As I grew up in a big Italian family, I grew accustomed to eating all the time. My family ate to celebrate, we ate in times of stress and we ate like stuffed piggies especially when we went on vacation. Needless to say, choosing the perfect restaurant hot spots was top priority when we ventured out of state in the blazing summer heat.

Since I was little, vacationing at the beach became an annual event every summer. From Maryland, to Virginia, to Delaware, to North Carolina, the latter has been our most preferred. Nothing beats sprawling out in soft sand across a beach with glistening waters, but finding new restaurants to add to our list of "must-go-tos" was a key adventure from the start.

The Outer Banks has an abundance of restaurants to drool over, but the following, in no specific order, of course, own the key to my summer heart:

1. Mako Mike's

Address: 1630 N. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills

The inside furnishings of Mako Mike's will make you feel like you're deep sea diving with the sharks of your dreams (or nightmares). Decorated with life size sharks of all kinds, Mako Mike's lives up to its name. Unfortunately, shark is no longer on the menu as an entre but you are welcome to order fried mako bites as an appetizer- a must have! Mike's menu appeals to hungry bellies that crave wood fired oven pizza, pasta, sandwiches, land creatures and plentiful seafood specialties. I prefer grilled mahi mahi- a generous portion of dolphinfish topped with a sweet and spicy mango and coconut cream sauce.

I recommend (appetizer): Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip
I recommend: Grilled Mahi Mahi

2. Sugar Creek

Address: 7340 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head

If you're looking to enjoy a romantic or peaceful dinner as the sun sets, ask to sit on Sugar Creek's deck. This soundfront restaurant thrives on it's prime location, you guessed it, in front of the sound, next to the array of oranges, pinks, and reds that kiss the water when the sun turns in for the evening. Sugar Creek's large menu has an extensive seafood list with shrimp choices galore. Choose your entre, complementing sides, and soak in those last rays!

I recommend: Popcorn Shrimp

3. Jolly Roger

Address: 1836 North Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills

The Jolly Roger is the oldest Italian restaurant on the beach. The building was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, but to much avail, thanks to the hands of Jolly Roger's hardworking staff, the building was put back together again. This restaurant brings endless home-cooked meals to the table. That being said, if you're craving one of your mom's or grandma's famous saucy dishes with a satisfying serving, this is the place to go (but let's be honest, no meal truly compares to the meals your loved ones prepare!) For those looking for a dressed up dish, check out the Chef's Specialties. Before you leave don't forget to pose for a photo op with the Jolly Roger himself!

I recommend: Eggplant Parmesan

4. Black Pelican

Address: 3848 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk

Before Black Pelican came about, this foundation served as Lifesaving Station #6 in 1874. Crews worked 'round the clock to serve those traveling along the ocean and provided assistance to their boats. As a matter of fact, this is where the Wright brothers sent out the telegraph that proclaimed the successful mission of their first flight. Now, Black Pelican is an elegant restaurant that has a positively overwhelming menu with options for everyone. If you have dietary restrictions or eat gluten free, this is the place for you. While you're here, enjoy a chilled glass of Canyon Road Moscato.

I recommend (appetizer): Crab Rangoon
I recommend: Classic Filet (featured as the cover photo)

5. Captain George's

Address: 705 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills

Captain George's offers a wide array of delicious food beyond your imagination; you might want to stop at the Tanger Outlets to buy looser jeans for when you're all said and done. This restaurant has a large buffet and an a la carte menu which offers burgers, sandwiches, wraps and larger entres for the grumbling bellies. The buffet, appropriately priced for what's on the menu, will have you drooling from start to finish with its Alaskan Snow crab legs, Mahogany clams, blackened mahi, fried shellfish and more. The buffet also includes prime rib, BBQ pork ribs, chicken, fancy soups, salads and an even more amazing dessert bar. Can you tell I fell in love? While you're here, treat yourself to a drink from the bar and take home a souvenir glass.

I recommend: Buffet (go big or go home!)

6. Mulligan's

Address: 4005 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head

First thing's first: this restaurant is dog friendly! That's right, for the people in the back, you can bring your pooch on a romantic dinner date. With a little help from their human, pups can choose an entre off of their very own menu. Aside from that, Mulligan's is famous for their burgers and raw bar and grille if you're into raw shellfish and sushi.

I recommend: Irish Pub Style Fish & Chips

7. Duck Donuts

Address: 710 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills

Last, but certainly not least, Duck Donuts did not disappoint when my family and I dived in to 18 delicious, customized circles of freshness and warmth. When you step through the door of Duck Donuts, order forms with endless options are waiting for you to fill them out. You can order naked donuts, or you can choose an icing, a topping, and a drizzle. Icings range from a plain glaze to chocolate, vanilla, maple, peanut butter, strawberry, and more. Toppings include sprinkles, crumbled Oreos, peanuts, shredded coconut and bacon. Oh yeah. Finally, top it off with hot fudge, blackberry, raspberry, or salted caramel. Can you say, yum!? The best part is, they're baked right in front of you- I couldn't think of a better treat to hit the spot on an early morning before trucking it down to the beach for the day.

I recommend: vanilla icing, Oreo cookie crumble topping, hot fudge syrup

Bon appetit!