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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Wilmington

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Seabird restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1524)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Wilmington
Booked 27 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 Tarantelli’s restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2881)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Wilmington
Booked 15 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 Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2473)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Wilmington
Booked 28 times today
Ruth's Chris Steak House in Wilmington is located at the newly constructed River Place in the heart of historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether it's a romantic steak dinner for two, an important business meeting, or a private party, Ruth's Chris Steak House can accommodate your needs and our Wilmington steakhouse provides guests with a warm, comfortable atmosphere of casual elegance.
A photo of PinPoint restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1831)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Wilmington
Booked 10 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 River 128 Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(697)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Wilmington
Booked 16 times today
River 128 Restaurant, located in downtown Wilmington, NC, offers an unforgettable dining experience on the Cape Fear River. Enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine with stunning views of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, the USS North Carolina Battleship, and breathtaking sunsets. Dine inside or on our heated outdoor decks, and bring your furry friends to one of the area’s only dog-friendly restaurants. Arrive by car or boat—take advantage of free parking vouchers and our 90-ft floating dock. River 128 is your destination for exceptional food, waterfront dining, and Southern hospitality.
A photo of Dram Yard at ARRIVE restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(109)
Price: Expensive
• American • Wilmington
Booked 15 times today
Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Dram Yard offers dinners featuring Southern coastal flavors with a global twist. Join us for craft cocktails, carefully curated wine and beer offerings, and thoughtful preparations of locally sourced ingredients in our re-opened dining room.
A photo of Caprice Bistro restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3359)
Price: Moderate
• French • Wilmington
Booked 13 times today
Open Wed-Mon, closed Tues. Reservations preferred; table times limited to 90 minutes max. Online orders can be placed from our website; limited daily availability. There is a parking deck one block away on Market Street, between Front Street and Second Street. There is also paid street parking (free after 6:30pm and all day Sundays)...Founded almost 25 years ago by power-couple Thierry & Patricia Moity (former owners of Patou in Charlotte, NC & Cafe de Bruxelles in NYC) with 50+ years of culinary expertise across Europe and America, Caprice Bistro continues to welcome Wilmington foodies with their exceptional cuisine. According to Chef Thierry, “I want everyone to feel welcome in my restaurant. We are working against the stereotype that French food must be intimidating.” New owners Dustin Cook & Edie Senter - in addition to the long-time staff members like Chef Chris Nash & Cocktail Craftmaster Kat - intend to keep honoring that legacy at this downtown staple!
A photo of True Blue Butcher & Table - The Forum restaurant
4.5
Awesome(978)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Wrightsville Beach
Booked 25 times today
True Blue Butcher & Table, the flagship restaurant of the We Are True Blue brands, is located in The Forum in Wilmington, NC. Reflecting global cuisine with a modern American interpretation, Chef Bobby Zimmerman has crafted a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, quality cuts of steak, an extensive and delicious drink selection, and an impressive butcher counter. We are open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
A photo of G Prime restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(258)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Wrightsville Beach
Booked 16 times today
G Prime is a special occasion spot, known for its elegant ambiance and superb service. Reviewers rave about the 'amazing atmosphere', 'attentive, welcoming staff' and 'excellent quality food'. It's perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, offering a '5 star experience' with 'great selection of wine' and 'fast & efficient' service. The steaks are cooked to perfection, and the decor is beautifully designed. It's a top-notch steakhouse in the southeastern NC area.
A photo of Port Land Grille restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2126)
Price: Expensive
• American • Wilmington
Booked 7 times today
Port Land Grille is a special place for celebrations, as many reviews note. It's the go-to spot for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings. The restaurant offers a unique coastal setting with both indoor and outdoor dining options. Reviewers rave about the 'excellent food' and 'exceptional service', making it a perfect place to celebrate.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Molly
    St. Louis •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great experience as always! The food is delicious. I’ve ordered something different on each visit and it’s always amazing! Only weird thing I noticed is how particular they are about seating you right at your reservation time. We always show up 5-10 minutes early and even when there are plenty of tables ready, they wait to seat us until the exact rezo time on the dot. So typically there are 4-5 parties standing in the foyer with the same rezo time waiting. Interesting they won’t seat people even a couple minutes early. Doesn’t impact my review but just something funny I have noticed each time we dine there.
    More info
    Tarantelli’sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Wilmington
    4.7
  • JensVIP
    Coastal North Carolina •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Another great visit to Seabird, one of the best restaurants in Wilmington. This visit was for Brunch, great menu with many local options. We was sitting right away, the restaurant was busy with only one other table sitting empty (not for long), but the restaurant was running smoothly, and we was greeted by our server right away,- The server explained the menu, and pointed out what made some of the dishes extra special. We order coffee (served fresh and hot) right away, and we order our entrees. Both entrees was delivered in 10 minutes, and was delicious! We will be back again soon! What I really love about Restaurant Seabird is that the restaurant is great for so many things…. A drink (or two) at the Bar, many times with a couple of appetizers, for a great casual meal on a weekday, for a nice get together, dressed up a little for Friday or Saturday and of course for Brunch on the weekends…. You will be happy if you visit, I do recommend making a reservation for the dining room, have always been able to get a chair or two at the Bar !
    More info
    SeabirdPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Wilmington
    4.9
  • Donald
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was excellently prepared, and the service was great. Very busy because it was the day after Valentine's, but the noise level wasn't too bad for how many people were there.
    More info
    PinPointPrice: Very Expensive• American• Wilmington
    4.7
  • WendyF
    Coastal North Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We sat outside on the lower (uncovered) deck (it was cold, but they had heaters going for us.) The food was prompt, service was excellent. My husband got the salmon and said it tasted a little fishy which he had never had in salmon before, but he ate it all (yes we know he ordered fish, but salmon doesn't typically have that taste). He also had a Caesar salad, which he said was one of the best he has had in a while. I had the filet mignon, and it was cooked perfectly to my temp preference. I also had a side of mac-n-cheese, which I didn't care for much, but that is just a personal taste preference. Overall, we had a nice time. Next time we will make reservations for Valentines a little earlier so we can sit inside!! Haha.
    More info
    River 128 RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Wilmington
    4.6
  • Scott
    Coastal North Carolina •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Valentine’s Day was busy but quiet. Food was great, ribeye, fillet, lobster Mac and sides all excellent. Reasonable drink prices great ambiance. Live music was nice and deck area outside was really nice during daylight hours. Heaters keep it fairly warm.
    More info
    Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NCPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Wilmington
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Wilmington

Discover the charm of Wilmington, Coastal North Carolina, where a diverse array of restaurants awaits to make your special occasions truly memorable. Whether you're celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or any significant milestones, the dining options here cater to every taste and ambiance preference. From intimate waterfront eateries offering fresh seafood to upscale establishments with gourmet cuisine, each restaurant prides itself on providing exceptional service and a unique dining experience. Wilmington's dining scene is vibrant and eclectic, reflecting its coastal heritage with a modern twist that appeals to both locals and visitors. These venues not only promise delightful meals but also enchanting atmospheres that enhance any celebration. As you search for the perfect spot to commemorate your special event, rest assured that each choice in Wilmington will contribute to an unforgettable experience. Prioritize making reservations to secure your ideal setting in this culinary haven, ensuring your special occasion is as flawless as the cuisine.

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