Rusty's Surf & Turf Restaurant on Hatteras Island

A Friendly and Casual Hatteras Island Restaurant

Rusty’s Surf & Turf is located in Buxton, NC, just two miles south of the entrance to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. We’re proud to offer fine dining in a colorful and casual atmosphere. We feature local seafood with global flavor, plus a full bar complete with craft cocktails, craft beer and wine. Dine indoors or outside on our porch. We serve dinner Wednesday through Sunday nights. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

Reservations

Longtime Favorite Hatteras Island Restaurant

We bring together local Outer Banks seafood, all-natural meats, and bold international flavors for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

At our Hatteras Island restaurant, we specialize in seafood and steak, infused with bold, worldly flavors inspired by Rusty’s global travels. Every dish on our menu reflects a unique cultural story—because we believe food should nourish both the body and the soul. Our goal is to create an unforgettable dining experience where guests savor exceptional cuisine while discovering the rich traditions behind each bite.

Reservations

Our Reviews

    
 
 
         
   Lori G 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect meal. What a fantastic find! Capped off our vacation with a perfect meal at Rusty’s the last night before departure. We had wonderful service and an outstanding meal. Unfortunately there were only a few tables full and they explained that Saturdays were typically slowest due to tourists rental departure times. We started with clam chowder which was perfectly salty, smoky, and sublime. I would eat this every day if I had access to it. My entree was a spicy vegetable stir fry with sticky rice- definitely a Pacific influenced dish. I had argued with myself about getting seafood one more time before leaving the OBX but I’m glad I didn’t cave in. This was so well done. Not too saucy and perfectly spicy, crunchy with sweet sticky rice. My partner had a seafood tortellini- which included large spicy shrimp and scallops. I was afraid it would have been smothered in a rich cream saucy. Not the case. They were grilled to perfection and the sauce was very light for a cream sauce- pleasantly surprised. Finished with house made blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Highly recommend. Don’t skip the chance to eat at Rusty’s
  
 
        
   mmkerrick 
 
 
 
 Verified Food and service are both superior. Highly recommend Rusty's. The fried green tomatoes are the best. The mahi bites and hush puppies were fantastic. We didn't have a reservation but we were able to be seated immediately. The service was excellent. The nc "down east" clam chowder was smoky.
  
 
        
   ANGELA R 
 
 
 
 Verified Great for couples food awesome Was excellent. Got the sesame tuna was perfectly cooked. The pickled ginger gave a total different flavor if you added a piece with tuna. My husband got the swordfish which melted in you mouth. Was $$$ for us but got appetizer, we each out a drink as well. Very clean and great atmosphere.
  
 
        
   Jon B 
 
 
 
 Verified BEST STEAK EVER EXCELLENT FOOD, SERVICE AND DRINKS WE HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS PLACE. STEAK AND SHRIMP WERE AWESOME. FRIENDLY STAFF NICE DECOR
  
 
        
   Jennifer D 
 
 
 
 Verified A Delicious Experience in Buxton, N.C. While staying in Kill Devil Hills N.C. last summer we decided to take an impromptu drive south to Buxton N.C. After a long day we decided to stop for dinner at Rusty's Surf and Turf restaurant. We were seated within a few minutes at about 9 pm. Our meal was excellent. Our selections were crab cakes and the fish dinner. Everything was delicious and had that very special taste that you get when a chef makes the meal. My standout item was the mashed potatoes which had a golden color and were so good that I wish I had the recipe to make them at home. The waiter and staff were also very kind and attentive. We will definitely visit this little gem again the next time we take a drive down to Buxton N.C.
  
 
        
   Kurt C 
 
 
 
 Verified Great food and service My wife got the Shrimp and Grits. Best Shrimp and Grits she has ever had. I got the Grilled Mahi with a Korean gochujang sauce. It was really good. The Mahi was done prefect. Both meals were well served. Our waiter did a superb job. We got the Key Lime Pie for dessert and it was very good. Would highly recommend
  
 
        
   dbabmeister 
 
 
 
 Verified Rusty's is a Shore Experience ! Excellent dinner combined with superb service. Don't miss the Hushpuppies Oysters appetizer. Shrimp and grits and Tuna seared to perfection were our main courses. Best key liime pie ever for dessert. We have been homeowners for over 30 years in Avon. Best experience yet in a restaurant. Call for your reservation NOW! Dianne and Bill
  
 
        
   Thayer S 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent food in Buxton OBX I just don't have words for how good Rusty's is. We stayed in Buxton perhaps 7 years ago and had an enjoyable meal there, so we knew that we would re-visit when we returned. Delicious hushpuppy app -we should have gotten 2 of them (one fellow traveler said that he would just eat those for dinner if he could). Fried green tomato app was also excellent (and the other 2 in the party were happy that they didn't need to share it with hush puppy guy). I am a fish eater, while other family members want the turf (baby back ribs). The joy of Rusty's is that no matter what they are cooking the food is amazing and inventive -which everyone enjoyed (rather than the 1 gourmet while the other gourmands thought was too expensive). The spicy margherita was to die for. Will definitely return next year on our travel along OBX.

Chef-Inspired Seafood & Steak on Hatteras Island, NC

Rusty Midgett, a renowned chef and proud father of an amazing young man, has made a name for himself in the restaurant industry by offering an unparalleled culinary experience that combines his passion for surf travel and his love for discovering new flavors. As the chef and owner of Rusty’s Surf and Turf restaurant in Buxton on Hatteras Island, Rusty is committed to providing his guests with a unique and memorable dining experience.

As a community-minded business owner, Rusty strives to give back to the people who have supported him throughout his career. He is committed to providing food and experiences that are not available at other restaurants, and he takes pride in being ahead of the curve. His dedication to innovation has resulted in many imitations from other restaurants, but Rusty remains focused on continuing to push boundaries and bring new ideas to the table.

Rusty is not just a chef, but also a surfer who craves surf travel and the experience of discovering new food. His passion for adventure and his commitment to his craft are what make Rusty’s Surf and Turf such a unique and special place. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a steak aficionado, Rusty has something for everyone at his Hatteras restaurant.

Reservations