16 Best Restaurants in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington punches way above its weight for food. Between the fresh Cape Fear seafood, the Southern comfort food classics, and a genuinely surprising international scene for a beach town this size, you won’t struggle to eat well here. These are the ones we actually keep going back to — trimmed down from a much longer list to just our real favorites.
Best Restaurants in Wilmington
Indochine
Ever since we went to college at UNCW over a decade ago, this place has been popping almost nightly, and it still is. Thai and Vietnamese, with outdoor seating in oriental-style huts by a koi pond — genuinely one of the most memorable settings to eat in the city.
They don’t take reservations, and Thursday through Sunday you’ll probably wait, but it’s worth it. Get the Pad Thai or the Green Curry.
Casey’s Buffet and BBQ
An institution, half-way between Wrightsville Beach and downtown, and going strong since 2005. All-you-can-eat Southern soul food — fried chicken, catfish, collard greens, cornbread, all made from scratch — plus chitterlings and pig’s feet if you’re feeling adventurous. Old-school diner vibe, family-owned, exactly what you want out of NC comfort food.
RX Restaurant
Seasonally driven Southern food in an old pharmacy building near downtown — the menu shifts based on what local farmers and fishers bring in, so it’s a bit different every visit. The braised pork belly with smoked cheddar grits is the one people talk about, but don’t skip the duck.
Dram Yard
Downtown ILM’s spot for a proper multi-course tasting menu if you want to let someone else drive — three or four courses on select nights, carefully built around local ingredients. The Gazebo Bar out back is one of the better low-key drink spots downtown, and there’s a full separate vegan menu if that’s what you need.
Pop’s Diner
Right on the Carolina Beach boardwalk, this is a straight-up 1950s diner — jukebox, red vinyl booths, the occasional Elvis sighting. Get the Cuban sandwich and the funnel cake fries. It’s nostalgia food, not fine dining, and that’s exactly the point.
Catch
Fresh, sustainably sourced Cape Fear seafood right on Market Street. The crab cakes are award-winning, and the Cajun fried oysters are worth the trip alone. Keep an eye out for their food truck too.
Tarantelli’s
A genuinely family-run Italian spot using recipes straight from Italy, served family-style. The 24-month aged Parmigiano goes on everything, and the handmade pasta is the move if you’re choosing between that and the wood-fired pizza (you’ll wish you could order both).
Pinpoint
Downtown farm-to-table with a menu that changes daily. The raw oysters and the baked oyster variations are consistently excellent, and it’s become our go-to brunch spot — usually after a coffee run to Bespoke first.
Fork N Cork
Started as a food truck (Paddy Wagon), got popular enough downtown to need a real building. Comfort food done well — the poutine and pot pies are the reason people keep coming back, and the Brisket Biscuit is worth the visit on its own. Locations in Wilmington and Carolina Beach.
Ceviche’s
A Panamanian-inspired spot right at the edge of Wrightsville Beach — the bar is literally built from reclaimed Panamanian wood. The Panamanian Paella is the one to order, and the courtyard is a great way to close out a beach day.
Shuckin’ Shack
Started right in Carolina Beach near the state park, no-frills and beach-themed in the best way. We always end up ordering the Lowcountry boil — shrimp, sausage, potato, corn, all dumped straight onto the table — but the lobster roll is a strong second choice.
Flaming Amy’s
Local legend for a reason. The Churkeychanga has a cult following, the Godzilladilla is right behind it, and there’s a genuinely good amount of vegetarian and vegan options for a burrito joint. Expect a line, but it moves fast, and it’s one of the most affordable meals in town.
The Little Dipper
Where we always ate in college, and still one of our go-tos for a special occasion. Real tableside fondue — cheese and chocolate — downtown, great for a date night or a group. Wednesday is Ladies Night: $10 fondues for the table.
Slice of Life
The best pizza in Wilmington, full stop. Multiple locations around town, so there’s no excuse not to grab a slice downtown or a whole pie with friends.
Freddie’s
Technically in Kure Beach, but this is one of our absolute favorites in the whole area — small, intimate, reservations essential. Open year-round, which is rare for a beach spot, and the pork chop is one of the best things we’ve eaten on this coast.
KM 38 Baja Grill
We’ve known about the Monday fish taco and margarita special here since college — “Cinco de Monday,” $5 Baja fish tacos and margaritas. Casual Baja-Mexican, popular with the college crowd for good reason. There’s a location on Oleander not far from Casey’s, so it’s easy to pair the two into a food-focused day.
