A Guide to Wilmington, NC
Breakfast & Coffee
Our favorite places to go first-thing in the morning, or after sleeping in on a lazy Sunday!
Southern style comfort food, with some of the best breakfast and dinner options around. They use only biodegradable paper products, curate all of their dishes in-house, and are proud members of the Plastic Ocean Initiative.
77 locals recommend
The Basics
319 N Front StSouthern style comfort food, with some of the best breakfast and dinner options around. They use only biodegradable paper products, curate all of their dishes in-house, and are proud members of the Plastic Ocean Initiative.
Beignets, bagels, coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, and a small local produce market! The folks here are so nice and welcoming, you'll just want to give them your money, even without their delicious offerings.
13 locals recommend
Brooklyn Cafe
706 N 4th StBeignets, bagels, coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, and a small local produce market! The folks here are so nice and welcoming, you'll just want to give them your money, even without their delicious offerings.
Wonderful coffee and espresso, and an amazing atmosphere, located in the heart of downtown near easy parking if you aren’t up for a morning walk.
54 locals recommend
Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods
202 Princess StWonderful coffee and espresso, and an amazing atmosphere, located in the heart of downtown near easy parking if you aren’t up for a morning walk.
Check out this brothers-owned, local favorite with some of the best coffee and small, healthy dishes in town. If you enjoy a good chai tea latte, this is your place...they make all their chai tea blends in-house. They have a location in the Mayfaire Town Center as well, if you want to do some shopping with your drink.
35 locals recommend
Drift Coffee & Kitchen
110 Dungannon BlvdCheck out this brothers-owned, local favorite with some of the best coffee and small, healthy dishes in town. If you enjoy a good chai tea latte, this is your place...they make all their chai tea blends in-house. They have a location in the Mayfaire Town Center as well, if you want to do some shopping with your drink.
Their well-known brunch runs 11AM-2PM Saturdays and Sundays, but they do so much so well, you'll be satisfied no matter when you show up. This is one of our favorite overall spots in Wilmington, and we usually try and get in before 9:30AM to beat the crowds! (you'll still get a killer breakfast before 11.) They're open for most of the day, so check them out for lunch & dinner as well. What's the best part you ask? Sweet n Savory makes all their baked goods in-house, from pastries to bread, and you can take some treats from the bakery counter to-go!
67 locals recommend
Sweet n Savory Cafe
1611 Pavilion PlTheir well-known brunch runs 11AM-2PM Saturdays and Sundays, but they do so much so well, you'll be satisfied no matter when you show up. This is one of our favorite overall spots in Wilmington, and we usually try and get in before 9:30AM to beat the crowds! (you'll still get a killer breakfast before 11.) They're open for most of the day, so check them out for lunch & dinner as well. What's the best part you ask? Sweet n Savory makes all their baked goods in-house, from pastries to bread, and you can take some treats from the bakery counter to-go!
The best bagels outside of Long Island & NYC, and they're right on Water Street with river views. There's really nothing else we need to say here, folks.
Tugboat Tony's Bagel Cafe
106 N Water StThe best bagels outside of Long Island & NYC, and they're right on Water Street with river views. There's really nothing else we need to say here, folks.
A warm and spacious atmosphere welcomes you for a delicious meal, off of a simple yet creative menu.
Blueberry’s Grill
A warm and spacious atmosphere welcomes you for a delicious meal, off of a simple yet creative menu.
Dessert!... and Drinks
Go-to spots for post-dinner treats
House-made ice cream in a variety of flavors with just as many topping options. Their milk shakes are as great as their ice cream, but Carla recommends a homemade waffle cone with Mocha Oreo ice cream! (add additional Oreo pieces on top for good measure). Their flagship location is on Military Cutoff Road if you find yourself getting some cravings while in the Wrightsville Beach or Mayfaire Town Center areas.
38 locals recommend
Boombalatti's Homemade Ice Cream
1005 N 4th StHouse-made ice cream in a variety of flavors with just as many topping options. Their milk shakes are as great as their ice cream, but Carla recommends a homemade waffle cone with Mocha Oreo ice cream! (add additional Oreo pieces on top for good measure). Their flagship location is on Military Cutoff Road if you find yourself getting some cravings while in the Wrightsville Beach or Mayfaire Town Center areas.
The freshest cupcakes in all of Wilmington! Featuring so many different flavors, plus their signature “pepper cupcake,” this is a must visit.
15 locals recommend
The Peppered Cupcake
105 S Front StThe freshest cupcakes in all of Wilmington! Featuring so many different flavors, plus their signature “pepper cupcake,” this is a must visit.
Through the use of top-shelf ingredients and masterful artisanship, End of Days Distillery offers a family of premium handcrafted spirits in a very unique space. (Mondays and Tuesdays are by appointment only)
32 locals recommend
End of Days Distillery
1815 Castle StThrough the use of top-shelf ingredients and masterful artisanship, End of Days Distillery offers a family of premium handcrafted spirits in a very unique space. (Mondays and Tuesdays are by appointment only)
A quick walk right down the street brings you to this gem! A perfect little beer garden that hosts amazing food trucks and live music!
84 locals recommend
Flytrap Brewing
319 Walnut StA quick walk right down the street brings you to this gem! A perfect little beer garden that hosts amazing food trucks and live music!
Live music, wine, beer, and incredible food! What more could you ask for? Palate is a must visit for all NoFo guests. The kitchen is open for dinner Wednesday thru Saturday, and for lunch on Saturdays!
52 locals recommend
Palate Bottle Shop & Reserve
1007 N 4th StLive music, wine, beer, and incredible food! What more could you ask for? Palate is a must visit for all NoFo guests. The kitchen is open for dinner Wednesday thru Saturday, and for lunch on Saturdays!
Goat & Compass
710 N 4th StIt’s right across the street…what more do we have to say!
New Anthem Beer Project
116 Dock StYou can't go wrong with their vast selection of brews!
A downtown staple with a wide alcohol selection and games, including a pool table!
14 locals recommend
Cape Fear Wine & Beer
139 N Front StA downtown staple with a wide alcohol selection and games, including a pool table!
Dinner
Wilmington is the perfect destination for foodies. We know you will love any of these restaurants.
In such a unique space, this is Panamanian food done right! Delicious ceviche, margaritas, and empanadas. Located right near Wrightsville Beach. Reservation recommended!
115 locals recommend
Ceviche's
7210 Wrightsville AveIn such a unique space, this is Panamanian food done right! Delicious ceviche, margaritas, and empanadas. Located right near Wrightsville Beach. Reservation recommended!
Delicious Italian food putting the emphasis on family. Be sure to try the Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiana, served tableside in a cheese wheel! Reservations are recommended.
39 locals recommend
Tarantelli's
102 S 2nd StDelicious Italian food putting the emphasis on family. Be sure to try the Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiana, served tableside in a cheese wheel! Reservations are recommended.
Local and regional ingredients served up perfectly in an up-scale setting. Voted in the National Elite 10 best restaurants! Reservation recommended.
96 locals recommend
Manna
123 Princess StLocal and regional ingredients served up perfectly in an up-scale setting. Voted in the National Elite 10 best restaurants! Reservation recommended.
One of Wilmington’s top restaurants. Thai food served in huge portions and expertly decorated with both indoor and outdoor seating. While they will do call-ahead seating for parties of 8 or more, they do not accept advance reservations, so people start lining up outside at 4:30! They also offer take-out with the same high quality food. Pro tip: Try the wings and enjoy them as soon as they come out to your table.
186 locals recommend
Indochine Restaurant
7 Wayne DrOne of Wilmington’s top restaurants. Thai food served in huge portions and expertly decorated with both indoor and outdoor seating. While they will do call-ahead seating for parties of 8 or more, they do not accept advance reservations, so people start lining up outside at 4:30! They also offer take-out with the same high quality food. Pro tip: Try the wings and enjoy them as soon as they come out to your table.
Among the best tacos and nachos that we have had on the East Coast, which is saying something because we LOVE our tacos. They offer a simple yet hearty menu with only high-quality ingredients. Be sure to try the limeade too! Feel free to call ahead for easy takeout ordering.
22 locals recommend
Block Taco
120 Greenfield StAmong the best tacos and nachos that we have had on the East Coast, which is saying something because we LOVE our tacos. They offer a simple yet hearty menu with only high-quality ingredients. Be sure to try the limeade too! Feel free to call ahead for easy takeout ordering.
Best pizza in Wilmington! Incredible coal fired pizza, fresh salads, and chicken parm that will blow your mind. Bennys offers it all and will leave you wanting more. Make sure to pick up a bottle of their hot honey!
62 locals recommend
Benny's Big Time Pizzeria
206 Greenfield StBest pizza in Wilmington! Incredible coal fired pizza, fresh salads, and chicken parm that will blow your mind. Bennys offers it all and will leave you wanting more. Make sure to pick up a bottle of their hot honey!
Tapas tapas tapas!! A quaint little restaurant offering delicious Spanish style tapas and craft cocktails. Perfect menu for those looking for gluten-free options!
16 locals recommend
Mariposa Tapas Bar
1502 South 3rd StreetTapas tapas tapas!! A quaint little restaurant offering delicious Spanish style tapas and craft cocktails. Perfect menu for those looking for gluten-free options!
Lunch & Snacks
Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, this modern Mexican restaurant turns out delicious and unique food and even better margaritas. Make sure you try the wings!
39 locals recommend
Beer Barrio
34 N Front StLocated in the heart of downtown Wilmington, this modern Mexican restaurant turns out delicious and unique food and even better margaritas. Make sure you try the wings!
Perfect place for an afternoon pick me up at the beach. Deliciously fresh acai bowls, smoothies, and coffee.
25 locals recommend
Adapt Kitchen and Juice Bar
32 N Lumina AvePerfect place for an afternoon pick me up at the beach. Deliciously fresh acai bowls, smoothies, and coffee.
Great for both lunch and dinner, Winnie's is a little off the beaten path, but is well worth the ride. They've got, hands down, the best burgers in Wilmington.
28 locals recommend
Winnie's Tavern
1895 Burnett BlvdGreat for both lunch and dinner, Winnie's is a little off the beaten path, but is well worth the ride. They've got, hands down, the best burgers in Wilmington.
Fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads are crafted in this local gem right on N4th! Perfect for a light lunch, you know you are always going to get the freshest options at The Kitchen Sink!
7 locals recommend
The Kitchen Sink
622 North 4th StreetFresh sandwiches, soups, and salads are crafted in this local gem right on N4th! Perfect for a light lunch, you know you are always going to get the freshest options at The Kitchen Sink!
Sightseeing and Staples
Wilmington has so many great things to see and do for any number of passions! Visit interesting historical sites, relax on gorgeous beaches, take your shopping to the max, or take the family over to the aquarium or to spacious gardens.
Directly across the Cape Fear river from Downtown Wilmington is the historic Battleship USS North Carolina. Walk the decks and imagine what life was like in naval warfare during World War II. A true battle-tested icon located right in Wilmington. Make this a must see!
435 locals recommend
Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Rd NEDirectly across the Cape Fear river from Downtown Wilmington is the historic Battleship USS North Carolina. Walk the decks and imagine what life was like in naval warfare during World War II. A true battle-tested icon located right in Wilmington. Make this a must see!
One of the nation's premiere gardens featuring 67 acres of beautiful Southern nature. Explore walking trails, formal gardens, and beautiful big oaks.
234 locals recommend
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie RdOne of the nation's premiere gardens featuring 67 acres of beautiful Southern nature. Explore walking trails, formal gardens, and beautiful big oaks.
Want to get some shopping in? Look no further than Mayfaire Town Center. Home to dozens of stores and restaurants, it makes for the perfect location to shop and eat in a very tasteful setting! Right across the street is The Forum, featuring even more local restaurants and some great mom-and-pop boutiques.
143 locals recommend
Mayfaire Town Center
Want to get some shopping in? Look no further than Mayfaire Town Center. Home to dozens of stores and restaurants, it makes for the perfect location to shop and eat in a very tasteful setting! Right across the street is The Forum, featuring even more local restaurants and some great mom-and-pop boutiques.
Crystal blue waters and luscious sand make Wrightsville Beach a must see when visiting Wilmington. The perfect place to rent Paddle boards, take a surf lesson, or relax with a book. Head down to Wrightsville Beach around sunset for a very good chance of seeing some dolphins! Kure beach is also very beautiful, and you can drive right onto Carolina Beach and have yourself a barbeque on the shoreline.
408 locals recommend
Wrightsville Beach
321 Causeway DrCrystal blue waters and luscious sand make Wrightsville Beach a must see when visiting Wilmington. The perfect place to rent Paddle boards, take a surf lesson, or relax with a book. Head down to Wrightsville Beach around sunset for a very good chance of seeing some dolphins! Kure beach is also very beautiful, and you can drive right onto Carolina Beach and have yourself a barbeque on the shoreline.
Discover aquatic wildlife at the incredible Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Touch stingrays, see live shows, and immerse yourself in the world under the sea. Stop by Carolina Beach on your way through!
*Located 20 miles south of Wilmington
550 locals recommend
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead RdDiscover aquatic wildlife at the incredible Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Touch stingrays, see live shows, and immerse yourself in the world under the sea. Stop by Carolina Beach on your way through!
*Located 20 miles south of Wilmington
Bellamy Mansion is one of North Carolina's prime examples of antebellum architecture. Walk through the 10,000 square foot house, carriage house, and former slave quarters to take a first hand look at this unique piece of history.
113 locals recommend
Bellamy Mansion
503 Market StBellamy Mansion is one of North Carolina's prime examples of antebellum architecture. Walk through the 10,000 square foot house, carriage house, and former slave quarters to take a first hand look at this unique piece of history.
Riverfront Park, your first stop in a wonderful self-guided tour for fans of the popular and Wilmington-filmed television show, One Tree Hill! Use the link below to start your tour to the major filming locations, all within walking distance! (Remove spaces in link)
https://www. wilmingtonandbeaches. com/blog/post/one-tree-hill-walking-tour/
5 N Water St
5 North Water StreetRiverfront Park, your first stop in a wonderful self-guided tour for fans of the popular and Wilmington-filmed television show, One Tree Hill! Use the link below to start your tour to the major filming locations, all within walking distance! (Remove spaces in link)
https://www. wilmingtonandbeaches. com/blog/post/one-tree-hill-walking-tour/
One of the simplest yet most important staples of Wilmington, the book store is a must visit. We think you’ll find something you love!
8 locals recommend
Old Books on Front Street
249 N Front StOne of the simplest yet most important staples of Wilmington, the book store is a must visit. We think you’ll find something you love!
Carolina Beach
A beast of its own, here you’ll find everything you need in a beach town.
Vegetarian & Vegan
In addition to their award winning seasonal Kombuchas, Panacea Brewing Company's new kitchen and taproom offers one of the area's best 100% plant based menu, a must-go for vegan travelers.
22 locals recommend
Panacea Brewing Company
4107 Oleander DrIn addition to their award winning seasonal Kombuchas, Panacea Brewing Company's new kitchen and taproom offers one of the area's best 100% plant based menu, a must-go for vegan travelers.
Wonderful vegan food in a modern and simplistic setting.
16 locals recommend
The Green House Restaurant
1427 Military Cutoff RoadWonderful vegan food in a modern and simplistic setting.