Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar

There is nothing about Ocean Boulevard that we don't like. We've been dining there for years and have come to rely on, and appreciate, the quality and variety of the food and drink offerings , the upscale yet relaxed ambiance, and the caliber of service. Chef Donnie King and his team continue to serve up excellence.

I can't decide what made this meal so wonderful. The room is warm and inviting. The staff is knowledgeable and professional but friendly. The food is amazing in taste and presentation. We have eaten at Ocean Boulevard countless times. I think what made this meal so wonderful is that every time we eat eat here it is even better than it was the last time and we can't wait to come back again!

As usual this restaurant does it right. From the warm greeting to a pleasant server who knew the menu and was able to answer questions regarding gluten, the total experience was first rate. She ordered the asparagus soup that was over the top with flavor and richness. I ordered the crab bisque and the creative touch by the chef made this dish incredible. She then ordered the strip steak that was cooked to perfection. Not every restaurant knows how to cook a steak medium rare. Hers was perfect. My rack of lamb was to die for. Absolutely delicious

Sitting so close to people not in your party so close you could rub elbows is very uncomfortable. There are booths so make a reservation and request them or you'll be with other people you don't want to be with. No intimacy for conversation. The food was absolutely amazing. We had garlic shrimp appetizer, 7 lettuce salad with goat cheese and the scallop dinner with risotto. Our waitress was kind and attentive.

Outstanding dinner experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We thoroughly enjoyed our birthday dinner!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shrimp and grits. Haven’t seen it’s equal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary here and had such an amazing experience! Knowing it was our anniversary, they seated us in a secluded room upstairs next to a window with a view of the ocean.

Because you must have martinis when at a martini bar, we started with the Sazerac and the Rye Manhattan - both were absolutely on point (spoken as a true Manhattan snob (the drink, not the city))! We then had the peppered tuna sashimi for our appetizer, with fresh bread and butter. For dinner we ordered the roasted duck with polenta and the pork chop special with beans and sausage. Both meals were exceptional - my husband said it was some of the best duck he’s ever had. With dinner, we ordered a bottle of wine from their reserve wines menu (with the help of our server, Todd). For dessert we opted for the cheesecake of the moment special (chocolate chip cheesecake) and the other special (carrot cake with homemade ice cream). The entire meal was absolutely spectacular and we cannot wait to go back! Highly recommend for anyone in the OBX looking for a quality dining experience!

Parking: Ample parking located behind the restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pepper Seared Rare Tuna Sashimi Poke, Cheesecake of the Moment, Pan Roasted Duck Breast

I went there after my elopement with a party of 9. I have gotten better service from the Wendy’s down the street. The server was awful. He had an attitude from the moment we got there. Our group was very easy going and did not complain at all but I was embarrassed and pissed off that we spent over $500 in that restaurant and were treated so poorly. It’s a shame because the food was good. I will not be back and hope others think twice because the food is a little expensive so I expect more.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Was disappointed in the fare and service.

Let’s start with the fare first: it is advertised as a martini bar, so I asked for a classic dry vodka martini with olives. It was so-so, but I drank it with my “appetizer” of stuffed olives. When I finished I asked for a second - more dry - than the first. A few minutes later, the service person comes to ask me “by dry, do you mean MORE vermouth or swirl in the glass and dump out?” Of course, dump out! It shocked me that I was even asked.

Moving on…
I ordered the (half) roasted chicken - simple plate - with mash, mixed greens and nestled in broth. The chicken was overcooked, the mash was runny and the greens were already cold when the dish hit the table. I probably could have overlooked that IF everything was seasoned properly. I had to ask for the salt and pepper shakers. I also had to ask for a decent slicing knife to cut the chicken. The butter knife would not slice through it.

After trying to get through the first three bites, I resigned myself, returned the dish and asked to have something completely different. I thought I would try the tuna sashimi. When it was brought to the table, the plating was standard- however, TRUE sashimi is always supposed to be paper thin. These slices were pepper-coated on the edges and definitely NOT thinly sliced. Additionally the soba noodles were more saturated with sesame oil than anything and they basically drowned out the subtle flavors of the tuna.

Needless to say, I did not finish it and pushed it aside. I didn’t even bother to try and send it back and ask for a third chance for something. I ended up eating the last of the bread and butter to “wash” the flavors of sesame oil and bitter ginger out or my mouth.

My husband did not finish his plate either (also the roasted chicken - he got the full entree which consisted of pasta and the greens) and had the same comments regarding the chicken and said the pasta was overcooked- not al dente.

Finally, not once did the sous chef, the head chef OR the maitre’d ever make their way to our table.

I could go on with a few more comments but I think I’ve made it clear that we were not impressed and will not be visiting on our next visit to Kitty Hawk.

It is sad because we were excited to have the chance to have a “finer” dining experience our final night in town and this place actually came recommended to us.

After spending over $120 for a half-eaten meal, all I can say is save your money.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Closest to fine dining you'll get on the beach

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our all time favorite in Kitty Hawk. Great bar atmosphere. The food is outstanding always. BEST MAC N CHEESE EVER!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chocolate Gateau, Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Steak Special, Pepper Seared Rare Tuna Sashimi Poke, Cheesecake of the Moment, Crab Cake with Succotash, Brussels, Mac and Cheese, Pan Roasted Duck Breast, Lamb Chops

Best fine dining on the outer banks!

Very disappointed in duck.the main coarse of meal

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Pan Roasted Duck Breast

Probably the best meal you will find on OBX. From the ambience to the service and wine list you can’t go wrong. And the food? Creative menu and strong cooking skills. Perfectly cooked flounder with spatzele and a macadamia nut tart with cinnamon ice cream were my favorites. Overall just a stellar evening.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5