Overview
Wilmington, NC, a coastal city with a rich maritime history, boasts an incredible array of seafood restaurants. From casual waterfront eateries to upscale dining experiences, this guide will lead you to the best spots to savor the freshest catch. Discover hidden gems, enjoy waterfront views, and indulge in the bounty of the sea in this culinary haven.Three10
Downtown
Three10 is a true culinary gem nestled in the heart of Wilmington, NC. This sophisticated restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience, featuring an innovative menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. From expertly crafted cocktails to beautifully plated dishes, Three10 delivers a truly refined dining experience.
Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Midtown
Heironymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar has been a Wilmington institution for over 40 years, serving up fresh seafood in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. This local favorite offers a wide variety of dishes, from classic seafood platters to fresh oysters and delicious appetizers. With its friendly service, pet friendly porch, and waterfront views, Hieronymus is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
manna
Downtown
Manna is a beloved Wilmington restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. This culinary gem offers a refined dining experience with a focus on seasonal dishes and creative flavor combinations.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Manna is the perfect choice.
Boathouse Restaurant
Midtown
Boathouse Restaurant is a beloved Wilmington institution, offering a family friendly menu featuring fresh seafood and classic American fare. This popular spot is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family, enjoying the coastal ambiance and delicious food.
Origins Food and Drink
Midtown
Origins is a celebrated restaurant in Wilmington, NC, renowned for its innovative cuisine and commitment to using the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. This culinary destination offers a refined dining experience with a focus on seasonal dishes and creative flavor combinations.
Indulge in a menu that showcases the bounty of the region, from succulent seafood to expertly prepared meats and vibrant vegetarian options. Origins' elegant ambiance and attentive service create the perfect setting for a special occasion or a memorable evening out.
Smoke on the Water
surrounding areas
Smoke on the Water is a popular waterfront restaurant in Wilmington, NC, offering stunning views of the Cape Fear River. This casual eatery serves up a delicious menu featuring fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and refreshing cocktails.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and soak up the waterfront views while savoring your meal. Smoke on the Water is a perfect spot for a casual lunch or a relaxing dinner.
Elijah's
Downtown
Elijah's is a renowned restaurant in Wilmington, NC, offering a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. This culinary gem features a menu of innovative and delicious dishes, showcasing the bounty of the region.
Indulge in expertly prepared cuisine, from succulent seafood to expertly grilled meats and vibrant vegetarian options. Elijah's elegant ambiance and attentive service create the perfect setting for a special occasion or a memorable evening out.
The Bridge Tender
Wrightsville Beach
Bridgetender is more than just a cocktail bar in Wilmington, NC. This sophisticated spot offers a refined dining experience with a focus on expertly crafted cocktails and fresh, locally-sourced seafood.
Indulge in innovative cocktails, each carefully designed with unique flavor combinations. Pair your drinks with a selection of delectable seafood dishes, showcasing the bounty of the coast. Bridgetender's stylish ambiance and attentive service create the perfect setting for a memorable evening.
Rx Chicken and Oysters
Downtown
RX Chicken & Oysters is a popular spot in Wilmington, NC, known for its delicious fried chicken and fresh oysters. This casual eatery offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of Southern comfort food favorites.
Enjoy their signature crispy fried chicken, along with a selection of fresh oysters, seafood dishes, and delicious sides. RX Chicken & Oysters is a great place to grab a casual meal with friends and family.
Perla Raw Bar
Midtown
Perla Raw Bar is a Wilmington favorite for those seeking fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. This vibrant spot offers a menu brimming with delicious options, from succulent oysters and flavorful shrimp cocktails to creative seafood dishes.
Pilot House Restaurant
Downtown
Pilothouse Restaurant classic Wilmington spot offering stunning waterfront views and a menu featuring fresh seafood and classic American fare. This popular spot is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family, enjoying the coastal ambiance and delicious food.
Tidewater Oyster Bar
surrounding areas
Tidewater Oyster Bar is a Wilmington favorite for fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. This popular spot is known for its delicious oysters, expertly prepared and served with a variety of toppings.
But Tidewater offers more than just oysters. Their menu features a wide range of seafood dishes, from classic favorites like shrimp and grits to innovative creations all locally sourced from 25+ places. Support to Tidewater is support to the community. With its bustling ambiance and focus on fresh, local ingredients, Tidewater Oyster Bar is a must-visit for any seafood lover in Wilmington.
Catch
Midtown
Catch is a renowned seafood restaurant in Wilmington, NC, offering an unforgettable dining experience. This sophisticated establishment features a menu showcasing the freshest seafood, expertly prepared with innovative techniques.
Indulge in delectable dishes, from fresh oysters and flavorful fish entrees to creative seafood-inspired creations. Catch's elegant ambiance and impeccable service make it the perfect choice for a special occasion or a memorable night out.
Summary
We hope this guide helps you navigate the diverse and delicious seafood scene in Wilmington, NC. Whether you're craving fresh oysters or a classic fish fry, these restaurants offer the best of the Wilmington coast. Enjoy your seafood feast!