered. It was so hard to choose what to order. Dessert is a must. They wrapped up dinner by gifting my brother and sister in law a split of champagne and a dessert to go. It was such a nice night of great food and wonderful service. read more

Made reservations here shortly after we arrived in the outer banks because of all the good reviews. It is a nice little place, but when we arrived, we were told to wait longer because all the "2" tables were still taken. (So the point of our reservation was...?) Anyway, it's not that big of a deal. I had the fresh fish (salmon) and it was pretty good. The appetizer we wanted to try was "out" - apparently they had already made 3 pots and were not making anymore? So we didn't get to try that but maybe another time. We tried the cookie dessert and it was very yummy. Our waitress was super nice (I can't remember her name) and made the entire experience enjoyable. read more

This place is unbelievably cute. Tucked away in a tiny little house on Colington Road, the Colington Cafe serves up some pretty good French based cuisine. The restaurant is cute and has a charming feel to it full of cute floral touches and other knick knacks. My husband and I were seated promptly and our waiter was super accommodating and attentive. We shared a salad with raspberry vinaigrette which was delicious and perfectly dressed. The greens were still fresh and vibrant and the raspberry was not overwhelming, it was a lovely balance of flavors. We also shared the coconut shrimp appetizer based on a stellar Yelp review I had read, I was not steered wrong, the shrimp was phenomenal, crispy and sweet accompanied by a tangy mustard and a sweet honey sauce. I could eat ten more of those shrimp. For my entree I had the filet mignon topped with lump crab meat and a Bearnaise sauce. Delicious! My meat was cooked perfectly medium rare and the sauces and crab were delicious with it. Especially the crab, blue crab is the sweetest and best crab I've ever had. My only slight quibble was with the mashed potatoes which may have been over beaten as they tasted a little gummy. For dessert we split a peach cobbler which was delicious. I would recommend this place to anyone in the Outer Banks. read more

Excellent service, food and prices for what you get. I recommend going for whatever is the chef's special. Portions are not that small. Just tight. Oh, and of course the atmosphere is excellent. Best meal we ate in the OBX by far. Be sure to make a reservation early! read more

Beautiful location! Loved walking around garden area while we waited. Food was delish! Had the steak with lump crab on top. Mash potatoes were a little too dry for my liking.. But everything else was amazing! read more

I really liked this place. The staff was very welcoming and obviously prided themselves on providing an excellent dining experience. The crab dip was mediocre as far as taste but had lots of crab meat so we didn't feel shorted on value. The she crab bisque was awesome, as was the shrimp and scallop Napoleon. I didnt enjoy the sides (Lima beans and corn and mashed potatoes), but when you added the sauce of the main dish to the Lima beans, it was decent. The house salad I had was great, but the Cesar was sub par. However, the waitress made up for the Cesar by taking it off the check (unprompted) and giving the table a piece of chocolate fudge mousse cake. Overall, we would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the area. Its off the beaten path, totally free from touristy gimmicks and intimate. Make reservations, though. read more

Dinner destination for my wife's birthday and my only regret is that in all the years we've been coming to the Outer Banks, this is the first time we have eaten here, a converted private residence. The four of us shared the delicious seafood appetizer platter (highlight: the crab dip) and then main courses arrived, seafood Alfredo pasta for me, shrimp for my wife, salmon and the four oz combo for our friends. All of us then had lunch for the next day because portions are very generous. The house served a complimentary piece of cake for birthday lady and we also shared a hot, delicious berry cobbler. Our server Angela (outstanding) brought four forks to the table. Greatly appreciated! The restaurant only has a beer and wine liquor license. Perfect for a special occasion as we had, but don't wait for that to go here. read more

We waited a bit longer than the estimated wait, but it was well worth it. The owner was so sweet. She took the time to chat with us and even sent us a dessert, the coconut pie with a chocolate bottom...which was to die for. My group ordered the rockfish special and the shrimp and scallops with the sherry cream sauce. The food was so delicious and creative. Entirely unique. An amazing gem worth traveling off the beaten. Path to enjoy. Go there now! read more

While they were very busy on a Tuesday after Labor Day they were able to accommodate us! The meal was fabulous BBQ Salmon and Swordfish with bacon wrapped scallops for an appetizer! The coconut pie was heavenly! They never disappoint! read more

The food was good, although they refused to substitute garlic mashed potatoes for a more favorable side with out a two dollar up change. The downside, please make sure you leave a large tip, if not the manager will follow you to your car and question the amount you leave. I've never heard of anything so RUDE. She felt standard tip to be at least 20%. 3 stars for the food. Manger is costing this restaurant customers and a good reviews. read more

Went their for my friend's birthday and it was the perfect choice. The wine was excellent and I got the Special. I have learned to never doubt the waitress, she was right on! read more

We happened across this lovely place during a brief trip to the outer banks based on a recommendation from locals. What an excellent find! We were seated promptly after arriving a few minutes late for our reservation. The service was outstanding; our server was patient, knowledgeable, and personable. Although seating was a little tight, the decor was quaint and quite endearing. Among the 4 of us, we tried a fair amount of the menu. My father claims the bacon wrapped scallops were the best thing he has ever eaten. I can't speak to them, because he wouldn't share; apparently they were that good. The file mignon was cooked perfectly, flavorful, and extraordinarily tender. The crab cakes were also delicious. Their desserts were an excellent way to finish the meal. The creme brûlée was delicious. My husband ordered the snickers cheesecake and is still taking about it. My only complaint is that this lovely find is so far from the mainland, so we won't be able to return until our next trip to the outer banks. read more

This is my first review of Colington Cafe though I've been coming here for years. I guess the secret is out at any rate. The food is five star excellent. My meal consisted of the she crab bisque, the filet with crab, beer, and no desert. A reservation is a must due to the popularity of this place. Our party of three were seated within 5 minutes. The dining rooms can be cramped and noisy (we were in an upstairs dining room) which some may find bothersome. While that is the nature of the beast for a popular restaurant, I looked at it like I was at a large family reunion. Fun times for all, but wouldn't want to do it every night! The service was very good in my opinion, though there were some momentary lapses in attention due to high waiter/waitress workloads. They were really "humping it", so no room to complain. I am looking forward to my next visit read more

Our party of 6 has been coming to the Colington Café for at least 10 years. I highly recommend this restaurant. Everything is 5 star quality. We can't find a restaurant like this in Virginia Beach so we really look forward to coming back in August of every year. read more

Year after year this place never lets me down. Perfectly prepared, reasonably priced (for upscale), and pleasant professional staff make this an excellent choice for seafood with a French flare. The atmosphere is also very cozy and inviting. Note: they do not split checks. read more

Just adding to the already stellar reputation this restaurant has earned. We have been here several times and everything each time was outstanding. Go for the filet, stay for the creme brulee. Make your reservations early. read more

First visit to Outer Banks, took family to Colington Cafe, excellent service, great food, friendly courteous staff, it will be on my list for stops again next year, keep up the great work folks. Till we meet again. read more

This place is absolutely just the best restaurant in the Outer Banks. Every year when we come on vacation we go 3 times. The owners are very nice, the restaurant is homey and food is delicious. Every year the first server we get we ask for the two other times because they are always wonderful, and they are usually teachers. This is the best spot to eat in the Outer B read more

This is our go to place for dinner on vacation. The staff is attentive, decor is tasteful and the food is amazing. I ask for a larger filet and they are able to make it happen. The bernaise sauce is to die for. Creme brûlée and the coconut creme pie are must haves for desert. Whether you are in a date for 2 or a dinner for 10, Colington continues to deliver each time we go. read more

This is my favorite restaurant on the beach! I love the filet and crabmeat, but everything on the menu is wonderful!

Great. Good service. Great food. Very quaint. Get a reservation. Sit on right side.

This was a wonderful experience from the time we walked through the door. Our sever Angelique was fantastic. Every course was delightful. Fabulous appetizers, entrees and desserts. Can hardly wait to go back. An experience you don't want to miss. read more

The Colington Cafe is one of the nicest restaurants on the Outer Banks. The food is good and the service is among the best in the area. However, if you have a kid, or are a kid reading this review, here be dragons! The food served here grows on you as you age, so I can tell you from my personal experiences as a kid that children WILL NOT like this food. As a child, I spent most of my time here formulating elaborate escape plans rather than eating. Also, the chairs are a little uncomfortable. Otherwise, it's a great restaurant! read more

Made reservations with my wife for our last dinner in the OBX due to the good reviews and a recommendation from someone who had gone quite often. Our reservation was for 830, we didn't get seated till about 9. We ordered the seafood sampler app which is supposed to feed four, but I can eat anyways and we had been waitting for a while. It was okay, just fried seafood, pretty hard to mess up. I ordered the tuna and sirloin, and my wife got the filet mignon and shrimp, both took about 45 minutes to come out. This would have been okay if the food made up for the wait, but it didnt. It was just very generic tasting, nothing special about it, I ordered my tuna rare and it was more like medium well. Our server was very nice and offered a free dessert to make up for our long wait. Overall the place just didnt live up to the hype and price. read more

The Colington Cafe is a delightful dining experience tucked in amongst old oaks in Kill Devil Hills. Our meals were delicious and beautifully presented. Be warned that the She Crab Bisque appetizer is rather generous, but too delicious not to finish. Our main courses hit the spot with a Halibut special and Le Grand Trio (filet, shrimp and crabmeat). The only quibble we had all night was the filet being pinker than expected for medium. We thankfully saved some room for dessert and having Blueberry Bread Pudding (traditional bread pudding with just a little added blueberry) and Coconut Cream Pie. Both were fantastic, however the sample tray substantially underestimates the actual size of the desserts! Our server, Cindy was friendly, helpful and on the spot. Our water glasses never dropped below 3/4 full. The owner, Mr. Pearl was equally friendly and entertained my wife's questions about the decor. Parking is tight and while you won't be bumping elbows inside, the old house is a rather cozy place. It was a lovely place to celebrate our anniversary and we'll certainly be back. read more