Last updated: 2025-05-06
Wilmington’s culinary scene sizzles with coastal sophistication, offering dining experiences that blend Southern charm with innovative cuisine. From waterfront views to expertly crafted menus, these top-tier restaurants showcase the Port City’s gastronomic excellence.
Local chefs transform fresh Atlantic seafood and regional ingredients into extraordinary dishes that capture Wilmington’s unique flavor profile. These restaurants aren’t just meals—they’re culinary journeys through the Cape Fear region’s most refined dining destinations.
Explore Wilmington’s most exquisite dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Wilmington
- Seabird Restaurant
- PinPoint
- Port Land Grille
- Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine
- G Prime (Wrightsville Beach)
- The Pilot House
Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine
What to Expect
James Beard finalist chef with Top Chef television appearance
Description
Catch offers an innovative seafood dining experience featuring chef Keith Rhodes' globally-inspired coastal cuisine. The restaurant showcases sustainably sourced North Carolina seafood with creative Caribbean and Asian flavor profiles, served in an intimate setting. Signature dishes include crispy Maine lobster tails, jumbo lump crab cakes, and globally-influenced seafood preparations that highlight local ingredients.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine
G Prime (Wrightsville Beach)
What to Expect
Extensive wine collection and premium wagyu beef selection
Description
G Prime offers an elevated steakhouse experience in Wrightsville Beach, featuring meticulously sourced prime beef including American and Japanese wagyu. The restaurant boasts an expansive wine cellar and craft cocktail program, with Executive Chef Kevin Draper curating a menu that showcases locally sourced fish, seasonal produce, and premium cuts in an elegant coastal-inspired setting.
Where: Wrightsville Beach | More Info: G Prime
PinPoint
What to Expect
Hyperlocal seasonal menu featuring Cape Fear region ingredients
Description
Nestled in downtown Wilmington, PinPoint offers an intimate farm-to-table dining experience showcasing coastal North Carolina's seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's meticulously crafted menu highlights local seafood and produce, sourced directly from regional farmers, fishermen, and oystermen, creating a sophisticated culinary narrative of the region's rich foodways.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: PinPoint
Port Land Grille
What to Expect
Wood-grilled sustainable proteins with global culinary influences
Description
Port Land Grille offers a sophisticated dining experience featuring progressive American cuisine sourced from sustainable farms. The restaurant showcases wood-grilled seafood and meats, with an elegant dining room overlooking a landscaped patio and fountain. Chef Shawn Wellersdick crafts innovative dishes highlighting local and global flavors, including rare proteins like elk, bison, and duck.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Port Land Grille
Seabird Restaurant
What to Expect
Locally-sourced coastal seafood with innovative preparation techniques
Description
Nestled in downtown Wilmington's historic district, Seabird offers an intimate dining experience celebrating North Carolina's coastal culinary heritage. The restaurant features seasonally-driven seafood sourced from local small-scale fisherpeople, with an artfully curated menu that transforms regional ingredients into creative, sophisticated dishes. Candlelit dining rooms and carefully crafted cocktails complement the restaurant's commitment to showcasing the region's maritime bounty.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Seabird Restaurant
The Pilot House
What to Expect
Riverfront dining with unobstructed Cape Fear Memorial Bridge views
Description
Situated at the southern end of Wilmington's Riverwalk, The Pilot House offers a riverside dining experience celebrating North Carolina coastal cuisine. The restaurant features panoramic Cape Fear Memorial Bridge views, artisan cocktails crafted by mixologists, and a menu showcasing local seafood with Southern charm. Housed in a historic building with deep local roots, this establishment provides an elegant yet relaxed waterfront dining atmosphere.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: The Pilot House
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