Location: Wilmington
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Wilmington is a vibrant riverfront city and the most accessible coastal area in the state. The pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk winds along the Cape Fear River, connecting many of the city’s shops, cafés, and nightlife with waterfront hotels, parks and the Port City Marina. Annual festivals, such as Riverfest, Wilmington Beer Week and the world-famous North Carolina Azalea Festival, attract crowds year-round. Three nearby island beaches offer even more dining, attractions and water sports.
Things to do in Wilmington
1. South College Sandwich & Deli
Overall Ratings
5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By GeorgeH-LI_NY-ExPat - Surf City, North Carolina
We were in Wilmington & after a day of shopping my wife wanted a "Beef on Weck" for Dinner, this is definitely the best place to go. This comes with the BEST HORSERADISH. It is fresh & hot & will really clear your sinuses. Nothing in a jar from a supermarket comes close to this quality.
I had a Reuben, which I enjoyed very much. It was on two slices of Rye Bread, Grilled like a Panini. I like a Rueben in the traditional open faced style, but also as a closed Sandwich style, especially when Grilled. We both had their Homemade Chips which were very crispy & delicious.
A great place for lunch or sandwiches for dinner.
2. Caprice Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 939 reviews
French bistro style with a Belgian twist.
Reviewed By Michael P
There is nothing but great things to say about Caprice Bistro. The main level dining area is reminiscent of an authentic French Bistro. White table cloth & pounded tin ceiling tiles. A bit more formal than upstairs bar/dining which is darker,& more intimate. Either would be fine to enjoy great preparations using incredibly fresh ingredients and impeccable service. Our dinner for two was simple, and satisfying, starting with a champagne cocktail called a Brown Sugar that was excellent,and a perfect dry vodka martini. Went with a bottle of French Sauvignon Blanc for dinner - reasonably priced & a perfect compliment for our food orders. We shared a warm vegetable appetizer of thinly sliced zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, sweet red pepper & fingerling potato topped with goat cheese. Yummy. For main we had the grilled caesar salad & the large plate of mussels Provencal w/pommes frites. Salad was perfect, not over dressed and seasoned nicely. The mussels were one of the best plates I have ever had . All were plump and so plentiful, I could not finish the order! Much as we wanted a dessert, like most of the entrees, it will have to wait for another time. We will be back soon!
3. Genki Sushi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 350 reviews
NOTE****If you are reading this description, please take note that we will only hold your reservation for 15 minutes. After that, you forfeit your reservation. Our apologies for this, we can not hold tables past 15 minutes as this does not help with our other wait times. Thank you for your participation and understanding in this. Genki Sushi is the ONLY Authentic Japanese sushi bar and Restaurant in Wilmington and surrounding areas. We only use fresh ingredients and we make every thing in house including our very own soy sauce blend. We are located in the heart of Wilmington. We strive hard to maintain the highest quality of food, ingredients and service. We are considered " A True taste of Japan". Come and see what real Japanese sushi taste like! We cant wait for you to have a new place to eat sushi at, and that is with us!
Reviewed By gingerp9 - Wilmington, North Carolina
I've been a loyal client to Genki for 17 years. I was good friends with Reicko(original owner).For years I receive gift cards and also purchase giftcards for friends. Unfortunately I lost a GC my boyfriend gave me for Christmas. I made a copy of the credit card transaction with GC number and presented to the owner. She talked in circles and made the situation awkward. Ultimately she wouldn't accept my GC. It was only for 40.00. Was it worth losing a long time customer? I emailed her to resolve the problem but no response.
I will say Genki is the best Sushi in town. Just don't lose you GC!
For the long time customers....you will notice the pieces are SIGNIFICANTLY smaller.
Goodbye Genki :(
4. Indochine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Peter B - Southport, North Carolina, United States
We returned for the first time in a few years for lunch and were amazed! I got their PHUKET SATAY with shrimp - 6 skewers of 4 shrimp each, grilled with delicious spices and shrimp fried rice with 4 more shrimp, wonderful peanut satay sauce and some salad which was great. My wife got a lunch special cooked beef salad with yummy goodies.
All washed down with some excellent unfiltered sake!
Superb service, wonderful ambiance too! Photos coming later.
5. Chops Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Established in 2009, Chops Deli is the premiere sandwich eatery in Wilmington. As you an tell we take ourselves very seriously and are dedicated to ensuring that every customer who comes through the door has fun, enjoys their meal and their time spent with us, and leaves thinking about the next time they'll be able to swing by. We have built our reputation on providing the best sandwiches made with the best and freshest ingredients including Boar's Head meats and cheeses to fresh, and local when available, produce and round out the experience with a friendly and helpful staff and an eclectic music variety that keeps your toes tapping. When visiting Chops Deli, expect to get treated like you're family because, as far as we're concerned, you are.
Reviewed By GWR757 - Williamsburg, Virginia
Enjoyed lunch of very good New England clam chowder and a pastrami sandwich. Chowder was made in house and the sandwiches feature Boars Head meats.
6. Cape Fear Seafood Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 823 reviews
Cape Fear Seafood Company is a locally owned & operated restaurant specializing in regional American seafood, signature dishes, hand cut fish, steaks, and chicken along with freshly made desserts all served in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere.
Reviewed By wecacnna - Surf City, North Carolina
for all you that miss the splendid Calabash that once was- here is some thing to say -hello Mrs. Calabash again.Yummo to true fish lovers dream. MMMM...flounder, oysters and sweet shrimp where you taste the fish instead of the heavy batter and old oil. O my to the perfectly fried scallops. Only thing we did not love were the clam strips which loved the fact they were large and great size for a change instead of the little pieces you seem to only find now- but they were a bit hard and chewy. Delicious tarter sauce and cocktail sauce and gggreatt hushpuppies we usually dont touch.Our order was placed at the take out desk from a warm friendly knows the menu lady-on the side french fries and slaw perfection. Hot as the fourth of July* Not the cheapest place in town but ill pay more for this quality and seems very reasonable considering how well cooked and fish is not a cheap item any where, even if u catch it yourself as we usually have done-not cheap to take a boat out :) Locals who cant wait to take family here when they visit. Not a dress up but casual dress place-
7. Our Crepes & More
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Our Crêpes & More, a family owned and operated French Crêperie, is serving authentic, fresh, homemade French cuisine to dine in or to go. At OCM, the batter for your crêpes is freshly made every day. It contains no preservatives, no artificials colorants or flavors.Many delicious dairy & gluten free crepes options! With free WiFi and live French radio, Our Crêpes & More is a pleasant & casual place to unwind. Join us on Facebook to follow our latest creations !
Reviewed By GeorgeH-LI_NY-ExPat - Surf City, North Carolina
We started w/ a Half Bowl of "Wheat/ Mushroom Brie Soup". It was tomato based & ok, but not exactly fantastic to me, but what was fantastic were our Crepes. I had the "QUEBEC" an outstanding Crepe w/ Smoked Salmon, Sour Cream, Chives, Capers & Whipped Cream. My wife had the "FORESTIERE ROYAL" which had Cheese, Bacon, Chicken, Mushrooms, Onions, topped w/ Whipped Cream.
The service is outstanding and the atmosphere is very pleasant.
If you have never been, the owner will explain the menu & help with recommendations. I highly suggest that you try it, they have several great choices & I am sure you will find a delicious Crepe.
Bon Appetit
8. Rx Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Located in the old Hall's Drugstore on 5th and Castle
Reviewed By Bob J - Old Saybrook, CT
I rarely give 5 stars to anything but a white tablecloth fine dining establishment, but here's one of those exceptions. Warmly greeted at the door, we were seated near a window. Our waiter arrived promptly and was great, explaining the special cocktails and answering all our questions. While my wife started with their more basic salad, I tried the chicken fried egg over arugula with duck confit. Delicious. My wife had a black bass entree while I went for the shrimp & grits. We both cleaned our plates.
I love that the restaurant is housed in a former drug store, with the old sign outside. The wood tables are gorgeous.
We've got another favorite when visiting Wilmington.
9. Fork N Cork
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
Casual environment serving high end bar/pub fare
Reviewed By College Bowl - Wilmington, North Carolina
I met with three friends for lunch to plan an event. The luncheon specials are a great value, present a variety of choices, and are extremely satisfying (half sandwich is the size of most whole sandwiches). Staff is friendly and competent. Nice vibe too.
10. Front Street Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Wilmington's Original Brewery specializing in made-from-scratch dishes at affordable prices and award-winning Craft Beer. North Carolina Largest Whiskey Selection! A huge selection of food that ranges from sandwiches and soups to steaks, seafood, and Southern specialties such as Shrimp & Grits. FREE BREWERY TOURS at 3:15pm and 4:15pm Daily (the tour takes about 20-30 minutes) Free beer tasting as part of the tour! We serve a FULL menu until MIDNIGHT seven nights a week. Half Price Appetizers daily 4 to 6pm and after 10pm. PARK FREE 1'ST HOUR DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET IN THE MARKET STREET DECK.
Reviewed By Beachdeac - Wilmington, North Carolina
On a very busy Friday night, our server was awesome. Constantly checking on us and her other tables...getting whatever we asked for in a timely fashion...and pleasant through it all. The shrimp and grits were the best every...nice creole sauce with it. The salads were...MoreThank you so very much for this kind review! Please come see us again soon. Cheers!
