I think it is good to expose kids to various types of experiences, one of those is fine dining. Call me crazy but I think it is a good thing to teach them proper manners, the appreciation of finer foods, and how to enjoy such.
We haven’t taken my kids to many fine dining restaurants yet but while we were looking for an Outer Banks restaurant, we found a family-friendly fine dining establishment. Did you even know those existed? Well it does at Port O’ Call in Kill Devil Hills, NC.
Port O’ Call Review
The moment we arrived at Port O’ Call, we knew it was going to be a dining destination, not just a typical Outer Banks restaurant. The entrance was inviting and intriguing.
Once we opened the doors to Port O’ Call, we entered a large lobby with a full bar to the right, gift shop to the left, and the dining room straight on. Port O’ Call is a visual smorgasbord of Victorian decor, oil paintings, with hints of coastal beach decor all wrapped up in one eclectic, yet fine dining restaurant. We were quickly greeted and seated at our table. The white cloth lined tables were spaced nicely apart from others, for more intimate dining. My son immediately noticed the painting on the walls and one struck him as very similar to Monet. He has quite an interest in art after studying it in Kindergarten.
Port O’ Call offers an extensive menu of Outer Banks Seafood, Angus Beef, Prime Rib, Chicken, Pasta, Salads, and more. We asked our waiter for his recommendations and enjoyed each and every one. For our appetizers, we went with the customer favorites of Hot Crab Dip and Bacon Wrapped Scallops.
Everyone enjoyed the Hot Crab Dip, even my kids who have never had crab before. The 3-cheese sauce was so smooth with generous pieces of crab meat throughout. The pita wedges with fresh grated cheese on top created the perfect combination. Great portion size for a family of 4 to have a couple each. gently folded into a special three cheese blend, served hot and bubbly with pita wedges.
The Bacon Wrapped Scallops were my daughter’s favorite, she add 1/2 of them! She’s never had scallops before, it was interesting seeing how she responded to them. You can’t find out what your kids if you don’t let them experience new tastes. My husband and I also really enjoyed them. How can you go wrong with fresh Outer Banks scallops wrapped in bacon? They were served over a sherry cream sauce. I just wish the appetizer had more, it was just 5 pieces.
Our waiter was so attentive, my kids even noticed how proper he was and polite. He brought out the best in my kids, along with extra pleases’ and thank you’s. For dinner, my kids ordered off the impressive kid’s menu. Elijah, my 6 year old was very excited to hear that steak was on the menu, he felt like a grown up, especially with his steak knife! I had a taste, the Ribeye was cooked well and juicy. The fries were yummy too.
Even at a fine dining restaurant, it’s good to let kids be kids while experiencing new things. Elizabeth, my 4 year old had Fried Flounder that was brought in the same day. We don’t eat enough seafood in our home, I do try, but alas, we don’t have it often enough. Elizabeth really, really enjoyed the flounder. I plan to get a cook book on cooking seafood, Port O’ Call inspired me!
My husband ordered one of his favorite seafood dishes, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. The crab cakes were an impressive 4 oz each and served with a roasted red pepper sauce. The kick was a bit too much for me, however my husband enjoyed every last bite. I ordered the Fried Fisherman’s Platter, as suggested by our waiter.
I don’t get a lot of breaded and fried foods but this is a treat that you can’t pass up if you are ever in the Outer Banks. It was a huge platter of Crab cake, shrimp, Mahi, scallops, & oysters.
My husband and I always share eachother’s entrees, at least for tasting. I warned my husband not to even go for another piece of the jumbo shrimp because it was just too good to share. My meal came with fresh, steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes to balance the meal out a bit.
Port O’ Call Gift Shop
While you are there, stop by the Port O’ Call gift shop where you will find an assortment as eclectic as the restaurant including fine jewelry, glass blown art, coastal beach decor, and more.
We all went home with leftovers as the portion sizes were generous. We certainly didn’t save room for dessert, however the dessert tray looked amazing! Our dining experience was top notch with delicious food, exceptional service, and a pleasant atmosphere. While dining there, we were surrounded by guests of all sorts including couples, young families, families with teenagers, and even a party. Port O’ Call is one Outer Banks restaurant that you have to put on your OBX itinerary.
Port O’ Call Outer Banks
514 S Va Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
888-219-6490
http://outerbankspocrestaurant.com/
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This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to Nags Head Produce who provided the products for review.
