Diamond Shoals Restaurant & Seafood Market

Someone from this business manages this listing.

1,343 reviews

#3 of 15 Restaurants in Buxton$$ - $$$, American, Seafood, Sushi

+1 252-995-5217+ Add website

Hours

Sun

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Mon

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tue

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wed

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thu

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Fri

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sat

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

1,343 reviews

#3 of 15 Restaurants in Buxton

Travelers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, American, Seafood, Sushi, Soups, Vegetarian friendly

“... the complementary hush puppies were delicious and the sushi was very good!”

“Then, my husband had popcorn shrimp, while I had fried shrimp and scallops.”

Special occasions, Large groups

“Quick service even with a large party.”

“We had a large party and we had a nice space to sit.”

Location and contact

46843 Hwy 12, Buxton, Hatteras Island, NC 27953

+1 252-995-5217

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Details

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About

Located adjacent to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Diamond Shoals Restaurant has been serving up the finest local fare for decades. Known for its friendly atmosphere, fresh seafood and southern hospitality, folks have been coming back to Diamond Shoals, year after year, for its award winning clam chowder and crab bisque, homemade crab cakes, and Hatteras Island's only sushi bar. Enjoy a selection of steaks, sandwiches, the island's largest salad bar, an extensive kids menu, and fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.

CUISINES

American, Seafood, Sushi, Soups

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

FEATURES

Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.5

1,343 reviews

Excellent

797

Very good

333

Average

128

Poor

Terrible

TaraWVU

40 contributions

So many good options!

Jun 2020 • family

We go to this place several times in one trip. They have awesome sushi. The clam chowder is the best I’ve ever had. The tartar sauce is made with fresh herbs and the fried grouper is so light and delicious! The shrimp are also huge! Prices are reasonable and our little family of 3 can order a sushi roll, a bowl of clam chowder and the captain’s platter and still have leftovers. Oh and you can order the clam chowder by the quart! I order one at the beginning of the week and it’s gone by the end of our trip and then I order another one to take home!

Written June 17, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Keith G

Ordering clam chowder by the quart is possibly the most useful information anyone has shared on here, Tara. We love hosting your family of three no matter how many times you visit. Hopefully, you'll still get a chance to visit us many more times this year to eat your way through the rest of our menu! Travel safe, Keith Gray, Owner

Written June 22, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

hollyaskelton

29 contributions

Food a 5, service a 3, still adjusting...

Jun 2020 • none

After reading other reviews we opted for carry out to avoid the crowds. Person answering the phone was very abrupt and unhelpful. Despite calling before 5 on a week day were told our order would take over an hour. Didn’t think to order any sauces, but were sad to find they weren’t included in our bag since we ordered many seafood items that typically would use them. That being said the food was delicious! Both soups we had were some of the very best!

Written June 11, 2020

Keith G

We're glad that you did a little research and decided on an option that was best for you. Although you enjoyed the items and soups, we do understand that sauces could have taken things up a notch, so we'll remind our waitstaff to offer them at the very least. Thanks for the feedback, and you're welcome to dine with us or order takeout again soon. Cheers, Keith Gray, Owner

Written June 18, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Carebear220

Atlantic Beach27 contributions

Delicious!

Sep 2020 • couples

This was our first time here and it was amazing. We are from NC so the first thing we look for is the sanitation score and it was a 99 here! They have a sign that they have award winning clam chowder it was true. Delicious. I got the fried grouper basket. Normally I dont get fried food because its soaked in grease and you cant even taste the fish. This was lightly fried and the fish was flaky and delicious. They have homemade tartar sauce that put it over the top too. My husband got the fried crab cake basket and it was full of crab! Only one negative and I say this on every review that I get bagged coleslaw mix...shred your own cabbage, add thin/shaved onions. Dont use the bag!

Written September 26, 2020

Keith G

I'm so happy to hear that we made a great first impression. You made some excellent choices with the grouper and our award winning clam chowder. thank you for all the support, and I hope to see you here again soon. Best, Keith Gray, Owner

Written October 1, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alexis

Hatteras Island2 contributions

Save Your Money

Jun 2020 • couples

We stopped in for dinner based on the awesome reviews, and it was a total letdown. We were seated at the bar, which was fine. However, the bartender had way too much on her plate. Not her fault, but definitely frustrating as a customer. I wasn't offered a refill for the entire meal. We ordered a sushi appetizer and watched it sit at the counter for 20 minutes. Soup was okay. Our dinner was repulsive. Boyfriends fish smelled like dirty feet. He's a major seafood lover & refused to eat more than 2 bites. I ordered shrimp and crab cakes, received one (gross) crab cake & 5 pieces of shrimp that looked like it was from Long John Silvers. Food is way overpriced for what you get. Go literally anywhere in the OBX but here.

Written June 25, 2020

Keith G

It's very disappointing to see that you had this kind of experience with us. Great food and excellent service are two things you should expect with every visit, so I'm sorry that was not the case this time. While we certainly get busy at times, that's no excuse for slow service. I hope you'll give us a chance to find you something on our menu that you'll truly love next time! Best, Keith Gray, Owner

Written July 2, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

keithk_nyc

Brooklyn60 contributions

No Masks Worn and other problems

Sep 2020 • none

Of 2 servers and 3 people behind the sushi bar preparing food; not one of them was making even a little show of wearing a mask. Servers wore them like chinstraps. Preparers/sushi chefs did not even have them present. In addition, there was a glade plug-in air freshener, making the air sickeningly sweet, and making it difficult to taste my food. For the first half hour I thought my server was covered in perfume, but no, it was an air freshener plugged in underneath my table.

Written September 16, 2020

Keith G

While I can assure you we are taking these precautions seriously, this is concerning to hear. I will be sure to see what is going on there, and ensure our entire staff is wearing masks properly. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. We'd love the chance to show you a much better experience the next time around. Sincerely, Keith Gray, Owner

Written September 21, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Booknut75

Raleigh21 contributions

Average

Jun 2020 • none

We called for take out because we had heard this restaurant gets crowded. Pros: The person taking the call was prompt and courteous; They call back when the food is ready; within 30-40 minutes. This was great because it was a rainy Saturday. The food was tasty, prepped typical coast style. Cons: Large crowds and no masks, but that's ok if that doesn't bother you. We had ordered broiled "take 2" seafood, but got fried. My 2 bigger beefs were that I paid for the food, at the front desk, then waited, but no one brought out the food or told me where it was. I finally saw some bags on a low wood bench along the side wall, with my name on it. I had to find this on my own. Weird, but maybe I'm not in the loop as to how they set aside take out food. However, when we got home, there were NO utensils with the food. I had ordered their clam chowder and had to go scrounging for plastic utensils and spoon from our lodging host. Pack some utensils with your takeouts, folks. I know these are difficult times for restaurants to adjust. I look forward to a future visit that might allow me a more favorable experience.

Written June 23, 2020

Keith G

Thank you for choosing our restaurant to order from this time, and for your patience and understanding when we fell short. You should always expect a delicious meal out of our kitchen, as well as plenty of utensils so you can enjoy that delicious meal. We look forward to serving you again someday soon -- we have what it takes to do better next time. Best, Keith Gray, Owner

Written June 28, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Valentine D

Kensington18 contributions

Poor masking, packed and food just ok

Sep 2020 • couples

This is the first time on Trip Advisor I've ever written a bad review. My wife and I were on our last day of a 10 day trip on the Outer Banks, mostly on Ocracoke Island. On Ocracoke and most restaurants in Buxton, mask policy and social distancing was taken seriously and we felt reasonably safe. Not at this place. Our waiter who was also the bar tender did not wear a mask at all. We had to ask him to put one on to serve us and he half heartedly did so and quickly took it off once he was making drinks at the bar. I also saw a hostess throughout the entire time that was not wearing a mask and was taking a break by the bar with our unmasked waiter. In addition it was crowded with pre-covid tightly spaced tables. We went to a lot of restaurants on the Outer Banks and this was the only place we did not feel remotely safe. This means one thing to me: the owners and/or management are not taking the pandemic seriously. Wake up Diamond Shoals - Covid is not "fake news". Your place is scarey and to top it off the food was only mediocre.

Written October 1, 2020

Keith G

Valentine, I'm so sorry to hear if you felt that we weren't taking safety precautions seriously during your visit. I can assure you we are doing everything in our power to ensure our staff is wearing masks, and we appreciate you letting us know if that was not the case. We'd love to show you just how seriously we're taking this on your next visit. Best, Keith Gray, Owner

Written October 5, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Belle S

San Antonio35 contributions

Overpriced and Very Bland

Jun 2021 • family

This restaurant was overpriced and the food was not that great. The fried Grouper was soggy, the catch of the day was $26 and it was overcooked, the service was okay. The waitresses were arguing, and the meal was $105 for a family of 5, not including top. Save your money and go somewhere else.

Written June 30, 2021

Wanda P

3 contributions

Carry out

May 2020 • family

Took way to long others who ordered after us got food before we did. French fries were soggy and tasted awful. Chicken strips were not cooked completely and lady at counter was rude and apparently manager.

Written May 16, 2020

Keith G

We're currently doing takeout only, so we apologize if this one experience left you with a poor impression. Under normal circumstances, we'd be happy to make adjustments to your order. I can assure you that our managers are respectful and friendly, so next time please ask to speak with someone. Sincerely, Keith Gray, Owner

Written May 21, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Winoka N

6 contributions

Great food

Jun 2020 • couples

We come here every year and are never disappointed! They were so busy Friday night we decided to go try Rustys as they weren’t nearly as busy. We had been at the beach all day and just wanted takeout. Rusty’s refused my takeout order stating they couldn’t because they were to busy. We wound up at the Diamond Shoals like always. They were so busy we had to park at a neighboring business. They were 5 times busier than Rustys and had no problem in taking our takeout order. Waited till they called to tell us The order was ready. Went in paid and away we went to eat our delicious meal. We had the Crab stuffed grouper. Perfect as always! These guys are awesome! They are handling these extra COVID duties like a champ and keeping the takeout and dine in orders correctly and in a timely manner. See you next visit!

Written June 30, 2020

Keith G

It's our pleasure serving our community, and the team and I appreciate your continued support. Excellent choice on the crab-stuffed grouper. We look forward to continuing to impress you on future visits. All the best, Keith Gray, Owner

Written July 5, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

bignewly

Elkin51 contributions

Wow There’s Dill in There

Oct 2020 • family

As I sat waiting for my food I noticed the dried husk of a dill weed out of the front window and when I tasted the clam chowder I knew why it was there. The chowder was well seasoned and served with a sprinkling of fresh dill on top. Being a southern country boy I had the fried popcorn shrimp because that’s how I roll. The shrimp crispy outside and tender inside.

Written October 19, 2020

Keith G

We include fresh ingredients in all of our dishes, so it's awesome to hear that you could taste that in your chowder! Great call with the shrimp as well -- that's the perfect pairing. Hopefully you'll be back to try some more of our menu here soon! Until next time, Keith Gray, Owner

Written October 25, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kashager

Newton38 contributions

Wonderful dinner

Jun 2020 • family

We had a wonderful dinner tonight. The hush puppies and tartar sauce was yummy. We ordered the Mates platter, salad bar, shrimp n grits, grilled salmon, and grilled chicken and shrimp. Everything was delicious! Friendly staff and great atmosphere.

Written June 30, 2020

Keith G

Kashager, we loved having you join us! I'm happy to know everything from the hush puppies to the shrimp hit the spot. We're looking forward to welcoming you back for another delicious meal in the future! All the best, Keith Gray, Owner

Written July 5, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MikkelPaige

Raleigh67 contributions

Just “meh” - most of the menu is fried options

Oct 2020 • couples

Our biggest gripe with this restaurant is the lack of healthy options on the menu. And were were actually shocked to see their salad bar open during October 2020 (COVID) when we visited (speaking of one of the only potentially “healthy” options there). The hostess (maybe the owner?) wasn’t particularly warm or welcoming. Our waitress, a young woman, was sweet. The grilled fish wrap (which I ordered because it was the only affordable not fried lunch option on the menu) had mostly cheese (weird), lettuce and tomato inside. Light on the fish and mango salsa. Their “award winning” soup was not that memorable and both the clam chowder and clam bisque could have used a minute to hear up in a microwave. Not impressed with this place. Wouldn’t go back or recommend.

Written October 22, 2020

Keith G

Mikkel, it's always disappointing to see when we don't make the great first impression we usually do. While many seem to enjoy our wide selection of items on our menu, I understand that they may not be for everyone. We're always happy to help you find something that you'll enjoy, so be sure to ask our server for some recommendations. We'd love another chance to show you the delicious meal you were expecting. Best, Keith Gray, Owner

Written October 29, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

bobjrcomptree

Pilot Mountain80 contributions

Best Breakfast on the island!

Jul 2020 • none

We ate here twice during our visit. Had a little wait the second day. Service was friendly and fast. They fix a great plate of eggs and I liked their version of hashbrowns with onions. They are deep fried, but came out really crispy and hot. Didn't try them for dinner, but I would. Can't wait to get back to Buxton!

Written July 29, 2020

Keith G

It's awesome to hear that you were able to stop by twice during your stay in Buxton! Thanks for all of your support, and we'll see you the next time you're in town. -Keith Gray, Owner

Written August 2, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cody Coyote

Red Hook3 contributions

I think they forgot about us

Nov 2020 • family

I want to preface this by saying I've been in the food industry my entire life, so I am generally quite forgiving. However, It's difficult to write a positive review when you're not greeted at the table for the first 25 minutes. Our server last night, "Carole Baskins," finally approached the table and said "I guess I'm you're server." The service continued to suffer from there. "Johnny Depp," serving adjacent tables seemed to be quite attentive to his customers. This was not the service we received. Our one friend's food hit the table before the drinks did. It was probably another 10 minutes before the rest of the food arrived. The kitchen did a great job with our food, but coordination of dishes can be improved. As the food was being delivered, it was obvious that our server did not know which plate went where and even tried to serve our food to the adjacent table, which she had just recently served. After the food hit the table, not once we're we asked how the food was. All in all, we had minimal and rude service with good food. P.S. Please blend daiquiries fully so chunks of ice do not remain.

Written November 1, 2020

Keith G

Cody, thanks for stopping in and giving us a try, but I'm very sorry to hear that your service was lacking in any way. You should never have to wait 25 minutes to be greeted, so that must have been a miscommunication with our staff. While it was a busy night for us, that is no excuse. I really hope you'll give us another chance to show you the great service we're typically know for. Sincerely, Keith Gray, Owner

Written November 6, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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