Restaurants
From waterfront seafood to chef-driven Southern classics.
The best places to eat across Wilmington, NC.
Boca Bay
Waterfront dining with fresh local seafood and a sunset patio.
Poe's Tavern
Edgar Allan Poe themed restaurant known for massive gourmet burgers and casual vibes.
Beach House Burgers
Simple, locally-owned walk-up window serving some of the best burgers on the island.
Big Daddy's Seafood
Massive beach staple since the 70s serving classic fried seafood platters.
Seabird
Stylish corner spot celebrating North Carolina seasonal seafood and oyster culture.
Front Street Brewery
Wilmington's oldest brewery with an extensive menu including famous pulled chicken nachos.
Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill
A must-visit local staple for surfers and families craving fish tacos and salsa.
Kure Beach Diner
Traditional beach diner offering ocean views and hearty breakfast plates.
Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard
Massive indoor/outdoor space serving crushed burgers with live music.
Benny's Big Time Pizzeria
Vivian Howard's vibrant spot for wood-fired pizzas and creative Southern-Italian apps.
Love, Lydia Bakery & Kitchen
Cozy cafe offering homemade pastries, tartines, and hearty breakfast bowls.
Alcove Beer Garden
Relaxed spot in a shipping container complex offering small plates and a huge beer list.
Covey
Elegant neighborhood restaurant focused on fire-roasted meats and fresh vegetables.
Szechuan 132
Long-running restaurant offering high-quality traditional Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine.
Pomona Shrub Co.
Unique spot specializing in botanical shrubs, cocktails, and elevated seasonal snacks.
Coquina Fishbar
Family-run spot featuring fresh local oysters and a scratch-made coastal menu.
Henry's Restaurant
Local favorite for Southern comfort food including local fish and chips.
Cape Fear Seafood Company
Locally founded group specializing in Southern seafood like fresh scallops and shrimp.
Islands Fresh Mex Grill
Local fast-casual offering massive tacos and burritos with a tropical vibe.
Blue Surf Cafe
Relaxed, surf-inspired cafe with creative healthy bowls and a standout dinner menu.
Thai Sweet Basil
Intimate spot offering authentic Thai curries and stir-fries with fresh local produce.
Workshop
Unique spot known for high-end sandwiches and an impressive shark teeth collection.
The Ibis
High-fidelity listening bar with a curated small plates menu and unique drinks.
Dram Yard
Globally inspired shared plates and a lush courtyard at the Arrive Hotel.
Manna
High-end, chef-driven dining known for a rotating seasonal menu and creative cocktails.
Salt Fish Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Quirky, delicious spot with tropical flair and creative seafood preparations.
Michael's Seafood
Award-winning chowder and a wide variety of local seafood in a casual setting.
Britt's Donuts
Legendary seasonal donut stand — the most iconic independent food spot on the island.
Jack Mackerels Island Grill
Vibrant spot serving Caribbean-influenced seafood and famous Jack Mac burgers.
Freddie's Restaurant
Famous for pork chops and authentic Italian dishes in a cozy Irish pub setting.
Savorez
Small, vibrant spot offering creative Southern-style Latin dishes and a popular brunch.
Cugino Forno
Authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in wood-fired ovens imported from Italy.
Zeke's Beans & Bowls
Fresh poke bowls, acai bowls, and pitas in a bright, modern setting.
Katy's Grill & Sports Bar
Local institution known for karaoke, breakfast, and cheap pitchers.
Chris' Restaurant
Family-run diner that has been a local staple for Greek classics and comfort food for years.
Elizabeth's Pizza
Authentic family-owned Italian restaurant known for garlic knots and thin-crust pizza.
Phoebe's Restaurant
Casual yet refined spot inside a boutique hotel, known for quality breakfast and lunch.
SeaWitch Tiki Bar
Known for live music and a great outdoor patio serving burgers and fried seafood.
Indochine
Iconic for elaborate outdoor garden seating and an extensive menu of Southeast Asian flavors.
Anne Bonny's Bar & Grill
Floating barge restaurant on the Cape Fear River perfect for sunset drinks and snacks.
Floriana
Upscale Italian dining overlooking the river, known for handmade lasagna.
Tavern on 12th
Hidden local gem near Castle Street known for high-quality pub food and craft beer.
Origins
Ash Aziz's upscale concept featuring elegant seafood and steak in a modern space.
True Blue Butcher & Barrel
High-end butcher shop and restaurant hybrid focusing on steak and rare whiskey.
The Second Glass
Sophisticated wine bar and restaurant offering French-inspired dishes and curated pairings.
Cast Iron Kitchen
Josh Petty's popular spot for heavy-hitting Southern breakfast and lunch favorites.
Mess Hall
Known for no-nonsense smash burgers, tots, and an industrial-cool atmosphere.
The Cardinal
Elevated neighborhood spot with a rotating menu of fresh seafood and regional produce.
Italian Bistro
Locally owned spot for hand-tossed pizza and traditional Italian-American entrees.
Rx Chicken & Oysters
A pioneer in Wilmington's farm-to-table movement, famous for their local oyster program.
Midtown Deli & Grill
Classic New York-style deli offering massive sandwiches and homemade salads.
Brasserie du Soleil
Bustling French bistro known for steak frites, an oyster bar, and excellent salads.
Roko Italian Cuisine
Chef Jadran Peros prepares unique Italian fare with fresh local ingredients.
Cornelia's
Upscale neighborhood restaurant offering a modern twist on coastal comfort food.
K38 Baja Grill
Inspired by Mexican surf culture, serving famous fish tacos and citrus margaritas.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Massive Intracoastal-front restaurant with a great patio for boat-watching.
Zocalo Street Food
Vibrant restaurant offering authentic Mexican street food with modern presentation.
South Beach Grill
Long-running locally owned spot serving refined coastal cuisine near the bridge.
Lake Park Steakhouse
Neighborhood favorite for quality steaks and a classic American dinner menu.
The Southerly Biscuit & Pie
Famous for flaky biscuits and seasonal pies, perfect for a beach breakfast.
Three 10
Set in a restored 1920s house, serving contemporary takes on coastal Southern food.
Caprice Bistro
Classic French bistro fare with a cozy upstairs lounge for crepes and martinis.
Genki Sushi
Authentic, traditional Japanese sushi prepared by master chefs in a quiet setting.
Oceanic
The only restaurant on Wrightsville Beach with a pier, offering unbeatable ocean views.
Flying Machine Oyster Bar
Modern, stylish spot specializing in local oysters and creative beer pairings.
The George on the Riverwalk
Prime riverfront views with a menu featuring shrimp and grits and casual seafood classics.
The Little Dipper
Interactive dining experience specializing in cheese, meat, and chocolate fondues.
Seaview Crab Company Kitchen
Fish market with a back kitchen serving some of the freshest fried and steamed seafood in town.
Terrazzo Trattoria
Family-owned Italian spot since 1999, focusing on traditional pasta and veal dishes.
True Blue Butcher & Table
Original True Blue featuring an upscale dining room and premium meat cuts.
South Front Tavern
Industrial-chic neighborhood tavern serving modern comfort food and great burgers.
CheeseSmith
Started as a food truck, now a permanent staple serving decadent, creative grilled cheese.
Kate's Pancake House
Beach classic known for massive pancakes and friendly, fast service.
El Cazador
Authentic Mexican flavors and large portions in the heart of the beach town.
The Bridge Tender
Classic waterfront dining focused on fresh catch and high-quality steaks.
Marina Grill
Large riverfront venue with expansive outdoor seating and fresh coastal plates.
Circa 1922
Housed in a historic bank, offering high-quality global small plates and a refined atmosphere.
Beat Street
Vibrant fast-casual spot serving everything from bao buns to street tacos.
P.T.'s Olde Fashioned Grille
Wilmington legend for fresh lemonades and fries served in a brown paper bag.
Osteria Cicchetti
Large, lively Italian spot specializing in wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and Venetian tapas.
The Copper Penny
Downtown pub with elevated bar fare and craft beer.