Restaurants in Wilmington NC | fine dining, cafes, seafood, Italian

Historic Downtown Wilmington

Cape Fear Riverboats- Henrietta III Wilmington Restaurants

Cape Fear Riverboats- Henrietta III101 S. Water St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 343-1611
cfrboats.com • facebook

This elegant, refurbished riverboat is a large, three-level, paddle-free vessel with capacity for 600 guests. The Henrietta III is so spacious that it can accommodate three separate events. For instance, a wedding party, a private celebration and a public dinner cruise all at the same time. Cruise Cape Fear River in...more about Cape Fear Riverboats- Henrietta III

Circa 1922 $$-$$$8 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 762-1922
circa1922.com • facebook

Circa has become renowned for serving a tapas-style menu which allows you and your companions to create your own dining experience by sharing several small plates of specialties from around the world, or you can order individually by course. Each course is marked by the quality and exceptional service that makes...more about Circa 1922

Elijah's $$-$$$Chandler's Wharf, 2 Ann St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 343-1448
elijahs.com • facebook

No one can say they've been to Wilmington until they've tried Elijah's crab dip. Situated on Cape Fear River, Elijah's offers traditional Lowcountry fare as well as such delights as oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp and Scallops Elijah, and mahi fettuccine. Elijah's is two restaurants in one: the oyster bar, which includes outdoor deck...more about Elijah's

Fat Tony's Italian Pub Wilmington Restaurants

Fat Tony's Italian Pub $-$$131 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 343-8881
fattonysitalianpub.com • facebook

Founded on the simple joys of a good beer and a hearty Italian meal, Fat Tony's Italian Pub offers plenty of both. They have a selection of 24 draft beers and their menu is filled with generous helpings of fresh and flavorful Italian favorites. Begin your meal with any one of...more about Fat Tony's Italian Pub

Front Street Brewery Wilmington Restaurants

Front Street Brewery $9 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 251-1935
frontstreetbrewery.com • facebook

Front Street Brewery is a spacious eatery and microbrewery located in historic downtown Wilmington. Every menu item, including reasonably priced appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, entrees and gourmet desserts, is made from scratch with the freshest available ingredients. The building has been completely renovated and features amazing woodwork and beautiful decor, creating an upscale yet cozy environment. Nine handcrafted beers are made by the...more about Front Street Brewery

The George on the Riverwalk Wilmington Restaurants

The George on the Riverwalk $$-$$$128 S. Water St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map763-2052
thegeorgerestaurant.com • facebook

The Cape Fear River is a scenic focal point of the Wilmington landscape, and The George is situated right on its eastern bank, even boasting facilities for your boat to create a unique dock-and-dine experience. Once you have secured your craft, you'll delight at the unique and sumptuous selections featured in...more about The George on the Riverwalk

Paddy's Hollow Restaurant & Pub Wilmington Restaurants

Paddy's Hollow Restaurant & Pub $-$$The Cotton Exchange
10 Walnut St.
Wilmington, NC • map(910) 762-4354
paddyshollow.com

An institution in downtown Wilmington, this intimate restaurant in the Cotton Exchange transports you back to friendly neighborhood pubs with an Irish flavor. Seating consists of high-backed wooden booths, tables and chairs or stools at the bar where you can have a brew and a bite while catching up with the...more about Paddy's Hollow Restaurant & Pub

The Pilot House $$-$$$Chandler's Wharf, 2 Ann St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 343-0200
pilothouserest.com • facebook

The Pilot House is among the preeminent dining establishments downtown. Overlooking the Cape Fear River at Chandler's Wharf, the restaurant occupies the historic Craig House (circa 1870) and strives for innovations with high-quality Southern regional cooking. The wide-ranging dinner menu features sauted and char-grilled seafood, beef and chicken, pan-seared duck, pasta...more about The Pilot House

The Basics - Authentic Southern Food $$-$$$The Cotton Exchange
319 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 343-1050

Owner/chef Mary Long brings gourmet soul food to Wilmington at The Basics. Long moved to Wilmington in 2007 and immediately began looking for a restaurant spot to bring southern soul food traditions to the city. Using fresh vegetables and fruits that thrive in our climate and incorporating cultural traditions from Africa,...more about The Basics - Authentic Southern Food

Caprice Bistro: Restaurant & Sofa Bar $$-$$$10 Market St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 815-0810

The setting is perfect. Historic Downtown Wilmington's riverfront is within view, bricked streets lead to quaint boutiques, and a period horse-drawn carriage passes by regularly. Though lace curtains adorn the windows and white tablecloths drape the tables, Caprice Bistro's atmosphere is one of friendly, casual ease and, it provides a glimpse...more about Caprice Bistro: Restaurant & Sofa Bar

The Copper Penny $-$$109 Chestnut St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 762-1373

If you're looking for a laid-back pub atmosphere with tastier fare than you'd be likely to find in a pub, you'll flip for The Copper Penny. Incorporating many of co-owner Christine Cadwallader's family recipes, including her dad's award-winning chili, the menu has expanded significantly from the restaurant's early sandwich days. Definitely...more about The Copper Penny

The German Cafe $-$$The Cotton Exchange
Wood Seed Bldg
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 763-5523

A Wilmington fixture for more than 25 years, The German Cafe serves traditional strudels, ruebens and bratwurst. The lunch menu (11 Am to 2 PM) includes sandwiches and salads as well as schnitzel. For evening (5 PM to 8:30 PM) start with potato pancakes and end with their famous desserts and coffee....more about The German Cafe

Hell's Kitchen $118 Princess St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 763-4133

The fun atmosphere attracted local filmmakers, and you'll have the same devilish experience at Hell's Kitchen. Formerly a set for the locally filmed Dawson's Creek, Hell's Kitchen is a popular downtown destination for good times among friends. Stop by and try something from their menu of pub sandwiches, wraps, fajitas, nachos,...more about Hell's Kitchen

The Little Dipper Fondue on Front $$-$$$138 S. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 251-0433

For a unique, participatory and fun dining experience, try The Little Dipper Fondue on Front. The Little Dipper's menu features premium meats, fresh seafood, vegetables, breads and homemade dipping sauces. The full fondue experience starts with the cheese course, followed by salad, then the entree of meats and/or vegetables with dipping...more about The Little Dipper Fondue on Front

Nikki's Fresh Gourmet $-$$16 S. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 772-9151

Nikki's is one of the hippest eateries in the downtown area. Voted #1 by locals for best sushi and best vegetarian dishes each year since 2006, Nikki's features numerous organic and vegetarian dishes. For sushi fans, this Front Street spot is not to be missed. Try their succulent Angel Hair Roll...more about Nikki's Fresh Gourmet

The Reel Cafe $$-$$$100 S. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 251-1832

While Reel Cafe is known for its delicious seafood dishes, pastas and sandwiches, its rooftop bar may be one of the best reasons for visiting the local favorite. Reel Cafe opened more than ten years ago as a total entertainment complex. There's a musical event each night in the courtyard Oyster...more about The Reel Cafe

Riverboat Landing $-$$2 Market St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 763-7227

Enjoy a panoramic sunset over the Battleship North Carolina from one of the nine intimate two-seater balconies that overlook the Cape Fear River at Riverboat Landing. This downtown landmark restaurant is located at the foot of Market and Water streets, nestled in a building that dates to the 1800s. A newly...more about Riverboat Landing

Ruth's Chris Steak House $$$$301 North Water St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 343-1818

Always classy, never fussy, Ruth's Chris Steak House is the world's number one USDA prime grade steak house. They serve the finest, never frozen, corn-fed beef, seared to perfection and served in Ruth's signature fashion...sizzling. The a la carte menu offers entrees, side dishes and desserts. Their convenient location within the...more about Ruth's Chris Steak House

Trolly Stop $121 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC • map(910) 343-2999

Centrally located in historic downtown Wilmington, Trolly Stop serves a specially produced Smithfield all-meat dog, all-beef Sabrett dogs, no-carb veggie dogs and low fat/no-carb turkey dogs in a variety of combinations. Local favorites include the American (chili, mustard and onion), the Cape Fear (melted cheese and mayonnaise) and, naturally, the North...more about Trolly Stop

Wilmington Tea Room $$224 S. Water St. #6
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 343-1832

Enjoy a delicious lunch or a pot of tea and a scone at the delightful Wilmington Tea Room in historic downtown Wilmington. Tea connoisseurs and novices alike will appreciate their selection of high-quality imported teas. A popular menu option is the Full Tea, which includes choice of soup or salad, assorted...more about Wilmington Tea Room

Yosake Downtown Sushi Lounge $$33 S. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401 • map(910) 763-3172

Upstairs in the historic Roudabush building at Front and Dock Streets, Yosake features yummy sushi and a full pan-Asian menu served amid Tokyo vogue décor. Specials include Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp and Steamed Pork Dumplings. The bar boasts an eclectic collection of wine, sake, and beer as well as specialty drinks like...more about Yosake Downtown Sushi Lounge

Restaurants in Wilmington, NC

Historic Downtown Wilmington

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