Avenue Waterfront Grill, Manteo NC

Avenue Waterfront Grill off downtown waterfront park is located in Manteo, NC. Up a few flights of steps and overlooking the Marina is this restaurant serving seafood and featuring outside dining where dogs are welcome. Inside the welcoming décor boasts spacious ambiance with tables dispersed somewhat randomly and well spaced apart for those intimate dinner conversations. Further contributing to the relaxing atmosphere, set off from the well stocked bar, is a sofa and chair seating area to relax and enjoy the views of the water and boats.
This establishment is clean and tidy, and the restrooms are some of the cleanest we have encountered. Ever notice the relationship between a clean, well kept restaurant and good food?
We chose to sit outside with our dog and ordered the fish tacos and tuna sushi style. From the start service was prompt but not overbearing; relaxed fine dining exemplified by substantial dining utensils wrapped in thick paper napkins was followed by our luncheon presentation. The fish tacos are offered with choice of fish and my wife chose tuna medium rare which was stuffed with blackened tuna accented by a sweet & spicy taco relish. The presentation of the tuna sushi style was attractive with the tuna stacked pinwheel style with a drizzle of citrus soy running down the plate separating the tuna from the perfectly cooked and seasoned jasmine rice cake which paired perfectly with the tuna and the drizzle. The side of pickled cucumber & seaweed salad was just sharp enough to excite the tongue and offer a transition to the rice cake.

The Takeaway: an immaculately clean restaurant inside and out with dispersed seating inside apparently created for those intimate dining rendezvous. Dog friendly on the deck for alfresco dining. The food is well prepared and presented offering consistently good gastronomic experiences time and again. Located in the beautiful and quaint Town of Manteo with marinas and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse just a short stroll away. Enjoyed lunch July 2019. See www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays.