Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Wilmington

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Wilmington? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Brent's Bistro

4.9

4.9 (651)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Wrightsville Beach

About the restaurant

Upscale yet casual restaurant located in Wilmington, NC. Located near Wrightsville Beach. Menu changes weekly to highlight the freshest seafood and land dishes. Enjoy flavorful dinners and extensive wine selection in our welcoming atmosphere. When weather permits, book a seat outdoors on our covered patio. For reservations, please utilize Opentable or call us directly. However, reservations for Fridays and Saturdays can ONLY be booked by calling us directly. 910-839-3131.

Top review

Evelyn

Dined on Nov 19, 2024

Delicious dinner. Had blackened mahi. Great server, very pleasant. Friendly atmosphere.

Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

4.9

4.9 (577)

$30 and under

Seafood

Wilmington

About the restaurant

The Area's Authentic Seafood Restaurant The experience that you will have at Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is uniquely Wilmington, North Carolina. Our specialty is Cape Fear cuisine, including fresh local seafood, fresh vegetables, and local craft beer. When you walk through our doors, take a look around. You will see many items that are a part of our history. The shells inside the tables have been brought to us by many guests throughout the years. Nameplates on the bar designate locals that have told many a tale. News releases show Hieronymus cooking for Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show. You might copy a recipe for soft shell crab or take a gander at some of the "stars" that have dropped by for dinner.

Top review

David MVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We love going to this restaurant because of the fresh fish selection that is always on the menu!

Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (2092)

$30 and under

Seafood

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Serving the Best Seafood in North Carolina. James Beard Semi-Finalist and Bravo Tv's "Top Chef"contestant, Chef Keith Rhodes and his team, explore the Cape Fear Coast,for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced Produce.Providing the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington's Best Chef Dubbed by NYT's,"Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood and Vegetarian options. We offer our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, NC Oysters on the 1/2 Shell, Seafood Ceviche & Conch Fritters . Larger Plates include our "Angry" Maine Lobster, Prime Steaks, Blackend Mahi Mahi & our Award winning Charleston Crab Cakes, Seared OBX Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Black Grouper. Full ABC Permits.Large selection of boutique Wines by the Glass, Hand crafted Cocktails And over a half a dozen rotating local beer offerings.

Top review

Brittany

Dined 6 days ago

Food, drinks and service were exceptional! Ricky was confident in the kitchen and food and everything was amazing! We will be back!

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Popular dish

Chop Chop Caesar Salad

Popular dish

Catch Shrimp & Grits

Popular dish

Southern Fried Seafood Platter

Caprice Bistro

4.8

4.8 (3320)

$30 and under

French

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Open Wed-Mon, closed Tues. Reservations recommended; table times limited to 2 hours max. Please call the restaurant directly for reservations of parties over 4 guests. 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).
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Thierry & Patricia Moity previously owned Patou Bistro in Charlotte, NC & Cafe de Bruxelles in NYC. Chef Thierry has been cooking since age 13 in some of the finest restaurants in Europe & USA. His cuisine is influenced by many traditions; Patricia comes from the northern part of France near the Belgium border, while Thierry's origins are deeply rooted in the central provinces of the country. 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 and expensive.”

Top review

Thomas

Dined 3 days ago

This restaurant is a jewel, reminding me of fine dining in Paris!

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King Neptune Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (309)

$30 and under

Seafood

Wrightsville Beach

About the restaurant

King Neptune is now offering fresh, local seafood as well as variations of pork, beef, and poultry dishes. There are several salad options as well. Our chef Em Ecker has a very creative way of combining locally sourced ingredients to create the most tasteful and delicious meals for our guests.

Top review

Virginia

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Our brunch experience was great. We had nine women for a birthday and the service, food and atmosphere was perfect!

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4.7

4.7 (2803)

$30 and under

Italian

Wilmington

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Melissa

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was delicious and we have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. 2nd time going and just as good as the first.

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Popular dish

Bruschetta

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Bruschetta

Popular dish

Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiana

Butcher and Barrel by True Blue

4.7

4.7 (520)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Chef Bobby Zimmerman and his team welcome you to Butcher & Barrel by We Are True Blue, located in the South Front District of downtown Wilmington, NC.

Celebrated for its prime cuts and lively atmosphere, Butcher & Barrel features a menu of locally sourced ingredients and an extensive selection of bourbon and whiskey. With its high ceilings, funky wallpaper, and art featuring local artist GERB, Butcher & Barrel aims to offer not only a delicious dining and drinking experience but also a memorable, vibrant one. Designed to give you a big city feel, it has that exciting air of "where are you going to go next?" after you finish your meal or drink.

Top review

AndyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wednesdays are $5 smash burgers, which is what we had. Also ordered a couple of sides. Food was delicious. Service was great. Atmosphere was on the dark side, and noise level was loud, but overall, a very nice time.

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Flying Machine Oyster Bar

4.7

4.7 (134)

$31 to $50

Oyster Bar

Wrightsville Beach

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Harbor Island on Wrightsville Beach, Flying Machine Brewing Oyster Bar focuses on serving fresh oysters in creative ways showcasing local mariculture alongside Southern-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and Wilmington's award-winning Flying Machine Brewing Company beer. Join us inside or sit at our patio area overlooking the Loop!

Top review

J. Scott

Dined today

Great food…great beer. Service was attentive. Atmosphere was friendly.

Riverside Kitchen & Bar

4.7

4.7 (184)

$30 and under

American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

At Riverside Kitchen & Bar, we specialize in New American Fusion cuisine, providing a sophisticated casual dining experience that strikes the perfect balance between upscale casual and relaxed comfort.

Our eclectic menu caters to diverse tastes, offering everything from indulgent
mac 'n' cheese to succulent short rib. We take great pride in using only the finest locally sourced ingredients to create a memorable culinary journey for our guests. Our chefs expertly fuse traditional American flavors with contemporary techniques, resulting in a menu that boasts both classic comfort dishes and innovative creations.

We offer a versatile menu that has something for everyone, including fresh salads, artisanal flatbreads, and mouthwatering sandwiches, in addition to our elegant entrées. Whether you're joining us for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a special event, we promise an unforgettable dining experience in a stylish yet relaxed setting at Riverside Kitchen & Bar.

Top review

Leslie

Dined 3 days ago

As always, the food & service are wonderful. Luke is an amazing chef & he always makes it fun to go the his restaurant. Brook & Ryan are great too.

Ellipsis

4.6

4.6 (33)

$31 to $50

Dining Bar

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Our new fall/winter menu, Farfalla, offers a rich celebration of Italian flavors tailored for the cooler seasons. Featuring comforting dishes like handmade pastas, hearty braised meats, and seasonal vegetables, each plate embodies the warmth and soul of traditional Italian cuisine. Indulge in bold flavors with our curated selection of wines, perfect for pairing with these seasonal delights.

Known for its culinary innovation, Ellipsis features pop-up concepts that change periodically, offering an ever-evolving dining experience. The restaurant sits on the corner of the South Front District of downtown Wilmington, NC, featuring an inviting outdoor porch under string lights and a quaint side garden that complement its cozy, inviting interior and exterior, perfect for any occasion.

Created by We Are True Blue restaurant group by Chef Bobby Zimmerman, Ellipsis invites you to discover the unexpected and stay surprised by what comes next...

Top review

Debbie

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious Italian inspired entrees with a tasty twist!

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