Hatteras Island’s Seafood Restaurant…

…the best fresh seafood you will ever eat.

Welcome to the Dolphin Den web site.   We are THE destination to visit when you think of eating out while on the island.  We opened in 1999, with 30 years professional food service experience in fresh seafood,  a cookbook of island family recipes, and originals belonging to my husband, an accomplished chef.  Before there were bridges to the island our families depended on the sea, and even breakfast was a special treat.  There are few restaurants on Hatteras Island owned and run by native islanders, and it shows.

As the native part of the ownership, I bring my grandmom’s tasty recipes, and the respect for my heritage to serve “fresh as we can get it” seafood.  Some of my childhood friends are following in their families’ footsteps in the commercial fishing trade.   They call from offshore to see what we can use of their catch, and it is delivered, dressed and filleted, late that day, and ready to be served the next day.  Our soft shell crabs are locally farmed by other childhood friends in the business, who fish the sound waters off Nags Head.

We are family friendly and can accommodate large parties.  We also find that our small parties feel comfortably tucked away in booths that are high enough to make dining a personal experience.  If seafood is not your choice, you will be pleased to know that we serve the best Angus steaks, cut in our kitchen and served to your specifications.  This year we purchased a state of the art smoker, as my husband’s old restaurant was the Rib Crib and the wings, chickens and ribs are also freshly prepared.  We proudly serve the best Key lime Pie you will ever eat………and…as chocolate is good for your health, our brownies are to live for.  Stop by…………we are very food friendly.

-The Owners and Staff

Dolphin Den: Avon, NC Milepost 55