Have you been searching for the best restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina to try for an upcoming trip? We have got you covered! Here we have made an extensive list of all the best dining in Wilmington to help keep your belly full during your adventure!
The port city is a gateway to all things oceanic and historic, with the Battleship North Carolina being moored right along the Cape Fear River, holding exciting artifacts from World War II!
Wilmington is a top destination in North Carolina that’s a sure must-hit in between your stops at the best beaches, the soothing waterfalls and the beautiful botanical gardens the state has to offer! Whether you’re here for a good time, or a long time, Wilmington has the perfect amount of peace and excitement for all kinds of travelers!
Not to mention the restaurants in Wilmington are to die for!
The best food in Wilmington is not too hard to find! And while you’re thinking about food, here’s our Bucket List of activities in Wilmington to help you kick start your appetite! So sit back and relax while we help you find all the best restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina!
15 Best Restaurants in Wilmington NC You Must Try!
Indochine
Indochine is one of the best restaurants in Wilmington NC and you can’t skip it!
It has a lunch service from 11am to 2pm, and a dinner service from 5pm to 10pm and specializes in Thai-Vietnamese style dishes with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options!
Indochine is popular! They are regularly packed but bring good service so make sure to come early anticipating a week or book a reservation to ensure a table! It’s one of the best restaurants in Wilmington featuring some classic and crowd favourites such as spring rolls, coconut soup and Thai garlic chicken!
Don’t miss out on these large portions and great atmospheric dining in Wilmington!
Copper Penny
The Copper Penny is one of the famous places to eat in Wilmington because it was featured on an episode of “Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives”!
If that didn’t convince you, no worries! While Guy Fieri went crazy over the hot portk sandwich and called this restaurant “Philly in the South”, it has great vibes with a good selection of beers and cocktails for all types of foodies!
Copper Penny has some of the best dinner in Wilmington with dishes ranging from 13 to 22 dollars and featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes! Their staff is friendly and attentive, and they definitely recommend the sweet potato fries with honey mustard!
Something Fishy
There’s Something Fishy about how amazing the food is at Something Fishy! This restaurant has some of the best food in Wilmington!
Something Fishy is one of the best restaurants in Wilmington for seafood and is another location featured on “Diner’s, Drive-In’s, and Dive’s”! It has gluten-free options, lunch and dinner service and some great vibes!
The restaurant has friendly, well-paced service with large portions and well-cooked seafood! This is a must destination for diners looking for scallops, clam chowder, and flounder!
Savorez
When looking for where to eat in Wilmington with Latin-Central American cuisine, Savorez is a great option!
It is vegetarian friendly, with brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks services! This is definitely a great location for best brunch in Wilmington with unique food and amazing pineapple jalepeño margarita!
The staff at Savorez is attentive, responsive, positive, and friendly and provides a unique and memorable experience for guests! Past patrons recommend the Langousta Y Coco, and the chorizo and goat cheese empanada!
Arrive early to get a good seat as it gets full quick and they don’t take reservations! Let us know what you think of the food at this option for the best Wilmington restaurants!
Circa 1922
Circa 1922 has some of the best Wilmington food!
It has a menu featuring local American-International cuisine so there’s something for everyone! It has dishes from 16 to 39 dollars, has a lunch and dinner service featuring vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options!
When wondering what to eat in Wilmington, definitely consider a restaurant that has fantastic atmosphere, awesome food! It’s menu is a little pricier but it still has some delicious food with great sharable options and drinks to pair!
This is one of the downtown Wilmington restaurants and is super popular so make sure to get a reservation! Past patrons recommend trying the charred octopus, mushroom brioche, or the tuna carpaccio! Yum!
Ceviche’s
Ceviche’s is one of the good restaurants in Wilmington that serves phenomenal Caribbean-Central American inspired food!
Their menu has vegetarian friendly, vegan and gluten-free options perfect for any diner! Service here is excellent and friendly for how busy it gets! They serve large portions with top notch quality! Their menu items are well-balanced and feature creative food and flavour profiles that make this one of the best restaurants in Wilmington you have to try!
Past patrons recommend the blackened tuna, jerk shrimp skewers, the arroz con pollo and the tres leche cake for dessert!
Pilot House
Pilot House is one of the local American-Seafood with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options!
This is one of the nice restaurants in Wilmington with plenty of options, a lunch, brunch, and dinner service with large portions, phenomenal food and service with a smile!
Their window tables have a great view of the river! So if you can, definitely make a reservation to try to snag one! Past patrons recommend the Sweet Potato Grouper, Shrimp and Oysters and the Peach Cobbler!
Taqueria Los Portales
Taqueria Los Portales is the place for Mexican-Latin food that will make you delirious from it’s deliciousness!
It has vegetarian friendly options and lunch and dinner service! This is a small shop with no fuss service and quick, hot and delicious food! This is one of the must top restaurants in Wilmington that has authentic, well-priced food that you will love! Try the bucci and barbacoa tacos and raw oysters!
Taqueria Los Portales may be a hidden gem of Wilmington, but there are plenty of hidden gems in the grand state of North Carolina that you shouldn’t overlook!
Marina Grill
The Marina Grill is another awesome option for seafood in Wilmington!
Despite their awesome seafood menu, this restaurant has some great vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes! With dishes ranging between 9 and 53 dollars, this is home to some fine dining in Wilmington! They have great services and have large portions and a cool ambiance!
Their dishes come out fast, their tables have great views of the river and they have phenomenal combination of flavours that will make your mouth water! This is one of the best restaurants in Wilmington and you definitely should check it out!
Brooklynn Pizza
If you’re looking for the home of awesome pizza in Wilmington, we have got you covered! Brooklynn Pizza houses some of the most authentic New-York style pizza in the South!
They are open for lunch, dinner and have vegetarian friendly pizza! They have a great selection of different kinds of pizza, perfect for anyone looking to fill their stomach with delicious pizza! While this restaurant does not have pasta, this is definitely one of the Italian restaurants in Wilmington that will help you experience Little Italy in North Carolina!
They have fast and friendly service, excellent crust and all their pizza is made to order! Past patrons recommend the mushroom, Margherita, or the sausage pizza!
Genki Sushi
Genki Sushi is one of the best restaurants in Wilmington with fresh sushi!
Their dishes range from 13 to 39 dollars each and offers a menu with Japanese-Asian cuisine that is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly! The service and food is always consistent and amazing! They have regulars who come back sometimes multiple times a month, that’s how supportive they are of the best Wilmington food!
It has great quality, cool atmosphere and kind staff! Don’t forget to make a reservation, otherwise you might be waiting a while! Recommended dishes include the Buri-kama, eggdrop soup, coconut cake and taro!
Brasserie du Soleil
The Brasserie du Soleil is a classic French-European restaurant that is the definition of fine dining in Wilmington!
They have a brunch, lunch, and diner service, all featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly dishes! They offer great meals with phenomenal service and an amazing view of the river and classic atmosphere!
Past patrons rave over the Brasserie due Soleil’s french onion soup and the boeuf Bourguignon! Let us know what you think of one of the best restaurants in Wilmington, NC!
Platypus and Gnome
Platypus and Gnome is definitely home to one of the most unique food concepts featuring different meats and wild game! This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Wilmington for people looking to eat food at an establishments off the beaten path!
It is an American-International bar, featuring dishes with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options and a brunch, lunch, and dinner service! They offer wild game in their meals! The restaurant is famous for their great service, nice decor and phenomenal dishes!
They space out their courses nicely so you have the time to eat without feeling rushed, this is perfect for larger groups who are sharing and trying a variety of different dishes! Platypus and Gnome is perfect for those seeking something different.
Try crowd favourites like the elk burger, lamb poutine, the vegetarian chilli in a roasted pumpkin, pumpkin flatbread and mojito’s with cranberry!
Goody Goody Omelet House
The Goody Goody Omelet House is the classic American diner with vegetarian friendly dishes, breakfast, lunch, and brunch service and perfect for those seeking some filling breakfast in Wilmington!
They make fantastic, fluffy and delicious omelet’s at low prices with filling portions! It honours the classic diner style with it’s decor and service! It’s cash only so don’t forget your wallet!
Their staff is friendly with great suggestions! Past patrons recommend the raisin bread with apple butter, grilled biscuits and the ham and cheese omelet! Let us know what you think of this great option for breakfast in Wilmington!
Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Last but not least, and located right on Wrightsville Beach is the Bluewater Waterfront Grill!
This beautiful location is famous for their water view where you can see all the sailboats and yachts pass with a gorgeous sky! Maybe catch the sunset? Whatever your vibe, this is the perfect option for Wrightsville Beach restaurants for you!
This option for restaurants in Wrightsville Beach has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly options and lunch and dinner services! They have fresh seafood and a chef-driven menu featuring unique dishes and coastal favourites!
Past visitors and staff recommend amazing dishes such as the scallop jalepeño creamed corn with tomato jam, blackened swordfish, and the parmesan crusted chicken!
Let us know what you think of this option for the best restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina!
We’re so happy you were able to join us on our walk through of the best dining in Wilmington! Whether you’re on the hunt for pizza, seafood, or the perfect brunch spot, this awesome city has something for everyone! Now that you’ve seen all the best Wilmington food, when are you going to visit? Consider the seasons! Whether it’s spring, summer, winter or fall in North Carolina, this state has plenty of fun and fantastic activities for everyone to do! If you’re looking for the best places to go apple picking, or the greatest spots for seeing Christmas lights, we have you covered!
So, now that you’re starved for the best restaurants in Wilmington, where are you going to eat first?
15 Best Things To Do In Banner Elk NC You Shouldn’t Miss