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Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Wilmington

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OpenTable
Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining 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!


A photo of Port Land Grille restaurant
Port Land Grille
4.9
4.9 (2112)
$31 to $50
American
Wilmington
About the restaurant
Port Land Grille has progressive American regional cuisine masterfully executed in a casually elegant coastal setting since November 2000. We have both indoor and outdoor dining and private rooms are available. Thank you for dining with us!

COVID-19 updates: Masks are no longer required to be worn indoors but they are still recommended if you are not vaccinated. Our staff is fully vaccinated and ready to serve you!

We have suspended the ability to bring in outside food or beverage (ex. cakes or wine) while we continue to recover from the devastating affects of COVID-19. Thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support.


Top review
Daniel
Dined 3 days ago
The sea scallops and the bread pudding were really good. Great service and restaurant overall.
A photo of Floriana - Wilmington restaurant
Floriana - Wilmington
4.8
4.8 (1233)
$31 to $50
Italian
Wilmington
About the restaurant
We are open for carry out and for dine-in guests. The balcony tables are available first come first serve upon reservation. If one is not available upon arrival, guests are welcome to wait at the bar or in the lounge until one becomes available. We are open for Dinner MON-SUN 4:30 pm till 10 pm and for Brunch on SUN 11:00-2:00 pm.

Floriana Restaurant is about friends, family and community. We are an independently-owned Italian bistro serving dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers. We pride ourselves on our menu, service and passion for food. Our beautifully appointed dining room is the perfect setting for any occasion — an intimate, romantic dinner, or when you have reason for celebration and want all your closest friends together at the same table.

The Wilmington Floriana Restaurant is located in Wilmington, NC riverside at 2 Market Street.
Top review
Kasey
Dined 3 days ago
Floriana is a must when visiting Wilmington. Chris made our experience incredible. We loved the pecan salad, the lasagna, and the shrimp and scallop risotto. Extensive wine selection and wonderful atmosphere. We will be back!
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A photo of PRIME FILET MIGNON of a restaurant
Popular dish
PRIME FILET MIGNON
A photo of LASAGNA of a restaurant
Popular dish
LASAGNA
A photo of FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS of a restaurant
Popular dish
FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
A photo of Kipos Hellenic Cuisine restaurant
Kipos Hellenic Cuisine
4.8
4.8 (726)
$30 and under
Greek
Wrightsville Beach
About the restaurant
Kipos Hellenic Cuisine, an elevated extension of Kipos Greek Taverna in Chapel Hill, boasts a large garden and extensive bar which features double-sided seating indoors and out – all of which lends to a spacious dining area that flows seamlessly from the dining room to the patio. The bright, light-filled dining room, with high ceilings, terrazzo floors, and a variety of seating areas.

Enjoy Kipos’ classic Greek menu, curated by Executive Chef George Delidimos – including its legendary Avgolemono, Moussaka, Tzatziki, grilled whole fish. In addition to the largest Greek wine selection in the area.
Top review
LynneVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Very nice meal, great waitress but a large party in the room made it very difficult to have a conversation.
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A photo of Greek Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Greek Salad
A photo of Octopus of a restaurant
Popular dish
Octopus
A photo of Zucchini Chips of a restaurant
Popular dish
Zucchini Chips
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC
4.7
4.7 (2419)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Wilmington
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
Michael
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent experience, fine dining and top tier food.
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A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant
Popular dish
New York Strip
A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ribeye
A photo of Tomahawk Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Tomahawk Ribeye
A photo of The George on the Riverwalk restaurant
The George on the Riverwalk
4.7
4.7 (678)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Wilmington
About the restaurant
The George on the Riverwalk is in the downtown area of Wilmington, North Carolina. A great location, along with the great food, have helped to make this a very popular eatery. You can find inside or outside seating right on the river. As one of the only dog friendly restaurants in the area, we welcome your furry friends! We provide heated decks in the winter as well as amazing views of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, the USS North Carolina Battleship and amazing sunset views year around! Whether you choose to visit us by car or boat, we provide 3 hour parking vouchers for the lot across the street and have a 90ft floating dock located directly on the Cape Fear River!!





Top review
Blane
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
This was our first visit to The George (but not to downtown). We wanted to elevate our meal to celebrate our daughter's college Masters graduation. Our group of six did have a reservation in advance. Arrival was smooth, and we were seated promptly. It was a busy Saturday lunch setting. The service start was slightly delayed, but once greeted, we had our attendant's regular attention to ensure we were all set. We enjoyed sharable appetizers. The Brie dish was delicious, with amazing roasted garlic. The Crab Dip was warm and tasty. Calamari is always a challenge, yet the Calamari dish had excellent dipping sauces with some heat. Kudos to the kitchen, as the entrees (Black Bass, Salmon, Catfish sandwich, and one outlier with salad and chicken wings) were primarily empty plates at the conclusion and two take-home boxes. Our group agreed there would be return visits.
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A photo of Crab Cake Sandwich of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Cake Sandwich
A photo of Grilled Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Salmon
A photo of Tarantelli’s restaurant
Tarantelli’s
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 3 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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A photo of Bruschetta of a restaurant
Popular dish
Bruschetta
A photo of Filet Mignon Bruschetta of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon Bruschetta
A photo of Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiana of a restaurant
Popular dish
Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiana
A photo of Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & Wine Bar - Wilmington restaurant
Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & Wine Bar - Wilmington
4.7
4.7 (1090)
$31 to $50
Italian
Wilmington
About the restaurant
Located in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, QB’s diverse yet comforting flavors are reminiscent of a casual but unique Italian neighborhood restaurant, complete with seating in a lush, private courtyard with a stunning fountain ~ a true oasis in an urban setting.
Top review
Susan
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Good food and and great service. My only recommendation is to inform the guests they will receive the focaccia bread with the meals. I requested the paid bread as an appetizer and we would not have ordered it knowing it was included in most of the meals. It is written on the menu but we had not read the menu yet.
A photo of Butcher and Barrel by True Blue restaurant
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
Eric
Dined 3 days ago
We still feel this is the best steaks / beef in town!
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A photo of Steak Flight of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Flight
A photo of BOGO Bar Snacks of a restaurant
Experience
BOGO Bar Snacks
A photo of PYO Mimosa Brunch of a restaurant
Experience
PYO Mimosa Brunch
A photo of Solstice Wrightsville Beach restaurant
Solstice Wrightsville Beach
4.4
4.4 (96)
$31 to $50
American
Wrightsville Beach
About the restaurant
Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails is the place to indulge in spectacular food and stunning ocean views. Our award-winning Chef, William Roberts has designed a menu that is loved by locals and traveling foodies alike. Come taste your way through our market-fresh menu of coastal-American dishes and handcrafted drinks. We have a passion for market-fresh ingredients, honest cooking, and a beach-elegant atmosphere that’s welcoming to all.


Top review
Raymond
Dined on Nov 28, 2024
Just a very relaxing afternoon eating great food and looking at the beautiful ocean. The first time we went out to eat on Thanksgiving.
A photo of Tequilas Waterfront restaurant
Tequilas Waterfront
4.1
4.1 (141)
$30 and under
Mexican
Wilmington
About the restaurant
A culinary collaboration between Tequila Comida & Cantina and Marina Grill, infusing the vibrant flavors of Mexico into the heart of Wilmington’s waterfront. Established in 2018 by Chef Ramon Villasenor and Miguel Villasenor, Tequila Comida & Cantina has teamed up with Marina Grill to create an exceptional dining experience.

Nestled beside the Riverfront Park and boasting an extraordinary view of the Riverfront Marina, Tequila’s Waterfront offers a unique setting. Our spacious outdoor area is the perfect spot to enjoy live music during the summer months. Located next door to the Riverfront Park, home to the Live Oak Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater hosting open-air concerts and entertainment, we invite you to savor the magic of Mexican cuisine amid cultural warmth and breathtaking views.
Top review
Gina
Dined 5 days ago
Second time coming in! If anyone reading this hasn’t tried their frozen strawberry mezcal you definitely should. You can tell the bartenders care about your experience
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