11 Plant-Based Dining Options in the OBX to Add to Your Itinerary

Plant-based dining shines across the Outer Banks with bold flavors, colorful cafés, and fresh local ingredients. Vegan tacos, smoothie bowls, sushi rolls, and beachside wraps turn every meal into a tasty part of your coastal adventure.

Dining out on the Outer Banks can be a delight for those with plant-based preferences, thanks to a variety of restaurants catering to vegan and vegetarian tastes. 

Let's kick things off with a little teaser to whet your appetite:

1. Agave Roja, Corolla: Mexican flavors meet plant-based flair.
2. Island Smoothie Café, Corolla: Post-beach perfection with fresh smoothies and wraps.
3. NC Coast Grill & Bar, Duck: Waterfront dining with a plant-forward twist.
4. Aqua Restaurant, Duck: Elegant coastal dining with seasonal vegan dishes.
5. The Black Pelican, Kitty Hawk: Historic oceanfront spot serving veggie pizzas.
6. Outer Bean Café, Kitty Hawk: Wholesome salads, wraps, and smoothies.
7. Freshfit Café, Nags Head: A cheerful go-to for vegan pancakes, Buddha Bowls, and smoothies.
8. Shine On Juicery, Kill Devil Hills: Juices, smoothie bowls, and wraps in a cozy, sustainable café.
9. Bad Bean Baja Grill, Kill Devil Hills: Baja-style vegan tacos, quesadillas, and more.
10. Nags Head Pizza Co., Nags Head: Vegan pizza mastery with melty dairy-free cheese.
11. Single Fin, Nags Head: Thai and sushi fusion with vegan creations. 

Dreaming of an OBX getaway? Village Realty has been matching beach lovers with the perfect vacation homes for over 25 years. We offer an extensive selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals tailored to meet every need and desire. From stunning oceanfront properties and cozy condos to pet-friendly and newly listed rentals, our diverse portfolio ensures you find the perfect home away from home.

Craving more insider tips? As experts in everything OBX, our destination blog is loaded with fishing tips, the best outdoor adventures, can't-miss foodie finds, and more.

In this guide, I'll share the best plant-based and vegetarian-friendly spots in the OBX to help you enjoy a stellar culinary experience.

Let's dig in!

1. Agave Roja, corolla

 
A creative spin on Mexican cuisine.

Agave Roja brings a burst of flavor and color to the heart of Corolla. Known for its creative spin on Mexican cuisine, this spot serves up a lively dining experience that's just as fun as it is flavorful. Fresh, local ingredients drive the menu, and plant-based diners get more than a few great choices, from tofu tacos with homemade vegan slaw to veggie enchiladas smothered in tomato sauce. Add in the vibrant décor and friendly vibe, and you've got one of Corolla's most loved dining spots.

Highlights

• Veggie-forward options like tofu tacos and vegetable enchiladas.
• Fresh, locally sourced ingredients in every dish.
• Colorful, energetic atmosphere with artful design touches.
• Attentive staff and friendly service.
• A tequila bar stocked with hand-picked bottles and vegan-friendly cocktails.

2. Island Smoothie Cafe, corolla

A plant-forward menu full of fresh, colorful, and flavorful dishes.

A bright little gem in Corolla, Island Smoothie Café serves up all things fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. The menu leans plant-forward, with smoothies blended from locally sourced fruits and veggies and meals that make healthy eating feel effortless. It's the kind of spot you pop into for a post-beach recharge — light, tasty, and always made with care.

Highlights

• Smoothies made from fresh, local produce.
• Flavor-packed vegan wraps, quinoa bowls, and crisp seasonal salads.
• A casual, welcoming space perfect for cooling off after a beach walk.
• Eco-friendly touches like biodegradable containers and utensils.
• A community-minded vibe that pairs healthy eating with sustainable choices.

3. NC Coast Grill & Bar, Duck

A creative spin on coastal cuisine. 

A go-to for fresh, flavorful plant-based dining in the Outer Banks, NC Coast Grill & Bar is a waterfront gem that has a creative spin on coastal cuisine. The vibe is easygoing yet polished, and the menu makes room for full-time vegans and those just curious about going green for a meal. Expect bright, seasonal ingredients and dishes that prove plant-based food can be as indulgent as it is wholesome.

Highlights

• Fresh, locally sourced ingredients that give every dish a coastal touch.
• Standout plates like the Black Bean Sweet Potato Burger and Quinoa Salad.
• Flavor-packed vegan favorites such as the Tofu Stir-Fry and Vegan Pasta Primavera.
• A relaxed, friendly setting perfect for both casual lunches and dinner nights.
• Staff who know their plant-based stuff and happily guide you through the menu.

4. Aqua Restaurant, Duck 

A menu celebrates the region's seasonal bounty.

Overlooking the calm waters of Currituck Sound in Duck, Aqua Restaurant delivers fresh coastal dining with a refined, local touch. The menu celebrates the region's seasonal bounty, offering plenty of flavorful vegan and vegetarian options that go far beyond the basics. Every plate highlights ingredients sourced from nearby farms and waters, keeping things fresh and full of character. The atmosphere is relaxed yet polished, perfect for a long lunch or a sunset dinner with a view.

Highlights

• Seasonal vegan and vegetarian dishes made with local produce.
• Stunning waterfront views of the Currituck Sound.
• Relaxed setting perfect for lunch, dinner, or drinks at sunset.
• A focus on sustainability and partnerships with local farms.
• Friendly staff and an atmosphere that's as refreshing as the food.

5. The Black Pelican, Kitty Hawk

Delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside seafood favorites.

Perched on the Kitty Hawk oceanfront, The Black Pelican blends local history with a menu that makes plant-based dining a breeze. Once a lifesaving station, this laid-back spot serves up creative vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside seafood favorites, all with ocean views that make every bite better. The staff's flexibility with dietary requests and focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients make it a must for mindful eaters who don't want to compromise on flavor.

Highlights

• House-made garden burger packed with fresh vegetables and grains.
• Wood-fired vegetarian pizza with seasonal toppings and optional vegan cheese.
• Spicy tofu wrap with marinated tofu and roasted red peppers.
• Chefs are happy to customize dishes for plant-based diners.
• Ocean views, relaxed vibes, and daily specials with local ingredients.

6. Outer Bean Cafe, Kitty Hawk

Colorful salads, hearty wraps, and veggie-packed burgers.

Healthy food doesn't have to be boring, and Outer Bean Café proves it every single day. The menu celebrates fresh, plant-based cooking, with plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone craving something wholesome. Expect colorful salads, hearty wraps, and veggie-packed burgers, all made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. You'll also love the bright, chill atmosphere and friendly service. 

Highlights

• Flavorful plant-based dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
• Popular picks like homemade veggie burgers, wraps, and vibrant salads.
• Fresh juices and smoothies for a post-beach energy boost.
• Cozy, relaxed vibe with welcoming staff and great service.

7. Freshfit Cafe, Nags Head

 
Focus on healthy, wholesome meals for a nourishing and flavorful meal.

Freshfit Café in Nags Head flips the script on "healthy eating." This cheerful spot serves up plant-based dishes that actually make you excited to eat your greens. Every plate bursts with color and creativity — pancakes with a vegan twist, hearty quinoa bowls, and smoothies that taste like they came straight out of a tropical daydream.

Highlights

• Tofu Scramble: Packed with fresh veggies and turmeric for a flavorful, protein-rich start to your morning.
• Vegan Pancakes: Fluffy, golden stacks with optional blueberries or chocolate chips.
• Buddha Bowl: A mix of quinoa, crisp veggies, and tofu or tempeh, drizzled with creamy tahini dressing.
• Vegan Wrap: Filled with black beans, avocado, and crunchy vegetables in a soft tortilla.
• Green Monster Smoothie: A crowd favorite blending spinach, kale, banana, and almond milk for a refreshing boost.

8. SHINE ON JUICERY, Kill Devil Hills

Cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and plant-based meals.

Shine On Juicery is where clean eating gets a splash of color. This cozy spot serves up cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and plant-based meals that actually make you excited to eat healthy. Everything's made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the staff's upbeat energy is an extra reason to come back to this local gem a couple more times while you're here.

Highlights

• Cold-pressed juices made fresh every morning.
• Smoothie bowls piled high with fruits, seeds, and nuts.
• Flavorful wraps and salads perfect for a beach-day lunch.
• Eco-friendly packaging and a genuine focus on sustainability.
• Friendly vibes that make every visit feel like catching up with locals.

9. Bad Bean Baja Grill

A fresh take on Baja classics.

Bad Bean Baja Grill proves Mexican food can be both bold and plant-based. Indulge in veggie tacos stuffed with grilled seasonal vegetables, vegan quesadillas oozing with dairy-free cheese, and burritos that don't hold back on flavor. The casual, upbeat setting keeps everyone happy: locals, tourists, and anyone craving a fresh take on Baja classics.

Highlights

• Veggie tacos and burritos packed with local produce.
• Vegan quesadillas that hit all the right notes.
• Creative specials that change with the season.
• Laid-back atmosphere perfect for groups and families.
• Staff who actually know their menu and love helping you pick.

10. Nags Head Pizza Co, Nags Head

Melty dairy-free cheese, crisp crusts, and vibrant veggie toppings. 

At Nags Head Pizza Company, pizza lovers don't have to compromise on plant-based eating. The chefs here have mastered the art of vegan pies: melty dairy-free cheese, crisp crusts, and vibrant veggie toppings. Pair it with a salad or pasta, and you've got a meal that's both comforting and conscious.

Highlights

• Vegan pizzas with locally sourced toppings and plant-based cheese.
• Fresh salads and veggie-loaded pasta dishes.
• A beach-casual setting perfect for families.
• Friendly service that makes you feel right at home.
• Locally grown ingredients that taste like sunshine.

11. Single Fin, Nags Head

Thai flavors and sushi artistry. 

Craving Thai treats and Japanese food? At Single Fin, Chef Pok Choeichom mixes Thai flavors and sushi artistry to create plates that wow vegans and vegetarians alike. The Vegan Godzilla Roll with spicy tofu and avocado is a fan favorite, while the stir-fried veggies and tofu dishes keep things simple and satisfying.

Highlights

• The Vegan Godzilla Roll with tofu, avocado, and sweet soy glaze.
• Stir-fried veggies bursting with flavor and freshness.
• A modern, easygoing setting great for date nights or casual dinners.
• A solid drink list with craft cocktails and local beers.
• Warm, attentive staff who make you feel like a regular by the second visit.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF THE OBX

The secret to a great OBX getaway? Finding the perfect place to stay. With Village Realty OBX, you'll have your pick of vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach, the fun, and everything in between.

Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.

Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!