About
Renowned for serving fresh breakfasts, savory lunches, hearty dinners, and the only sushi on Hatteras Island, Diamond Shoals Restaurant & Sushi Bar is a must-visit!
Keith and Angela Gray opened the restaurant in 1995, aiming to highlight the fresh seafood coming from nearby waters. Their goal was to offer a relaxed, family-friendly setting where guests could count on consistently excellent meals.
From day one, the restaurant became known for serving fresh-caught fish prepared simply and with care. That commitment made it a favorite among those seeking an authentic Outer Banks dining experience. Additionally, the early hours make it the perfect breakfast spot before a day of sightseeing. Especially since top landmarks are nearby, like Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Beach. Filling up on hotcakes or omelets never sounded so good!
In 2004, it expanded with the addition of a full sushi bar, which added flair to the menu and made it the only spot in the area serving sushi.
Like the offshore sandbar it’s named for, Diamond Shoals keeps evolving. But unlike the hazardous waters, the purpose here is to serve superior food and offer warm hospitality.
Vibe
While the one-storey restaurant is easy to spot, where to enter may be confusing. You see, one entrance leads to the Diamond Shoals Market and the other to the restaurant. But since the facility isn’t too large, should you enter the wrong door, the solution is an easy fix.
The exterior complements the area’s ocean vibe, featuring white wood siding, porthole-style windows, and nautical decor on the façade.
The interior features wood wainscot, roomy booths, and tables. Nautical memorabilia, such as a stuffed Blue Marlin and model boats, add a seaside touch.
Guests have a variety of seating options to choose from. The main dining room works well for families or groups. The sushi bar is a popular spot for watching the action, and the main bar is perfect for sharing drinks or a casual meal.
The atmosphere at Diamond Shoals Restaurant & Sushi Bar perfectly complements the spirit of a Hatteras vacation.
Diamond Shoals Restaurant & Sushi Bar: Menu & Drinks
Let’s start with a dish that’s its claim to fame: the clam chowder! The cream-based dish is rich, full of clams, and hearty enough to serve as a meal. Discover for yourself why this chowder has been a hands-down winner in local cookoffs, time after time!
Sourcing fresh-off-the-boat seafood ensures your meal is moist, flavorful, and delicious. Such freshness is also the heart and soul of quality sushi, which is another forte at this dining hotspot.
We’d be remiss without mentioning some of the breakfast offerings. The omelets come in a variety of ways, each served with your choice of grits, home fries with onions, or cinnamon apples. Add the biscuit or toast, and you’re ready for a day on the water!
While seafood is king on the menus, there are other options to make everyone in your entourage happy. These include steaks, chicken, burgers, pastas, and even a vegetarian Beyond Burger.
But for the ultimate seafood feast, consider the hearty Specialties of the House. The Captain’s Platter showcases the best of the coastal waters, with fresh sea scallops, shrimp, grouper, and crab cake. This massive meal also includes fried clam strips and oysters, along with two sides.
When it comes to drinks, the Orange Crush stands out as a house favorite. This cocktail features Absolute Mandarin vodka, orange bitters, fresh-squeezed orange juice, triple sec, and a splash of Sprite. It’s the perfect beverage after casting lines from Rodanthe Fishing Pier.
Dining at Diamond Shoals Restaurant & Sushi Bar adds something special to any Outer Banks trip. Here, fresh seafood, classic staples, and a friendly atmosphere help create memories that last long after the vacation ends.
Local Tips
- You may opt to have THC-infused products added to cocktails instead of liquor.
- The kids’ menu makes it family-friendly.
- The salad bar is a welcome addition to dining here.
- Sushi is available only on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 PM to 9 PM.
- Call ahead if your group is six or more.
