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    The Dunes Restaurant

    3.9 (465 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    The Dunes Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    THE DUNES RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Dunes Restaurant

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    Reviews With Photos

    Fried Shrimp and Calimari
    Andrew D.

    Down at the OBX for some relaxation and had to make a stop here for dinner! Now, they have a great breakfast, but it's dinner time, so we're here for that! Within 15 minutes, we're at a table! I've had tuna for the last 4 meals, so I went comfort here with the amazing fried chicken! Great service! Classic Nags Head decor! All good here!!

    French Toast Plattertoast
    Grace R.

    Have been coming here for ages, always accommodating, reasonable waits and excellent prices. Good food, will always be back.

    Tom S.

    This review is actually a 4.5 star review. First time here. Food was absolutely delicious. We tried several apps (fried green tomato, oysters mockafella, shrimp and crab dip). All apparently were a hit. Several of us had the fried bounty of the sea. The rest had the Broiled bounty of the Sea. For dessert we tried a slice of the cheese cake, coconut cake and the cheese cake. All were delicious. Thw menu has a good selection and tge portion sizes are good. Had a couple of the classic margaritas which were very tasty. The service was amazing, and every one was very friendly and helpful. The ambiance is very casual and relaxed . We will definitely return.

    Inside
    Markiesa B.

    We came to this place Monday morning before headed back home. I liked the menu and the prices couldn't be beat. We got sat and I ordered the dolphin special which came with 2 eggs, choice of grits or hash browns, and hotcakes or toast. It was a good portion I couldn't eat all of it. Our server was friendly and very attentive. I would definitely try this place again when visiting the outer banks. They also have a full bar.

    Nice breakfast spread
    Bob V.

    Heard this place was good and checked it out for breakfast. - The interior is homey, and there's a gift shop with fun merch. - Standard type breakfast menu, nothing innovative, but many of the essentials were available. The addition of meat substitute(s) would help a lot. - I got the Belgian waffle with blueberries - it was nicely browned and hit the spot. Also ordered the "Gourmet Grits" - although there was nothing gourmet about them, they weren't even shone-ground, nevertheless they were delicious with cheddar and I enjoyed them. - Service was friendly and all-around top-notch.

    Hush puppies
    Rose L.

    We walked in and were greeted by their friendly staff. Plenty of parking; this is located right across from the outlets on the highway. This was my first time visiting, but I recall this place gets crowded and packed the heat of the summer season. By the entrance, they had a small shop for souvenirs. We were seated immediately. Their seating area was big, and it appeared they had a buffet station, but we ordered from the menu. Our server got our drink orders and gave us hush puppies (delicious) that came with a yummy, soft butter. For our meals, we ordered the shrimp and grits and the broiled flounder. We were in the mood for seafood, and this was the spot! If you're new in the area or just visiting, I recommend giving this place a try to bring your family to or to just have a nice date night out. Thank you, Dunes Restaurant!

    Popcorn Shrimp with Baked Potato and Fries.
    Ryan D.

    In OBX for a family vacation. Stopped by here randomly based on online reviews. I'm very happy. Restaurant was busy, but not crowded, and the service was super fast. They start with the lightest, fluffiest hush puppies I've ever had, and they were great. The whipped butter complemented them perfectly. I got the "Pick Your Catch" and got the Crab Cake and OBX Shrimp. The shrimp was large, lightly breaded, fried and very fresh tasting. The Crab Cake was very meaty with a great blend of spices. My kids got the Chicken and Waffles, and were happy with them. Wife got the popcorn shrimp, and has happy as well. I tried some and it was yummy Overall, a good vacation dinner. Not sure if it would be a tradition, but ai would come again.

    Nice clean shopping area.
    Robbin S.

    We were promptly seated and Austin took care of us. Our food arrived quickly and was delicious! The eggs were nicely scrambled and the bacon was delicious. We are use to fluffy biscuits but theirs tasted good. They have a cute store, bar area, and the bathrooms were clean.

    Kim B.

    The manager is extremely rude to guests. My husband stepped outside for 5 minutes. I told her I'll call him and she was extremely rude in her tone and immediately gave our table away. Obviously gets some kind of power trip from being disrespectful. I really like the food but after this trip we won't be coming back. Totally ruined our trip here. She's entirely too old to risk her business treating people poorly. When I asked to speak to a manager she strolled to our table with a smile on her face like "I am the manager" She needs to be fired.

    Country Ham Platter with Hash-browns

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    1 month ago

    Darlene was SUPERB! The food was AMAZING. Wonderful experience. We will definitely be back.

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Great food. great service. great atmosphere and the view and weather were picture perfect.

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

    5 Star food and service. Loved it that they split our plates. First class service. we will go back next time we are in Salvo.

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    2 years ago

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    Mary R.

    Thank you so much Judy!

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    3 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Food was excellent! Our waitress did excellent waiting on our party of 7. Highly recommend the dunes. Will return next year!

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    5 years ago

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    Mary R.

    Thank you for commenting. We will use your feedback to improve!

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    Page 1 of 12

    Ask the Community - The Dunes Restaurant

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    Tortuga's Lie

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    This is one of few select restaurants on the OBX that are open year-round. If you frequent the area…read morein the off-season, you'll quickly figure out that a number of places are closed during that time. Not so with Tortuga's Lie. This is one of our fave places for either lunch or dinner. In either case, be ready for a wait depending on what time of day it is. The food is worth it, though. If space is available, you can choose to sit at the bar. They have a couple TVs. We've had everything from one of the daily specials (fried flounder sandwich is one example), to the cheeseburger, to the fish tacos, and more. Their 'island fries' are yummy. They have a selection of Tortuga's Lie gear for sale, so be sure to browse if you have to wait for a table. They have plenty of parking -- look for the large lot just north of the restaurant. Be sure to swing by Tortuga's Lie for a bite to eat, no matter what time of year you're here!

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    Sea Chef Dockside Kitchen - Those spicy pickles!!!!

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    The Dunes Restaurant - seafood - Updated May 2026

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