When you're traveling or on vacation, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up a healthy lifestyle or find restaurants that provide vegetarian and/or vegan options to enjoy during your stay. But never fear! This is not a problem when you visit the Outer Banks! In fact, Nags Head was listed as one of PETA's Top Vegan-Friendly Beach Towns to visit in 2022. With locals and guests from all walks of life, the Outer Banks truly is a melting pot of wonderful ideas and great people, making this one of the easiest places to vacation while still living a plant-based lifestyle. Keep reading for our guide to eating vegetarian and vegan on the Outer Banks as well as some of our suggestions of the best plant-based fare on the beach!
Corolla
Agave Roja (Vegetarian & Vegan Options Available)
807-B Ocean Trl, Corolla
(252) 453-0446
This warm, Mexican eatery offers both meat and plant-based options. Menu offers vegetable enchiladas and veggie fajitas.
Corolla Cantina (Vegetarian Options; Non-veg options can be made vegan)
1159-C Austin St, Corolla
(252) 597-1730
Classic Mexican cuisine with lots of plant-based options. Bowls, nachos, and tacos can be easily made vegan by avoiding sour cream and queso.
Island Smoothie Cafe (Vegan Options)
603 C Currituck Clubhouse Dr, Corolla
(252) 435-4545
With locations in Corolla and Duck, Island Smoothie is a great option for vegan wraps, smoothies, and acai bowls.
The Juice Bar (Vegetarian & Vegan Options)
1130F Corolla Village Rd, Corolla
(252) 453-0728
Great spot for organic juices, smoothies, acai bowls and organic burritos and wraps, all which are lacto-ovo vegetarian, vegan, or can be made vegan.
Lighthouse Bagels (Vegan Options)
807 Ocean Trl, Corolla
(252) 453-9998
Lots of vegetarian-friendly options for bagels and cream cheese; offers a "vegan way" sandwich with Beyond Sausage, Vegan Cheese, and Just Egg.
Duck
Aqua Restaurant (Vegan Option Available; Labeled)
1174 Duck Rd, Duck
(252) 261-9700
Beautiful restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options, inculding a Buddah Bowl, Roasted Acorn Squash Bowl, and salads.
NC Coast Grill & Bar (Vegetarian Option Available; Many non-veg options can be made vegan)
1184 Duck Rd, Duck
(252) 261-8666
Multiple vegan and vegetarian options including Butternut Squash Bisque, salads, and share plates that are the perfect meal in and of themselves, including fried cauliflower. Tofu can be added to any meal.
Kitty Hawk
The Black Pelican (Vegetarian Options)
3848 N. Virginia Dare Trl, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-3171
Specified vegetarian options including a Vegetarian Pasta and Marinated Grilled Portabella Mushrooms. Both discusses contain dairy, but can be a great option for lacto-ovo vegetarians.
Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar (Separate Vegetarian Menu)
2700 N. Virginia Dare Trl, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-2546
Upscale dining and bar with separate vegetarian menu; reservations suggested.
Outer Bean Cafe (Vegetarian & Vegan Options)
3701 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-6000
Great juice bar with delicious coffees, juices, smoothies, and sandwiches. Vegan Sandwich and Vegan Turkish Breakfast are great options along with multiple other vegan and vegetarian dishes on the menu. Their Mushroom Panini is an amazing choice for vegetarians that consume dairy. Additional location in Duck.
Pok’s Art (Vegetarian Options; Non-veg options can be made vegan)
3701 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk
(252) 715-4421
Multiple vegetarian options (labeled) including Pad Thai, Lo Mein, Curry, and Vegetable Stir Fry.
Rundown Cafe (Vegetarian & Vegan Options)
5218 N. Virginia Dare Trl, Kitty Hawk
(252) 255-0026
Bright, friendly restaurant offering Caribbean & Pacific Rim dishes. Their Sesame Noodle bowl is great with grill portobello mushrooms while their Mixed Vegetarian Plate has everything you could want for dinner. Also offers Beyond Burgers for all burger and sandwich options.
Vinny’s Pizza Joint (Vegan Cheese & Vegetable Options)
3701 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk
(252) 715-1441
Great option in Kitty Hawk for vegan pizza! Try a Treehugger with vegan cheese for a delicious pesto pizza.
Kill Devil Hills
Shine on Juicery (Vegan juice bar & cafe)
1209 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 722-1914
Located in the Hi-Vibe Holsitics Collective with Ascension Studio, Shine on Juicery is the perfect place to stop by for plant-based food options, juices, and smoothies. They also offer a "Juice Floods" that you can take back with you if you're looking for a little extra detoxing during your next Outer Banks vacation.
3 Tequilas (Vegan Options Available; Has soy meat and vegan cheese)
804 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 715-3604
3 Tequilas is a great place to enjoy Mexican food when you're living a plant-based diet. The guacamole is vegan and the Vegetarian & Vegan Menu has plenty of options, including a Vegan Bowl with soy meat and Vegan Tacos with vegan cheese.
Bad Bean Baja Grill (Vegan options available; Non-veg options easily made vegan)
4146 N. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 261-1300
Tacos and most dishes can be made vegan by eliminating the cheese and sour cream. Fantastic Mexican-inspired grill, also serving fresh jicama in salads. For vegetarians that consume dairy, the Black Bean Quinoa Burger is a delicious option.
Chilli Peppers Coastal Grill (Vegan Options Available)
3001 N. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-8081
Fun, Latin-inspired hangout spot. Offering Beyond Burger, Steamed Veggies, and a variety of beggie fajitas, enchilads, and tacos.
Ladles Soups (Vegan Options; Sandwiches and Salads can easily be made vegan)
1901 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 715-4800
Most soups are vegetarian or vegan and sandwiches can be made vegan. Menu specifically labels Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free.
Outer Banks Brewing Station (Vegan Options Available)
600 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-2739
Weekly vegetarian/vegan tapas; staff vegan-friendly. Vegan jackfruit tacos are a great option.
Plaza Azteca (Vegetarian & Vegan Options Available)
1502 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 255-1060
House guacamole is vegan. Vegetarian & Veggie Menu includes Vegan Bowl, burritos, and vegan tacos.
Thai Room (Vegetarian & Vegan Options)
710 S. Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-1180
Multiple options including salads, tofu, and curries. According to Happy Cow, there is no fish sauce used in vegetarian dishes, so some may also be vegan - be sure to specify.
The Saltbox Cafe (Vegan Options Available)
1469 Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 255-5594
The Saltbox Cafe has lots of vegan options, all of them labeled, including Toasted Ciabatta, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and Vegetable Spring Rolls.
Two Roads Tavern (Vegan Options Available)
3105 N. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 255-1980
Menu includes separate "Vegan Burgers" section with vegan cheese and your choice of the Beyond or Impossible Burgers. If you're looking for a great vegan burger with options, this is definitely the place to go.
Nags Head
Freshfit Cafe (Vegetarian & Vegan Options Available)
7521 S. Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head
(252) 715-6444
Amazing place for vegan and vegetarian fare, whether you're looking to go for breakfast, lunch, or a snack in between. Their tofu scramble is all but famous in the veg world and their assortment of wraps and bowls, including a Chickpea Wrap, will have you coming back every time you visit the Outer Banks.
Nags Head Pizza Company (Vegan cheese & Crust Options)
7521 S. Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head, NC
(252) 715-3455
Menu includes multiple types of cheeses, including vegan cheese, gluten-free crust, and a variety of veggies. Also includes a section of "Vegetarian Specialties" AND "Vegan Specialties" pizzas! Pizza toppings also include tofu and vegan pepperoni. This is the ultimate place to go for a vegan pizza on the Outer Banks.
PokeBox (Vegan Options; Tofu and Vegan “steak” Available)
2236 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head
(252) 261-1178
Fully customizable take on a Poke Bowl, with online ordering. Vegan proteins include tofu and vegan steak in addition to multiple vegetable add-ins and vegetarian sauces.
Single Fin (Vegan Options Available; Dishes can be made vegan on request)
2424 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC
(252) 715-3983
Wonderful Thai-Sushi restaurant with vegan appetizer options, including Caramelized Eggplant and Golden Tofu, as well as multiple plant-based entree options.
South Beach ToGo & Catering (Vegan options available; Vegan options marked w/V)
4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail (at Surfside Plaza #10), Nags Head
(252) 255-1698
With food so amazing, they have both a food truck and a to-go restaurant, South Beach is a must-stop for your plant-based Outer Banks vacation. They offer numerous wraps, bowls, and burgers everyday with tofu, cauliflower, and chickpea options. Their vegan ranch and special sauces are delicious and they also offer "Doggie Boxes" when you want to get your pupper a protein-filled treat. All vegan and gluten-free options are clearly labeled.
Waveriders Coffee & Deli (Vegan options available)
3022 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head
(252) 715-1880
Waveriders offers a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu with multiple vegetarian and vegan options. Their vegan Avocado Toast is fantastic and their made-to-order veggie sandwiches and wraps will have you wanting to make a stop here every day of your trip to the Outer Banks! They also have fun and easy options for the kiddos, as well as online ordering.
Hatteras Island
Roots & Leaves Foodtruck (Entirely Vegan Foodtruck)
41001 NC-12, Avon
(252) 773-8001
If you're looking for a fantastic start to your day that is plant-based and delicious, be on the lookout for Roots & Leaves. They sometimes set up at the Avon Pier, but their location can be found on Facebook through the season. Their espresso bar uses oat milk and their cake donuts and aussie rolls are all vegan, as well! Seasonally, they also offer soft serve, making this an unbeatable stop during your stay!
Dessert
Surfin Spoon (Vegan Frozen Yogurt & Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches available)
2408 S. Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head
(252) 441-7873
This local's favorite offers multiple coconut milk-based ice cream sandwiches and frozen yogurt options, ensuring that there's a sweet treat for everyone in your family group.
The Spot (Smoothie, acai, and pitaya bowl options)
2805 US-158, Nags Head
(252) 715-4033
With a location in Nags Head and Kitty Hawl, The Spot is the perfect place to grab an acai bowl or fruit smoothie for vegan start to your day. The Green Room Bowl is especially refreshing (ask for no honey/bee pollen to make it vegan) while their Loaded-Avo toast and Grovel-Cado Toast are perfect for those mornings when you just need a little bit something more.
Book Your Outer Banks Vacation Today!
So now that you know where to go to get some amazing plant-based food, it's time to figure out where you're going to stay for your next Outer Banks vacation! Take a look at our available rentals and book yourself the perfect Outer Banks beach vacation rental today. Whether you're looking for a two-person getaway space or a larger home for your whole family, we've got what you're looking for. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 to get started planning your next epic Outer Banks getaway.
About the Author: Lauren is a mom, author, and travel enthusiast. She grew up on the Outer Banks and only left for a few years to get her degree at UNC-Chapel Hill and complete a tour in the Coast Guard before making her way back to the beach in 2017. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with a book and cup of tea in hand, planning her next travel adventure.
