One thing no one can argue, Wilmington has GREAT food. From James Beard nominated chefs to casual dive bar food, we have options for everyone. This blog will cover the best restaurants in Wilmington, NC downtown, seafood restaurants in Wilmington, NC, casual spots, romantic date night spots, and more. Exploring our food scene is one of my favorite things to do in Wilmington, NC.
I'm organizing this article by location: downtown Wilmington, central Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach area, and surrounding areas. Keep reading for more details, photos, and locations or you can screenshot the list below.
Downtown Wilmington | Central Wilmington | Wrightsville Beach & nearby | Surrounding areas |
|---|---|---|---|
The Half | Genki | Origins | Island Burgers |
Seabird | Keg and Egg | Pipeline Poke | Soul Flavor |
Savorez | Savor | Ceviches | Nauti Dog |
On Thyme | Jimbo's | PT's | Salt Fish & Tiki Bar |
Three10 | Mess Hall | Wheelz Pizza | Island Bagels |
Indochine | Milners | ||
Hell's Kitchen | Rosalies | ||
Crofton's Pretzels | |||
Don Luca | |||
RX | |||
Creative Tastings | |||
Cousins | |||
Prost |
Downtown Wilmington
The Half
Anyone who knows me, is not the least bit surprised that this is the first restaurant I have to mention. The Half is a casual (but trendy) sandwich shop that cannot be missed and is a hidden gem. The location is a little off of downtown located at 510 1/2 Red Cross St, Wilmington, NC 28401. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but my go to order is a chipped ham, pickle chips, and one of their locally brewed beers on draft. Gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available!
Seabird
Seabird is a must visit for any of my foodie friends who want a nicer dinner option. The chef here does amazing work with seafood and seasonal ingredients while honoring Wilmington, NC. You will not be disappointed by this James Beard nominated Chef! On a budget? Enjoy $1 oysters on Mondays from 5-6 pm in the bar area. Located at 1 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401 in the heart of downtown!
Savorez
Another hidden gem you do NOT want to skip. I highly recommend going for lunch or brunch. Their brunch was voted as the best brunch in ALL of North Carolina! Brunch is only served on Sundays from 10 am- 2 pm and there is typically a line a soon as it opens. Worth it! Located at 402 Chestnut St #4026, Wilmington, NC 28401.
On Thyme
This is a newer foodie spot located right off of downtown on Castle st and is a perfect lunch spot. This is some of the BEST food in town! Wings, po boys, egg rolls, it's a cannot miss but is easily overlooked since it is not directly downtown. Located at 918 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Three10
Three10 is the perfect elevated dinner option for anyone who loves seafood! Located off of downtown in the Brooklyn Arts District, Three10 has a seasonal menu constantly rotating with seasonal offerings. Everything is so fresh and put together perfectly! Located at 1022 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Indochine
This spot has been viral on social media multiple times, and for good reason! You might be surprised to find authentic Thai and Vietnamese in Wilmington, NC until you try this place! The food and drinks are SO good, but what sets this place apart is the ambiance. You truly feel like you are in another country. Get there for dinner when they open at 5 or go for lunch to avoid crowds! Make sure you sit outside and request a hut if you can, it is worth the wait! Located at 7 Wayne Dr.
Hell's Kitchen
Hell's is located in the heart of downtown and is perfect for film/tv lovers. Shows like Dawson's Creek (the actual boat is on the wall), One Tree Hill, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Zoey 102, and Florida Man have been filmed here. They also have my favorite wings in town and awesome daily specials. Located at 118 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Crofton's Pretzels
Pretzels. Need I say more? They have SO many options for stuffing, including sweet options! I love the pretzel dog and the buffalo chicken stuffed pretzel. This is also the only place you can get a Dr. Enuf that I've found, my Tennessee people get it. Located at 1620 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Don Luca
Our FAVORITE pizza and wings in Wilmington! We order the PBR (pickles, bacon ranch) or the hot honey. Pro trip: order the wings dry rub with multiple sauces on the side, trust me, you won't be able to choose just one. Don Luca is located in the Brooklyn Arts District at 1215 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
RX
Oysters and fried chicken.. I'm drooling just typing this. RX has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in Wilmington. The owners go diving to catch some of their fish and harvest their own oysters. This is the definition of farm to table. Favorite things to order: lion fish, pimento cheese biscuits with ham, porks belly and pigs ear, and of course the fried chicken. Located at 421 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Creative Tastings
This restaurant is a super interesting concept and part of Wilmington Wine. They have dinner events with multiple courses and BYOB. The dinner events are always something interesting like Korean BBQ or spanish tapas! Creative Tastings is now serving Sunday Brunch! Read more here. Located at 701 Castle St, Wilmington NC 28401.
Cousins
One of my most viral and impactful videos is all about Cousins! They are a deli during the day but have a set course menu during the weekend that costs only $36! This used to be lesser known, but I knew I HAD to share it with you all! You're only complaint will be how hard it is to get reservations, make sure you plan a few months out to grab a resi at their Friday or Saturday dinner. Located at 7 N 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Prost
German food right in the heart of downtown! Prost has some amazing food and delicious drinks to go with it. There are always food and drink specials! Located at 115 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Central Wilmington
Genki
If you love sushi, like really love sushi, you cannot skip Genki. This is the best authentic sushi I have ever had! Small and unassuming, don't be deceived, you need to call ahead or make reservations for Genki. Located at 4724 New Centre Dr STE 5, Wilmington, NC 28405.
The Keg and Egg
Keg and Egg is a dive but one of our personal favorite brunch spots! Breakfast every day! Their lunch and dinner menu is great as well. Located at 4039 Masonboro Loop Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409.
Savor
I'll just say it, this is one of the best brunch spots in Wilmington, NC. If you drink, make sure you order the boozy iced coffee flight. Located at 3704 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412.
Jimbo's
A Wilmington staple and your classic diner breakfast. Get here early, the line is always long and for good reason! Located at 1529 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Mess Hall
If you love smash burgers, you will love Mess Hall! Pro Tip: if you want a smaller portion, order the kids version. Their smash burgers are all doubles so I love to order the single patty off the kids menu. Located at 2136 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Milners
My husband and I love this hidden lunch spot! We meet her for lunch during the week often since its close to my work. I order something different every time and I've never been disappointed. Located at 311 Judges Rd 1a, Wilmington, NC 28405.
Rosalie's Trattoria
One of the best Italian spots in town! Their pasta dishes are amazing and we always order a Caesar salad to start. Located at 5031 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405.
Wrightsville Beach and Nearby
Origins
If you are looking for a nicer dinner option near WB, checkout Origins! They have delicious cocktails, oysters, steak, and pasta (I highly suggest the pasta dishes OMG). And just trust me, ORDER THE BREAD! Located at 102 Autumn Hall Dr Unit 120, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Pipeline Poke
The best poke in town! Everything is SO fresh! Get the lava flow poke bowl if you like spicy and don't skip out on the tuna salad. Located at 102 Autumn Hall Dr Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Ceviches
Located just before you cross the bridge to WB, another great dinner option. My favorites are the sangria, empanadas, coconut shrimp, and fried oysters (get extra of the curry sauce, I could drink it!). Located at 7210 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403.
PT's Old Fashion Grill
PT's a casual lunch spot with bomb burgers and amazing lemon pepper fries! Quick, casual, and affordable. This is personally my favorite burger and fries! And I can't leave without their fresh squeezed lemonade. There are multiple locations, the one closest to WB is located at 1437 Military Cutoff Rd.
Wheelz Pizza
This food truck can be found all over Wilmington, NC at any given time or you can order pick up from one of their stand alone locations! Perfect to grab and eat on the beach!
Nearby Areas
Island Burgers & Bites
Did you know the best burger on the planet is located in a gas station? Don't knock it till you try it! Located at 111 Carl Winner Dr St, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
Soul Flavor
Another Carolina Beach restaurant you might skip but you SHOULDN'T! Some of the best southern seafood dishes I have ever had. They have seafood and none seafood options, a great place to take people visiting. Located at 716 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
Nauti Dog
Hot dogs and yummy drinks right on the CB boardwalk! A perfect lunch spot for all ages. Located at 5 Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
Salt Fish & Tiki Bar
Super laid back dinner spot that will absolutely satisfy your taste buds. Get the Saigon noodles and one of their tiki drinks, you won't be disappointed. Located at 718 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
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