2025 Restaurants Guide

There’s always something sumptuous to discover at Sweet N Savory Café – an artful little eatery that’s found on the edge of Wilmington’s Landfall Park, and the River to the Sea Bikeway. The interior is vibrant and...

Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is a delightfully elevated Chinese restaurant that is found close to the University Landing Mall, and which features a relaxed atmosphere and a wholly unique menu. In business for nearly 30 years, this popular...

Tandoori Bites is a fresh Indian food restaurant that features an opulent ambiance and a wealth of delicious cuisine. Located long College Road, just steps away from the UNCW campus, this cool restaurant allows college students and established...

Many locals attest that some of Wilmington’s best restaurants are those hidden hole-in-the-wall eateries that are easy to miss, and for Mexican food lovers, the Taqueria La Tapatia certainly proves this theory. Located along a busy section of...

Bypass the chain Mexican restaurants and fast food joints, and head to this little hole-in-the-wall local favorite for fresh Mexican fare that’s incredibly budget friendly and always delicious. Located along the quiet Kerr Street in a...

Visitors who are staying in Southport or Oak Island, and who just want an easy, no-fuss meal to enjoy at home, can contact the small but accommodating Taste of China for easy Chinese take-out that’s varied enough to please everyone in the...

Terrazzo Trattoria is an Italian restaurant and pizza place that has a slightly elevated atmosphere and appeal, and a vast menu that showcases a wealth of Italian specialties. Located along a busy section of Military Cutoff Road, and boasting a warm...

Visitors who are strolling through Downtown Southport and who are in the mood for something light, global, and different, can make a stop at the unique and flavorful Thai Peppers. This cool little Thai restaurant features a relaxing interior with a...

For a fabulous introduction to the staples of Thai cuisine, take a trip to Thai Spice. This little restaurant that’s tucked away along Carolina Beach Road has a vast menu that includes all the favorites and a few unique specialties, which is...

The name of “The Basics” is also an illusion to this casual eatery’s philosophy, which is to serve up all the stales of southern comfort food, keep it simple, and let the inherently rich and wonderful flavors shine.

Enjoy a little old school fun, a refreshing ice cream cone, or a decadently sweet breakfast with a visit to The Breakers Arcade & Grill, which is found in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach. This family-friendly destination that provides an easy...

The Dive is an ultra-casual little spot that’s a fun destination for the after-hours beach crowd. Located just off of US 421, and bordered by a collection of beach bars, motels and restaurants, this little establishment is a subtle addition to...

The Dixie Grill is a down-home taste of southern cuisine in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. Found in a modest building just a couple blocks away from the waterfront, this breakfast, lunch and dinner spot is a longtime local icon, and a great spot...

Start a busy day off right with a hot cup of coffee and a perfect hand-cut donut or hearty breakfast sandwich with a visit to the Donut Inn. Located on the corners of Eastwood Road and Military Cutoff Road, and open early for hardworking...

Wine lovers will adore The Fortunate Glass - a wine and tapas bar that has a 21 page menu, with 20 pages dedicated to wine (and beer) alone. Located in a central section of Downtown Wilmington, this little eatery is the perfect spot to...

For an overflowing meal that’s definitely unique, head to The Golden Chicken. This casual restaurant that’s tucked away along College Street next to the UNCW campus specializes in Peruvian food, and offers heaping plates of authentic...

Locals know that when it comes to hearty and convenient Greek fare, you got to visit The Greeks. This Mediterranean Deli and Market has an outstanding location in the heart of Downtown Wilmington, just a couple blocks away from the Cape Fear River...

The Grille At Bald Head Island Club is a posh option for Bald Head Island visitors to feast on a seasonal selection of southern-inspired cuisine. Located on the southwestern edge of the island, and on-site for the convenience of club guests, the...

Take a trip to the edge of Downtown Wilmington to dive into authentic Irish cuisine with a visit to The Harp – a subtle little eatery that’s found just a couple blocks away from the Cape Fear Riverfront, and which features a casual but...

The King’s Table is a central destination for golfing visitors and residents of the Castle Bay Country Club who crave a fresh sandwich, salad, or other bite to eat that pairs nicely with a full day on the golf course. Boasting a castle-like...

Spend a romantic evening out in the heart of Downtown Wilmington with a visit to The Little Dipper. This charming fondue restaurant features heaping plates of veggies, breads, meats, and desserts that can be dipped into warm pots of gooey goodness.

The Paper Crane has an easy-to-miss location along Eastwood Road, but Wilmington sushi and Asian cuisine fans will want to try this spot that’s known for its distinctively colorful rolls, unique vegan options, and wealth of dishes that combine...

The Pharmacy Restaurant is a New American restaurant that has a lot of historic southern style, and a cool location in the heart of the downtown area. Found along Moore Street and bordered by small patio tables that are shaded under the blue and...

The Pirates Deck is a fun afternoon, evening, or even after-hours hang-out where patrons can feast on big plates of classic southern fare and seafood baskets in a relaxed and no-frills atmosphere. Located in one of the busiest sections of the island...

The Post Café is a laid-back stop where beach-goers can relax, refresh, and load up on all the goodies that complement a perfect day on the beach. Chock-full of bakery specialties, drinks, desserts, and a light café menu, visitors can...

The Purple Onion Café opened on Main Street in Shallotte in 2004. Since then they have become a community favorite serving locals & visitors breakfast and lunch with a delicious menu of pastries, traditional breakfast items, burgers...

The View At Brick Landing Plantation is the only on-island restaurant that’s situated on one of the Oak Island area’s picturesque golf courses. Overlooking the course as well as the not-so-distant Intracoastal Waterway, patrons can treat...

Tokyo 101 is a fun go-to for lunch or dinner after a full morning or afternoon of shopping in Wilmington’s expansive Mayfaire complex. Featuring a wealth of sushi and Japanese fare in a slightly upscale and elevated environment, Tokyo 101...

Tommy Thompson’s Grille is an on-site restaurant that’s found within the private golfing community, The Clubs at St. James. Featuring a la carte and more casual dining, as well as a daily soup, salad bar, and a full-service bar for...

Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill is a sister restaurant to Wilmington’s famed K-38, and is a Fresh Mex joint that is extremely popular with the surfer crowd, and everyday locals and visitors alike. Serving up a wealth of Mexican cuisine that’s...

Sometimes a name says it all, and Two Fat Ladies Over a Simmering Pot is a local favorite for sumptuous soul food that’s made right, at a slow pace, and is served with a dose of southern hospitality. Take-out or dine-in patrons will know...

With solid prices, great grub, and a convenient location for Porters Neck locals and visitors, Two Guys Grille allows casual food fans to chow down on a hearty and slightly elevated menu without breaking the bank.

When you’re this close to the coast, and in a city that’s as creative as Wilmington, it’s easy to find restaurants that take new twists with traditional seafood, and Umaii is no exception. This sushi bar and restaurant which...

It seems that all Wilmington locals and frequent visitors are on the hunt for good Chinese take-out, and Uncle Lim’s Kitchen answers the call with a refreshing menu and a central location on the corner of Carolina Beach Road and Independence...

Visitors and Wilmington locals on the hunt for a convenient and all-encompassing destination for pizza and Italian fare can call on Uncle Louie’s Pizza Lounge. This slightly upscale but still casual pizza parlor is the perfect spot to enjoy a...

Most new vacationers to Carolina Beach are surprised to find that the region has more than its fair share of pizza and Italian eateries that are close to the oceanfront shoreline or the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and Uncle Vinny’s Pizzeria...

The Village Cafe & Deli is a unique little gem in the heart of Hampstead that’s found just off of US Highway 17 and, at first glance, looks like a residential home or business Visitors who find this little restaurant, however, will be...

Patrons can enjoy a quick sit-down, take-out, or delivery meal with a visit to Vito’s Pizza.  This family-friendly (and surfer-friendly) destination in the heart of Wrightsville Beach features a variety of crowd-pleasing toppings that can...

Carolina Beach visitors who want to satisfy an itchy sweet tooth will fall in love with Wake N Bake Donuts. A perfect stop for an easy, kid-friendly breakfast before heading to the shore, or to pick up a dozen donuts for the folks at the office or...

Whiskey Trail Pub & Grill is a hidden gem that’s tucked away near the Masonboro Sound, and which serves as a popular hang-out for Wilmington residents in the Masonboro Loop and Monkey Junction area. Serving up good food and a fun bar...

White Front is a no-frills breakfast joint that’s found within a weather-worn, one-story building on the outskirts of the downtown area, and despite its humble exterior, is a popular local go-to for good breakfast food without the fuss...

Visitors who crave a really good burger and a beer in a super casual environment should make a beeline to Winnies Tavern. Located in a relatively quiet section of Wilmington, with a slightly rustic exterior, Winnies is laid-back but friendly, and is...

The Wok & Roll is a classic Chinese food restaurant that caters to Leland locals and visitors alike. Boasting budget-friendly prices, a nice variety of dishes, and big portion sizes, this popular Chinese food restaurant is a solid Leland go-to...

For a classic coastal bite to eat that’s almost eclipsed by the brilliant view, head to Yacht Basin Eatery. This waterfront restaurant with seasonal outdoor seating and a location on the very edge of downtown Southport features impressive...

Yosake is a chic little sushi bar, Asian fusion restaurant, and after-hours lounge that has an equally cool atmosphere, menu, and location in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. Located on the second floor of a historic building, with dark tables, a...