Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Coastal North Carolina
  4. Outer Banks
  5. Duck
Kimball's Kitchen, Duck, NC
Kimball's Kitchen, Duck, NC
Kimball's Kitchen, Duck, NC
Kimball's Kitchen, Duck, NC
Kimball's Kitchen, Duck, NC

Kimball's Kitchen

4.1
4.1
1010 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Top Tags:
Located on the Soundside of the Sanderling Resort, the AAA 4-Diamond rated Kimball’s Kitchen offers glorious views of the Currituck Sound and its inspiring sunsets, outstanding service, and a world-class menu.

Spotlighting Certified Angus Beef, freshly caught local seafood and oysters, the restaurant creates a great dining experience with an upscale coastal casual environment. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, pasta, and hand-cut steaks accompanied by an extensive Wine Spectator recognized wine and champagne list.

Attire
"Resort Casual"– Come as you are to dine in our refined setting overlooking the Currituck Sound. We recommend pants or shorts with a collared shirt for the gentlemen and comparable resort wear for the ladies.

Groups
Please contact the restaurant directly for parties of 6 or more.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today

Additional information

  • Location
    1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949
  • Neighborhood
    Duck
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,010 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1
4.1 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 3.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Romantic

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for scenic views

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Contemporary American

  • Outer Banks

    Best Overall

  • Outer Banks

    Best Food

  • Outer Banks

    Best Service

  • Outer Banks

    Best Ambiance

  • Outer Banks

    Best Value

  • Outer Banks

    Innovative

  • Outer Banks

    Good for groups

  • Outer Banks

    Neighborhood gem

  • Outer Banks

    Good for special occasions

  • Outer Banks

    Lively

1,010 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Greensboro

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    We dined there for their thanksgiving dinner. We will not do that again. Food was subpar and not special or yummy. And for the price it was a huge letdown. Even the table next to us said the same thing.

    Is this helpful?

  2. rico

    Naples

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food1service5ambience3
    Switched the menu at the last minute to much lower quality choices. Food quality and quantity did not meet expectations or provide value for the money. Began breaking down tables while guests were still dining. Service (Ludya) was SPECTACULAR! As good or better than any we have ever experienced. TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED!

    Is this helpful?

  3. AnnB

    Wilmington

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    This was sadly, the biggest disappointment ever. We were so looking forward to this very special occasion and it turned out to be a VERY expensive waste of money. The food was incredibly overpriced. The service was terrible. I was served room temperature Prosecco which I immediately sent back. The portions were ridiculously small for the price, and again, the service was awful. Nothing was offered, requests were forgotten and overlooked, it was extremely expensive and not worth a fraction of the cost. We were so sad and disappointed. We chose Kimballs because we heard it had a good reputation, but apparently it was good many years ago. This will certainly be a thanksgiving that will be remembered…and NOT in a good way.

    Is this helpful?

  4. GeraldS

    Los Angeles

    19 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    I paid nearly $400 for two dinners ($125 each) plus wine. For that price, I expected something sumptuous and gourmet-like. Instead, the dinner was quite ordinary in taste and portion. The wine list included wines that I can buy in the supermarket (under $20 per bottle) or highly priced ($190 per bottle). not much in between. I chose the former wine. So, nearly $400 for an ordinary meal and cheap wine? The ambiance was nice however and the service was excellent. I looked at the menu at another Sanderling-related restaurant across the street and saw they had a nice Thanksgiving dinner for $55 per person. I wish I had chosen that option.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nope

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Second time here and really terrible this time. Food was cooked long ago. Meal was not worth the price even on an event day. Drink prices charged were not what was displayed on menu. Hostess seemed confused what a hostess does.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    The restaurant runs out of everything and they do not replenish. So much so, they shouldn’t be open. No more Gin. No wine. Half the menu options gone. They also do not tell you until you are there trying to order. They are so undersupplied they shouldn’t be open. When it first opened years ago, the food was good. Now they have become the most expensive bait and switch operation around. This consistently happens and we keep trying year after year because the food was good. It’s false advertising at best and fraud at worst. I’m so fed up with the scheme of this ”restaurant” we’re filing complaints with the FTC BUREAU OF CONSUMER PROTECTION and NC Better Business Bureau. Don’t be surprised when this place gets shut down and owners investigated by federal regulators.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Renee

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    We frequent the Outer Banks and have had some truly great meals. Our experience at Kimball’s Kitchen was good but the 4 star AAA rating doesn’t ring true for me. The cocktails were very good and the food was good but very expensive. I never mind paying premium price for excellent dining, but this fell a bit flat. They were out of red wine? No Cab Sav at all? Had a great Sancerre, but didn’t choose a steak option, because of the red wine issue. Perhaps I just expected better.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Peggy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our entrees: Halibut and seared scallops were awesome! Our waitress & hostess were awesome. We ordered macaroni to take home for dinner the next night: delicious. Of course, the sunset was absolutely beautiful! Only suggestion would be a bit more lighting for the walk to our parking space after dark. It was a very special memory; so happy we could enjoy‼️

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Restaurant was nice, service was good, food was great. The food was VERY expensive for what you get.

    Is this helpful?

  10. EllenE

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful evening. We knew that the restaurant is seasonal and were grateful to get a reservation on the last weekend of the season. We arrived early but the hostess did a great job of keeping us informed about the availability of our table. The Bar staff was friendly and professional. As always, the food was exceptional and beautifully presented. Our server went ‘above and beyond’ to deliver a very special evening. We can’t wait for the restaurant to open next Spring!

    Is this helpful?

  11. GregC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great staff all around was incredibly attentive. The food was amazing — from taste and quality to presentation and creativity. Elegant by Outer Banks standards, this is an excellent dining option for those who value a special meal even if it’s not a special occasion.

    Is this helpful?

  12. JB79

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Nice establishment, but expected more for the price and hype. Did not standout as anything special.

    Is this helpful?

  13. PatM

    Houston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I ate at the bar - Tracey was the bartender. Very good service, drinks and food.

    Is this helpful?

  14. ReginaB

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant with wonderful food. The seafood was very fresh and prepared in interesting, but not alarming ways (meaning even timid diners could eat there as well as foodies). The service was good, although they did not have a free standing wine bucket so the wine bucket had to be placed on the table, which made things a little crowded, especially when we were sharing appetizers. Apparently they did not have enough free standing buckets for everyone. However, since that is the most negative thing I can think so say, it is clearly an outstanding restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Chandler

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    As excited as we were for the menu and the location we found that the restaurant was overrated and we wished we had gone somewhere else. We were a group of six with reservations. We arrived at our reservation time and were seated 25 minutes after arriving. The space is beautiful and the options are nice, but the food is overpriced for what it is. The service was awkward to say the least. The server was nice, but seemed very inexperienced and was not very personable. We won’t be retuning as the service and some of the food is better at other local restaurants. The experience felt like a waste of money. The music didn’t add to the experience either, the pop music playing against the smooth jazz was odd. Lastly, if anyone from management reads this, please consider adding some lighting to the front of the restaurant and the parking lot as it is very dark and puts customers and staff at greater risk. Greater attention to detail could greatly elevate the experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb. The food and service were excellent and the sunset view over the sound was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Skel

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There’s only one word to describe this place. Awesome.

    Is this helpful?

  18. ClarkH

    Wilmington

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were celebrating our 35th anniversary. It was a memorable experience, from the warm greeting when we entered, to the table by the huge windows overlooking Currituck Sound, to the delicious food -- salmon for my wife, scallops for me. It is a bit on the pricey side but worth it. An outstanding restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience5
    If I’m completely honest, unless you want a steak, the paper canoe is a better experience with lower prices and better food quality. Service was slow, they did not have our table ready for our anniversary dinner even though we had a reservation. The food was good, not great. For the price it was a very forgettable meal. I can not recommend this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  20. ScottB

    Wilmington

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Excellent food in a beautiful setting. Service was a struggle.

    Is this helpful?

  21. RachitK

    Greater Boston

    27 reviews

    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    A tad overpriced for the type of food being offered .

    Is this helpful?

  22. BRBR

    Washington DC

    62 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience3
    Will not return. Service as spotty and late. 35 min wait for reserved table. No substantive acknowledgment of our anniversary. Order of drinks and water. Took 15 min. Only drinks came. Bread served without butter Staff seem d overwhelmed. Food is very expensive and delicious Dining room is beautiful.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The drinks and food were all perfectly mixed, blended, and/or seasoned! We cannot remember the last time when every single drink and dish we ordered was just right, not too salty or too spicy or too bland. The sunset was just icing on the cake, or the crème brûlée.

    Is this helpful?

  24. ElissaS

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The meal was fantastic. Our server was a bit of a Debbie Downer, and I learned in the middle of the meal that we were not told about any dinner specials like other tables were, but we were very happy with our meals. I got the Burrata Salad and Duck, both of which were fresh, flavorful and delicious. Family got filet mignons with some shellfish sides, again all good. Dessert was a trio of ice cream flavors which were delicious. All in all, a wonderful final meal in OBX, but the server needed a little bit more pleasantness.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Athena

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My husband and I drove back Kimball's Kitchen and after one look at the menu we had to try it. Making a reservation was very easy and our experience was wonderful. Service was wonderful with a very efficient staff and the food was outstanding. By far the best food we have found in the Outer Banks.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great dinner at Kimball’s. Started with the charcuterie board which was well assembled. For entrees we had the Low Country Pasta and Duck Duck Goose. Both were well cooked, the duck breast was a perfect medium rare. The dining room had a great view of the water and sunset. The drink menu was extensive. Definitely recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience5
    Beautiful white table cloth expensive restaurant should know that drinks should be served prior to apps. The oysters were served with Three salads not the 4 that were ordered. Plus why would you serve salads with oysters? Either the training was inadequate or they need more staff. The cost of each meal should be considered when they hire staff. These issues were addressed with the waitress. We received a “sorry”.

    Is this helpful?

  28. mikiki

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food, ambience and service. Our favorite nice restaurant in Duck!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience4
    The quality of the food has deteriorated. The quality is not the same as in years past. Unfortunate. The wine list has shrunk down to a quarter page compared to the book of options in years prior.

    Is this helpful?

  30. aj19087

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall1food2service2ambience5
    Price. way too high for the quality of the food and preparation.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Chloebru

    Cleveland

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is pricey but your paying for great food, service and ambiance. Windows to the sound side with great sunsets! Convenient for Sanderling Inn guests as one of their restaurants,

    Is this helpful?

  32. DoctorV

    Las Vegas

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Elegant dining Beautiful location overlooking the Sound in Sanderling between Duck and Corolla It’s my favorite spot to eat every year we come to outer banks.

    Is this helpful?

  33. LauraLee

    London

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Another example of lower service and lower quality with higher prices post-pandemic. Very small wine selection. We let them know ahead of time it was our anniversary and it was not even acknowledged!

    Is this helpful?

  34. WilliamM

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    Terrible experience!! Not acknowledged or welcomed when entering restaurant; after being seated waited 20-30 minutes before waiter showed up and still longer before he took our order; he blamed it on staffing problems; later arriving party, however, waited on before us; food OK but nowhere near price paid for it. Worst restaurant experience in years!!

    Is this helpful?

  35. JoeyW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The food was fantastic! Our server was very attentive and answered all of our questions. The ONLY thing that would have made our experience better was if the sun / clouds cooperated for a sunset. Oh well, maybe we will be able to get that perfect sunset next time!

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    West Virginia

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    My wife and I have been celebrating our anniversary at Kimball's for many years. There has been a steady decline in the quality of food ans service for the past three years. Service was absolutely terrible and the food was not on the level befitting the cost. Very disappointing for a restaurant that was once so good.

    Is this helpful?

  37. liblib

    Raleigh

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Beautiful Outer Banks restaurant that we had been looking forward to experiencing and expected to thoroughly enjoy. Elegant setting and the sunset over the sound was fabulous. The food was hit or miss. Started with water choices of still, sparkling or tap water. The tap water is terrible and they know it the waiter acknowledges. Why make guest pay for palatable water at this overall price point? The she crab soup was delicious and the steak was excellent. The scallops were bland and not hot, nor was the accompanying side dish. For $200 a couple, would have liked a more seamless meal with more care to detail. Take a look at Herons in Cary or Fearington in Pittsboro. Expensive but worth every penny.

    Is this helpful?

  38. LeonardoC

    Washington DC

    140 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    140 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    While we enjoyed our meal as we were celebrating our anniversary, I found it to be expensive with not many seafood selections. Overall, a positive experience though.

    Is this helpful?

  39. BryanB

    New York Area

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    The location and ambiance are amazing. The service was excellent. However, the food was very salty; so salty one person in our party couldn’t eat their food. We mentioned it to our waitress and she removed the entree from our bill without us asking her to do so. Others in our group also had food that was over salted. The wine list is very small for an establishment that mentions wine on their website. Overall, there are better options on the island for much less money.

    Is this helpful?

  40. PhillG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely amazing food and beautiful views. Our server was fantastic. We will definitely be back!!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Kimball's Kitchen is rated 4.1 stars by 1010 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
Google Map for Kimball's Kitchen

1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Duck
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Steak, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo