Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Wilmington

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Wilmington? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Seabird

4.9

4.9 (1657)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Mindfully sourced and thoughtfully prepared ingredients highlight the landscape of the food in our coastal community. Menu subject to change daily with local availability of seafood and produce. James Beard nominated chef and owner, Dean Neff.

Reservations available for dinner Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesdays.

Brunch now served Saturday & Sunday!

Top review

Chris

Dined 1 day ago

Loved the diversity of brunch menu, highlighting local and seasonal food! BBQ oysters cooked to perfection with great balance of flavors without overpowering delicate oyster. Tuna benny on point with local sea beans, basil, and tomato. Buddy had NC state rockfish poboy, 10/10. Thoughtful sustainable food and great service, will definitely be back!!!

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Experience

New Years Eve Prix Fixe Menu Only

PinPoint

4.8

4.8 (1882)

$50 and over

American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Welcome to PinPoint Restaurant!

Located in Wilmington, NC, PinPoint Restaurant serves food deeply rooted in Southern tradition. Featured in Southern Living's Best Restaurants of 2019. The menu changes daily and features local seasonal offerings from Wilmington’s farmers, fishermen, and oystermen.

Top review

Gale

Dined 1 day ago

Great time, great food, and great service. We’ll be back!

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Popular dish

Raw Oysters

Popular dish

Springer Mt Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Baked Local Oysters

Butcher and Barrel by True Blue

4.8

4.8 (581)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Chef Bobby Zimmerman and his team welcome you to Butcher & Barrel by We Are True Blue, located in the South Front District of downtown Wilmington, NC.

Celebrated for its prime cuts and lively atmosphere, Butcher & Barrel features a menu of locally sourced ingredients and an extensive selection of bourbon and whiskey. With its high ceilings, funky wallpaper, and art featuring local artist GERB, Butcher & Barrel aims to offer not only a delicious dining and drinking experience but also a memorable, vibrant one. Designed to give you a big city feel, it has that exciting air of "where are you going to go next?" after you finish your meal or drink.

Top review

Ken

Dined 3 days ago

Love the menu....whiskey flights and more. Will return.

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Cackalack Takeover ft: The Hatch Brothers

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC

4.7

4.7 (2565)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Wilmington is located at the newly constructed River Place in the heart of historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether it's a romantic steak dinner for two, an important business meeting, or a private party, Ruth's Chris Steak House can accommodate your needs and our Wilmington steakhouse provides guests with a warm, comfortable atmosphere of casual elegance.

Top review

Matt

Dined 5 days ago

Great fun as usual, excellent food and service, one loud table in the restaurant, but is to be expected.

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King Neptune Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (362)

$31 to $50

American

Wrightsville Beach

About the restaurant

King Neptune is now offering fresh, local seafood as well as variations of pork, beef, and poultry dishes. There are several salad options as well. Our chef Em Ecker has a very creative way of combining locally sourced ingredients to create the most tasteful and delicious meals for our guests.

Top review

TauryVIP

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Excellent restaurant in the heart of town. Not a huge menu, but the food is delicious. Special was grouper. The other entree was scallops. Both were terrific. Service is great. Can be a bit loud. Not a big place. Reservations a must.

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4.6

4.6 (147)

$31 to $50

American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Dram Yard offers dinners featuring Southern coastal flavors with a global twist. Join us for craft cocktails, carefully curated wine and beer offerings, and thoughtful preparations of locally sourced ingredients in our re-opened dining room.

Top review

Bambi

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Excellent experience. We will be back soon. Service was great and the food was delicious

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Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu Experience at Dram Yard

Experience

Chef's Blue Plate Specials

Tomiko-San

4.6

4.6 (23)

$30 and under

Sushi

Wrightsville Beach

About the restaurant

Tomiko-San is a charming sushi restaurant in Wilmington that invites you into a world of culinary artistry and tranquility.

Enjoy a delightful selection of sushi, sashimi, and Japanese dishes, all made with the freshest ingredients and careful attention to detail. Our skilled sushi chefs create each piece as a miniature work of art.

More than just food, Tomiko-San offers a peaceful escape from daily life. The Zen-like ambiance, minimalist décor, soft lighting, and calming music create the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy delicious cuisine with loved ones.

Whether you're a sushi lover or trying it for the first time, Tomiko-San guarantees an unforgettable dining experience. Discover the art of Japanese cuisine in a space that nourishes both body and soul.

Top review

Vivi

Dined 1 day ago

The best sushi i’ve had in wilmingotn by FAR. ambiance and vibes were top tier!!

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Experience

Omakase

Marina Grill

4.4

4.4 (52)

$30 and under

American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Marina Grill is a waterfront restaurant that was inspired by our lively Riverfront Marina & ideal Downtown Wilmington location. We offer a wide variety of dishes, NC beers, wine, seasonal cocktails, and a view that is second to none. We offer Sunday Brunch, private event spaces, live music in the boatyard, and a stunning atmosphere that is family friendly. Whether you choose to sit inside or out – you will enjoy the beautiful marina and waterfront views. Time it right and you will be treated to a spectacular Cape Fear River Sunset view.

Top review

Kristine

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

So good we are going back tonight!!! Wonderful food and atmosphere

RUMCOW.

4.2

4.2 (18)

$30 and under

American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Come and join us for Dinner and enjoy our American cuisine with a global flair ✨

Top review

Donna

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

Despite being short staffed (We appreciated being told ahead of time!), our service was very good and our food was delicious. It’s a busy place so quite loud. Would go back!

Tequilas Waterfront

4.0

4 (192)

$30 and under

Mexican

Wilmington

About the restaurant

A culinary collaboration between Tequila Comida & Cantina and Marina Grill, infusing the vibrant flavors of Mexico into the heart of Wilmington’s waterfront. Established in 2018 by Chef Ramon Villasenor and Miguel Villasenor, Tequila Comida & Cantina has teamed up with Marina Grill to create an exceptional dining experience.

Nestled beside the Riverfront Park and boasting an extraordinary view of the Riverfront Marina, Tequila’s Waterfront offers a unique setting. Our spacious outdoor area is the perfect spot to enjoy live music during the summer months. Located next door to the Riverfront Park, home to the Live Oak Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater hosting open-air concerts and entertainment, we invite you to savor the magic of Mexican cuisine amid cultural warmth and breathtaking views.

Top review

Dawn

Dined 1 day ago

On a holiday weekend, we had amazing food, great service and it was reasonably priced!

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