There are many great things to do in Wilmington, NC, home to a variety of great restaurants serving culinary creations featuring fresh seafood, Southern soul food, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Wilmington breakfast, French and other flavors. Have a casual romantic lunch at a local café or brewery, or celebrate a special occasion at one of the elegant restaurants downtown. Here are the best restaurants in Wilmington.


Cape Fear Seafood Company

Cape Fear Seafood Company

© Cape Fear Seafood Company

Cape Fear Seafood Company serves spectacular regional American seafood and an array of wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting.

Specializing in regional American seafood, CSFC presents a menu of hand cut fish, seafood plates and platters, prime steaks, chicken, and small plates to share. Whether you choose the Figure 8 Stuffed Flounder (twin baked roulades of flounder stuffed with crab fusion and draped with lemon beurre blanc) or Wilmington's Finest Filet crowned with Gorgonzola butter and cabernet demi-glace, each bite will leave you with a lasting memory.

Start with Bloody Mary Oysters or crab scampi risotto or share a grilled shrimp taco basket with friends and end on a sweet note with a traditional Southern key lime pie. The Cape Fear Seafood Company can be found in two locations.

Monkey Junction, 5226 S College Road Suite 5, Wilmington, NC, Phone: 910-799-7077


Indochine

Indochine

© Indochine

Serving exquisite Thai-Vietnamese cuisine in a beautifully decorated environment, Indochine promises an authentic and unforgettable Asian dining experience.

Take your taste buds on a culinary journey to the Far East as you savor the exotic flavors and ingredients found in each dish on the menu, from Vietnamese black peppercorn, ginger, and garlic to crushed basil, cilantro, and fresh mint.

Accompanied by fragrant jasmine rice, entrées include a Happy Asian Medley of chicken, shrimp, beef, and scallops sautéed in a homemade soy sauce with ginger and garlic, grilled Salmon or mahi mahi with Asian fruit salsa and shrimp fried rice, and stir-fried steak in homemade soy-infused sauce with aromatic rice and vegetables.

End your meal with a sweet banana egg roll served with vanilla ice cream, honey, and sesame seeds and a pot of delicious Jasmine Tea. Browse the best things to do in North Carolina for more ideas.

7 Wayne Drive, Market Street at Forest Hills, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-251-9229


Casey's Buffet & Barbecue

Casey's Buffet & Barbecue

© Casey's Buffet & Barbecue

For classic Southern soul food and good home cooking, including everything from all-you-can-eat barbecue to chitterlings and fried chicken, head to Casey’s Buffet & Barbecue. Established in 2005 by Larry Casey, Casey’s Buffet is a family-friendly eatery that is committed to the Southern tradition of food and family going hand-in-hand.

Casey’s lunch and dinner buffet menu leaves nobody wanting with a mouth-watering all-you-can-eat selection of meats, vegetables, salads, and bread, and you’ll find delights such as fried chicken, clam strips, rutabagas, black-eyed peas, pan-fried okra, sweet potato soufflé, chitlins, and mac-n-cheese. Desserts delight with choices like apple and blueberry cobbler, cherry cheesecake, and banana and bread pudding, just to name but a few.

The restaurant is comfortable and cozy with classic diner décor – walls are adorned with framed photographs and articles, and the ambiance is vibrant. Casey’s delicious buffet can be eaten in or taken away, and they offer catering services for special functions and events.

5559 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-798-2913


Circa 1922

Circa 1922

© Circa 1922

Diners are sure to taste the authenticity of every meal at Circa 1922. Located in downtown Wilmington, Circa 1922 is committed to using only the highest quality ingredients in its evolving, seasonal menu. As they source the freshest products from trusted local farmers and merchants, their dishes also proudly showcase the quality and distinct flavors of North Carolina. Every dish is crafted from scratch, as traditional dishes like seafood paella, braised short ribs, and seared flounder are given a modern twist. Complete your meal with a drink from the bar, which offers a variety of craft cocktails alongside an astounding selection of quality wines from around the globe. North Carolina day trips offer a cheap way to get to know the surrounding area.

8 North Front Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, Phone: 910-762-1922


Grand Cru Food & Wine

Grand Cru Food & Wine

© Grand Cru Food & Wine

Winner of a Wine Spectator award, Grand Cru Food & Wine is sure to impress diners with its globally inspired menu and impeccable service. This boutique restaurant offers fun, seasonal dishes with a worldwide palette from charcuterie boards of global cheeses and cured meats to street corn ribs and BBQ pulled pork. Some of their signature plates include an Espresso Elk Tenderloin and Shrimp Etouffee. Meals are perfectly paired with a selection of international wines from the wine bar along with locally rooted beers and masterful signature cocktails. Grand Cru hosts live music throughout the week, creating the perfect environment for diners to enjoy a fantastic meal under the thoughtful care of its experienced and passionate servers. Wilmington (NC) Beaches offer an inexpensive day out.

1904 Eastwood Rd STE 109, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, Phone: 910-679-4013, See the Map


Roko Italian Cuisine

Roko Italian Cuisine

© Roko Italian Cuisine

Roko Italian Cuisine is an upscale Italian eatery that serves a menu of Mediterranean-influenced cuisine in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Owned by Chef Jadran Peros, a Croatian native who moved to the United States in 1985, Roko is dedicated to serving great Italian food that can be shared with friends and family.

An enticing menu takes you on a journey through Italy with antipasti of calamari fritta, shrimp scampi, and stuffed artichoke hearts, followed by choices of Zuppa e Insalata (soups and salads) with caprese, arugula, and Caesar salads making the list. A fine selection of pasta is available, including homemade gnocchi, stuffed ravioli, and Frutti di mare, while entrées include parmigiana, filet mignon, and grilled wild salmon.

Pair your fare with a selection of international wines from the wine list or one of their signature cocktails, spirits, or craft beers. Check out our places to visit North Carolina guide for more ideas nearby.

6801-105 Parker Farm Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-679-4783


Kornerstone Bistro

Kornerstone Bistro

© Kornerstone Bistro

Enjoy the fresh flavors of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine at Kornerstone Bistro. Welcoming diners since 2007, this upscale bistro has received several accolades from statewide competitions as it offers worldly tastes to Wilmington locals. Kornerstone Bistro focuses on the Mediterranean philosophy of healthy, freshly prepared dishes built on key ingredients like olive oil, tomato, lemon, whole grains, and coastal bounty. Whether gathering with friends or out for date night, enjoy their easy-going atmosphere inspired by French, Spanish, and Italian cultures. Both lunch and dinner menus are offered at the bistro, along with vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. Outdoor dining is also available on their pet-friendly patio.

8262 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28411, Phone: 910-686-2296


Restaurants in Wilmington, NC: Catch

Restaurants in Wilmington, NC: Catch

© Catch

Boasting two locations across town, Catch is a modern seafood restaurant that James Beard award-winning Chef Keith Rhodes and his wife Angela opened in 2006, and they have been serving outstanding seafood ever since.

Striving to support North Carolina’s organic farmers, local fisheries, and sustainable fishing practices, Chef Keith Rhodes presents a menu of produce caught and farmed off the Cape Fear Coast.

On the menu you will find creative dishes such as Red Miso Glazed Scottish Salmon served with wok-seared “drunken” rice noodles, bean sprouts, fresh coriander, and Thai basil, Cajun-fried North Carolina Oysters with Mindoro Blue Cheese Slaw and Texas Pete Aioli, and Pan-Roasted Oriental Back Fin, and Lump Crab Cakes served with White Truffle Mash and Pamlico Shrimp in a Cognac Bisque.

Although seafood-orientated, the menu also offers meat and poultry dishes, with chicken, duck, and baby backs ribs making an appearance. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the convivial bar before feasting on some of the freshest seafood in town.

6623 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-799-3847


Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano

Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano

© Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano

Located in downtown Wilmington, Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano serves some of the city’s finest Italian food. The family-owned restaurant was inspired by the owner’s Italian grandparents, who passed on several delicious family recipes together with the importance of bringing family together through good, home-cooked meals. Diners will feel right at home in the warm, comfortable restaurant where they can enjoy a seasonally inspired menu full of the finest ingredients straight from Italy. Taste their rich burrata cheese, crunchy bruschetta, and several family dishes like Italian meatballs and lasagna. Their menu also offers an assortment of seafood, meat, and highly celebrated Italian wines to pair perfectly with your meal. North Carolina islands are romantic and beautiful places to visit.

102 S 2nd Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, Phone: 910-763-3806


Front Street Brewery

Front Street Brewery

© Front Street Brewery

Home to the largest selection of whiskey in North Carolina and Wilmington’s only Restaurant & Brewery, the Front Street Brewery is a popular venue for casual lunches, laid-back dinners, and tasting tours with friends.

Located in Historic Downtown, the Front Street Brewery produces a range of microbrews and craft beers, and it stocks over 300 bottles of whiskey from around the world. The Brewery also serves a casual menu of tavern-style food, including gourmet burgers and sandwiches, soups and salads, and entrées of barbecue brisket, rib eye steaks, burritos, pulled pork, and a fresh catch of the day, which is available from 12 pm until 12 am every day.

Visitors can enjoy free guided tours of the brewery to learn about the beer-making process, as well as free tastings of the brewery’s products. The bar comes alive in the evenings with both locals and visitors flocking to the counter to savor cocktails, fine wines, and some of the world’s best whiskeys.

9 North Front Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-251-1935


Gen Ki Sushi

Gen Ki Sushi

© Courtesy of diecidodici - Fotolia.com

Genki Sushi is an award-winning sushi bar and restaurant on New Center Drive in the heart of Wilmington. Serving freshly made sushi, sashimi, and rolls made from the finest high-quality ingredients, Genki Sushi offers diners an authentic Japanese dining experience. At the helm is top Southeast Asian Chef Danny, who brings a taste of Asia to Wilmington with his innovative and inspiring Japanese cuisine.

Appetizers include the usual offerings of spring rolls, tempura, Buri Kama, and yakitori, as well as unique dishes like chilled tofu with green onion, ginger, and shaved bonito and Monkfish liver in ponzu sauce. Obento, a popular entrée, is a set meal featuring grilled teriyaki or lemon salmon, sashimi, shumai, croquettes, and tempura served with rice or noodles. Another favorite is Tonkatsu, which is panko-breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets with sweet dipping sauce.

You won’t go hungry as all entrées include a special appetizer and a choice of soup, house salad, kimchee, or pickles. The regular sushi, sashimi, and rolls are available while desserts include various ice creams, sherbet, and coconut cake. Check out these North Carolina lighthouses for a romantic trip.

4724 New Centre Dr #5, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-796-8687


Fish Bites Seafood

Fish Bites Seafood

© Fish Bites Seafood

Home of Wilmington's only Live Lobster Tank, Fish Bites Seafood is a family-friendly retail fish market and restaurant that serves fresh seafood in a laid-back setting. Enjoy a drink at the Bottoms Up Bar before tucking into some of the freshest seafood in town.

Unique appetizers include Grouper Cheeks, Shrimp and Oyster Bombs, and Snow Crab Clusters, while the fresh catch of the day takes center stage on the entrée list, which they can prepare with a variety of cooking methods from grilled, pan-seared, blackened, broiled, or fried. Signature dishes range from Stuffed Flounder, Fish Bites Tuna Filet, and the Fisherman's Stew while baskets and platters can be enjoyed alone or shared.

Fish Bites Seafood also has the largest selection of seafood in the area, and visitors can take their fresh seafood home to cook using their preferred method.

6132-11 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-791-1117


The Bento Box Sushi Bar and Asian Kitchen

The Bento Box Sushi Bar and Asian Kitchen

© The Bento Box Sushi Bar and Asian Kitchen

Taste the best of Asian street food at The Bento Box Sushi Bar and Asian Kitchen. Diners can sample popular Asian dishes such as lemongrass chicken from Vietnam, Chinese dim sum, Pad Thai, and Korean-style chicken wings. Of course, a visit isn’t complete without one of their unique, hand-crafted sushi rolls together with some hot sake from the sake lounge. The restaurant offers a comfortable and casual environment for every kind of guest, with indoor and outdoor dining available. Choose from indoor seating right at the sushi bar to private rooms for parties, or out on the patio by the Zen rock garden and water fountains.

1121 Military Cutoff Road I, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405, Phone: 910-509-0774


Caprice Bistro

Caprice Bistro

© Courtesy of Lilyana Vynogradova - Fotolia.com

Tucked away in Market Street, Caprice Bistro is a Parisian-style eatery that serves traditional French fare with an American twist.

Cozy and comfortable in warm tones of dark wood and deep yellow, Caprice Bistro is casual and inviting with a fantastic French-influenced menu that will entice all patrons. From salmon rillettes and saucisse du jour (sausage of the day) to traditional French onion soup, moules marinere, and rich Coq au vin, diners will be transported on a culinary journey through France.

For meat-lovers, the lamb shank cassoulet with braised tomato, garlic, and bean ragout or the Angus Beef Bistro Steak are a must, while small plates of tapas and pasta are perfect for sharing.

10 Market St, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-815-0810


The George on the Riverwalk

The George on the Riverwalk

© Olga/stock.adobe.com

Get a taste of true coastal living at The George on the Riverwalk. Located on the eastern bank of the iconic Cape Fear River, diners are gifted with fantastic waterfront views as well as a private outdoor deck to admire those dreamy Wilmington sunsets. The George serves southern coastal cuisine featuring the freshest local seafood, salad, pasta, steaks, and chicken. Don’t miss out on bestsellers like George’s Shrimp and Grits or the Bacon Encrusted Scallops. A kid’s menu is also available along with vegan and gluten-free alternatives to welcome every guest. The George is also home to a full bar, offering wine, seasonal martinis, and local craft beers.

128 South Water Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, Phone: 910-763-2052


Copper Penny

Copper Penny

© Copper Penny

Located in historic downtown Wilmington, Copper Penny serves an innovative mix of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches along with an impressive selection of mixed drinks and beers. Boasting a relaxed atmosphere and casual décor, Copper Penny is ideal for a quick bite to eat or lazy afternoon drinks with friends.

Offering weekly lunch specials and daily drinks and dinner specials such as Family Mondays where kids eat for free, Copper Penny’s menu has something for everyone. You’ll find a wide variety of selections, from a variety of homemade soups, salads, and starters of nachos, spring rolls, quesadillas, and sweet potato fries to towering burgers and handmade sandwiches served with thick cut fries and orders of flavorful sides.

A selection of beers, wines, and specialty cocktails is offered to pair with your meal.

109 Chestnut St., Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-762-1373


Rx Restaurant and Bar

Rx Restaurant and Bar

© Rx Restaurant and Bar

Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar combines southern charm and hospitality with hearty, home-cooked food made from locally sourced ingredients to create an inviting and friendly eatery.

Nestled on the corner of Fifth and Castle, this little restaurant blends in beautifully with the surrounding neighborhood of modest and charming homes and quaint antique shops. Minimalist décor complements a menu of upscale comfort food that features dishes such as crispy buffalo pig ears with a celery and blue cheese dressing, smoked tilefish paté with fresh radishes and pickled carrots, and braised and pressed pork belly with smoked cheddar grits.

A cool beverages list offers a range of craft beers, international wines, and signature cocktails.

421 Castle Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, Phone: 910-399-3080

More vacation ideas: 22 Best Things to Do in Wilmington, North Carolina.


Floriana Wilmington

Floriana Wilmington

© Floriana Wilmington

Since its opening in 1979, Floriana Wilmington has been passionate about the local community, bringing people together, and serving delicious Italian food. The bistro takes great pride in its ever-changing menu, which is founded on seasonal ingredients from local producers. Past menus have included dishes like roasted butternut squash risotto, burrata ravioli, and lamb gnocchi, as well as mouthwatering desserts like tiramisu and seasonal flavors of gelato. A special brunch menu is also available featuring a fusion of dishes like biscuits and gravy, prosciutto benedict, and lasagna. Whether celebrating an event with family and friends or enjoying a romantic dinner for two, Floriana Wilmington offers a great setting for any occasion with its beautiful dining room, thoughtful service, and delectable menu.

2 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, Phone: 910-504-0160


Port Land Grille

Port Land Grille

© Port Land Grille

Inspired by the amazing food scene of Portland along with the beautiful “Port City” of Wilmington, Port Land Grille offers a memorable dining experience for every visitor. Located just minutes from the beach, the restaurant’s menu focuses on wood-grilled meats and seafood. Their seafood menu regularly changes according to what fresh catch the sea offers, and their free-range meats and heirloom vegetables are always sourced from sustainable farms. Popular entrees on their menu include a wood-grilled swordfish, wild-caught red grouper, and a bone-in porterhouse pork chop. Port Land Grille is a great spot for all kinds of gatherings with its great food and casual yet elegant environment.

1908 Eastwood Road, Suite 111, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, Phone: 910-256-6056


The Little Dipper

The Little Dipper

© The Little Dipper

Stop by The Little Dipper for a dining experience unlike any other in Wilmington. Open in 2005, the restaurant specializes in all things fondue. Their menu consists of a 3-course meal, which starts with a cheese fondue appetizer for the table to share followed by a salad or soup and your choice of entrée to be cooked at the table. Chocolate fondue may also be added as a fourth course to end your meal on a sweet note. A la carte options are available for those who want to sample more than one of the restaurant’s 17 homemade dipping fondue sauces.

138 South Front Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, Phone: 910-251-0433


Manna

Manna

© Manna

Come and dine at the only Wilmington restaurant to receive the AAA Four Diamond Award for the past eight years in a row. Named after food that falls from heaven, Manna serves a seasonal menu of refined American cuisine using mostly fresh, local, and regional ingredients. The menu changes daily based on what local ingredients are available, but guests can consistently expect a stunning (and delicious) fine-dining experience ahead of them. Dishes that have been featured on Manna’s menu include a house-made cavatelli with braised beef and roasted mushrooms as well as an Atlantic Black Bass succotash. Visiting for a special occasion? Book their tasting menu in advance and allow the chef to create the perfect four-course meal on your behalf.

123 Princess Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, Phone: 910-763-5252


Pilot House

Pilot House

© Pilot House

Established in 1978, The Pilot House was the first restaurant to open in the newly restored Chandler’s Wharf. This landmark restaurant has passionately upheld the traditions of Southern “down home cooking,” creating every dish from scratch with the freshest local products. Their menu—which fuses Southern fare with Cajun cuisine—is completely built around the local meat, seafood, fowl, and vegetables native to the area. From its local-minded commitments to its mouthwatering cuisine, it’s easy to see why The Pilot House has gained attention from numerous publications such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Southern Living Magazine.

2 Ann Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, Phone: 910-343-0200


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