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Cafe Pamlico, Buxton, NC

Cafe Pamlico

4.8
4.8
206 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 2 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 206 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Ambiance

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for brunch

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Healthy

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Romantic

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for scenic views

  • 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

  • Outer Banks

    Most Booked

206 Reviews

  1. fromPelzer

    Charleston

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent, including food and service

    Cafe PamlicoResponded today

    Pelzer, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our second time dining at Café Pamlico. Restaurants from Avon to Hatteras can be wildly inconsistent, even from day to day, but this meal was just as good if not better than the one we had in June. They make one of the best shrimp and grits dishes I’ve EVER had (and I order them often—we even served them at our wedding), the salads are fresh and creative, but not off-puttingly so, and the desserts are wonderful, especially the bourbon chocolate pecan pie they served for Thanksgiving! I also appreciated the decent number of craft mocktails offered, since I don’t drink much anymore, though they have a solid wine, beer, and cocktail list. This place is a bit dressier than other OBX restaurants (though they happily served me in shorts and flip flops when we walked in over the summer) and the acoustics in the room can make it quite loud, even if there aren’t many people there. But the friendly service and exquisite food is not to be missed!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded today

    , thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  3. DonaldN

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great service. The drink options fit the menu, I had a specialty gin cocktail. The fish and grits is outstanding.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded today

    Donald, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  4. DCNative

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    I’m a regular and the service could have been better. I spent $115 for just myself. The menu needs better descriptions. I commend the effort but it could still be better. Still best in a 50 mile radius but as a DC native with many top reaturamts to compare to… it needs tweaking. Will still come back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. JanD

    Chicago

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Decided to have Thanksgiving out and what a delightful experience. The turkey and sides were just what we’d hoped for. The deviled eggs appetizer with shrimp and crab were yummy. Justin was a very pleasant server. Light music in the background - a perfect Thanksgiving dinner.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded 5 days ago

    Jan, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kate

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Probably the best food in the Outer Banks! A little pricer but so good. Great cocktail menu as well. Will be back!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded 5 days ago

    Kate, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Food was tasty but cold. Service was friendly but way too slow. Convenient and cost effective for guests of Inn.

    Is this helpful?

  8. JeffD

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We both enjoyed our dinning experience. The food was excellent and the staff was professional, and friendly. Ours was a first class experience.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on November 19, 2023

    Jeff, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  9. Johann

    Mexico City

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, great vibe, comfy seating and great heating.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on November 19, 2023

    Johann, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  10. LindaS

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food preparation was imaginative and well presented. The sides were part of the entree, not a casual afterthought.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 29, 2023

    Linda, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  11. MeleciaK

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I enjoyed this restaurant. The view was amazing! The server was on top of everything. The food was delicious and presented well. Highly recommend!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 25, 2023

    Melecia, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  12. Gigi

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed our weekend at the Inn and dinner! Service was excellent and the food was delicious.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 23, 2023

    Gigi, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to the Inn on Pamlico Sound and Cafe Pamlico pages on TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  13. SheilaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was great...view beautiful and food delicious. We are going back Friday 😬

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 21, 2023

    Sheila, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  14. AndyV

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious food, excellent presentation, superior service and beautiful view.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 17, 2023

    Andy, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  15. BrookeG

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had brunch and mimosas on our visit and it was a fabulous experience! Everything was exceptional from the staff, food and view. We highly recommend and will be back soon!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 17, 2023

    Brooke, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  16. MatthewK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great spot for sure, food was excellent, and so was the service. Only thing that could be improved would be the lighting… Too bright, and too white, would be much better with soft, white and dimmer bulbs!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Bonnie

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was exceptional! Our server, Dallas, was terrific and we enjoyed the live music.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 12, 2023

    Bonnie, thank you SO much. Pls come back, bring friends and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  18. Barbara

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We wouldn't visit the OBX without dinner at The Inn on Pamlico Sound - service, food and atmosphere is superb - we plan on trying Sunday brunch next year. Keep up the good work!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 12, 2023

    Barbara, thank you SO much. Pls come back, bring friends and post your review to TripAdvisor

    Is this helpful?

  19. FayD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Over our weekend, we had two dinners, breakfast, and brunch. Each meal was inventive, beautifully presented, and delicious. The staff were fantastic, and the cocktails were on point. Highly recommend dining here!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 3, 2023

    Fay, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

  20. LeilaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We eat here every year for our anniversary. Always the highlight of our trip. Great food and beautiful location. Originally sat inside but the noise level was extremely loud. The staff allowed us to move outside which was much quieter. We can’t wait until our next visit

    Is this helpful?

  21. BethP

    Orange County

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service from wait staff, beautiful scenery, delicious food with a moderate amount of variety

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 26, 2023

    Beth, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and service were great! We went for breakfast and our party had the sausage and gravy biscuits, banana nut French toast, and Gouda grits! Super great. We’ll be back!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 26, 2023

    Thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Leslie

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shrimp and grits were delicious! Beautiful patio view of Pamlico Sound! Waitress was pleasant!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 26, 2023

    Leslie, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  24. JohnR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had a fantastic experience and the view is incredible!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 26, 2023

    John, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  25. KarenL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Overall our experience was a four. My dish was a bit too spicy and it wasn’t represented that way. Other than that, the venue was delightful and service was exemplary.

    Is this helpful?

  26. ChristyD

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A fantastic brunch with the family-food was absolutely delicious and our server, Melissa, was outstanding. As always, the atmosphere was perfect. We will definitely be back-the Cafe and the Inn are must-stop destinations on Hatteras Island.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on October 3, 2023

    Christy, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

  27. KATHY

    Memphis/West TN

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The only problem we had a Cafe Pimlico was deciding what to order from their extensive menu. Fresh bread with olive oil and parmesan were just the beginnings of a most delightful dining experienceThe tuna tataki with wasabi mousse was incredible, and the lobster and crab bisque was some of the best we have ever had. The scallop entree was accompanied with snap peas and colorful roasted potatoes. Be sure and try try the lavender lemontini! Thank you, Justin, and staff for wonderful food and service.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 24, 2023

    Kathy, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  28. RichardB

    Salt Lake City

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great food and service in a beautiful location overlooking the sound.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 22, 2023

    Richard, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  29. RickZ

    West Virginia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best food near Avon area. Don’t hesitate to put this on your list of must try paces.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 21, 2023

    Rick, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  30. JamesM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and very knowledgeable staff make the Cafe Pamlico THE place to eat.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 20, 2023

    James, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  31. MichaelS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My server Anna was great. Food was delicious. And the view of the sound was beautiful.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 19, 2023

    Michael, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to Trip Advisor.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Coco

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, wonderful food, delightful service, and lovely ambience. Looking forward to our next experiences with you.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 19, 2023

    Coco, thank you SO much. Please come back, bring friends and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Jain

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    Hostess was extremely rude. Had a reservation for outside seating but she told us that the available outside seating was for reservations arriving. But… we had a reservation… for outside seating. Makes no sense. Got bottomless mimosas (max 6) but the service was SO slow that I sat around most of the time waiting to get a refill. Ended up just leaving with 2 not ordered because the waitress never came around or skipped our table. Food was terrible for what you pay. I would never go back.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 19, 2023

    Jain Edwards, we're sorry your experience Sunday 9/17/23 was not to your liking. As our policy is that it is right or with our compliments, we track each aspect of guest experience. There's a few places we are not in alignment with your review. Hostess was Saylor, a HS senior. You are 1st to describe this sweet girl as anything other than sweet. You seated 10:02AM at outside table 309; no reservation misunderstanding. Mimosa issue was not timing but quantity. You wanted your companion to share your bottomless mimosas and were displeased the max is six per person, not per table. We're glad you're unique in rating as terrible a breakfast ranked best on the Outer Banks. We wish you the best in your dining experiences elsewhere. Steve Nelson, CEO

    Is this helpful?

  34. KHJC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Pamlico was the perfect way to celebrate a beautiful night out celebrating my wife’s birthday! The ambiance was peaceful yet fun and the staff were top notch! It was difficult to make choices for dinner because everything sounded and looked so delicious. My wife’s scallops were absolute perfection down to the “lick the plate clean” cauliflower and saffron purée! Seating is available inside or outside and each table has a great view of the water or the gardens. Reservations are a must!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 18, 2023

    Thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

  35. AyrtonC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was in vacation with my family Everything was perfect !

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 15, 2023

    Thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

  36. ShelbyM

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was incredible and Dallas was an amazing waiter- very knowledgeable and great service.

    Is this helpful?

  37. JoeN

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Wonderful food, beautifully presented and obviously made with great attention and taste.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 12, 2023

    Joe, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

  38. MaggieRe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow! What fabulous dining in such a gorgeous setting. Everyone from the person on the phone who helped reserve our large party to our waiter were so accommodating. The food was fabulous. If we had more time in the area I would have been back for brunch... and another dinner :)

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 19, 2023

    Maggie, thank you SO much. Please come back, bring friends and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

  39. SandiP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were there for Sunday brunch and everyone really enjoyed their selections. Food was great, staff very nice and service was timely. The live entertainment at breakfast was a great surprise!

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 12, 2023

    Sandi, thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Foodie

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had dinner here twice while visiting the OBX. Romantic place with excellent food and drinks. Service was also perfect. Great place to watch the sunset.

    Cafe PamlicoResponded on September 15, 2023

    Thank you SO much! Please come back, bring friends, and post your review to TripAdvisor.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe Pamlico is rated 4.8 stars by 206 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 2 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–10:00 am Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Sun 8:00 am–12:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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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