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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Wilmington

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tarantelli’s restaurant
1. Tarantelli’s
4.7
Exceptional(2803)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Wilmington
Booked 22 times today
Tarantelli’s is located on Second Street, just one block from Front Street and in walking distance to the Cape Fear River. The restaurant and event venue is located in the historic district of downtown Wilmington. This lively area spans 230-plus blocks and is home to some of the best bars, restaurants, churches, architecture, and selection of fine art. There are several parking facilities nearby, but you can also reach Tarantelli's year round via horse drawn trolley and carriage, river taxi, trolley cars, or on foot.
A photo of Seabird restaurant
2. Seabird
4.9
Exceptional(1490)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Wilmington
Booked 23 times today
Mindfully sourced and thoughtfully prepared ingredients highlight the landscape of the food in our coastal community. Menu subject to change daily with local availability of seafood and produce. James Beard nominated chef and owner, Dean Neff. Reservations available for dinner Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesdays.Brunch now served Saturday & Sunday!
A photo of Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine restaurant
3. Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine
4.8
Exceptional(2092)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Wilmington
Booked 5 times today
Serving the Best Seafood in North Carolina. James Beard Semi-Finalist and Bravo Tv's "Top Chef"contestant, Chef Keith Rhodes and his team, explore the Cape Fear Coast,for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced Produce.Providing the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington's Best Chef Dubbed by NYT's,"Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood and Vegetarian options. We offer our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, NC Oysters on the 1/2 Shell, Seafood Ceviche & Conch Fritters . Larger Plates include our "Angry" Maine Lobster, Prime Steaks, Blackend Mahi Mahi & our Award winning Charleston Crab Cakes, Seared OBX Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Black Grouper. Full ABC Permits.Large selection of boutique Wines by the Glass, Hand crafted Cocktails And over a half a dozen rotating local beer offerings.
A photo of PinPoint restaurant
4. PinPoint
4.7
Exceptional(1812)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Wilmington
Booked 25 times today
Welcome to PinPoint Restaurant! Located in Wilmington, NC, PinPoint Restaurant serves food deeply rooted in Southern tradition. Featured in Southern Living's Best Restaurants of 2019. The menu changes daily and features local seasonal offerings from Wilmington’s farmers, fishermen, and oystermen.
A photo of Floriana - Wilmington restaurant
5. Floriana - Wilmington
4.8
Exceptional(1233)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Wilmington
Booked 16 times today
We are open for carry out and for dine-in guests. The balcony tables are available first come first serve upon reservation. If one is not available upon arrival, guests are welcome to wait at the bar or in the lounge until one becomes available. We are open for Dinner MON-SUN 4:30 pm till 10 pm and for Brunch on SUN 11:00-2:00 pm. Floriana Restaurant is about friends, family and community. We are an independently-owned Italian bistro serving dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers. We pride ourselves on our menu, service and passion for food. Our beautifully appointed dining room is the perfect setting for any occasion — an intimate, romantic dinner, or when you have reason for celebration and want all your closest friends together at the same table.The Wilmington Floriana Restaurant is located in Wilmington, NC riverside at 2 Market Street.
A photo of The George on the Riverwalk restaurant
6. The George on the Riverwalk
4.7
Exceptional(679)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Wilmington
Booked 27 times today
The George on the Riverwalk is in the downtown area of Wilmington, North Carolina. A great location, along with the great food, have helped to make this a very popular eatery. You can find inside or outside seating right on the river. As one of the only dog friendly restaurants in the area, we welcome your furry friends! We provide heated decks in the winter as well as amazing views of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, the USS North Carolina Battleship and amazing sunset views year around! Whether you choose to visit us by car or boat, we provide 3 hour parking vouchers for the lot across the street and have a 90ft floating dock located directly on the Cape Fear River!!
A photo of Tequilas Waterfront restaurant
7. Tequilas Waterfront
4.1
Excellent(141)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Wilmington
Booked 8 times today
A culinary collaboration between Tequila Comida & Cantina and Marina Grill, infusing the vibrant flavors of Mexico into the heart of Wilmington’s waterfront. Established in 2018 by Chef Ramon Villasenor and Miguel Villasenor, Tequila Comida & Cantina has teamed up with Marina Grill to create an exceptional dining experience.Nestled beside the Riverfront Park and boasting an extraordinary view of the Riverfront Marina, Tequila’s Waterfront offers a unique setting. Our spacious outdoor area is the perfect spot to enjoy live music during the summer months. Located next door to the Riverfront Park, home to the Live Oak Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater hosting open-air concerts and entertainment, we invite you to savor the magic of Mexican cuisine amid cultural warmth and breathtaking views.
A photo of Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar restaurant
8. Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
new
4.9
Exceptional(577)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Wilmington
Booked 8 times today
The Area's Authentic Seafood Restaurant The experience that you will have at Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is uniquely Wilmington, North Carolina. Our specialty is Cape Fear cuisine, including fresh local seafood, fresh vegetables, and local craft beer. When you walk through our doors, take a look around. You will see many items that are a part of our history. The shells inside the tables have been brought to us by many guests throughout the years. Nameplates on the bar designate locals that have told many a tale. News releases show Hieronymus cooking for Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show. You might copy a recipe for soft shell crab or take a gander at some of the "stars" that have dropped by for dinner.
A photo of East - Blockade Runner Beach Resort restaurant
9. East - Blockade Runner Beach Resort
4.0
Excellent(329)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Wrightsville Beach
Our restaurant is currently closed. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Wilmington

Discover the allure of Wilmington's dining scene with our curated list of restaurants that are truly "worth the drive" in Coastal North Carolina. Each eatery in this selection stands out for its commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences, blending local flavors with innovative cooking techniques to create unforgettable meals. The dining atmosphere in Wilmington is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every palate, from fresh seafood delights to gourmet international dishes. These restaurants not only excel in food quality but also boast warm, inviting atmospheres and top-notch service, making each visit a memorable event. Ideal for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, these spots underscore Wilmington's reputation as a culinary destination. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these restaurants promise to offer a dining experience that's worth the journey, emphasizing the unique charm and gastronomic excellence of Coastal North Carolina.

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