Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Coastal North Carolina

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Coastal North Carolina? 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!

Southern, a gathering place

5.0

5 (600)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Southport

About the restaurant

Farm to fork creative southern cuisine. Handcrafted cocktails and fabulous wine list. We offer seating by reservation for all seats in the restaurant including seats at our bar, indoor dining room, and our outdoor porch which is a wonderful place to sit during all seasons (since porch sitting is a true Southport thing to do).

Top review

GeorgeVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Celebrated our anniversary there…we love the ambiance. Our service was excellent, food was absolutely delicious.

Brent's Bistro

4.9

4.9 (673)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Wrightsville Beach

About the restaurant

Upscale yet casual restaurant located in Wilmington, NC. Located near Wrightsville Beach. Menu changes weekly to highlight the freshest seafood and land dishes. Enjoy flavorful dinners and extensive wine selection in our welcoming atmosphere. When weather permits, book a seat outdoors on our covered patio. For reservations, please utilize Opentable or call us directly. However, reservations for Fridays and Saturdays can ONLY be booked by calling us directly. 910-839-3131.

Top review

KathyVIP

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

Brent’s, in my mind,is the best restaurant in Wilmington. We brought our friends from Ma. on Sunday. They could not stop talking about how delicious their meal was. We look forward to Tuesdays to see what this weeks menu is. Going for Father’s Day, can’t wait.

The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood

4.9

4.9 (3810)

$30 and under

Seafood

Calabash

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Oyster Rock, a family-owned and operated waterfront Calabash seafood restaurant specializing in excellent seafood and raw bar items, mixed with a flavorful variety of mouth-watering beef, chicken and pork dishes, along with sandwiches and burgers all prepared in house every day using only the freshest and finest ingredients from local and regional suppliers and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean right outside our doors.

Overlooking the scenic Calabash River and its pristine estuaries and relaxing atmosphere, The Oyster Rock provides the most amazing view around, from our indoor and outdoor seating areas and bars featuring more than 24 domestic and imported beers on tap, 30 wines by the glass and a delicious collection of specialty cocktails.

If you would like to order carryout, orders may be placed by calling 910-579-6875.

Top review

Rosanne

Dined 3 days ago

excellent ! we were celebrating our 44th anniversary and had a wonderful time - delicious food and such a wonderful waitress - attentive , took our picture and we never felt rushed - atmosphere was filled with smiles and people enjoying themselves we love it here !

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4.9

4.9 (1651)

$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

DavidVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Our party of eight had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed the nearly private dining room to the side and the fabulous food and attentive service

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Experience

New Years Eve Prix Fixe Menu Only

Prime Bistro & Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (446)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Beaufort / Morehead City

About the restaurant

An elevated dining experience with wood-fired steaks, seafood, housemade pasta and world-class wines.

Top review

Darryl

Dined 2 days ago

We chose Prime to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary and it was a wonderful choice. From the moment we stepped in the front door until we left, it was a great experience. We had the rolls as our appetizer, I had French onion soup, and then we shared the 16 ounce ribeye with truffle, mac & cheese, grilled asparagus, and the wild mushrooms. We finished off the evening with the vanilla crème brûlée, and it was all wonderful. Our server, Shawn, took really good care of us and made our evening special. We would definitely come back.

PinPoint

4.8

4.8 (1881)

$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

KathrynVIP

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Fabulous anniversary celebration with friends at Pinpoint! Our server, Ryan, was wonderful and attentive and the food and cocktails were delicious!

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Popular dish

Raw Oysters

Popular dish

Springer Mt Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Baked Local Oysters

Jerry's Food, Wine and Spirits

4.8

4.8 (465)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Serving the best from North Carolina's land and sea in a warm, casual setting since 1992. Contemporary American dishes lined with classic flavors of the South. Couple your meal with a glass/bottle from our hand picked wine list featuring many Napa, Sonoma, and Oregon options, or go with a delicious hand crafted cocktail like the Hellcat Holler. Jerry's has been featured on PBS' "NC Weekend" with Bob Garner, Wilmington Today, the Wilmington Star News, and has had the pleasure of serving a sitting Vice President, Hollywood actors, pro athletes, tourists and the wonderful Wilmington community for 30 years. We look forward to serving you soon!

Top review

Angelique

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Jerry’s is a hidden gem! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary and were provided a personalized menu! We were blown away by the choices and the dishes we chose were delicious. The crab appetizer is the best! Great wait staff and service. All around this is one of the best Wrightsville/Wilmington has to offer!

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Floriana - Wilmington

4.8

4.8 (1397)

$31 to $50

Italian

Wilmington

About the restaurant

We are open for carry out and for dine-in guests. The balcony tables are available first come first serve upon reservation. If one is not available upon arrival, guests are welcome to wait at the bar or in the lounge until one becomes available. We are open for Dinner MON-SUN 4:30 pm till 10 pm and for Brunch on SUN 11:00-2:00 pm.

Floriana Restaurant is about friends, family and community. We are an independently-owned Italian bistro serving dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers. We pride ourselves on our menu, service and passion for food. Our beautifully appointed dining room is the perfect setting for any occasion — an intimate, romantic dinner, or when you have reason for celebration and want all your closest friends together at the same table.

The Wilmington Floriana Restaurant is located in Wilmington, NC riverside at 2 Market Street.

Top review

Erin

Dined 7 days ago

We absolutely loved our meal and experience. The food was cooked to perfection! From the bread with the pesto spread to the mussels appetizer, short rib ragu, and the duck breast, it was fantastic. To top it off, Chris was our waiter and he was the best!! He offered incredible descriptions and advice. His service was the cherry on top of the best meal. Can’t wait to return!

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FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Farfalla

4.8

4.8 (69)

$31 to $50

Italian

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Farfalla, offers a rich celebration of Italian flavors tailored to each season. Featuring comforting dishes like handmade pastas, fresh meats, and seasonal vegetables, each plate embodies the warmth and soul of traditional Italian cuisine. Indulge in bold flavors with our curated selection of wines, perfect for pairing with these seasonal delights.

Known for its inspired Italian cuisine, We Are True Blue invites you to try Farfalla, an intimate dining experience in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. The restaurant sits on the corner of the South Front District, featuring an inviting outdoor porch under string lights and a charming side garden that complement its cozy, inviting interior and exterior, perfect for any occasion.

Top review

Jenn

Dined 4 days ago

Our server was amazing! He didn’t miss a beat. The food was incredible (highly recommend the cannelloni).

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Experience

Al Fresco Happy Hour

Steam Restaurant - Embassy Suites

4.4

4.4 (690)

$30 and under

American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Steam is bringing American cuisine to Wilmington using locally sourced goods & ingredients. With an extensive wine & beer selection, plenty of cocktails, indoor/outdoor seating, & beautiful views of the Cape Fear River, Steam is your go-to local restaurant.

Top review

Melissa

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

We had a wonderful dinner in Steam Restaurant & Bar. The bartenders Joey & Scarlett took wonderful care of our crowd. The cocktails were delicious and we enjoyed the appetizers - Brussel Sprouts (MUST TRY!), Garlic Fries, Sesame Tuna and Pork Belly. For our meal, Albert took care of us and blanketed us with service. Everyone at our table enjoyed their entrees- Watermelon & Burrata Salad, Burger Burgers x 3, Crab Cakes, and the Salmon with Pineapple Slaw was a great summer dish! We will be back!

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