We enjoyed our evening with friends our server was attentive but our entrees were slow to come out of the kitchen. Food was very good but the steaks were an uneven cook. We also think the arm chairs were too low compared to the table height.
Kaye
We looked so forward to that evening and were not disappointed. I and another of our party are 5 ft. tall and when we sat down, noted that our chins were about 5" above the table. We were laughing at the sight as we did. We soon realized that the chairs had a cushion that appeared to be a back rest. We both sat on this cushion and that made the situation better. I wondered if the cushion had been used for that purpose by others and perhaps even was there for that purpose? All in all, we were not disappointed, and plan to return next summer or fall.
Niki
Not sure we'd go back! The restaurant was warm and it was a warm day in Duck. It should have been cooler inside. It was uncomfortable. The chairs at the tables are far too low. They're great for a cocktail but not for dinner. It was terribly uncomfortable. I had to sit on a pillow and my jacket. Our white wine arrived warm. There are too many tables squished in making it hard for the servers to move about. They are constantly squeezing around you. The lighting outside once it's dark is non existent. It's not safe. The food was fine, pricy but fine. But given the rest of the experience, we would not go back.
Cara
One of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. The fish toast and crab cake were amazing. The lemon pie. Will be back next year!!!
Ellen
Food was outstanding, had the shrimp and grits soufflé, fresh catch (red drum) and fish toast. The figgy pudding and lemon pie were also delicious. Had a wonderful time at a wonderful restaurant.
The
Our disappointing experience started at the very beginning. The hostess made a comment about New York style dining as she seated us on one of 4 tables which were stuck so close together that even a reasonably sized human had to move the tables to get in and out of the seat. This would not be as frustrating if the restaurant were not half empty! The hostess made a comment about how if she were the owner she would remove at least one of these tables but alas she is required to fill these up first. I will say the seating was comfortable and I assume more so than the too-low for the tables armchair-type chairs at the bigger tables... The service was ok. It was not terribly slow but there were definitely times when we were wondering where our waiter disappeared. Speaking of the waiter - he had overwhelming body odor which was distracting from the ambiance and the meal. He was not very well versed in the menu and did not offer any of the recommendations or thoughts which you would reasonably expect from a restaurant of this (purported) caliber. I also did not appreciate how he simply cleared my ($19) cocktail from the table even though I had only consumed half of it. I was so stunned that I could not protest. The food was fine. My husband and I each got a different roll which was interesting and in my husband's opinion the best part of the meal, although I cannot be sure because he did not share his. He had the sea food roll. I had the cheese roll which was more like a cheese filled toasted Hawaiian roll. We also had the baked oysters which were delicious! My husband had the steak which he rated as “overcooked” and I had the catch of the day which was trout over a soupy succotash. The trout was fine. The desert was similarly unremarkable. For all its hype the food in this restaurant was notably below par compared to local gems like Aqua and Paper Canoe. Although the ambiance was lovely our experience was poor (for $220) and sadly will not be returning.
Rosalie
Everything was outstanding with our visit to Theodosia from the hostess to the server to Vivian Howard herself. The food was outstanding - comforting. I've only ever visited one other VH location, the Boiler Room, many years ago. This did not disappoint and I'm so glad it's basically in our backyard. Look forward to another visit when it reopens for the 2026 season.
Debra
Beautiful restaurant with great menu. From appetizers to main dishes, there is something for everyone. The service was a little slow but it was pretty busy when we were there. The food was exceptional!
June
What a disappointment after so much publicity. The wine menu is not extensive, and the food offerings are, quite frankly, very strange. The service was slow, we waited at least 5 minutes before a server approached our table. Then we waited another 5 minutes for our wine. The chairs were comfortable, but were so low we felt like we could rest our chins on the table. My meal was good but too rich. My husband's meal was only ok. Sadly, we will not return and this restaurant site has always been a favorite destination in September for us. We were so hoping to have a wonderful experience, it is disappointing to write an unfavorable review.
Kathryn
A perfect way to celebrate a birthday dinner! Food was outstanding, service was great, setting was memorable.
The food was delicious, cocktails creative and view of Currituck Sound lovely. The only downside was how tightly packed the tables are, especially where we sat, along the north wall, there were five tables side by side with bench seating on one side. A table had to be moved to get in or out if you were sitting on the bench, you could hear every word of the couples sitting on either side of your table. The hostess joked that we would be dining New York style but it really was not something to joke about.
Julie
Food was excellent and beautifully served. We had the tuna tartar and shrimp 2 ways. Plus Duck and Red Snapper. Caught a lovely sunset as well !
Louis
Wonderful food and service. Beautiful setting. Two minor criticisms. The two tops were too close to each other. A private conversation was impossible. There were four in our row. Three would provide a bit more privacy. We felt that the drink pours were short. Both the martini and the wine pours. At +/- $15.00 a glass, a six oz. pour seems fair.
laura
Try the Fish Toast. Our server, Lexi, described it as excellent and I am glad I followed her suggestion. It was a crisp, flavorful toast with well-prepared sea bass served over a bed of lentils with beurre blanc. The Down East Light Roll stuffed with cheddar cheese curds with apple preserves spread on top were very good. The lemon pie was definitely worth eating.
Babz
Theodosia has quickly become our favorite restaurant in the Outer Banks. Every detail, from the thoughtfully crafted menu to the beautifully curated décor, feels intentional and full of heart. Some of our favs are the tuna tartare appetizer, and the grilled romaine salad....and the duck and crab cake dishes are absolute standouts. What makes the experience even more special is the people. On our first visit in the spring, Matt was our bartender, and now as the manager, he still remembered us and welcomed us back with such genuine warmth. The vibe, the atmosphere, and the food here are truly top-notch. A gem we'll keep returning to!
We enjoyed our evening with friends our server was attentive but our entrees were slow to come out of the kitchen. Food was very good but the steaks were an uneven cook. We also think the arm chairs were too low compared to the table height.
We looked so forward to that evening and were not disappointed. I and another of our party are 5 ft. tall and when we sat down, noted that our chins were about 5" above the table. We were laughing at the sight as we did. We soon realized that the chairs had a cushion that appeared to be a back rest. We both sat on this cushion and that made the situation better. I wondered if the cushion had been used for that purpose by others and perhaps even was there for that purpose? All in all, we were not disappointed, and plan to return next summer or fall.
Not sure we'd go back! The restaurant was warm and it was a warm day in Duck. It should have been cooler inside. It was uncomfortable. The chairs at the tables are far too low. They're great for a cocktail but not for dinner. It was terribly uncomfortable. I had to sit on a pillow and my jacket. Our white wine arrived warm. There are too many tables squished in making it hard for the servers to move about. They are constantly squeezing around you. The lighting outside once it's dark is non existent. It's not safe. The food was fine, pricy but fine. But given the rest of the experience, we would not go back.
One of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. The fish toast and crab cake were amazing. The lemon pie. Will be back next year!!!
Food was outstanding, had the shrimp and grits soufflé, fresh catch (red drum) and fish toast. The figgy pudding and lemon pie were also delicious. Had a wonderful time at a wonderful restaurant.
Our disappointing experience started at the very beginning. The hostess made a comment about New York style dining as she seated us on one of 4 tables which were stuck so close together that even a reasonably sized human had to move the tables to get in and out of the seat. This would not be as frustrating if the restaurant were not half empty! The hostess made a comment about how if she were the owner she would remove at least one of these tables but alas she is required to fill these up first. I will say the seating was comfortable and I assume more so than the too-low for the tables armchair-type chairs at the bigger tables... The service was ok. It was not terribly slow but there were definitely times when we were wondering where our waiter disappeared. Speaking of the waiter - he had overwhelming body odor which was distracting from the ambiance and the meal. He was not very well versed in the menu and did not offer any of the recommendations or thoughts which you would reasonably expect from a restaurant of this (purported) caliber. I also did not appreciate how he simply cleared my ($19) cocktail from the table even though I had only consumed half of it. I was so stunned that I could not protest. The food was fine. My husband and I each got a different roll which was interesting and in my husband's opinion the best part of the meal, although I cannot be sure because he did not share his. He had the sea food roll. I had the cheese roll which was more like a cheese filled toasted Hawaiian roll. We also had the baked oysters which were delicious! My husband had the steak which he rated as “overcooked” and I had the catch of the day which was trout over a soupy succotash. The trout was fine. The desert was similarly unremarkable. For all its hype the food in this restaurant was notably below par compared to local gems like Aqua and Paper Canoe. Although the ambiance was lovely our experience was poor (for $220) and sadly will not be returning.
Everything was outstanding with our visit to Theodosia from the hostess to the server to Vivian Howard herself. The food was outstanding - comforting. I've only ever visited one other VH location, the Boiler Room, many years ago. This did not disappoint and I'm so glad it's basically in our backyard. Look forward to another visit when it reopens for the 2026 season.
Beautiful restaurant with great menu. From appetizers to main dishes, there is something for everyone. The service was a little slow but it was pretty busy when we were there. The food was exceptional!
What a disappointment after so much publicity. The wine menu is not extensive, and the food offerings are, quite frankly, very strange. The service was slow, we waited at least 5 minutes before a server approached our table. Then we waited another 5 minutes for our wine. The chairs were comfortable, but were so low we felt like we could rest our chins on the table. My meal was good but too rich. My husband's meal was only ok. Sadly, we will not return and this restaurant site has always been a favorite destination in September for us. We were so hoping to have a wonderful experience, it is disappointing to write an unfavorable review.
A perfect way to celebrate a birthday dinner! Food was outstanding, service was great, setting was memorable.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was delicious, cocktails creative and view of Currituck Sound lovely. The only downside was how tightly packed the tables are, especially where we sat, along the north wall, there were five tables side by side with bench seating on one side. A table had to be moved to get in or out if you were sitting on the bench, you could hear every word of the couples sitting on either side of your table. The hostess joked that we would be dining New York style but it really was not something to joke about.
Food was excellent and beautifully served. We had the tuna tartar and shrimp 2 ways. Plus Duck and Red Snapper. Caught a lovely sunset as well !
Wonderful food and service. Beautiful setting. Two minor criticisms. The two tops were too close to each other. A private conversation was impossible. There were four in our row. Three would provide a bit more privacy. We felt that the drink pours were short. Both the martini and the wine pours. At +/- $15.00 a glass, a six oz. pour seems fair.
Try the Fish Toast. Our server, Lexi, described it as excellent and I am glad I followed her suggestion. It was a crisp, flavorful toast with well-prepared sea bass served over a bed of lentils with beurre blanc. The Down East Light Roll stuffed with cheddar cheese curds with apple preserves spread on top were very good. The lemon pie was definitely worth eating.
Theodosia has quickly become our favorite restaurant in the Outer Banks. Every detail, from the thoughtfully crafted menu to the beautifully curated décor, feels intentional and full of heart. Some of our favs are the tuna tartare appetizer, and the grilled romaine salad....and the duck and crab cake dishes are absolute standouts. What makes the experience even more special is the people. On our first visit in the spring, Matt was our bartender, and now as the manager, he still remembered us and welcomed us back with such genuine warmth. The vibe, the atmosphere, and the food here are truly top-notch. A gem we'll keep returning to!
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