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  3. Coastal North Carolina
  4. Outer Banks
  5. Buxton

Cafe Pamlico

4.9
4.9
80 Reviews
$31 to $50
Unspecified
Top Tags:
Cafe Pamlico's mission is to provide a world class dining experience through exceptional food, outstanding detail oriented service, an inspired wine and cocktail program, and gracious attentive Southern hospitality. Our contemporary coastal cuisine is driven by locally sourced seafood, meats, and produce. Our menu changes frequently in accordance with the fresh ingredients our chefs discover on the island, most notably the fresh local seafood we feature. The fish we serve each evening is frequently taken from the nets of friends that very morning. We are committed to supporting local farmers and artisan food producers first, sustainable resources second, and organic third. The Cafe serves elegant gourmet dinners prepared by our world class chefs from four to seven nights each week, depending on season. Dinner reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant is often filled to capacity by reservation. We are open to the public every morning for our famous casually elegant breakfasts, called "Best on the Outer Banks" by National Geographic Traveler. Cafe Pamlico is committed to extending gracious hospitality beyond the walls of our restaurant and into the community. We manage our organization in an ecologically sensitive and economically sustainable manner, driven by genuine concern for our environment and the jobs we create in our community, and always in accordance with the customer satisfaction policies of our business model. We invite you to learn more about Cafe Pamlico by downloading our current brochure, or by getting in touch with us. Whether dining in one of our intimate well appointed dining rooms, at our elegant copper topped bar, or al fresco on one of our soundfront decks, you will experience exceptional food and service which the Times of London described as "Fabulous" while surrounded by the natural beauty and grandeur of the Pamlico Sound and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Location

    49684 NC Highway 12, Buxton, NC 27920

  • Neighborhood

    Buxton

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 80 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Overall

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Food

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Service

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Ambiance

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Value

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for brunch

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Romantic

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for scenic views

Sort by

  1. ChristineF

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the best time celebrating our daughter in law’s birthday. Food was amazing!! Service top notch!

  2. DawnC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Melissa was so friendly and welcoming... she's awesome! The coffee was fantastic and the food so delicious!

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great place to dine in OBX probably the best restaurant in the area

    Cafe PamlicoResponded 2 days agoThank you for the kind words. We do strive to give our guests the best in every area. We hope to have you as a guest again in the future.

  4. KGreen

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beauiful views and good service. The live music was great.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded 5 days agoThank you for the kind review. We are happy that you enjoyed your experience and hope you join us again.

  5. PaulaF

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thoroughly enjoyed the meal. We had 6 people and accommodated vegetarian, gluten free as well as steak and seafood desires. Our server, Willow was great and the bartender has great cocktails and is fun to work with. Going back next week!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded 5 days agoThank you for all of your kind words. We strive to accommodate everyone and I am so glad we were able to meet your desires. We look forward to seeing you again next week. Cheers!

  6. Silky

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love, love, love this place! I am never disappointed. I love they take reservations and that they are so wholesome in their cooking and their staff’s energy. From soup n’ salad to the catch of the day, never disappoints!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded 5 days agoThank you for returning to dine with us time and time again. We appreciate all of your kind words and look forward to serving you again in the future. Cheers!

  7. RonD

    Atlantic City

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We arrived and were seated immediately at a window table overlooking the Pamlico Sound. Food and drinks were amazing. Servers were professional and informative. We would like to thank the staff at Cafe Pamlico for an overall great experience as we celebrated our engagement and our 1st trip to OBX. Kellie & Ron , Mystic Islands NJ

    Cafe PamlicoResponded 5 days agoCongratulations on your engagement! Thank you for choosing Cafe Pamlico to celebrate such an important occasion. We are so happy that you had such a wonderful experience and we hope to see you again.

  8. JimM

    Greensboro

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great and the service was outstanding. The real attraction was the fantastic view of the sound.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on May 18, 2023Jim, the sunsets truly never get old. We are so happy that you enjoyed your whole experience here at Cafe Pamlico. Thank you for your review.

  9. SteveB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The brunch experience on Mother's Day was excellent. I highly recommend Cafe Pamlico.

  10. TomL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The view! The food! The music! Can’t wait to go back!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on May 9, 2023Tom, We are so happy that you enjoyed all of the things we love here, too! We look forward to having you back. Cheers!

  11. DeniseA

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A little pricey… but worth it! Everything from cocktails to service to food was really fabulous. Wonderful seat at window. It was worth every penny. We’d definitely come back.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on May 9, 2023Denise, Thank you for the kind review. I hope you were able to experience on of the amazing sunsets from your window seat. We look forward to your return.

  12. KatherineC

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love the place, it just gets a little loud from stayover wedding guest during dining.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on May 9, 2023Katherine, Thank you for your comments. All weddings aren't as loud as some. We do strive to keep the noise level down and have quiet times to abide to. I hope the noise was not too much of an issue. If ever it is, please let us know while you are there. Our service policy states that if something isn't right, we will somehow make it right. We look forward to having you as our guest again.

  13. BobbyP

    Jacksonville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best grouper I ever had! and service was great Looking forward to next trip

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on May 9, 2023Thank you for your positive review. I am so glad that you enjoyed your meal. We look forward to your next trip, as well. Until then, cheers!

  14. JessicaJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our experience here! Our servers, Melissa H. (dinner) and Melissa A. (breakfast) were outstanding! So friendly and accommodating! The food was phenomenal. We’d definitely come back!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 21, 2023I am so happy to hear that you had an outstanding visit with us. Our staff really do make the experience. Thank you for your kind words and we look forward to having you back!

  15. MerryZ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a yummy breakfast in a lovely relaxing atmosphere.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 21, 2023Thank you for joining us for breakfast. We are happy to hear you enjoyed it. We hope that you can join us again sometime soon.

  16. LizH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I enjoyed a beautiful dinner outside on the deck. The server and staff were wonderful, and the food was outstanding. We will be back whenever we visit the area!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 21, 2023Thank you so much for choosing Cafe Pamilco. I am pleased to hear that you had a wonderful experience. It's always nice to have great guests, too! We look forward to your return.

  17. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful sunset views, delicious dinner options, and amazing cocktails!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 17, 2023We are so happy that you enjoyed your dinner and cocktails. Wish we could take credit for the sunset, as it still wow's us every day. We hope to see you again soon. Cheers!

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Easter brunch was amazing! The view was spectacular and the service was exceptional!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 21, 2023Thank you for celebrating Easter with brunch here at Cafe Pamlico. Brunch is a relatively new product for us and we are having so much fun with it. It is always nice to hear that our guests are loving it, too. Please join us again if you have the opportunity. Cheers!

  19. CherylT

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best place to eat in the Buxton/Frisco area. Casual atmosphere with great food and service.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 17, 2023Thank you for dining with us. We hope to have you back in the future.

  20. SallyS

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    AMAZING! Easily the best restaurant in the Frisco area!! We made a reservation a week in advance and are glad we did. During the high seasons bugs can be an issue if sitting outside but it didn’t bother us until after the sun set. Will come back for sure!!! The tuna appetizer was out of this world! Live acoustic music really created a wonderful ambiance!!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 7, 2023Thank you for your kind words. We are so happy that you enjoyed your experience. Cheers!

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again, we had a wonderful experience at Cafe Pamlico. Our food was delicious and presented so beautifully. The staff is kind and attentive from the moment you walk through the door. We love coming here, especially with the gorgeous views.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 7, 2023Thank you for being a return guest and for your review. We hope to see you again soon.

  22. AndraZ

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had an anniversary dinner here while on vacation - food was fantastic and the views were excellent. Would be happy to go again!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 7, 2023Happy Anniversary! We are honored that you chose to celebrate with us. We hope to see you again. Thank you.

  23. JustinH

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious! Can't wait to come back soon!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on April 5, 2023We are happy that you enjoyed your meal. We look forward to your return. Cheers!

  24. ChristinaB

    Richmond

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this restaurant! Always amazing food and service!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on March 27, 2023Thank you for your kind words. It sounds as if you come here regularly. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to your next visit.

  25. nancyo

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Service by Dallas was superb. A gem in OBX?

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on March 27, 2023Thank you for your kind words. We do strive to provide an elevated level of service and Dallas is top notch. We look forward to your next visit.

  26. FrancisG

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Although my eggs were good to by desire doneness, they were cold, the breakfast sausage were over done. The ambience and service was amazing.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on March 27, 2023I thank you so much for your feedback and will share with our staff. I am so happy that you loved the environment and hope you are able to visit again.

  27. Patrick

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals I have ever eaten. We stumbled upon this gem, and would absolutely go out of our way to eat here again for the great food, friendly staff, and incredible sunset views.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on March 27, 2023We are so pleased that you enjoyed your meal. We hope to have you back as a guest. Cheers!

  28. TomL

    Columbus

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good food. Good service. Very friendly staff. We are at Cape Hatteras during the off season. Absolutely the best place we've found to eat dinner.

  29. MikeL

    Wilmington

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visited off season and were happy to find Cafe Pimlico. Good wine list, great views and excellent food and service! Would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone!

  30. KatherineC

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A wonderful dining experience for our family...the staff and owner go out of their way to make you feel like the only ones there.

  31. JENNIFERS

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect, live music, excellent service and food.

  32. JanD

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had family visiting from out of town. They were extremely impressed and pleased with our dining experience. Drinks were spot on, apps were varied and tasty and the entrees were excellent. Especially appreciated the attentive service from our server Dallas.

  33. RobM

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The food was great. The grilled romaine salad was the best I have ever had. Ambiance was great. Our only issue was that our waitress would disappear for extended time periods. Also, they need to revise their menu as they were out of several items, not just food, but drink items also...such as basil for the gimlet, jalapenos for the jalapeno margaritas, etc. The steak was really good. Shrimp and grits were awesome. I will return and just hope for a more attentive waitress.

  34. RichP

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had soup, an appetizer and then dinner. Very well spaced out, did not feel rushed. Food was very good.

  35. Thumper

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love it there and are regulars during the winter months when we live at the beach. The meals are inspired and delicious and the staff are personable and professional. Highly recommend!

  36. ChristinaB

    Richmond

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We just bought home on the island and we are thrilled to have this excellent restaurant so close to us! Amazing cocktails, food and service! Absolute must if you are visiting Hatteras Island, NC.

  37. CassP

    Greensboro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The fried green tomato selection under “lighter fare” was awesome.

  38. GaryM

    Nashville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is such a lovely restaurant, the staff is very friendly and helpful and the food is delicious.

  39. JayL

    Wilmington

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Some items on the menu are outstanding, and some are very disappointing. My wife's risotto was outstand. The salads are exquisite. My southern Ham entre was disappointing. It wasn't southern Ham, it was baked ham. My crabcake was good but not mouthwatering. But all in all it was a very pleasurable dining experience.

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Thanksgiving dinner Great service

FAQs

Cafe Pamlico is rated 4.9 stars by 80 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 23 times today
Google Map for Cafe Pamlico

49684 NC Highway 12, Buxton, NC 27920

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Buxton

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Sat 8:00 am–11:00 am Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 8:00 am–1:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Unspecified, Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Payment options

    Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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