Savor delicious food with a serene view, only in Wilmington, NC.
Home to some of the best waterfront dining hotspots on the coast, Wilmington has a slogan for the cuisine here, “Coastal Fare with a Southern Flair.”
Downtown Wilmington was also voted the “#1 Best Al Fresco Dining Neighborhood” by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards—making this port city a foodie’s paradise (for locals and visitors alike).
We’ve narrowed down the top 10 waterfront dining hotspots you won’t want to miss.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Take delight in classic American cuisine in a waterfront venue with breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway. With a large patio and live music, you can dine outdoors and watch boats cruise past your table.
Cuisine: Coastal
Cost: $$
Menu: Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Oceanic
Oceanic overlooks Wrightsville Beach and the Atlantic ocean. This restaurant only offers locally sourced seafood, like high-quality tuna, shrimp, oysters, flounder, Mahi Mahi, and more!
Cuisine: Coastal
Cost: $$
Menu: Oceanic
Bridge Tender
Facing the Intracoastal Waterway and the marina in Wrightsville, you’ll experience restful dining with scenic views at Bridge Tender. With large bay windows that showcase a panoramic view of the water, you can dine in or “Dock and Dine” at their marina.
Cuisine: Seafood & Steakhouse
Cost: $$$
Menu: Bridge Tender
Dockside
Dockside also allows you to dock your boat and hop off and go eat. It’s Wilmington’s casual marina spot, offering a seafood-heavy menu with a full bar and the freshest local (and regional) ingredients.
Fun Fact: Dockside was used to film the famous television show “Dawson’s Creek.” You may recognize Dockside as the restaurant “The Icehouse” in the show.
Cuisine: Southern Coastal
Cost: $$
Menu: Dockside
The George on the Riverwalk
This dining hotspot sits on a premier location for sunsets overlooking the Cape Fear River. With a view of the Battleship North Carolina and a separate dog-friendly deck, you can enjoy seafood favorites or vegetarian options.
Cuisine: Southern Coastal
Cost: $$
Menu: The George on the Riverwalk
Pilot House
Pilot House is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Wilmington. With Cape Fear River views, Pilot House has a spacious patio area that extends over the river. This restaurant is also committed to cooking with the freshest local meat, vegetables, and sustainable seafood.
Cuisine: Cajun & Southern Fare
Cost: $$
Menu: Pilot House
Michael’s on the Waterfront
This Cape Fear waterfront restaurant is family-owned and operated. You can choose from various flavorsome appetizers, soups, salads, and pizza (with a cauliflower crust option available too). Michael’s on the Waterfront also has a full-service bar with 30 draft beers.
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Cost: $$
Menu: Michael’s on the Waterfront
Elijah’s
Elijah’s has the best sunset scenery Wilmington has to offer. With views of the Cape Fear River, this restaurant was also used in the television show “Dawson’s Creek.”
Cuisine: Casual American Grill & Oyster Bar
Cost: $$
Menu: Elijah’s
Smoke on the Water
Smoke on the Water overlooks the Cape Fear River and is only open for dinner during the week (with lunch on the weekends). Their menu highlights include smoked meats, signature BBQ recipes with a New Orleans flair, and seafood.
Cuisine: Traditional American & Seafood
Cost: $$
Menu: Smoke on the Water
Stoked
Stoked is located on the Carolina Beach Marina, which allows you to dock your boat and dine in! You can also dine outdoors on their waterside patio while being entertained by live music. Stoked also offers takeout options.
Cuisine: Relaxed American
Cost: $$
Menu: Stoked
Enjoy endless waterside dining and activities in Wilmington!
If you’re considering Wilmington as your next home, stop by River Bluffs as your first choice for a neighborhood. Our team is ready to help you find the right home for your lifestyle and budget. Schedule a tour today!