Wilmington continues to be one of my all-time favorite cities in North Carolina, and the food scene just keeps getting better and better. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or are lucky enough to call the Port City home, there is truly something for every kind of dining occasion — from celebrated waterfront fine dining to beloved casual staples to exciting newcomers making serious waves. I’ve been updating this list since I first published it, and the 2026 edition is the best one yet. Here are 15 must-try restaurants in Wilmington NC!
You can find all of my Wilmington guides and favorites on this page. Check out these two itineraries over on my Substack.
This article was originally published in July 2024 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2026.
15+ Must-Try Restaurants in Wilmington NC (Updated for 2026)
The Basics
A downtown Wilmington institution since 2007, The Basics at the Cotton Exchange is the place to go for Southern cooking done right. Chef and co-owner Mary Long has built a menu that celebrates the culinary history of the South — drawing from African, French, Native American, and English traditions to create something genuinely soulful and delicious. The shrimp and grits (local shrimp in a Cajun veggie-and-bacon sauce over stone-ground grits) is a standout, as is the duck and andouille gumbo. Weekend brunch is excellent — the crab cake eggs Benedict and Southern Benedict are both worth the trip alone. Open for breakfast Monday through Friday, lunch daily, dinner nightly, and weekend brunch. Outdoor patio seating is dog-friendly.
The Basics is at 319 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Brasserie du Soleil
A true Wilmington institution, Brasserie du Soleil at Lumina Station remains one of the best dinner destinations in the area. Make a reservation — especially on weekends — unless you’re happy grabbing a seat at the bar. Start with the escargot (served in a rich, beautiful sauce) and the charred octopus paired with Fresno chili. For your entrée, the bouillabaisse and the scallops are both excellent choices. Save room for the Pots de Creme and pair it with a glass of Madeira. It’s an elevated dining experience in a gorgeous setting.
Brasserie du Soleil is at 1908 Eastwood Rd STE 118, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Caprice Bistro
Located in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, Caprice Bistro has been a neighborhood anchor since 2001 — and yes, it is the restaurant featured in the Hallmark movie USS Christmas. The charming interior, especially the cozy loft on the second floor, makes this a wonderful spot for a date night or a leisurely dinner. Order the charcuterie board to start, then move on to the steak frites or the house specialty Waterzooi — a rich, creamy take on bouillabaisse that keeps regulars coming back.
Caprice Bistro is at 10 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Ceviche’s
This cozy Panamanian gem is one of Wilmington’s most unique dining experiences, complete with a charming outdoor courtyard and a menu that rotates with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The Guacamole Sampler is a must — featuring the classic version, the G.O.A.T. (made with goat cheese, roasted tomato, green onion, and basil), and the seasonal rendition with roasted corn, poblano pepper, and paprika. For your entrée, the Langoustine Lobster Roll with yucca fries and jalapeño aioli is exceptional. The cocktail list here is thoughtful and creative — do not miss Laura’s Lemonade, with $1 of every sale donated to sustainable energy education. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Ceviche’s is at 7210 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Dram Yard + Gazebo Bar at the ARRIVE Hotel
If you are looking for a hotel restaurant worth a dedicated visit, Dram Yard at the ARRIVE Hotel delivers. It is one of the best spots in downtown Wilmington for weekend brunch — start with the milk donuts and a coffee, then go with the OG breakfast or the avocado toast with a fried egg. The coffee program is solid, the vibe is relaxed and stylish, and there is bar seating for walk-ins. That said, a reservation is your best bet on weekends.
Dram Yard is at 101 S 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Floriana
One of Wilmington’s most celebrated dinner destinations, Floriana sits in a prime riverfront location at 2 Market Street with stunning views of the Cape Fear River. This independently owned Italian bistro has deep roots — founded in Washington, D.C. in 1979 before bringing its Northern Italian traditions to Wilmington. The homemade pastas are the star of the show here, and the burrata is some of the best you’ll find in the region. The romantic balcony seating is perfect for a special occasion, and the wine selection is well worth exploring. Open for dinner nightly and Sunday brunch — reservations are highly recommended. Dining on the balconies is first come, first serve with your reservation.
Floriana is at 2 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
The Kitchen Sink
A beloved spot in Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District, The Kitchen Sink is the kind of place locals protect like a secret and visitors discover with pure delight. The exposed brick walls and eclectic, welcoming atmosphere set the tone for food that is inventive, scratch-made, and deeply satisfying. The rotating soup menu is legendary — flights of soups are available so you do not have to choose just one. The Muffaletta, the Sweet & Savory sandwich, and the Beef on Weck (a Buffalo, NY staple topped with slow-roasted beef, au jus, and housemade horseradish sauce on a kummelweck roll) are all exceptional. Sunday brunch here is a treat, with elevated dishes like Eggs Benedict on croissants. The Parmesan fries are an absolute must-order on the side.
The Kitchen Sink is at 622 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
La Duna Paradiso
Photo via La Duna Paradiso
One of the most exciting additions to the Wilmington-area dining scene, La Duna Paradiso opened at the reimagined Trailborn Surf & Sound resort (formerly the Blockade Runner Beach Resort) on Wrightsville Beach. The open dining room and covered patio with ocean views are stunning, and the menu — which changes with the seasons — is thoughtful and precise. Start with the Octopus Carpaccio, thin slices of delicate octopus with lemon oil and shaved Parmesan. The pasta and fresh catch entrées are where the kitchen really shines. Brunch and dinner are both offered; reservations are recommended.
La Duna Paradiso is in the Trailborn Surf & Sound at 275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.
Olivero
Still earning its flowers as one of Wilmington’s best newer restaurants, Olivero is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat at. The Olivero Martini — made with London dry gin, dry vermouth, fino, Castelvetrano olive, and sea salt — is the perfect way to start the evening. Order the beignets as a starter; they strike that perfect sweet-savory balance. The fish special is exceptional and not to be missed, and the pork collar is another standout entrée. Great bar seating is available, but a reservation is the smart move.
Olivero is at 522 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Pilot House Restaurant
With its unbeatable views of the Cape Fear River and a menu rooted in quintessential Southern coastal cooking, the Pilot House has been a Wilmington staple since 1978. Start with the pimento cheese appetizer, then go for the crabcake sandwich or the fried seafood platter. The hot honey chicken sandwich and the apple and brie chicken sandwich are also perennial favorites and worth every bite.
The Pilot House is at 2 Ann St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
P.T.’s Grille
The most casual stop on this list and proudly so. This local Port City chain has built a devoted following around its award-winning burgers and fries — and for good reason. The PT Burger is the go-to order; pair it with a side of fries and you’re set. Their black bean burger is a genuinely great option too. When you want something quick, satisfying, and delicious, P.T.’s never disappoints.
P.T.’s Grille is at 4544 Fountain Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 (there are several other locations, too. Check them here).
Rooster & the Crow
Tucked into the Chandler’s Wharf building just steps from the downtown Riverwalk, Rooster & The Crow is a must for Southern food lovers. The pressure-fried chicken is widely considered the best in Wilmington — brined overnight and cooked in a pressure fryer that results in extraordinarily juicy, flavorful meat. The collard greens, fried cabbage, cheesy grits, and potato salad are all excellent sides. Weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday) is equally impressive, with dishes like Fried Chicken Beignets, Lump Crab Benedict, and Chicken & Waffles. The exposed brick interior and warm, welcoming service make the whole experience feel like a proper Southern feast.
Rooster & the Crow is at 225 S Water St Suite G & H, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Rx Chicken & Oysters
A sea-to-table gem housed in a former pharmacy, Rx grows its own oysters — the Lucy Beas — harvested from Topsail Sound and Stump Sound. The oyster happy hour is not to be missed, and the snack menu is stellar: deviled eggs with smoked fish and pimiento cheese with country ham and biscuits are both crowd-pleasers. The shrimp burger is one of the best in the city, and the taco selection is consistently great.
Rx Chicken & Oysters is at 421 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Seabird
One of the most beautiful restaurants in Wilmington, Seabird occupies a historic downtown building with a cool retro vibe and a menu that changes daily based on locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. This is a restaurant that genuinely moves the conversation forward on sustainable fishing and local aquaculture — and the food reflects that intentionality. The broiled hollandaise oysters, soft shell crab, and smoked catfish are all standout dishes when available. The wine list, cocktails, and desserts are equally excellent. Open for dinner and weekend brunch; reservations are a must. Do not skip the deviled eggs with caviar at brunch!
Seabird is at 1 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
South Beach Grill
For a casual, breezy lunch spot, South Beach Grill on Wrightsville Beach is a perennial favorite. The covered patio offers great water views, and the interior is bright and welcoming. Start with the nachos to share, then go for one of the fresh catch sandwiches or the shrimp po’ boy — both are reliably delicious and perfect for a sunny afternoon by the beach.
South Beach Grill is at 100 S Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.
Tarantelli’s
Directly across from the ARRIVE Hotel and offering one of the best outdoor patios in downtown Wilmington, Tarantelli’s is a wonderful Italian dinner option. The wine list pairs beautifully with the Pasta e Fagioli and the burrata Caprese. The white pizza is a great shareable entrée, and the overall atmosphere — especially on a warm Wilmington evening — is hard to beat.
Tarantelli’s is at 102 S 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
True Blue Butcher & Barrel
For a standout brunch experience in the South Front Street district, True Blue Butcher & Barrel checks every box. It’s a restaurant, whiskey bar, and butcher shop all in one — and the food reflects that range. The popcorn chicken and sourdough waffles and the lobster roll with macaroni and cheese are both exceptional choices that showcase how creative and satisfying the menu can be.
True Blue Butcher and Barrel is at 110 Greenfield St Suite 114, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Wrightsville Beach Brewery
Great beers deserve great food, and Wrightsville Beach Brewery delivers on both fronts. The curly fries are genuinely spectacular — order them no matter what. The crab cake sandwich and boneless wings with Airlie Amber BBQ sauce are crowd favorites. The food menu has something for everyone, with ample seating for larger groups.
Wrightsville Beach Brewery is at 6201 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Final Thoughts
Wilmington’s dining scene has never been more exciting, and I truly believe it is one of the best food cities on the East Coast. What makes it so special is the way so many of these restaurants are deeply rooted in the community — sourcing from local fishermen, farmers, and oystermen and putting the incredible bounty of the North Carolina coast front and center on every menu. From a romantic dinner at Floriana overlooking the Cape Fear River to a lazy beach lunch at La Duna Paradiso with ocean views, to a quick and perfect PT burger after a long day — there is a dining experience here for every mood and every occasion. I hope this list helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Wilmington. As always, make your reservations in advance, especially on weekends, and do not be afraid to try something new. The Port City will not disappoint!
Use this interactive Google map to help with planning your next trip.
