Colington Harbour, tucked away off Colington Road just outside the heart of Kill Devil Hills, offers a quietly vibrant dining scene that rivals Outer Banks hotspots—without the crowds. Whether you’re a year-round resident, a curious day-tripper, or a family renting a cottage for the week, Colington Harbour’s handful of eateries, food trucks, and local favorites make up a community-driven food scene marked by fresh ingredients, waterfront charm, and local pride. Here’s where to eat (and what to order) for a true taste of Colington Harbour.
Legendary Mainstays on Colington Road
The Colington Café: The Harbour’s Crown Jewel
Nestled beneath towering live oaks at 1029 Colington Road, The Colington Café defines both romance and refinement on the Outer Banks. For over 30 years, this iconic bistro has been delighting visitors and locals with a seasonally inspired menu highlighting fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and homemade desserts. The Victorian house setting, complete with a lush garden patio, makes for a dreamlike meal any time of year.
- Cuisine: New American, Seafood
- Standouts: Filet mignon, sautéed scallops, pecan-crusted salmon, coconut pie
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Why Go: Perfect for anniversaries, date nights, or treating visiting family. Their crab cakes and she-crab soup are perennial local favorites.
Colington Pizza: Casual Eats with Local Flare
Just down the road at 100 Colington Road, Colington Pizza is a friendly, come-as-you-are pizzeria attracting families, fishermen, and foodies alike. The dough is made in-house daily, toppings are generous, and they serve up not only delicious pies but also a full range of subs, salads, and wings.
- Cuisine: Pizza, Italian-American
- Standouts: The “Colington Special” loaded with meats and veggies, white garlic pizza
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Great for pizza night in your vacation rental, or a quick stop after a day at the beach. They offer take-out and delivery, a godsend for tired travelers.
Waterfront Experiences & Hidden Gems
Saltbox Café: Cozy Gourmet on the Canal
Tucked away at 1469 Colington Road, right along Little Colington Bay, Saltbox Café epitomizes Outer Banks hospitality. Husband-and-wife team Amanda and Randolph Sprinkle strike a balance between approachable and upscale with Southern-inspired fare crafted from local ingredients. Their screened porch is one of the best-kept secrets for a waterside dinner.
- Cuisine: Southern Coastal, New American
- Standouts: Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, buttermilk fried chicken, corn pudding, bread pudding with bourbon sauce
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Why Go: Perfect for a relaxed brunch, a lingering dinner, or for spotting waterfowl gliding along the canal as you eat.
Colington Harbour Food Trucks: Local Flavor on Wheels
While not always in the same spot, a rotating cast of food trucks often parks near the Colington Harbour entrance or at community events. Favorites have included OBX Frozen Yogurt (a hot day lifesaver) and Sammy’s Seafood Wagon, specializing in fried fish baskets and shrimp tacos.
- Cuisine: Varies—seafood, ice cream, tacos
- Standouts: Fried shrimp po’boy, soft-serve with custom toppings
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Great for a casual bite after a swim at the community pool or picking up a beach picnic.
Sweet Treats & Morning Musts
Mom’s Sweet Shop: Retro Vibes with Killer Smoothies
A quick stop just outside the entrance to Colington Harbour (1608 S. Croatan Hwy, technically Kill Devil Hills but right next door), Mom’s Sweet Shop deserves mention for its throwback snack counter and smoothie bar, plus an ever-changing bakery case. Locals swear by the “PB&J” smoothie and enormous homemade oatmeal cream pies.
- Cuisine: Smoothies, bakery treats
- Standouts: Vegan options, fresh-baked treats
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Ideal for breakfast on the go, a mid-day treat, or keeping kids happy between beach adventures.
Unique Local Food Traditions
What truly sets Colington Harbour apart is its community-run events—think holiday cookouts at the marina, neighborhood oyster roasts in fall, and summer food truck rallies near the Harbour clubhouse (off Harbour View Drive). These gatherings are the best way to sample homemade chowders, fresh-caught fish fry, and of course, classic North Carolina barbecue—often shared by residents who have perfected family recipes over generations.
- Pro Tip: Check bulletin boards at the Harbour entrance or local Facebook groups for pop-up supper clubs and seasonal gatherings. These events are where you’ll find hushpuppies, steamed shrimp, and the friendliest conversations in town.
Clusters & Corners: Where to Dine
- Colington Road: The epicenter of Harbour dining, home to The Colington Café, Saltbox Café, Colington Pizza, and most food trucks.
- Harbour View Drive: Check near the clubhouse for seasonal food events.
- Just Beyond the Gates: For a broader dining adventure, venture less than five minutes to the bypass corridor for Mom’s Sweet Shop or more fast-casual options.
Go-to Bites for Every Mood
If you’re new to Colington Harbour, start your day with a smoothie from Mom’s, head to Colington Pizza for lunch, and save dinner for The Colington Café or Saltbox Café—ideally on the porch as the sun sets. Don’t miss the chance to attend a community cookout, where the best meals share a picnic table with new friends.
Why Locals Love It
What makes Colington Harbour’s food scene so addictive isn’t just good cooking—it’s the sense of discovery. Here, restaurants are family-run, chefs remember your name, and even the fanciest dishes are served with genuine warmth. Whether you’re tucking into fresh local flounder or splitting a pie beneath the oaks, eating in Colington Harbour always feels like coming home.