Experience the Best Local Cuisine in Wilmington NC

If you’re looking for a destination that offers an abundance of delicious local cuisine, then Wilmington, North Carolina is the place to be. Located in the Southeastern corner of the state, the city offers a variety of different restaurants and eateries that serve up all kinds of delicious food. From seafood to barbeque, there’s something for everyone in Wilmington. Here’s a closer look at all the amazing local cuisine Wilmington has to offer.

Downtown Dining

Wilmington’s downtown area is home to a variety of restaurants and eateries that serve up all kinds of delicious cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal, you’ll find plenty of options downtown. Some of the most popular downtown restaurants include The George on the Riverwalk, The Pilot House, and Caprice Bistro.

The George on the Riverwalk is a modern restaurant that serves up a mix of American and Mediterranean cuisine. Its menu features items like the signature beef tenderloin, grilled salmon, and chicken parmesan. The Pilot House is a seafood-focused spot that specializes in fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes like crab cakes, scallops, and shrimp and grits. And Caprice Bistro is a French-inspired eatery that serves up classic dishes like steak tartare, coq au vin, and mussels mariniere.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual, downtown Wilmington also has plenty of options. The Mellow Mushroom is a great spot for pizza and sandwiches, while The Sour Barn serves up craft beers and creative pub fare. And for a quick bite, there’s the Flying Pi Pizzeria, which specializes in wood-fired pizza.

Uptown Eateries

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, then Uptown Wilmington is the place to be. This area is home to some of the city’s best fine-dining restaurants, including Lula’s Kitchen, Spoonfed Kitchen & Bar, and PinPoint Restaurant.

Lula’s Kitchen is a cozy spot that serves up Mediterranean-inspired dishes like grilled lamb chops, roasted cauliflower, and roasted beet salad. Spoonfed Kitchen & Bar is a modern American restaurant that specializes in creative dishes like grilled octopus, roasted duck, and shrimp and grits. And PinPoint Restaurant is a seafood-focused spot that serves up fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes like oysters, scallops, and crab cakes.

For a more relaxed dining experience, head to one of Uptown Wilmington’s many bars and pubs. The Bluewater Grill is a great spot for craft beers and pub fare, while The Calico Room specializes in creative cocktails and small plates. And for a more traditional bar experience, there’s the Whiskey Room, which serves up a variety of whiskeys and classic cocktails.

Seafood

Wilmington is a coastal city, so it should come as no surprise that seafood is a major part of the local cuisine. If you’re looking for the freshest seafood in town, then head to one of Wilmington’s many seafood restaurants. Some of the most popular spots include The Fish House, The Oceanic, and Catch Restaurant.

The Fish House is a waterfront restaurant that specializes in coastal cuisine like grilled fish, shrimp and grits, and oyster po’boys. The Oceanic is a fine-dining spot that serves up creative dishes like lobster mac and cheese, pan-seared scallops, and pan-roasted salmon. And Catch Restaurant is a seafood-focused spot that specializes in dishes like crab cakes, fried oysters, and shrimp and grits.

If you’re in the mood for a more casual seafood experience, then head to one of Wilmington’s many seafood shacks. The Fish Bites Shack is a great spot for quick bites like fish tacos and shrimp po’boys, while the Shell Shack specializes in classic seafood dishes like fried shrimp and hush puppies. And for a more unique experience, there’s the Fish & Fries Shack, which serves up fresh seafood dishes like fish and chips and calamari.

Barbeque

Wilmington is also home to a variety of barbeque restaurants that specialize in all kinds of delicious barbeque dishes. Some of the most popular spots include The Pit, Pig-N-Chik, and Piggyback BBQ.

The Pit is a modern barbeque restaurant that serves up all kinds of classic dishes like pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. Pig-N-Chik is a family-owned spot that specializes in Carolina-style barbeque like pulled pork sandwiches, smoked wings, and ribs. And Piggyback BBQ is a casual spot that serves up creative dishes like barbeque nachos, barbeque tacos, and barbeque pizza.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, then head to one of Wilmington’s many barbeque joints. The Pig & Barrel is a great spot for creative dishes like smoked salmon tacos and barbeque egg rolls, while The Smoke Pit specializes in smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.

Southern Classics

Wilmington’s Southern cuisine is as delicious as it is diverse. From classic dishes like fried chicken and collard greens to modern takes on Southern staples like shrimp and grits, there’s something for everyone in Wilmington. Some of the most popular spots include The Fork n Cork, Dixie Grill, and The Little Dipper.

The Fork n Cork is a cozy spot that serves up classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Dixie Grill is a modern restaurant that specializes in dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and fried okra. And The Little Dipper is a casual spot that serves up creative dishes like fried chicken and waffles, pimento cheese dip, and smoked brisket tacos.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, then head to one of Wilmington’s many Southern-inspired restaurants. The High Tide Cafe is a great spot for creative dishes like shrimp and grits, crawfish etouffee, and shrimp po’boys. And for a more traditional experience, there’s The Copper Pot, which serves up classic dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and pulled pork.

Mexican

Wilmington is home to a variety of Mexican restaurants that serve up all kinds of delicious dishes. From tacos and burritos to enchiladas and tamales, there’s something for everyone in Wilmington. Some of the most popular spots include Los Portales, El Cerro Grande, and La Cocina.

Los Portales is a casual spot that serves up classic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. El Cerro Grande is a family-friendly spot that specializes in creative dishes like tamales, chile rellenos, and mole. And La Cocina is a modern restaurant that serves up dishes like ceviche, carne asada, and quesadillas.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, then head to one of Wilmington’s many taquerias. The Taco Spot is a great spot for tacos and burritos, while The Taco Stand specializes in creative dishes like nachos, empanadas, and quesadillas. And for a more traditional experience, there’s The Taco Shack, which serves up classic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

Caribbean

Wilmington is also home to a variety of Caribbean restaurants that serve up all kinds of delicious dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for jerk chicken, curried goat, or plantains, there’s something for everyone in Wilmington. Some of the most popular spots include The Islander, Island Breeze, and Fusion Caribbean.

The Islander is a casual spot that serves up classic Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat, and plantains. Island Breeze is a family-friendly spot that specializes in creative dishes like Caribbean-style tacos, jerk pork, and coconut shrimp. And Fusion Caribbean is a modern restaurant that serves up dishes like jerk chicken tacos, curried shrimp, and plantain chips.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, then head to one of Wilmington’s many Caribbean-inspired restaurants. The Caribbean Kitchen is a great spot for creative dishes like jerk pork nachos and plantain burgers, while the Curried Shack specializes in classic Caribbean dishes like curried goat and jerk chicken.

Asian

Wilmington is home to a variety of Asian restaurants that serve up all kinds of delicious dishes. From sushi and ramen to Chinese and Thai, there’s something for everyone in Wilmington. Some of the most popular spots include Tomo Japanese Restaurant, China King, and Bangkok Thai Cuisine.

Tomo Japanese Restaurant is a modern spot that specializes in sushi and ramen dishes like maki rolls, chirashi bowls, and tonkotsu ramen. China King is a family-friendly spot that serves up dishes like orange chicken, lo mein, and egg rolls. And Bangkok Thai Cuisine is a casual restaurant that serves up dishes like pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, then head to one of Wilmington’s many Asian-inspired restaurants. The Sushi Spot is a great spot for creative dishes like sushi burritos and sushi tacos, while The Noodle House specializes in classic Asian dishes like ramen and pho. And for a more traditional experience, there’s The Asian Bistro, which serves up dishes like kung pao chicken and General Tso’s chicken.

Vegetarian & Vegan

Wilmington is also home to a variety of vegetarian and vegan restaurants that serve up all kinds of delicious dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a veggie burger or a tempeh wrap, there’s something for everyone in Wilmington. Some of the most popular spots include The Veggie Grill, The Beet Box, and The Happy Beet.

The Veggie Grill is a modern spot that specializes in vegetarian and vegan dishes like veggie burgers, tempeh wraps, and vegan mac and cheese. The Beet Box is a family-friendly spot that serves up dishes like veggie tacos, veggie burgers, and quinoa bowls. And The Happy Beet is a casual restaurant that serves up dishes like veggie stir fry, tempeh sandwiches, and vegan nachos.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, then head to one of Wilmington’s many vegetarian and vegan-inspired restaurants. The Veg Out is a great spot for creative dishes like vegan sloppy joes and veggie burritos, while The Green Room specializes in classic vegetarian and vegan dishes like tempeh tacos and veggie burgers.

Specialty Foods

Wilmington is also home to a variety of specialty food shops that serve up all kinds of delicious dishes. From artisanal cheeses and cured meats to freshly-baked breads and homemade pastas, there’s something for everyone in Wilmington. Some of the most popular spots include The Cheese Shop, The Olive Shoppe, and The Bakery.

The Cheese Shop is a specialty shop that specializes in artisanal cheeses and cured meats. The Olive Shoppe is a family-owned spot that serves up dishes like olive oil, tapenades, and olives. And The Bakery is a casual spot that serves up freshly-baked breads, pastries, and desserts.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, then head to one of Wilmington’s many specialty food shops. The Spice Shop is a great spot for spices and herbs, while The Pasta Shop specializes in freshly-made pastas and sauces. And for a more traditional experience, there’s The Candy Shop, which serves up a variety of chocolates and other sweet treats.

Summary

Wilmington, North Carolina offers an abundance of delicious local cuisine. From downtown dining to seafood and barbeque, there’s something for everyone in Wilmington. The city is also home to a variety of specialty food shops, as well as a wide range of Mexican, Caribbean, Asian, and vegetarian and vegan restaurants. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find it in Wilmington.