Straightforward seafood and all-day hours on the road into Manteo
Darrell's Restaurant sits on US-64/264, the highway that carries traffic across the Washington Baum Bridge onto Roanoke Island from Whalebone Junction, making it one of the first sit-down options travelers pass on the way into Manteo. The seafood-focused menu and moderate price range put it in the everyday-meal category rather than a special-occasion stop, and the hours back that up: doors open at 7 AM and the kitchen runs through 8:30 PM, Monday through Saturday, with Sunday off entirely.
That early opening time is worth noting on an island where breakfast options can be scarce outside downtown Manteo — Darrell's is positioned to cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a single stop without the split hours some island restaurants keep. It sits apart from the walkable Shallowbag Bay waterfront district downtown, closer to the highway corridor than the shops and galleries clustered along the water.
Specific menu items and pricing aren't listed here, so it's worth a call to (252) 473-5366 or a check of the restaurant's website before heading over, especially if you're timing a visit around the historic sites at the island's north end.
2,192 reviews
3 months ago
Stopped in for lunch and was glad the positive reviews matched our experience. Our server was the best I’ve ever had. He had the entire section, yet was quick to react to questions and get hot food to the table. Food was good overall, and even ordered an extra serving of hush puppies to go.
3 months ago
I didn't dine in, ordered breakfast Togo. Let me tell y'all them breakfast potatoes are on point!! Omelettes are decent sized an made perfect. As I was walking out I meet 2 fellas at the door an told em morning and how are y'all, he said we at Darrell's so you know it's gonna be a good morning 🌞. Im coming back to try dinner soon.
a month ago
First time here. Stopped for lunch with our dog. Manager and the staff were so welcoming! Flounder sandwich and southwest salad were amazing! Will definitely be back!
2 months ago
We had a very disappointing experience at Darrell’s Seafood in Manteo. We were a party of 3 adults and 1 toddler, who were yet we were charged an automatic 20% gratuity as if we were a party of 8 or more because we had members of family who also paid separately When we questioned it, the manager, who was also our waiter, claimed it was because there were entrees, even though the toddler did not order an entrée. This policy was never explained to us before the bill arrived. The service was just as disappointing. The manager was unfriendly from the beginning and rarely came to our table. Instead of checking on us properly, he would simply yell across the dining room, “How y’all doing?” without actually stopping by to see if we needed refills, condiments, or anything else. As for the food, it was mediocre at best. Nothing stood out, and it certainly wasn’t worth the price, especially after the unexpected gratuity. Between the poor customer service, the surprise 20% gratuity, and average food, we left feeling frustrated and taken advantage of. There are too many great seafood restaurants in the Outer Banks to spend your money here. Unfortunately, we won’t be returning.
9 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I visited back in July 2023, and everything was fantastic! The highlight was definitely the fish—served hot and fresh, seasoned perfectly, with a delightful crispy exterior and a soft interior. The platter offered more than enough food; I left completely satisfied. Highly recommend!