Wilmington Restaurants
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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Wilmington
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Aqua Restaurant and Spa - Duck, NC
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.9(1,452)Since 2008, we have applauded our outstanding staff for their commitment to providing an exceptional culinary experience in our casual setting you’re sure to be comfortable relaxing in. Gorgeous sunsets, live music, and good times make AQUA the place where delicious food and beautiful memories happen year-round on the Outer Banks. Our lunch menu has a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, seafood, and more. At dinner, Chef creates exquisite specialty dishes using local-caught fish and seafood, locally farmed ingredients, and all-natural meats. Carefully chosen innovative wine, craft beer, and specialty cocktails perfectly complement Chef’s savory creations. Our yummy desserts are handmade in house from the freshest ingredients.Prime Bistro & Wine Bar
Price: Expensive•Steakhouse•4.9(429)An elevated dining experience with wood-fired steaks, seafood, housemade pasta and world-class wines.
Southern, a gathering place
Price: Very Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.9(563)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).Bahama Breeze - Fayetteville
Price: Moderate•Caribbean•4.7(64)When you're at Bahama Breeze Island Grille, life's one big party. It's an escape from the ordinary and a much-needed excuse for you to let loose. Famous since 1996 for tropical cocktails, live music, and more, the vibe here is always as amazing as that Caribbean-inspired food we're known for. Bahama Breeze offers your favorites: seafood, salads, chicken--all with island flair. From Jerk Chicken Pasta to Seafood Paella, you can enjoy the islands one taste at a time, discovering new flavors along the way. Naturally, we're the perfect spot for all the sunniest moments in life: happy hours with friends, anniversaries, birthdays, date nights and unique culinary experiences. So, when you're ready to raise your glass and move your feet, the party's in full swing and the islands are waiting for you or if you'd rather bring the Island party home, online ordering is a Breeze too!
The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood
Price: Moderate•Seafood•4.9(3,716)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.Brent's Bistro
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.9(672)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.
Blue Moon Bistro
Price: Expensive•French American•4.9(605)BLUE MOON BISTRO of Beaufort, NC; Casual fine dining experience with superb service team, a creative and well-stocked bar, & TWO chefs sharing in our culinary leadership of French/American cuisine.
CHEF JAYSON FOSTER graduate of CCCCP; Culinary Arts student who studied in France under two-starred Michelin Chef Marc Meurin. A stalwart on the Beaufort Food Scene, Jayson has cooked at Chef’s 105, Circa 81, and at Aqua, where he was the Chef for 10 years. In 2012, Jayson and team won the Fire on the Docks Competition in Wilmington, NC.
CHEF JOSH MACKLIN, Honors graduate of CCCCP, Josh ALSO went to France to study with two-starred Michelin Chef Marc Meurin. Josh joined Floyd’s 1921 as banquet chef. He has worked at Circa 81 as Chef/Restaurant Manager for 10 years. He then joined the Oysters and Pearls group, opening Catch 109 and Executive Chef for Table 9. Josh loves how food brings together families and friends. He is a proud believer of food being a bond we all share.
Bon Appetit!Seabird
Price: Very Expensive•Seafood•4.9(1,592)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!
Ocean Blvd Bistro and Martini Bar
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.9(2,854)Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar is an upscale dining restaurant on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We are open nightly for dinner and drinks through all seasons. We pride ourselves in using fresh local and regional ingredients, in season, to create interesting and flavorful meals. We have a comprehensive wine list and have been awarded "Best of the Beach - 2014-2017" for our Martini Bar. We also have an oceanside patio, across the street from the beach, for drinks and waiting. If your reservation can not be completed online, please call us at 252-261-2546 to inquire about special seating arrangements.Tomiko-San
Price: Moderate•Sushi•4.8(11)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.
See what locals rave about in Wilmington
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- KKathyGreater Boston •44 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoWe had a wonderful dinner outside on a balcony overlooking the river and battleship. Dinner was delicious. Jackson was our server. Very helpful and friendly. Thank youMore infoFloriana - WilmingtonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Wilmington•4.7
- JJillCharlotte •2 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoGreat experience at Tarantellis last night. We had the seasonal salad, waygu bruschetta and split a gnocchi pasta dish. Everything was fantastic and the service was top notch.More infoTarantelli’sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Wilmington•4.8
- RRobertVIPNew York City •4 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoThe food is always great and our server was the best he had great recommendations.we have been going to this Ruth Chris since it opened and it keeps getting better keep it up. Thank u for a great nightMore infoRuth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NCPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Wilmington•4.7
- JJamesPalm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •17 reviews4.0Dined 6 days agoAll 4 of us loved the food and overall dining experience was great. Service and attentiveness was meh.More infoRiver 128 RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Wilmington•4.5
- MMikeVIPDetroit / Eastern Michigan •3 reviews5.0Dined on Apr 28, 2025Excellent presentation of very tasty plates. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and service staff.More infoSeabirdPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Wilmington•4.9
Restaurant experiences trending in Coastal North Carolina
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Discover Coastal North Carolina
The coastal region of North Carolina is a vacation magnet, and food is big business all along the shoreline. Fresh seafood establishments abound in this area, with many of them catering directly to the visitors as much as the locals. Steakhouses are also very common along the coast for those looking for a great cut prepared just right. The South is barbeque country, and you can add the North Carolina coast to the list, as barbecue smokehouses are plentiful and usually found in a bar-and-grill setting. International food is also a very popular choice along the North Carolina coast. Selections include Thai, German, Indian, and even Peruvian cuisine. Of course, there are many national chain establishments as well as locally owned family restaurants and combination eateries for those wanting something quick.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Wilmington is Farfalla
The best vegan restaurants in Wilmington are Seabird, Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC and The Green House Restaurant - Wilmington
The best vegetarian restaurants in Wilmington are Seabird, Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC and The Green House Restaurant - Wilmington
The restaurants with the best service in Wilmington are The Melting Pot - Wilmington(NC), Farfalla and Broken Plate Kitchen
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Wilmington are Seanna Tavern, Theodosia and Edgewater 122
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