The historic and picturesque beach city of Wilmington, North Carolina possesses a rich background, complete with horse-drawn carriages parading through downtown and even a World War II battleship (aptly named Battleship North Carolina)!
Wilmington also has a thriving arts district full of cultural appreciation. The local restaurants are also superb and incredibly unique, as you will soon see for yourself. The following is a list of the 13 best restaurants in Wilmington. When choosing each restaurant, ambiance was a key factor, as well as the types of cuisine and the price of each dish.
1. Indochine Restaurant
$$ | (910) 251-9229 | WEBSITE
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Voted “Best Restaurant in Wilmington,” Indochine not only believes in the importance of great Asian fare, but also the importance of ambiance. Koi ponds filled with water lilies are surrounded by huts containing tables, covered by grass umbrellas, setting the mood for the perfect dining experience.
There are Thai-inspired vegetarian egg rolls and Cambodian-style steamed mussels. The lunch specials include such delicious favorites as ga kho gung (chicken marinated in soy, onions, and lemon grass) and Vietnamese beef stew.
2. Caprice Bistro
$$ | (910) 815-0810 | WEBSITE
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Caprice is a French bistro with an abundance of charm that compels locals and travelers alike to return again and again! Although quaint, Caprice’s excellent servers can help you get started with a heaping plate of escargot.
There is also the lamb shank cassoulet, which is a mouth-watering dish of braised lamb slow-cooked with bacon, rosemary, and tomato slices.
And for the cheese-lovers, there is the planche de formages, a selection of delicious cheeses – just ask your server what cheeses are available. The wine selection is extraordinary, filled with only the finest imported from France!
3. Front Street Brewery
$$ | (910) 251-1935 | WEBSITE
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Although it may seem that this establishment is only focused on serving ice-cold beers, Front Street Brewery offers so much more than just bar snacks. The pulled chicken nachos are gluten-friendly and overflowing with slow-cooked chicken and two types of cheeses.
The low country grit cakes are perfect for any meal, and the chicken wings come with your choice of several different sauces, including SLAP-YO-MAMA sauce.
The award-winning beers on tap have such eye-catching names as the “Late Night Boss Fight.” Customers cannot stop talking about the service, the relaxing atmosphere… and of course, those amazing nachos!
4. The Basics
$$ | (910) 343-1050 | WEBSITE
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This next pick was voted as the Best Brunch in town! The owners of The Basics pride themselves on their homemade sauces and straightforward ingredients for all dishes.
The crab cake benedict consists of two poached eggs and bacon on top of crab cakes and smothered in fresh hollandaise sauce; as with other breakfast dishes, it comes with a buttermilk biscuit and a slice of kiwi.
The Carolina Cobb salad contains fresh veggies with smoked chicken, bacon, deviled eggs, and bleu cheese crumbles. The southern platters are especially favored by customers, most notably the meatloaf.
5. The Fork ‘N’ Cork
$$ | (910) 228-5247 | WEBSITE
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The Fork ‘N’ Cork is a rustic, no-frills American barbecue restaurant with some serious fame! Guy Fieri of the Food Network has raved about the beef Wellington bites and the duck wings in particular.
The burgers have some hilarious names: the Hot Mess, the Not A Burger, the Duck Duck Goose, and the Hay Dios Mio. There are also several delicious cocktails to pair with your meal, and just like Guy, many customers are raving about those duck wings!
6. Genki Sushi
$$ | (910) 796-8687 | WEBSITE
Genki is a profoundly authentic sushi bar – at Genki, sushi is not just a food but an art form! Herring roe, octopus, surf clam, otoro, blue fin, and many more are served over a soft bed of rice.
The dinners are essentially large samplers containing a delightful array of a variety of sushi. In addition to great service, guests who have tasted sushi from all over the world have fallen in love with the sushi selection and dish presentation.
7. Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn
$ | (910) 799-2919 | WEBSITE
Four simple words are used to describe Flaming Amy’s – hot, fast, cheap, and easy! The restaurant takes a fun, no-frills approach to modern Mexican fare with menu items like the Baywatch (a specialty burrito stuffed with flounder, lettuce, tomato, shrimp, cheese, and the kicker: Hasselhoff Jalapeño Tartar sauce)!
All dressings are made in-house. And if you are looking for something a little different, try the Build Your Own option. Customers enjoy the stylish, laidback ambiance and the fresh ingredients in every bite.
8. Roko Italian Cuisine
$$ | (910) 679-4783 | WEBSITE
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How can an Italian restaurant be considered casual and upscale at the same time? Visit Roko and you will soon find out! The clams oreganato and the portabello sorrentino taste as though they were shipped over straight from Italy.
The filet mignon will melt in your mouth, and there is always a fresh catch of the day served with the chosen vegetable of the day, all of which is sure to leave you full and satisfied. If you are looking for a comfortable yet high-end Italian meal, look no further!
9. CEVICHE’S
$$ | (910) 256-3131 | WEBSITE
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With more than 700 islands that make up the Caribbean, you may assume that it would be difficult for one restaurant to authenticate so many different flavors. But the chefs at Ceviche’s are able to do just that day after day.
The Mahi a la Plancha, served with zesty chili-lime ginger butter and sweet coconut rice, is a favorite dish for local foodies.
If you are searching for something a bit heartier, the blackened scallops and pork belly are sure to get the job done. Although the cuisine is Caribbean, all of the ingredients are locally-grown, giving the dishes a down-home flavor.
10. Savorez
$$ | (910) 833-8894 | WEBSITE
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Although Savorez has a somewhat unassuming brick facade, do not let the outside fool you. The restaurant may be on the small side, but there are some big tastes to sample inside its walls. Start with the salsa section (yes, there is an entire section dedicated to their delicious salsas).
Try one of their eclectic lunch specials, like the chorizo and goat cheese empanadas or the jerk shrimp tostada. Savorez’s motto is “local fare, Latin flare,” which truly says it all. The restaurant is part of the rare group of dining establishments to have received a perfect 5.0 stars on Trip Advisor.
11. PinPoint Restaurant
$$ | (910) 769-2972 | WEBSITE
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Whether you are looking to dig in to some fresh seafood or you are just feeling a bit peckish and would like a snack, PinPoint has something for you. The menu changes nightly, which is perfect for the adventurous eater.
When you dine at PinPoint, expect fresh oysters, eggplant, octopus, and mahi mahi. Guests enjoy the environment of the restaurant, which remains relaxed until the lively crowds start to flock to this highly sought-after establishment.
12. Little Dipper Fondue
$$ | (910) 251-0433 | WEBSITE
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The Little Dipper Fondue offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that is perfect for true cheese-lovers.
Everyone at the table receives a three-course meal and shares a large pot of fondue. Choose from 17 different homemade dipping sauces and multiple cooking styles. Because there is so much food, be prepared by bringing a group along with you. The excellent servers are attentive and will walk you through the fondue process.
13. PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille
$$ | (910) 392-2293 | WEBSITE
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Up until now, we have mostly examined the finer side of dining. Now it is time for something a bit more classic and simple. PT’s offers old-fashioned hamburgers and sandwiches that are often referred to as the best in the city. Guests love the main burger, the 8-oz.
Olde Fashioned Burger. If your appetite is a bit more modest, try the 4-oz. P.T. Burger. For lighter fare, order the garden burger or the grilled chicken sandwich. Don’t forget that extra toppings are always on the house!
Summary
Wilmington’s attractive appearance and historical background draws in countless travelers every year. With plenty of museums, boardwalks, powerful historical ties, art galleries, and so much more, you are bound to get hungry! Come to Wilmington, North Carolina for the beaches and stay for the fantastic cuisine.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
