The SaltBox Cafe

My husband and I were together long before we finally tied the knot. Whenever we talked about our wedding dreams, it always included the statement, “I want Saltbox to cater the wedding”. When it came time to book our caterer, we knew walking into the tasting that this decision would be as easy as it was delicious. What became a favorite date-night spot, will now always have a forever memory in our hearts because of what Amanda and Randolph, and their entire staff, worked to deliver for us. If you’ve never had an opportunity to experience the creativity, flavor and love that goes into Saltbox’s food, then I strongly urge you to check that off your to-do list. If you’re on the wedding planning journey and searching for a catering company, this should be your first and last stop. Amanda and Randolph were extremely responsive and open to the entire vision we had for our Viking-themed wedding…an evening feast fit for a Viking King. Our goal was to build a seasonal, yet varied cuisine menu that celebrated the local seafood and nuances of Outer Banks and would leave our guests talking about this dinner for years to come. From the detail that was put into our hors d’oeuvres, through the flavorful and perfectly executed plated dinner service, ending with the most decadent spread of desserts/hot chocolate bar (best in OBX of course), we were beyond impressed with every single bite we ate that evening. Additionally, Saltbox provided the best bartenders who executed our fun “his and hers” cocktails and (2) full bars with ease and smiles. We are still receiving endless compliments about how amazing the cocktails were. From Saltbox’s attentiveness during the planning process, to a detailed site visit to review the kitchen/service needs, to a well-executed plating set-up, to each staff member’s warm and professional service style throughout the evening of our event, I would recommend again and again their catering services. The execution, timing and presentation was impeccable – but most importantly, their entire team was such a delight to have in and out of the kitchen as they truly delivered the best feast we’ve ever had. From a professional perspective, I am also a career Event Planner, working to organize events from weddings to high-end galas nationwide – this was hands down the best quality and executed event service I’ve seen in a career of 15+ years.

The Outer Banks doesn’t exactly have a reputation for top-tier cuisine, and when the average diner wouldn’t know bold flavor if it slapped them in the face, you don’t often expect much. Thankfully, The SaltBox stands out as one of the best places around, though it still has its shortcomings.

The highlight of the meal was the frog legs—crispy, golden brown, and tender with just the right juiciness in every bite. If I’m being honest, the coleslaw garnish was a bit lackluster. It could’ve used more seasoning—salt, pepper, and perhaps some acidity. A tangy Greek yogurt with a splash of local mustard and apple cider vinegar (or lime) would elevate the dish to a solid 10.

On the other hand, the green curry crab soup was a bit of a letdown. Green curry should be vibrant, rich, and bursting with layers of flavor. Unfortunately, this tasted like a watered-down, off-the-shelf curry mix (Think: Taste of Thai), with a surprisingly low amount of crab. The soup was also served lukewarm, which didn’t help matters. I don’t expect much from Asian fusion in the OBX, but this was a missed opportunity.

The guy next to me at the bar would have loved it, who thought a "crustini" was some sort of brand of chips. But for the price and ambiance, it should have been better.

The seared tuna, on the other hand, was right on point. Perfectly cooked to temp with a crunchy pistachio crust, fingerling potatoes, and crispy Brussels sprouts (I think). The Bearnaise sauce was executed well, but there was something missing—maybe just a touch more seasoning. Salt, perhaps? This lack of seasoning was a theme across most dishes.

The shrimp and grits had great potential—plump shrimp, creamy grits, and a delightful mix of spinach, andouille sausage, cherry tomatoes, and onions, all of which created an exciting flavor profile in most bites. However, the grits were warm and the sauce lukewarm. The shrimp, though, were slightly overdone, but I doubt the average diner would notice.

Overall, The SaltBox is a solid choice, especially considering the mediocrity of the surrounding restaurants. The creativity and presentation are on par with its reputation, but the execution left something to be desired. If they could dial in the seasoning and be more consistent with heat and flavor balance, it would be a true standout. Stick to coastal Americana or focus on refining the flavors for more ambitious dishes like curry.

Service was okay—though the young staff could use more training to match the restaurant's ambitions. Overall, it’s a 5/10 for me. I’d give it another shot, but after I didn’t show up for my second reservation, I’m not in a rush.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits

Small and quaint, quality food, great servings. Staff was wonderful! Suggest reservations as it is a very small venue and fills up quickly!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits

Meals were great and our server was so nice.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We have dined in and used take out. Every meal is fantastic. The wait staff is the best and you always feel so welcomed. Amanda and Randolph are also very community minded.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

After 8 years of living on the Outer Banks, we finally made it to The Saltbox Cafe. We should be ashamed to admit that! Absolutely wonderful! The shrimp and grits were delicious. The best I've had by far! Portions were large, including the pumpkin cake we had for dessert. It won't take 8 years for us to be back, that's for sure. Shout out to Brandy who was wonderful with suggestions.

Parking sucks but it’s worth the frustration. Be sure and make a reservation because you’re never guaranteed a seat at the bar.

Fantastic food, friendly staff, nice setting. The baked jalapeno popper dip is excellent - my only suggestion is to go with pita chips in place of potato chips. Minor issue, highly recommend.

Have been here many times, both takeout and eat in, but the meals lately have been disappointing. My usual meal of crab cake was not nearly as good as before. Even wondered if it was pre-made?
Went for lunch and sat outside which was so nice. Food was ok. Service every time has been great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

FYI - break your party up and sit at two tables, as the waitress can add a 20% charge, if she so chooses (this isn't the tip). In our case, she chose to. We just ate there. I found the dining experience unpleasant. The waitress wanted to put eight of us in one booth (six adults , two children). I kindly stated there's no way we could fit in one booth. She was unhappy at our reply and developed an attitude. When she brought the check, she mentioned there was a 20% fee added to the bill for having a large party. This is NOT the tip. The tip is additional. We did take a closer look at the menu. It states they "may" add a 20% fee for parties over 6. I'm persuaded she only added the extra fee because we sat at two booths, which was against her wishes. I definitely will not recommend this place. Not customer friendly (at least not with the waitress we had)

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

Delicious and well priced! We had Sunday brunch and enjoyed the muffin of the day, crab Benedict, tater tots, and shrimp and grits. All prepared perfectly. Friendly service too. Thanks Saltbox crew!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Poached Eggs and Crab, Tater Tots

Always impressive with both service and food. Specials and apps are awesome. I'm partial to the ribs for my entre, but everything I've tried has been delicious.

Our absolute FAVORITE restaurant anywhere!! We've been coming here for 10 years. Nothing even comes close to SaltBox Cafe. Chefs Randolph and Amanda are artists in their ability to create dishes. Their choices of ingredients and flavor make each dish a work of art. We used to travel to OBX for the beach...now the beach takes back burner to our meals at Saltbox Cafe. If we stay 4 days, we make 4 reservations.
In 10 years, not a single dish has disappointed us. Saltbox is a gem in an area packed with mediocre food and tourist traps.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tempura Fried Onion Rings, Pan Seared Crab Cake Sandwich, Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup, Sriracha Tots, Sweet Potato Fries, Fish of the Day

Overpriced for what we ordered.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

We thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience for dinner, loved the porch area! We had the fried plantain app special, ribeye entree also shrimp & grits. But the best was the homemade dessert! Everything was delicious & the staff was great! I’d recommend making reservations to ensure you get to enjoy this restaurant. We will definitely be back to check out other dinner options.