About
What do you get when you combine a burned-out Manhattan executive, a five-bedroom B&B, and Pamlico Sound? The answer: Cafe Pamlico.
Everything got started in 2001, when Steve Nelson left the corporate rat race of Manhattan and moved to Hatteras Island with a dream to open an inn. In 2003, he purchased a one-acre property with a rental home. From there, he and some friends renovated the former Inn on Pamlico Sound in 2004, transforming it into the B&B as mentioned above.
From the get-go, Steve’s marketing approach was radical. Instead of pouring money into ad campaigns, he used that same capital to ensure every guest’s stay was memorable. The result was repeat customers, word-of-mouth promotions, and reservations filling the books.
This growth brought an influx of European visitors who suggested incorporating fine dining. Steve mulled over the advice, and in 2006, he started a pilot restaurant with the help of a chef friend.
As with his organic marketing campaign, the result was immediate. Cafe Pamlico became a Hatteras Island hotspot where top-notch cuisine, waterfront views, and curated wines made for an impeccable dining experience.
Today, Cafe Pamlico stands out as a go-to spot for visitors seeking quality dining and genuine hospitality on Hatteras Island.
Vibe
While its website’s claim to be a “premier casual fine dining restaurant” sounds contradictory, the moniker is spot on. We’ll discuss the cuisine aspects in our next section, but the eatery’s interior exemplifies this motto.
The decor leans on clean lines with subtle coastal art, drawing your eyes to those waterfront views. And these will take your breath away while setting the mood for a marvelous meal. Hardwood floors, contemporary lighting, and a “less is more” decorating approach make it suitable for any occasion. You’ll fit right in wearing casual beach attire or an evening jacket and dress.
The overall vibe is relaxed but with an unmistakable touch of class. The setting is ideal for a romantic dinner but also serves as a place to celebrate a horseback ride with Equine Adventures.
Altogether, the ambiance and setting are proof that it lives up to the claim to be a “premier casual fine dining restaurant.”
Cafe Pamlico: Menu & Drinks
Aside from boasting world-class chefs, another reason for the restaurant’s success is its use of fresh ingredients. While most are sourced locally, Cafe Pamlico also grows its own herbs, vegetables, fruits, and berries. You’ll taste the difference with each bite!
Because of limited space, we’ll only zero in on the dinner menu, but be sure to explore the delicious breakfast offerings.
Kick-start your dining odyssey with the Pamlico Chowder. This creamy starter features Mirepoix broth, fingerling potatoes, and fresh North Carolina clams. The rich chowder, tender potatoes, and velvety clams make this appetizer a winner, especially after a day at Frisco Beach.
Another Southern staple worth trying is the Shrimp & Grits. This classic comfort food showcases fresh North Carolina shrimp, smoked Andouille sausage, onions, and peppers. These are added to a blackened cream sauce and poured atop aged cheddar stone-ground grits.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, try the Scallop Carbonara.
The pasta entree features blackened sea scallops with red peppers, smoked bacon, and peas in a cream sauce. These are set on black squid ink linguine with grated Grana Padano cheese, making it a masterpiece of textures, flavors, and colors.
If you’re not a fan of seafood, consider the roasted lamb and the Hereford beef filets. Vegetarians will delight in the coconut rice bowl or the garlic pasta with EVOO.
Celebrate exploring the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with any of the craft cocktails, beers, or wines. Cocktails change with the seasons, while the wine list will complement the kitchen’s creations. The combination of food, drink, and scenery creates a memorable experience every time.
Whether celebrating a milestone or winding down after a day of adventures, Cafe Pamlico will enhance your OBX vacation.
Local Tips
- This place fills quickly, so make reservations well in advance of your vacation.
- Ask for a seat by the window for the best sunset views.
- The kids’ menu makes this eatery family-friendly.
- Check social media for the live music schedule.
- Allow at least two hours for dinner.
