2025 Restaurants Guide

E-BIKE TOURS — An Experience For All Levels! Our goal is to make you feel like a local as you explore all Wilmington has to offer. If you’re looking to check out some of the best breweries in town, visit unique neighborhoods, and take in...

22 North is a highly acclaimed Wrightsville Beach restaurant that serves up classic southern fare with a Creole and French flair. Located on Lumina Avenue, just a block or so away from the Causeway to the beach, this fresh restaurant is one of the...

Downtown Wilmington explorers who want to grab a quick cup of coffee and a warm homemade treat can make an easy stop along Front Street at the 24 South Coffee House. This chic and charming establishment has a collection of small cozy tables, local...

A Taste of Italy has New York roots and a prime location in the heart of Wilmington along College Road – a combination that has helped solidify this market’s reputation as one of the best delis in the Port City. Opened in 1994 by a pair...

Sometimes a name says it all, and Addicted to the Bean is a favorite destination for Hugh MacRae park-goers and UNCW college students alike to get an extra jolt of caffeine before an early morning run, a crucial final exam, or just a day at the park.

When it comes to fresh Mexican fare on a budget, it’s hard to beat the diverse and delicious Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn. This collegiate favorite that’s found along busy Oleander Drive has a cult following thanks to overstuffed...

Annex is a hip spot for surfers and vacationers alike who are cruising to the Wrightsville Beach shoreline. Located on the edge of the causeway bridge, this destination is part sporting goods store, part clothing shop, part surf shop, and part...

Archibald’s Deli & Rotisserie is a cute stop for breakfast and lunch fans to grab a quick bite before crossing the Holden Beach Bridge to the shoreline. Found along Holden Beach Road, and located within a mint green circular building, this...

Visitors who are exploring the business heart of Southport, or who are running errands at the local grocery stores and shopping centers, can duck in for a quick take-out or dine-in meal with a visit to Asian Taste. Located next to a number of local...

The small and slightly inland community of Hampstead is regionally known as the “Seafood Capital of North Carolina” and this reputation is alive and well thanks to popular local seafood markets, like Atlantic Seafood. Located just a...

Many food lovers attest that you can always tell is an eatery is good by how busy it is, and the typical steady line at Hampstead’s Bagel Bakery certainly proves this theory. Located just off Highway 17 and therefore an easy breakfast or lunch...

The Bar-B-Que House is a favorite local destination for southern food fans to load up on plates of barbecue, southern sides, and all the fixins’. Located along East Oak Island Drive, just a couple blocks away from the beach, this small but...

Create your own Mongolian masterpiece with a visit to the casual but delicious Bdobo Mongolian Grill. Located along Market Street, this little gem is veritably hidden in plain sight, and is a fine destination for hungry patrons who aren’t just...

Visitors who are en route to the beach and are in the mood for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go can pop into the convenient and surprisingly diverse Beach Bagels. Located just a shell’s through away from the bridge to the beach, this fresh...

Beach House Burgers is a classic burger shack that’s convenient to visitors who are lounging along the Kure Beach shoreline. Located less than a block away from the oceanfront, this seasonal stand features all the beachy classics, including...

Beana’s Kitchen is a traditional little diner that has all the classic southern fare that hungry patrons crave. Open for breakfast and lunch, and offering a lengthy four-page menu, this restaurant that’s found just a block or so away...

Beer Barrio is a chic Happy Hour destination in the heart of Downtown Wilmington that’s renowned for ice cold drinks, fresh cuisine, and an abundance of good times. A perfect stop for refueling after a lengthy downtown exploration, this cool...

Bella Cucina is a family-friendly authentic Italian restaurant that has plenty of big bold flavors and lots of down-home hospitality to spare. Located along Southport Supply Rd and close to a number of local hotels and motels, Bella Cucina is a...

For a light lunch or dinner to reenergize after a day of exploring Wilmington’s central shopping plazas, head to the Bento Box. This colorful restaurant features a rainbow of fresh cuisine from Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam, which can...

Big Daddy’s Restaurant is a classic Kure Beach establishment that has been feeding hungry vacationers since 1970. A popular destination due to its long legacy as a central seafood-focused restaurant, Big Daddy’s serves up big platters of...

For authentic Thai cuisine, go where the locals go and head over to Big Thai – a small Thai joint that’s located in the heart of Wilmington along Military Cutoff Road. This small but intimate Thai restaurant has all the staples as well...

Billy Ray’s Family Restaurant is a unique destination that attracts sports fans and southern cooking fans alike. Located in a busy but more local section of Carolina Beach Road, this relatively new eatery serves up big plates, cold drinks, and...

The Black Sea Grill puts a wonderfully unique spin on classic Cape Fear area seafood and southern dishes, with Mediterranean fare that allows the local ingredients to shine. From unique takes on “surf and turf,” (with lamb instead of...

Blue Surf Café serves up inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner fare to hungry UNCW college students, Wilmington locals, and savvy vacationers-in-the-know alike. Featuring a wonderfully extensive menu, with a host of global influences, patrons...

Enjoy a seafood meal with a prime view of the local marinas that border the Intracoastal Waterway with a visit to Bluewater Grill. Located on the edge of the Wrightsville Beach Causeway, this seafood restaurant is a popular lunch and dinner...

The Boathouse restaurant is a moderately-sized and unimposing restaurant that’s located in a quiet section of Wilmington, close to Bradley Creek. But although it’s easy to miss, seafood fans will want to take a detour to find this subtle...

Vacationers who are looking for a fast and classic bite before reaching the beach can make a stop at Bob’s Dogs – a fun and funky hot dog restaurant (and more) that’s found just a few blocks away from the beach. Featuring a central...

Downtown Wilmington is known for its collection of hip restaurants with culinary inspirations from around the world, and the centrally located Bourbon Street is no exception. Found just a block away from the waterfront, this cool food and drink...

Brasserie du Soleil takes fine dining to an elevated level with lunch and dinner menus that are infused with traditional French dishes and flavors. Found near a small collection of shops just off of Westwood Road, this intimately sweet restaurant...

For a full range of seafood and steak selections that is complemented with waterfront views, head to the edge of the Wrightsville Beach Causeway to the distinctive Bridge Tender Restaurant. Found within a unique weather-worn building, this lunch and...

Surfers who need a break from the Cape Fear area beaches, or Hampstead locals and visitors who need a hearty but refreshing lunch en route to or from Wilmington, will find plenty to love at Burrito Shak. This Burrito joint that’s located along...

C-Street Mexican Grill is a fast-casual Mexican food joint that’s distinctive for its fresh ingredients and almost overwhelming menu. Located close to the corners of Shipyard Blvd. and South College Road, this eatery is an easy option for a...

Coffee and tea drinkers who adore a good book and a hot or cold brew will appreciate the chic and relaxing Café Zola. Found within a sweet local book store, and featuring a nice collection of well-made coffee drinks and herbal teas, this...

Visitors who are touring the Cameron Art Museum don’t have to leave the premises to enjoy a creative and ultimately delicious lunch, thanks to the museum’s on-site Cam Café. Located in a bright and sunny corner of the museum, and...

Camino Real Restaurante Mexicano is a solid option for Hampstead locals and visitors en route to or from Wilmington who need to address a hearty Mexican food craving. Featuring a convenient location along US Highway 17, and a big, bold menu that...

Seafood Catering | Traditional Low-Country Boils | Clam Bakes | Alternative Dining - Shrimp • Clams • Cornbread • Sausage - Crab Legs • Coleslaw • Potatoes • Lobster Tail

The Cape Fear Restaurant and Lounge is a vintage and family-friendly seafood restaurant that’s perched on the edge of the Cape Fear River in the heart of Downtown Southport. An easy destination for visitors who want a bite to eat after taking...

Though almost hidden behind a busy section of College Road, Cape Fear Seafood Company nevertheless has a big reputation as one of the best places to go in Wilmington for outstanding coastal fare. Named by North Carolina’s Our State magazine as...

Caprice Bistro is Wilmington’s go-to for incredible martinis and French cuisine in the heart of the Downtown area. Found within a classic brick building, and boasting two levels of dining, (including an upstairs bar that’s popular with...

Captain Pete’s Seafood Restaurant is an acclaimed destination for Holden Beach vacationers to enjoy a big seafood-centric dinner, a round of refreshing cocktails, and an outstanding waterfront view, thanks to the restaurant’s location...

Take a break from the daily grind and dive into a game of volleyball, a trivia night, or just a few rounds and a hearty meal with friends and family with a visit to Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill & Sports Bar. This unique destination...

Carolina BBQ House is a home-style buffet that offers big southern dishes to big southern appetites. Offering a rotating selection of comfort food with all the fixins’, this hearty destination will appease all-you-can-eat fans with big...

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, Carolina Girls’ Grillin’ Café is always cooking up something good. Located just north of Wilmington, on the outskirts of Castle Hayne, this eatery has a ton of big flavor that belies its small...

Where do you go in Wilmington for authentic southern soul food that includes everything from all-you-can-eat BBQ and fried chicken to Chitlins’? You head to Casey’s Buffet and BBQ. With never-ending helpings of filling fare, friendly...

Catch has been making waves on the Wilmington dining scene since first opening in 2006, thanks to its award-winning and famous chef and owner, Keith Rhodes. Rhodes was a contestant on the national television show Top Chef and has since returned to...

The Causeway Café is a sunny little breakfast and lunch spot that has a prime location on the very edge of the Wrightsville Beach Causeway. Popular for a pre-beach breakfast that is undeniably filling, this traditional southern restaurant...

Causeway Gourmet is a delectable dine-in, take-out, and delivery spot where Ocean Isle Beach vacationers can feast on a wealth of freshly made sandwiches, entrees, salads, and so much more. Located on the inland side of the causeway to the beach...

Celtic Creamery offers award winning Irish ice cream along with hot made to order donuts, sensational sundaes, banana splits, Celtic blend coffee. Also visit our gift shop. We offer gift’s for all occasions. Shop for baby and children’s...

Wilmington Visitors who think they’ve seen it all should plan a visit to the refreshingly cool Ceviche’s. Inspired by the cuisine of Panama, Central America, this unique eatery features a colorful menu that’s stuffed with tapas...

Chasers Bar & Grill is a fun hang out for Oak Island locals and visitors alike, thanks to a friendly and nicely casual environment, plenty of game-worthy TVs, and a host of traditional bar food that goes well with a cold after-beach beer...

Chef Joy's Grocerant is the perfect blend of value added groceries and amazing grab and go meals. Stop in today for healthy local options.

China Garden is an easy-to-access Chinese food restaurant that’s found along a busy section of Hampstead, just off of US Highway 17. Sharing space with a chain grocery store and several other essential businesses, this eatery is in a prime...

China One is a classic Chinese food take-out restaurant with a wealth of options and a prime location along Market Street. Exceptionally convenient for visitors and locals in the Porters Neck area, this fast and fresh Chinese food joint is a great...

Chopstix is a simple Chinese food take-out joint that has a decent local following and a convenient location along Market Street. Settled in between a host of local businesses, services, and shops, Chopstix is an easy destination for visitors who...

Ask a Wilmington local where to go for a casual lunch in Downtown Wilmington, and chances are they will list Chop’s Deli as one of their favorite options. Known for exceptional deli sandwiches, salads and soups, Chops Deli has gained a devout...

Indecisive diners will have a fine time at Circa 1922. This chic tapas bar and restaurant has a prime Downtown Wilmington location, and a wonderfully varied menu that allows patrons to sample veritably every elevated cuisine under the Cape Fear sun.

Healthy eaters and the diet conscious finally have a place to call their own in the Cape Fear region. Clean Eatz, which is found just north of the UNCW campus, specializes in creating ultimately tasty creations that are also, and somewhat...

The Copper Penny is a favorite go-to for Downtown Wilmington pub fans and beer lovers, thanks to a great combination of an extensive beer menu, tasty and filling cuisine, and an undeniably cool atmosphere.

Cousins Italian Deli brings warm Italian hospitality to the Cape Fear region with an extensive deli menu and special family-style meals that are sure to make visitors feel absolutely right at home. A top-rated Wilmington restaurant for years...

Crave is a BBQ and Hot Dog Restaurant that offers smoked brisket, pulled chicken and pulled pork, along with 100% all beef Hot Dogs, Brats, and hot/mild sausages, grilled to perfection!

David’s Deli & Restaurant is a solid breakfast or lunch destination for vacationers who are cruising from the mainland to the Wrightsville Beach shoreline. Located along Eastwood Drive, this casual and family-friendly destination features...

Nothing is more relaxing and liberating than a big belly laugh, and Wilmington’s own Dead Crow Comedy Room is a perfectly convenient destination for Cape Fear visitors to sit back, enjoy a drink, and let loose with some of the region’s...

Delphina Cantina is a cool little spot for visitors who have freshly arrived on Bald Head Island and are in the mood for a light bite or an ice cold drink before making their way to their vacation rental home. Offering an expansive menu that...

Detour Deli & Café might not be very big, but it makes up for its small stature with a deli menu that’s full of gigantic global flavors. Found within a miniature brick building on the outskirts of Downtown Wilmington, this arty...

Wilmington visitors who want the appeal of an oceanfront beach restaurant without taking a spin across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge can pop into the Dockside Restaurant. Located on the waterfront border, with a cool exterior that boasts an...

There’s plenty of joy to be found in the colorful dishes and unique flavors of the Double Happiness Restaurant. Found in between the heart of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, this Dim Sum, Cantonese, and Szechuan restaurant is sure to...

Drift is a local cafe built by people who love good coffee and food, serving coffee and brunch. Our team has been inspired by cafes all over the world. Founders Michael and Ben grew up surfing competitively and traveling to find great waves...

Dry Street Pub & Pizza is a fresh pizza joint on the slightly inland outskirts of Downtown Southport that features a nice and colorful array of elevated Italian cuisine. With a 20-year history of providing Southport locals and visitors with an...

East Oceanfront Dining is a posh little restaurant that’s found along a quieter section of the Wrightsville Beach shoreline, and which features beautifully colorful plates of traditional seafood and American cuisine with a twist. With a menu...

Eggs Up Grill, at 110 Shallotte Crossing Parkway, serves guests daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m. The full menu is available all day for dine-in, takeout and delivery. Menu categories include breakfast sandwiches, benedicts, omelets, pancakes, waffles, French...

El Arriero Taqueria takes the concept of Fresh Mex to new heights with a uniquely traditional menu and a solid pedigree of local Mexican food experts. Owned by the Ibarra family, the founders of the local favorite El Cerro Grande, this slightly...

Carolina Beach vacationers who are craving a little Fresh Mexican fare, (which is understandable this close to the coast), can head to the centrally located El Cazador Mexican Restaurant. Found in the heart of Carolina Beach’s...

There’s nothing like enjoying a stunning waterfront view, and Elijah’s has a prime location along the Cape Fear River on the edge of Wilmington’s historic downtown. Featuring both indoor and seasonal outdoor tables, this little...

Though Elizabeth’s Pizza might look like a small pizza joint, with a subtle location along a busy section of commercialized Market Street, the decadent menu offers so much more than a slice or two of pie. Boasting a wealth of appetizers...

Empire Deli & Bagel is a laid-back little breakfast and lunch joint that will satisfy any native New Yorker or New Englander who happens to be in the Cape Fear region. Located just north of Wilmington in the Ogden area, this destination is...

With a name like Epic Food Co, you’d expect the food to be something special, and this casual restaurant off of Military Cutoff Road does not disappoint. Featuring a breakfast, main, and dinner menu, as well as a unique catering menu and...

Eric’s Grille is a casual spot that’s found along a busy and more commercial section of central Southport, and which is known for classic American fare, home cooking, and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Serving up breakfast and lunch...