As with most beach communities, seafood is a prevalent form of cuisine in the restaurants of the Wilmington area. The waters off this coastal area provide quality fish and a plethora of other seafood catches that can be sampled in some of the very best restaurants of the Carolinas. Gifted local chefs strive to create incredibly appetizing dishes and bring creative panache to the local and tourist populace.

The region's restaurants intimate an abounding variety in the types of cuisine currently available, including Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, German, French, Greek, Caribbean, and many others. Though there are also many chain restaurants within the Wilmington region (too many to name here), the restaurants outlined below are considered to be some of the very best privately-owned gourmet establishments in the area.

As much as any other aspect of Wilmington, your dining experience is sure to be charming, delightful, and memorable.



Bluewater

4 Marina Street - Wrightsville Beach - phone 910.256.8500

Bluewater is located right on the intracoastal waterway, where views are spectacular. While watching all types of boats slowly cruise past your table, you will feel like you are in a tropical paradise. The dinner menu is casual American featuring favorites such as baby back ribs, char-grilled steaks and fresh fish, oven roasted fish, slow roasted prime rib, and signature combination platters.


The Bridge Tender
1414 Airlie Rd - Wilmington - phone 910.256.4519

The Bridge Tender is a waterfront restaurant, renowned for more than two decades for beef, seafood, pasta, and regional specialties. Excellent wine list and all ABC permits. Full service bar (also on the Intracoastal Waterway) adjoining dining room. Reservations suggested. Catering personalized for all types and locations of events.

 


Cafe Sonoma

3314-3316 Wrightsville Ave - Wilmington - phone 910.452.7292

Cafe Sonoma is unique in its bistro atmosphere and exquisitely prepared cusine. Both owners and chef yield from the Napa Valley of California, and bring you the flavours and the feel of this famous wine region. They are committed to quality and their menu reflects the seasons and the freshest products available.

 


Caprice French Bistro

10 Market Street - Wilmington - phone 910.815.0810

Caprice Bistro's decor is patterned, in a general sort of way, on scores of Paris brasseries and cafés of the Belle Epoque. Solid bistro cooking and a good selection of wine and beer are the specialty at Caprice bistro. Chef Thierry, who has been cooking since age 13, has cooked in some of the finest French restaurants in New York City. A bistro strives to serve good, simple food in generous portions at affordable prices. Caprice Bistro accomplishes this concept wholeheartedly.

 


Caffe Phoenix

9 South Front St - Wilmington - phone 910.343.1395

Located in a light and spacious 100 year old warehouse in downtown Wilmington, Caffe Phoenix serves house-made pastas, desserts, and breads with a multi-cultural influenced menu and an emphasis on rustic Mediterranean cuisine. Select from a varied menu with over twenty wines by the glass. Sidewalk dining is available when weather permits.



Circa 1922
8 North Front St - Wilmington - phone 910.762.1922

Circa 1922 is Wilmington's first Tapas (small plates) restaurant. Enjoy the delightfully authentic 1920's theme and enjoy the excellence in dining and service that Wilmingtonians are raving about. Extensive menu with over 70 items, featuring dips, salads, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, and sushi. The wine bar house 60 wines by the glass and over 180 by the bottle.

 

Deluxe
114 Market St - Wilmington - phone 910.251.0333

Located just a block from the Cape Fear river, the Deluxe is a favourite with both locals and tourists. A weekly changing menu delivers a variety of innovative New American cuisine, using fresh local ingredients. Enjoy the upscale, trendy setting, reminiscent of New York. A knowledgeable staff and impressive wine list complete a wonderful dining experience.

 

Dockside Restaurant & Marina
1308 Airlie Rd - Wilmington - phone 910.256.2752

Enjoy viewing the busy boating activity on the Intracoastal Waterway at this casual and very popular restaurant and marina. The Dockside serves fresh local seafood, salads, pastas, burgers, and sandwiches. A local favourite is their softshell crab sandwich.

 

Eddie Romanelli's
5400 Oleander Drive - Wilmington - phone 910.799.7000

Eddie Romanelli’s is a marvel of architecture and interior design. The restaurant has a wide open display kitchen that adds to the stunning ambiance of the dining room. The diverse menu is casual American with Italian influences. The dinner menu features favorites such as Eddie’s 20 oz. marinated steak, Potentate’s pork chops, Louisiana grilled chicken, Mama Romanelli’s lasagna, Shrimp and crabmeat cannelloni, unique California style pizza and much more.

 

Elijah's
2 Ann St - Wilmington - phone 910.343.1448

Located on the banks of the Cape Fear river, Elijah's offers a panoramic view of the riverfront. This popular restaurant is an American Seafood Grill, featuring an Oyster Bar with outdoor dining. Beef, poultry, and pasta complement the seafood menu. A lively, fun crowd, expert service, and excellent food await you.

 

Fish House Grill
1410 Airlie Rd - Wilmington - phone 910.256.3693

The Fish House Grill is a casual Intracoastal Waterway cafe. Come by boat and use their docks! Dine inside or on the deck. Great hamburgers, seafood, salads, and cold drinks, including wine, beer, and all ABC permits. Daily specials are offered in addition to the house specialties. Take-out is always available.

 

Front Street Brewery
9 North Front St - Wilmington - phone 910.251.1935

The Front Street Brewery offers history, the best in handcrafted beers, and a menu to please all! Naturally, all the beer is brewed on the Brewery's premise in a process which encompasses all three floors. Of course they have beer to go! Front Street Brewery offers a full menu that has something for everyone. They also serve a late night menu Monday through Saturday.

 

Grouper Nancy's
502 Nutt St - Wilmington - phone 910.251.8009

Grouper Nancy's is located in the Coast Line Center, where you can experience casual fine-dining overlooking the Cape Fear river in Historic Downtown Wilmington. Enjoy delicious fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, veal, and pork.

 

Jerry's Food Wine & Spirits
7220 Wrightsville Ave - Wrightsville Bch - phone 910.256.8847

Enjoy the culinary talents of Jerry Rouse as you dine in the candlelist and casual bistro atmosphere of Jerry's. Experience the fine presentation and consistently well-prepared variety of entrees from fresh local seafood to USDA prime beef. A superb wine list complements their menu. Catering available.

 

K-38 Baja Grill
5410 Oleander Dr - Wilmington - phone 910.395.6040

Enter into this warm and cozy atmosphere and enjoy the K-38 Baja Grill experience! Chilies and spices from all over the Southwest and Mexico combine with the freshest ingredients to create authentic South of the Baja Border taste sensations. Seekers of the perfect margarita will be well-rewarded.

 

Kiva Grill
8211 Market St - Wilmington - phone 910.686.8211

Kiva Grill is upscalle Southwestern both in atmosphere and in their specialty menu. You'll discover unforgettable lobster enchiladas, tender chipotle baby-back ribs, and only the freshest fish, prepared and accompanied with weekly flavors. An excellent wine list complements the menu. Exceptional margaritas.



Le Catalan Wine Bar and French Cafe
224 South Water Street - Wilmington - phone 910.815.0200

"Wine Down" on the Riverwalk over looking the Cape Fear River. Explore new vintages and expand your palette at Wilmington’s only authentic wine bar. Wine is available by the glass or by the bottle to enjoy at your table. The wine list evolves regularly so there is always something new to savor!




NoFo Market and Cafe
The Forum - 1125 Military Cutoff - Wilmington - phone 910.256.5565

The NOFO Café serves lunch & dinner Monday through Saturday and Sunday brunch. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches entrees, and daily specials. Folks can dine inside among the palms or at a sidewalk table. Encore Magazine called the café "just plain cool" and a "groovy diner."



The Oceanic
703 South Lumina Ave - Wrightsville Beach - phone 910.256-5551

Fresh local seafood, specialty chicken, hearty steaks, and a variety of extras ranging from salads, seafood gumbo, and she-crab soup to hush puppies, slaw, rice pilaf, vegetables, potatoes and confetti orzo. All overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Outside dining is also available.

 

Pilot House
2 Ann St - Wilmington - phone 910.343.0200

The Pilot House, located in the Historic Craig House in Chandler's Wharf on the Cape Fear Riverfront, has served the finest in creative Southern fare for 18 years. Their innovative regional seafoods are sure to please your palate. Relax at lunch or dinner in the casual elegance of the dining room, or enjoy a meal on their expansive waterfront deck.

 

Port City Chop House
1981 Eastwood Rd - Wilmington - phone 910.256.4955

Port City Chop House is located near the main Landfall entrance in a beautiful setting, which includes patio and fireplace dining. They specialize in center cut beef, lamb, and pork, and serve only certified Angus Beef. Also offered are a variety of seafood and pasta dishes. Lunch and dinner specials are served every day.

 

Reel Cafe
100 South Front St - Wilmington - phone 910.251.1832

With a decor of original cinematic memorabilia from the Carolina movie industry, the Reel Cafe is proud to bring a new dining and entertainment venue to historic downtown Wilmington. Featuring courtyard dining, live rooftop entertainment, and a unique menu offering a wide variety of lunch and dinner items, there is something for everyone.

 

Roy's Riverboat Landing
2 Market St - Wilmington - phone 910.763.7227

Situated on one of the oldest building sites in town, Roy's Riverboat Landing offers romantic fine-dining along the banks of the Cape Fear River in Historic Wilmington, overlooking the Battleship USS North Carolina. Enjoy signature seafood dishes, outstanding beef, and seasonal offerings.

 

Shanakee / Loco'Malleys
109 Chestnut St - Wilmington - phone 910.343.9590

Welcome to the The Shanakee (an seanchai'). In Ireland, the word "craic" means laughter, food, fun and good times. Wander into any Irish Pub, be it in the heart of Dublin or along the countryside, and you will feel the magic cast by good food, drink and friendship. The Shanakee Irish Restaurant and Pub brings you a little slice of the Irish experience, so sit back and enjoy the "craic," as we pass the rich Irish pub culture on to you.

 

South Beach Grill
100 South Lumina Ave - Wrightsville Bch - phone 910.256.4646

A favourite with locals and beach visitors, South Beach Grill offers excellent, creative cuisine with a beach attitude! Experience delightful and intimate casual dining overlooking the Banks Channel. Nightly dinner specials add to an excellent menu. Consistency in providing local fresh seafood adds to its popularity.

 

Szechuan 132
419 South College Rd - Wilmington - phone 910.799.1426
130 North Front St - Wilmington - phone 910.799.5782

Szechuan 132 offers an outstanding Cantonese and Szechuan menu. You'll love the staff personalities and the comfortable ambiance. Take-out orders are accepted, and reservations are recommended for dinner.

 

Temptations Cafe
3501 Oleander Dr - Wilmington - phone 910.763.6662

Tucked into Hanover Shopping Center across from Independence Mall, Temptations Cafe offers delicious lunches and so much more. Featured are soups, salads, sandwiches, quiche, beer, and wine. Also a food gift store, offering a wide variety of indulgent treats and a large selection of North Carolina specialties foods.

 

The Tides Coastal Bistro
The Forum - 1125 Military Cutoff Rd - Wilmington - phone 910.256.1118

The Tides Coastal Bistro celebrates the coastal lifestyle we all know and love. The menu is published daily, featuring the finest seafood available, as well as steaks, pastas, and other daily specials. Experience a comfortable and friendly beach atmosphere, featuring artistic murals, piano music and full service bar.

 

Tomatoz
1201 South College Rd - Wilmington - phone 910.313.0541

Tomatoz is a fun restaurant with a casual and colorful setting, serving delicious food influenced by the best of American, Italian, Creole, Southwestern, and Southern cooking. They offer meatless and veggie options as well as steaks, burgers, pastas, stir fries, pizzas, salads, and huge burritos. Breads and desserts made daily on the premises.

 

Tower 7
417 South College Road #24 - Wilmington - phone 910.793.6595

On the stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Torrey Pines and Del Mar there is lifeguard Tower #7. It is an easily overlooked beach break you barely notice by car on the climb up the bluffs toward Del Mar. Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill brings you the flavors that fuel the spirit of adventure and never ending search for that special out of the way spot.

 

Water Street Restaurant & Sidewalk Cafe
5 Water St - Wilmington - phone 910.343.0042

Housed in a former peanut warehouse on the riverfront, Water Street Restaurant offers moderately priced, unique, and healthful meals all day, every day in a softly-lit antique atmosphere. Sidewalk seating is in full view of the river, and live piano music is frequent. An inviting nightspot featuring live jazz and a popular Sunday Jazz Brunch.



a generous portion of the restaurant information here has been taken
from Mary Horn's Third Edtion of

A Taste of Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach
copyright 2000 Mary Elizabeth Horn


 

 

 

HOME - EDUCATION - CAREER - MEDICAL - WEATHER - TRANSPORTATION - ORGANIZATIONS - AREA MEDIA - GOVERNMENT - RETIREMENT
PET NEEDS - MORE INFO - ATTRACTIONS - NIGHTLIFE - EVENTS - RECREATION - DINING - LODGING - SHOPPING - KID'S STUFF
CURRENT LISTINGS - SPECIAL HOMES - SEARCH MLS - NEIGHBORHOODS - RELOCATION
BUYER INFO - SELLER INFO - FINANCIAL INFO - RENTALS



if you wish to add a link to any page, contact us here

 


site design and maintenance by
contact visionchild