10 Best Fine-Dining Restaurants In Wilmington, North Carolina

fine dining in wilmington nc
Andrea Mae
Andrea Mae 
Published
| 4 min read

Take a trip to North Carolina and see what Wilmington has to offer. From various coastal activities on its beautiful beaches to museum exhibitions, its rich southern culture will keep any tourist occupied. After spending your day filled with adventure, it is high time to satisfy your cravings and try out the food galore in this port city. The diverse food scene in the area can offer you traditional coastal cuisine, unique seafood eateries, and even upscale dining filled with international dishes. So what are you waiting for? Level up your dining experience and check out the 10 best fine-dining restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina.

1. Pinpoint Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


The local, seasonal offerings of American and international cuisines in this restaurant feature fresh local ingredients from Wilmington. They are popular because of the menu that changes daily, depending on local produce freshly delivered to them since 2015. Also, they were recognized by Southern Living magazine as one of the best new restaurants in the south. There are also unique vegetarian-friendly dishes, vegan, and gluten-free options. You can try their well-known dishes such as North Carolina butter bean hummus, smoked Carolina catfish, seared yellowfin tuna, and seasoned vegetable platter if you plan to visit.

Pinpoint Restaurant

Address: 114 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Website: Pinpoint Restaurant

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5:30pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 5:30pm - 9:30pm

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2. Manna

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


With its pure American fare paired with exquisitely crafted cocktails, appetizers, and dessert, Manna is a go-to restaurant on Princess Street. The place’s classy ambiance and great dishes prove why they have been the first and only AAA Travel Four Diamond recipients for five consecutive years in Wilmington. They only use the prime ingredients supplied by local farmers and fishermen. Previous visitors recommend trying lobster tail roulade, roasted and braised heritage pork shank, and grilled octopus. They also offer an excellent range of rum, scotch whiskey, gin, and top-shelf bourbons.

Manna

Address: 123 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Website: Manna

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)

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3. Caprice Bistro

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Do you want to experience Parisian-style elegant dining? Visit Caprice Bistro on Market Street. They offer traditional French cuisine with an American twist. The place is Instagram-worthy with its inviting mix of dark wood and deep yellow interior. You can choose to eat at their sophisticated dining room downstairs or the private sofa bar lounge upstairs. Their salmon rillettes, lamb shank, pasta, and Angus beef steak are certain must-tries recommended by previous tourists. Besides the tasty dishes, they are also recognized by OpenTable as one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Country.

Caprice Bistro

Address: 10 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Website: Caprice Bistro

Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 5pm - 9pm; Wed: 5pm - 10pm; Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Tue)

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4. Elijah's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Elijah’s restaurant has been a family-friendly favorite since 1984. It is not just your typical American grill and oyster bar because this place was also a former maritime museum. Inside, you can marvel at the beautiful displays such as paintings, ship models, and nautical artifacts. The waterfront setting allows you to enjoy tranquil views and occasional live music. Order some of their bestsellers, such as crab-stuffed mushrooms, Carolina chowder, and stuffed shrimp.

Elijah's

Address: 2 Ann St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Website: Elijah'st

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm

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5. Tarantelli's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


At Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano, you get to experience authentic Italian recipes passed down through many generations. They offer Italian gourmet dishes such as spaghetti al formaggio and various seafood dishes. You can also enjoy piping hot and flavorful pizza. They are famous for their lemon-lavender cannolis, and they say that it is a must-try if you want a new take on the regular cake. Tarantelli’s seasonal outdoor patio can also give you a charming upscale dining experience.

Tarantelli's

Address: 102 S 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Website: Tarantelli’s

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)

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6. Ceviche's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Have a taste of Latin-American cuisines at Ceviche’s located near Wrightsville Beach. They were featured in Season 28 of the television show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The restaurant’s artsy interior exudes exotic vibes; its bar is made of Panama woods paired with a delightful view of the outside courtyard. Aside from the bestseller El Quatro ceviche sampler, they also offer other signature dishes that you can try such as arroz con pollo and ropa vieja.

Ceviche's

Address: 7210 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States

Website: Ceviche’s

Opening hours: Mon: 5pm - 9pm; Tue - Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)

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7. Brasserie Du Soleil

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Are you craving savory French fare? Just minutes away from Wrightsville Beach, you can find a fine-dining restaurant named Brasserie Du Soleil. If you’re not in the mood for a heavy meal, they still have something for you. They offer made-to-order salads to suit your palate as well as fill your tummy. It is also famous around the area for its extensive list of delectable wines. Besides that, visitors coming with a furry friend can eat at the restaurant’s dog-friendly patio, where you can also enjoy the pond’s view.

Brasserie Du Soleil

Address: 1908 Eastwood Rd STE 118, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States

Website: Brasserie Du Soleil

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

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8. Roko Italian Cuisine

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Indulge in a posh dining experience at Roko Italian Cuisine while savoring their Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The interior will give you intimate and relaxed vibes perfect for when you get tired of touring several attractions in the city. If you have no idea of what to get, you can try their popular dishes such as fried calamari, shrimp scampi, homemade gnocchi, and stuffed ravioli. You can also pair your preferred dish with various choices of wines, cocktails and craft beers.

Roko Italian Cuisine

Address: 6801-105 Parker Farm Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States

Website: Roko Italian Cuisine

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

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9. Circa 1922

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


As you visit Wilmington’s historic center, you may come across this tapas bar and restaurant called Circa 1922. This restaurant has made a contemporary twist to its dishes. It can be one reason why many tourists are intrigued by what they can offer. They are known for their trademark dishes such as fresh lobster mac and cheese, prosciutto-wrapped Dates, and mushroom bruschetta. You can also pick from their wide selection of cheese, sushi, and charcuterie. If you are adventurous, you can order an unusual bestseller dessert called chocolate sushi.

Circa 1922

Address: 8 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Website: Circa 1922

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm

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10. Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bacon wrapped sea scallops over linguine Alfredo with a Parmesan crisp and garlic toast points

Posted by Hieronymus Seafood on Saturday, January 9, 2021

If you want to have a taste of Cape Fear’s offerings, then dine at Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar. You can have your food on their spacious dog-friendly patio or explore the rich history of the restaurant. Inside, you will see the walls filled with pictures of Wilmington’s original celebrity chef, Marlene Hieronymus. She is nickname “The Fish Lady” and has produced seafood cookbooks and featured recipes on the Food Network. You can try their famous Oysterymous Appetizer, Original Hieronymus Wings, and She Crab Soup for starters.

Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Address: 5035 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States

Website: Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm

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Find tons of fine-dining options in Wilmington

Best Fine-Dining Restaurants In Wilmington, North Carolina
Source: Unsplash

You don’t even need to be a food expert for you to enjoy these fine-dining restaurants. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular customer, expect these restaurants to satisfy your cravings as well as level up your dining experience. For hearty meals paired with stunning views, check out our list of the 10 best fine-dining restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Andrea, a freelance content writer based in the Philippines, is both a teacher by profession and a passionate writer. Her travels, primarily with family and occasionally with friends, have left her...Read more

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