Theodosia — Restaurant in Duck

We spend some time in Collington every summer and are so thrilled to have such a fabulous restaurant nearby. Four of us went very shortly after they opened and the service, atmosphere, food, and bar program were impeccable. It was so fantastic that we brought another family member back the very next week and it was just as spectacular.

Our server Dante was personable, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience so welcoming and fun. I hardly ever remember the names of servers but he was so lovely it felt like we’d known him forever by the time we left. The bartenders were also so friendly but also so well-versed in the menu and ingredients. Vivian Howard was at the restaurant the second time we went and delivered food to tables herself all evening, which was very cool.

The Ghost of Eastlake cocktail (their take on a daiquiri) was absolutely incredible. So complex and perfectly balanced. One of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Our party also had the Sea Oar (margarita) and the Serena Susana (milk punch) and they were exceptional too.

All the food we had was spectacular. The standouts in starters were definitely the Grouper Ceviche, the Down East Light Rolls (all variations were great but especially the shrimp and scallop burger). For Entrees the steak was one of the best anyone in our party has ever had, and the Blueberry BBQ duck was so good that I’m still dreaming of ways to incorporate blueberries into every savory dish. For dessert we tried just about everything between the two visits, the cobbler was perfection and the figgy pudding was absolutely delicious (I didn’t want to order that one and I’m so glad we did and that I was wrong).

I see reviews saying it’s too expensive- I found it surprisingly well-priced for the level of execution, quality, and creativity of the food. Not to mention the atmosphere, attention to detail, and overall experience.

Also some people mentioned it’s not great for children. I would agree, this is a dining experience for adults. If possible, I would recommend not bringing your children.

It also sounds like some people experienced challenges with reservations and service, but we experienced neither. We were sat right away and our every whim was attended to.

Only a few weeks before coming we had the amazing good fortune to have dinner at The French Laundry. Our whole party agreed that the food and dining experience at Theodosia would easily rank very near that of The French Laundry. We can’t wait to come back next summer, hopefully multiple times!

I wish I took good photos to share but we were too busy...

My husband and I ate there for our 25th wedding anniversary as we were down there at our cottage for a few days. We were both very excited about it after reading the reviews and just for a new restaurant of that caliber to be an option in the area as they seem to be lacking. Our reservation was for 7:00 on a Tuesday evening so we arrived a few minutes earlier, however, did not get seated until 7:30. We kept being told they are "clearing the table now." So we sat at the bar and had a drink, both of which we very much enjoyed. Our biggest complaint was the table - we were seated at a table for two, near the kitchen where one seat was an upolstered seat and one was a chair. I felt like we were in NYC - the two tables on either side of us were so close we could not have a private conversation nor could I even squeeze into the seat because the space between the tables was less than ten inches (and I am only 120 pounds.) I felt bad for the couple dining at the table on one side since I had to pull their tablecloth. The view over the sound was just stunning - definitely the best attribute of that location - all windows, beautiful time of day and very peaceful. However, one of the shades was broken so the sun was shining right in my husband's eye which made it hard to relax. The man at the table next to us complained to the waiter as the sun was in his eye too, however nothing was done. He complained again so they moved them to another table. The food was pretty good - (another reviewer said "corporate-like" and I agree) they were out of the drum so replaced it with tile, which wasn't that big of a deal. We also got the sheepshead toast and the shrimp for two as an appetizer. The app was a little disappointing. Then for a dessert we had the summer berry cobbler and the chocolate cake. The cobbler was the highlight of the night - just absolutely amazing - I ate every bite! The cake was ok. Overall, good experience and fun to try a new place. I think my complaints could be just working out the kinks of a new operation. Adhere to the reservations people make, only have three tables along that row, and fix the blind :) We will certainly go back again as we're down there a lot. I have always wondered why there is no outdoor seating. It would be amazing for that location but maybe it's...

I followed Vivian Howard's PBS show and have previously dined at The Boiler Room in Kinston prior to it closing. We loved the decor at Theodosia, especially the window treatments and drapes opening to plate glass picture window views of Currituck Sound. Loved the Greek key pattern in the tiles.

The hostess/maitre d' made a great first impression on us.

We sat at one of the tables with the comfy swiveling armchairs. The chairs were very low. My friend's geriatric mother accepted the pillow offered by our waiter to compensate. The table felt too tall (even for us).

She ordered a Pinot Noir and I had a Martini. The wine came out 15 to 20 minutes ahead of my cocktail.

I ordered three each of the two types of oysters on the menu, along with the duck barbecue with blueberry sauce. The oysters were far from well chilled, in fact they were warm (and had no liquor). There was no indication on the serving as to which oysters were which.

My friend's mother had the crab cake and shrimp two ways. My friend ordered the flaked blue fish and potato puffs for the table (tasty!). My buddy ordered the duck, and clam chowder.

We both ordered the duck medium rare and it came out medium well (and lukewarm at best), but had good flavor.

I ordered a glass of grenacha with my duck. The waiter offered to give me a taste of it because he said it was "hit or miss". Instead he just brought me a glass with my entree. Very good, by the way. Smoother and lighter than any I've had before.

I had the lemon pie, which I thought was very good, although possibly slightly too far in the direction of a custard. The meringue was fantastic (a bit beyond golden brown though). The waiter cleared my dessert plate without asking me if I was finished, and there was still a bite left.

I wanted an espresso but was informed that only decaf espresso was available, so my friend and I settled for a black coffee instead. I was disappointed because I could see the beautiful Lavazza espresso machine from where I was sitting.

I was wondering if the the restaurant is named after Theodosia Burr Alston, the daughter of Aaron Burr. She was lost at sea aboard the ship the Patriot during the War of 1812.

When I am spending over $100 a head for dinner, I expect a bit more from the...