It’s no secret that Wilmington, NC, has a great food scene, but with so many options to squeeze into a long weekend, which restaurants do you choose? My husband and I spent Memorial Day weekend in Wilmington, and over the course of three days we worked our way through some seriously impressive meals. If you love to eat your way through a destination (guilty), Wilmington will not disappoint. For a full trip breakdown, check out my Wilmington, NC guide and the rest of my travels over on Lily Travel.
From a buzzy seafood bar to a garden oasis serving Southeast Asian food, the restaurant scene here is varied, creative, and consistently excellent. Below are five restaurants I can personally vouch for — every single one was worth the visit. Some of them came recommended by a foodie friend who has been to Wilmington several times, so they come with more than one recommendation!
My 6 Favorite Restaurants in Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach, NC
1. Seabird
Best for: A Special Night Out
Seabird was the single best meal of our entire trip. We sat at the bar, which turned out to be a great call — the bartender was warm, skilled, and turning out some seriously impressive craft cocktails all night. My husband and I went with wine instead (they have a really great selection), but I could not stop watching the cocktails go by.
The food was exceptional across the board. The menu rotates regularly, likely to keep things seasonal and fresh, so you can expect quality no matter when you visit. The service was attentive and the interior design is beautiful. This is a restaurant in Wilmington I’d tell everyone not to skip.
Pro Tip: Seabird is really popular, so reservations are strongly recommended.
2. Circa 1922
Best for: An Upscale, Celebratory Dinner
Circa 1922 was our final dinner in Wilmington, and it was a wonderful way to end the trip. The atmosphere is elegant and upscale — while we were there, another table was clearly celebrating a special occasion, and it’s exactly the kind of place that suits those moments.
I had the paella, which was beautifully prepared and generous in size. My husband ordered the fish special, which was also fresh and delicious. The wine list is excellent, and the service matched the caliber of the food. Make a reservation, as this place fills up fast and for good reason.
Pro Tip: Circa 1922 sits directly across from Seabird, so if you’re planning multiple nice dinners, you can easily scope out both during your trip.
3. Ceviche’s
Best for: Fresh Seafood & Cocktails
Ceviche’s came highly recommended by a foodie friend, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We kicked things off with the ceviche sampler and craft cocktails, then both ordered fish for our mains. Everything was incredibly fresh, portions were generous, and the vibe was lively without being overwhelming.
They also have excellent craft cocktails, most of which have a tropical, beachy vibe that matches the restaurant theme. The cocktails pair nicely with the flavors of the food.
4. Indochine Restaurant
Best for: Atmosphere & Southeast Asian Cuisine
Indochine is among the coolest restaurants I’ve ever visited, and it also came recommended by my foodie friend. The food is flavorful, the portions are enormous, and the outdoor garden where we ate gave the whole meal a lush, immersive feel. Hanging lights, tropical plants, and beautifully designed outdoor seating make this a truly memorable spot. You can watch the koi fish or stroll through the garden for some great photo opps.
We split the Appetizer Sampler and Yum Yum Chicken, and paired it with a Thai Basil cocktail. All of it was excellent. Fair warning: this place is very popular, and we had a bit of a wait, so go early!
Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag outdoor garden seating, that’s where the real ambiance is.
5. Tower 7
Best for: Beach Day Lunch
Tower 7 is the perfect post-beach lunch spot, located right near Wrightsville Beach. My husband had a chicken burrito, I got the Ahi tuna tacos, and we split the street corn appetizer. All of it was tasty and hit the spot after a morning in the sun. We finished with a margarita before heading back to the water.
It’s a casual, relaxed spot that nails beach-town energy without sacrificing quality. If you’re spending time at Wrightsville Beach, plan to stop here.
6. The Kitchen Sink
Best for: A Quick, Charming Lunch
The Kitchen Sink was our very first stop in Wilmington. It’s a casual, eclectic sandwich shop with a fun interior and a creative menu. I had the turkey, goat cheese, and blueberry sandwich; my husband went with the meatball sub. We both loved our meals, and the lavender lemonade was a refreshing touch. It’s a great first stop to grab a bite before you settle in.
Final Thoughts on Eating in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington’s restaurant scene is one of the reasons it’s so high up on my East Coast beach town list. Whether you’re looking for a celebratory dinner at Circa 1922, fresh seafood at Ceviche’s, or a laid-back beach lunch at Tower 7, there’s something here for every type of traveler. We left full, happy, and already planning what we’d eat on the next visit.
For more on what to do, where to stay, and what to see, check out my full Wilmington, NC travel guide.
