Metropolis
252.453.6167 email: mattckristof@gmail.com
520 Old Stoney Rd, Corolla, N.C. 27927 (In Ocean Club Centre)
May 27, 2011..."Do not miss this place when you are at the Banks!!" November 29, 2010.... September 5, 2010.....Great tapas with an eclectic American/local twist. The wine list is modorate in size but very good. Nice explanation of the specials by the owner. Our server was attentive ( sorry but I don't remember her name). The intricate flavors were evident in every plate ( we ordered 5 for 2 people). The deserts were amazing. Can't wait to go again.
This was a wonderful dining experience! The food was fabulous and the staff friendly and attentive. Each plate was prepared with care and presentation was beyond compare. If you are staying in Corolla area don't miss dining at Metropolis and if you aren't staying in Corolla then make the trip.
"Wish we had tried Metropolis on earlier trips!"
Just back from our 3rd trip to Corolla in the past 5 weeks (getting a rental house ready). We were tired of eating at the same old places and on a whim I logged onto Trip advisor to see if there was any restaurant I hadn't thought of. I saw the fantastic reviews of Metropolis and decided to give them a try. THIS is what a great restaurant should be! I don't know how we missed this place. The chef/owner came to our table and personally described the specials to us (there were ~ 10 of them...some soups, salads, small and large tapas). Honestly, my mouth was watering as he went through each dish. His use of local vegetables, fish and meats was amazing. We ordered 4 of the specials and 1 item off the menu. The asparagus soup was probably the best I've ever had, so rich and creamy and full of complex flavors. We had an oyster salad that had us licking our forks and then moved onto the Lump Crab Corn Fritter w/ Lemon Aioli & Pickled Red Onions.. I have no idea what they do to those onions, but they were an AMAZING addition. This dish is a MUST! We then had a halibut special that was just sublime. We thought we were finished but were told we should try a light custard with fresh fruit and it really was the perfect ending to our meal..... All in all, we had a bottle of Merryvale Starmont + our meal and it was ~ $125, including tip. We have eaten many times at the Left Bank and the Blue Point Grill as well as many others on the Outer Banks and in our opinion this was the best meal we have had. We talked on the way home about how it was better than anything we had while in Charleston the weekend before and we LOVE the food in Charleston. The only downside is that we won't be back in Corolla until the fall, but when we are, the Metropolis is where we'll be going!
You have to try this amazing tapas place - they couldn't make it better in Spain!
What a wonderful dining experience! The food was fresh, delicious and artfully plated. Having the staff explain the regions where the food comes from and the combinations of ingredients made it all the more special. It's a Must Go To Restaurant when you visit the Outer Banks!
For those who want to feel full after a meal, go to fried fish buffet..
August 27, 2010......Many of our family eat here annually and we've not gone....our mistake.
OUTSTANDING food....maybe the best we've ever had, and this includes many 4 star restaurants and hotels across the nation.
If you are in the northern OBX.....make a point to eat here !!!
August 18, 2010......Excellent!!! Every single dish we ordered was absolutely delicious. We love tapas and loved that Metropolis incorporated fresh local seafood into a very large selection of tapas dishes. The dishes were all unique and everything was paired well with complimenting flavors. We will definitely be back as we visit the area often and especially liked the atmosphere that was laid back, yet modern and lively. We went late as we like to dine later than most and found they were serving unitl 10 and open until 2 because of their martini bar (most other restaurants here close around 9:00 on week nights).
August 13, 2010......We've been going here since it opened, and it gets better every time. Matt & Mark have evolved their menu to something beyond simple tapas. Each dish is unique, featuring amazing combination of flavors and worth every penny. For those critical of the price, perhaps you don't realize the value and quality of the ingredients. Each dish should be savored, not scarfed down. Tapas are intended to be shared and enjoyed among a group, while sipping cocktails and socializing. Go for the food, but take the time to appreciate the experience for it is truly wonderful.
July 7, 2010......Ate at Metropolis with friends and family in June. We asked the owner to feed us. He did an excellent job. Enjoyed every entree. Would highly recommend for a nice night out without kids. The owners will come to your table so don't order just ask them to feed you. They won't steer you wrong.
May 18, 2010......Visited this past Saturday and, as always, it was awesome. Mark is a great host, his recommendations were right on and we could not have asked for better food or drink. We had the asparagus soup, scallops, mushroom risotto, Kung Pao Beef(my wife's favorite) and additional items that Mark recommended. They were all excellent. We always make it a point to stop at Metropolis when visitng Corolla. You will not be disappointed.
May 10, 2010......The two owners Mark and Matt always do us up right. We don't even order, we just tell them to bring whatever they recommend. Mark is VERY passionate about his dishes and explains the origin of the ingredients, and how and why specials were selected (which are all written on the chalkboard). I've never gotten that level of personal service at any other restaurant anywhere. We have never had a problem with service and have dined here probably 20 times. But this is not one of those table-turning restaurants. It is tapas and martinis and it flows naturally for a nice relaxed evening. Mark and Matt run the whole show themselves so if you have an issue, you know who to tell. They have a small staff and work very hard to keep it all flowing. I have actually been surprised at how fast the drinks and the food are delivered. They even have the chefs delivering the food so if you have a question about the preparation or ingredients, you can ask them yourselves. It's possible that the chef delivery of orders is in response to comments on here about inconsistency in service. Our friends who come down with us from DC always say this is better than almost any restaurant experience they get in DC. Sure, we've done BluePoint and Left Bank a number of times, but he personal service and passion of the owners at Metropolis is what makes the difference for us.....
May 3, 2010.....This NOT your Mama's typical beach restaurant! Wow! A bit pricey but worth the trip! Food and drink menu very creative! Food is EXCELLENT! Chef came out and presented the offerings of the night. Portions are decent for tapas (but you will likely need 2 for dinner). Leave the kids at home for this one and go out for a great night of food and drink!
April 9, 2010......My husband and I have eaten here before. We decided to meet friends here because we knew the food would be good. Once again.... we were not disappointed. The chef came out and shared the specials. We ordered one of everything to try them. ( they are tapas style) The ones that we knew we really liked they made into "family portions" for us. Service was great, food amazing. You will spend a bit of money doing this so come prepared but well worth it.
Feb 27, 2010.....Absolutely amazing! We had 5 different tapas. I have never had food with so much flavor. The owner/chef/waiter (yes, he was all three) knew every ingredient in every dish and described them to the finest detail. This is passion for food at its finest. This is not a cheap evening out, but was well worth it. Regardless of what you order, it will be the best of that dish you have ever tasted.
Nov 28, 2010.....We were in Corolla in early October 2009. However, I wanted to make sure that I wrote a review on one of my favorite restaurants on the planet. My wife and I went early and sat at the bar before the family showed up. The two gentlemen working were very helpful right from the beginning ( I think they owned it or at least were involved with developing the dishes). They were busy, but were sure to address us as soon as we sat down. My wife asked if they had anything interesting regarding the beer selection. Instead of fumbling around like many people do, he was anxious to give his recommendations.
Then the rest of the family showed up. We sat at the table and I was blown away by how the waiter was able to describe each dish in detail. He told us how it was prepared and from where he got his ingredients. The food was delicious. I was very impressed. We went on a slow night during the week, so I don't know if we were lucky to get the two guys that were working, but they knew their stuff and made sure that we enjoyed ourselves.
Oct 10, 2009.....Stopped by Metro on a whim and was so glad we did! The food was absolutely amazing and the martini's were fab. The decor was artsy and unique. Would recommend this place to anyone passing through the Outer Banks for Vacation!
Thanks for a wonderful Experience!
Aug 31, 2009.....My group and I had been hearing good things about Metropolis from everyone we asked so we came early at about six on a Thursday night and lucked into the last available table. Within minutes after sitting down the place was packed and lively without anyone seeming to be having a bad time, including the staff. The special board was amazing and loaded with fresh ingredients, wild Alaskan Halibut, foraged lobster mushroom risotto, artisianal cheeses and a near perfectly cooked Foie Gras. These guys know their stuff and I can't wait to come back next summer.
Aug 23, 2009.....We visit Corolla every year. We found Metropolis several years ago and loved it . Great service and food. It is a must when you visit.
Aug 21, 2009.....By far the best meal we had in the Outer Banks. We liked all the dishes that we tried, and some were spectacular. The night we were there they had a large halibut flown in as a special item. My wife is still raving about it. The potstickers with ponzu sauce were unbelievable, we ordered them twice, along with the chantarelle mushroom risotto. As long as you are not looking for just a local seafood restaurant, you will not be disappointed.
Jul 31, 2009.....Went to Metropolis last night for a vacation date night, and our tummies thanked us - the food is wonderful! The staff was very friendly, and very busy! The reviewer who complained about the service must've had somewhere to be. Don't come here in a hurry - remember, you're on vacation! You'll be glad you ate here.
Jul 15, 2009.....
Metropolis is a gem! Great for a martini or a late-night romantic dinner! The s'mores platter is a fun way to finish the meal!
July 7, 2009.....Our favorite place north of Duck. For those who don't know, Tapas are small plates, think appetizer sized portions, of everything. They are a little pricey, but it is a fun way to eat since you get to try lots of different items. It's a slower pace as well, just the style of taking your time between dishes, so if you're looking for in and out, check out some of the local Pizza joints. The quality of everything I've ever tried on their menu is WORLD CLASS...a must!
June 28, 2009.....We were looking for someplace comfortable and unique to go for our anniversary and Metropolis totally fit the bill. We ordered a bunch of tapas and a couple of drinks and everything was perfect. All of the ingredients were really fresh, flavorful and perfectly prepared. Great experience!
June 15, 2009.....Delicious food with daily local and regional specials. Proprietors and service staff are friendly, amiable, and maintain a casual atmosphere. Excellent booze selection. Good enough to make you hide it from your friends.
June 1, 2009.....
A Hidden Oasis in Corolla, NC. It's become tradition to go to Metropolis every time we're down at the beach house.
Excellent tapas, excellent martinis, comfortable atmosphere... The two guys that run this place have a good thing going. There is nothing else even remotely like Metropolis outside of most major metro areas, and many of the people who frequent Corolla migrate from the DC area - where we enjoy some pretty good food and drink.
My recommendations: Order an item or two off the daily special chalkboard. Order a Hot & Dirty Martini. Enjoy.
May 28, 2009.....This is a really great Tapas restaurant. We went in early May, and were literally the only couple in the restaurant for most of the meal. Mark and Matt were very friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious. Had 4 or 5 different tapas, and they were all great. We ordered the Kung Pao beef dish twice it was so good. Service was great...Mark brought my wife a drink for expectant mothers (which is a risky maneuver if you ask me). In my opinion, this is the best restaurant in the Outer Banks. Well layed out dining area, so it feels cozy even though there is probably seating for 40+.
March 21, 2009.....
Best restaurant in Duck/Corolla. We went in mid-March, so places were just starting to open up for the season, but this place is open year-round. Serves full menu till 2am in high season. Matt and Mark took care of us, and their chefs serve up an eclectic mix of tapas, from regions all over the globe. Leaves you begging for more. We had, in order:
-cream of asparagus soup with lump crab meat & garlic bread crumbs
-petite crapcakes with a spicy remoulade
-pork and ginger potstickers with duck sauce & ponzu
-scallops wrapped in prosciutto on crisp garlic green beans
-bread with HOMEMADE (Made Fresh Daily) butter
-chocolate panna cotta
All the food was outstanding, the wine was great (ask Matt if you need a recommendation) and Matt even brought over a petite syrah/verdot to pair with the dessert, for free. We were there for 2.5 hours, and ended up closing down the place. We WILL be returning on our next visit to OBX.
Jan 25, 2009.....
This place is a god send when staying in Corolla/OBX. It could easily win a top restaurant award in DC, the food, atmosphere, service, and drinks are that good. Its a good place for dinner, with the assortment of tapas sure to please everyone. Its also an awesome place to get a drink or two later in the evening....in fact, I think it may be the only place out in Corolla to have a nice evening out. I can't wait to go back next time I'm in OBX.
Dec 24, 2008.....My wife and I own a place in Currituck Club and Metropolis is just outside the south gate. We have been to this restaurant over a dozen times over the last year and have never been disappointed; nor have any of our friends and relatives that we have brought here. The food is top notch and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. You can't go wrong with anything from the menu, but I recoomend the special board. Occasionally they get super-crowded and swamped so you might have to wait a few minutes longer than usual to be served. Relax- you're at the beach- the wait will be worth it. Great wine, beer and martini list also. Best of the northern outer banks (and that's saying a lot with other great restaurants such as Blue Point and Roadside).
Dec 15, 2008.....If variety is important in dining out, Metropolis is the best on the Outer Banks. Part of this is due to their menu style - a tapas restaurant. So their menu offers a complete array of tastes, from comfort food to spicy hot. Owned and operated by OBX locals who get everything fresh. My wife and I always find different menu items to request. Worth every minute of a unique dining experience. It can fill up quickly in the summer, so it's better to get their early
Nov 19, 2008.....This little martini bar seems to have it all. Great service and extremely knowledgeable bartenders who were also the owners. Best food in Corolla by far and definitely one of the best places to eat in the Outer Banks. Extensive wine list, beer, and an ever changing menu keeps you on your toes. Have one of the bartenders recommend a drink for you or allow them to make a new one up.
Nov 7, 2008.....Wow, what a find. We were so pleased to find Metropolis and were fortunate to stop there twice on our recent vacation in the Outer Banks. Both times we ate at the bar, and received excellent service from our bartender who was also the executive chef. Wonderful tapas, try the specials as they will not steer you wrong here
Oct 4, 2008.....My family has been going here for since 2001 and we just keep coming back year-after-year. With two teenage kids we thought this would be an unfriendly place. Nope, they loved it too. Just wish they would bring back the smores over the little flame heaters. My wife and I love the drinks too - try the "Hot & Dirty" which is my favorite. The service is always great and the bartender is super. This is not a place for fat families looking for large quantities of plain food (like near by GiGi's) or for your typical NASCAR aka KFC crowd. It's great cuisine and you'll pay a little more, but it's well worth
Sept 9, 2008.....Like a little tapas bar you would find in Manhatten, the food we got was creative and delicious. The special menu was large and exciting. Loved this restaurant. We will definetely be back!
Aug 12, 2008.....In a "sea" of steamer bars, pizza joints and sandwich shops I was amazed to find Metropolis with its contemporary upscale menu in Corolla. It's diverse beer and cocktail list was impressive as was the numerous daily specials offered. I would expect to find this level of sophisticated dining in an upscale urban setting but was so pleased to be able to enjoy it on my beach vacation. It's tucked back in the shopping center at the south entrance of the Currituck Club and not right on the main road so you need to know what you are looking for but once you find it's a real gem! Bring lots of friends to enjoy the tapas style experience!
June 19, 2008.....Our group that just dined and imbibed at Metropolis was surprised and elated to find such an accomplished restaurant in this area,as the area is so new. Twelve of us dined here based on the ratings I read on Trip Advisor. Starting at the bar , one of my friends ordered a Hendricks martini and was happy to get one and to be asked if he wanted an olive or cucumber in the martini, Very few places give you the choice and its significant because Hendricks has a hint of cucumber in its flavor. At the dinner table ( they serve mostly Tapas) and we actually ordered one of each being the group was so large and they were all superb to all, Great place
April 30, 2008.....We have been visiting the Outer Banks for 30 years and have gotten to know many of the restaurants that have come and gone over the years. Metropolis is certainly worth waiting all these years! It is owner managed and operated by two young men, Mark (who is a wonderfully creative chef) and Matt (who works the front of the operation). In the slower seasons they run the place themselves but take on help in peak months. My wife and I have eaten there many many times and rarely had anything that was not excellent. They have a separate Vodka refrigerator, a nice selection of beers and wines, but the draw is the food served as "small plates". If you love tapas, this is your place. If you think you don't like tapas (I am a convert) you will be blown away. Start with the soups (small portions but amazing tastes) and move quickly to the champagne mussels or any of the other appetizer plates. The menu changes regularly so check the board for the daily specials or just let Matt and Mark guide you. You won't be sorry and you will become a regular.
It is not that easy to find. It is just south of the Harris Teeter market near Pine Island and the Currituck Club in a small shopping area..