Wilmington, North Carolina, isn't just a charming coastal city; it's a vibrant culinary destination waiting to tantalize your taste buds. From sustainable seafood to authentic international flavors, classic Southern comfort food to innovative fine dining, this city boasts a diverse gastronomic landscape that promises an unforgettable meal for every palate and occasion. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey as we explore the very best restaurants Wilmington has to offer, guiding you through hidden gems and beloved local staples.
Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a casual family outing, or simply craving a unique bite, Wilmington's dining scene delivers. Dive into our curated selections and discover your next favorite spot.
Elevate Your Experience: Top-Tier Dining in Wilmington
For those special occasions or when you simply desire a meal crafted with artistry and precision, Wilmington offers an impressive array of fine dining establishments. These restaurants stand out for their innovative menus, exceptional service, and elegant atmospheres, turning a simple dinner into a memorable event.
Seabird, located downtown, champions sustainable seafood and seasonality under the expert guidance of Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton. Their bright, modern space in a historic building serves up delights like Crispy Smoked North Carolina Cat Fish and Seasonal Seafood Towers. Another downtown gem, PinPoint, opened in 2015, continually impresses with dishes built from local, seasonal ingredients, with Executive Chef Cameron Garvey changing the menu nightly to reflect the freshest finds. Don't miss their Buttermilk Fried Chicken or Pumpkin Curry.
Manna, a white-tablecloth spot also downtown, is renowned for its creative New American cuisine, boasting a daily changing menu complemented by an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. For a taste of European elegance, Caprice Bistro offers an intimate, dark-wooded French experience since 2001, with classics like Escargots Petite Gris and Beef Bourguignon. If you're seeking to explore the pinnacle of Wilmington's culinary scene, make sure to explore our dedicated guide to Top-Rated Fine Dining in Wilmington.
The city also welcomed Olivero in fall 2023, where James Beard-nominated chef Sunny Gerhart delves into his Spanish-Italian roots, quickly becoming a favorite for exquisite pasta. And for authentic Italian, Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano has repeatedly been awarded for its homemade pasta and famous tableside Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiana. Finally, Brasserie du Soleil, located in Lumina Station, provides French-inspired dining that is both elevated and inviting, complete with an elegant interior and a charming outdoor patio.
A Taste of the Coast: Wilmington's Premier Seafood Destinations
Given its prime coastal location, it’s no surprise that Wilmington excels in fresh, delicious seafood. From classic Southern preparations to innovative global interpretations, the city's restaurants bring the ocean's bounty directly to your plate. Prepare for a true culinary journey focused on the freshest catches.
Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp, a veteran establishment on the Southern end of the Riverwalk since 1984, is famous for its American-style, ocean-to-table seafood, especially its crab dishes. It also boasts the largest porch on the Riverwalk for breathtaking sunset views. Right next door, The Pilot House, a historic seafood restaurant founded in 1978, offers a similar Riverwalk experience in a restored 19th-century home, famous for its crab dip and shrimp and grits. A few miles from Wrightsville Beach, Ceviche’s transports diners to Panama with Chef-owner Hunter Tiblier's childhood flavors, starting every meal with their namesake ceviche. Their Ropa Vieja is a must-try. For an in-depth look at where to find the absolute best oceanic delights, our guide on Wilmington NC Seafood Delights is your essential resource.
Local Treasures & Casual Comforts: Wilmington's Everyday Favorites
Sometimes, the best meals are found in the most unpretentious settings, offering comfort, character, and a true taste of local flavor. Wilmington is brimming with fantastic casual eateries, from beloved local institutions to innovative spots putting a fresh spin on familiar favorites.
For an immersive Southeast Asian experience, Indochine offers authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine amidst expansive patios and tropical plants. Be aware that they don't take reservations, so consider dining at lunch for shorter waits and lower prices. In Wilmington’s Cargo District, CheeseSmith elevates the humble grilled cheese sandwich into an art form, with creative options like the Kimcheese, while Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria, from Chef Vivian Howard, offers a chef’s take on pizza night classics, including a must-try Southern Fried Chicken Parm appetizer.
The Basics, found in downtown's Cotton Exchange, serves Southern comfort all day, from fried green tomatoes to shrimp and grits, often featuring creative daily specials and a popular Monday night half-price appetizer special. For an authentic taste of the South, Casey’s Buffet has been serving all-you-can-eat country cooking, soul food, and barbecue since 2005. Further exploring the heart and soul of local cuisine, Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant, operating from a humble cinderblock building, uses generations-old family recipes for dishes like crab rice and ox tails. For those seeking fresh, plant-based options, The Green House Restaurant grows over 1,000 plants on-site, making produce the star of their menu.
Savorez expertly fuses Latin and Southern flavors, and their Sunday brunch is particularly popular for creative twists like chorizo gravy biscuits. Fork ‘N’ Cork, featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," is known for its creative bar food and stacked burgers across two locations. The Kitchen Sink offers a unique experience in a relaxed atmosphere, focusing on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients for both lunch and Sunday brunch. Don't forget Britt's Donuts, a Carolina Beach boardwalk staple since 1939, specializing in one perfect menu item: homemade glazed donuts, made to order. For all these and more, our comprehensive Wilmington casual dining guide Discover Wilmingtons will lead you to your next beloved local spot.
Beer Barrio on Front Street offers scratch-made Mexican-inspired dishes and craft beer in a lively, laid-back setting. And in Carolina Beach, The Southerly is famous for its house-made buttermilk biscuits and delicious pies, though remember they operate with limited hours (Fridays-Sundays through March 2026).
Wake Up & Brunch: The Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Wilmington
Start your day the Wilmington way, whether with a hearty Southern breakfast, a trendy brunch spread, or a perfectly crafted coffee. The city's breakfast and brunch scene offers something for every morning mood.
Drift Coffee & Kitchen, with multiple outposts across Wilmington and nearby beaches, is known for its cool, surfer-town aesthetic, offering coffee, brunch, and lunch with a variety of fresh bites and many gluten-free options. Their Biscoff Stack of pancakes and Nutella Stuffed French Toast are local favorites. The Basics also features a very popular brunch, though it's wise to reserve ahead and expect a wait for their Southern comfort dishes.
For quick, artisanal coffee and delectable baked goods, many of which are vegan, Bespoke is a charming neighborhood coffee shop. Their online pre-ordering for pickup makes it perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast. The Southerly in Carolina Beach is also a must-visit for its incredible house-made buttermilk biscuits, stuffed with options like country ham and cheddar or fried catfish. To fully plan your morning excursions, our guide to the Best brunch & breakfast in Wilmington has all the details you need.
Dining with a View: Wilmington Restaurants That Inspire
Wilmington's picturesque setting on the Cape Fear River and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means many dining experiences come with a side of stunning scenery. Imagine savoring your meal as the sun sets over the water or enjoying a vibrant cityscape.
Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar, located at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, offers stunning Cape Fear River views, especially at sunset, along with bar food favorites and shareable snacks. For unique dining directly on the water, Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill is the city's only floating barge bar and restaurant, specializing in Calabash-style seafood and pub fare with fantastic views overlooking the Cape Fear River, often accompanied by live music.
Both Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp and The Pilot House, nestled side-by-side on the Riverwalk, provide incredible opportunities for waterside dining. Elijah’s boasts the largest porch on the Riverwalk, ideal for sunset views, while The Pilot House offers a beautiful terrace overlooking the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. These spots provide not just great food, but a truly immersive coastal atmosphere. To find the perfect table with an inspiring backdrop, check out our guide to Wilmington NC view restaurants Dining with.
Your Next Unforgettable Meal Awaits
Wilmington’s culinary landscape is as diverse and dynamic as its vibrant community. From the elegance of its fine dining establishments to the comforting familiarity of its local haunts, and the breathtaking views that accompany many meals, there’s always something new and delicious to discover. So go ahead, explore a new neighborhood, revisit a classic, or try that restaurant you’ve been curious about. Wilmington is ready to delight your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories, one incredible meal at a time.