13 Awesome Restaurants and Bars in Wilmington, North Carolina

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Sure, Wilmington might be known for its coastal charm and rich history, but let’s not sleep on its food and drink scene! Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, inventive cocktails, or a spot to soak up the local vibes, you’ll find plenty of awesome restaurants and bars in Wilmington, North Carolina to explore. Honestly, popping around to the yummy restaurants and fun bars is one of the best things to do in Wilmington!

From laid-back breweries to elevated dining experiences, this city serves up plenty of flavor with a side of personality. Let’s dig in!

Best Restaurants in Wilmington

1. Prost

Why settle for a boring meal when you can have a Bavarian feast at Prost? This restaurant brings Germany straight to Wilmington with bratwurst, schnitzel, and sauerkraut plus a variety of German beers and wines.

And a moment for the happy hour! We got the cucumber salad, pretzel, and chicken nachos with a German twist and they were all so good. The nachos are only available during happy hour and trust me, you need them.

Prost is cozy, welcoming, and just plain fun. Grab a stein of beer and enjoy the vibes!

2. Olivero

Olivero takes Italian and Spanish flavors, mixes them up with a little Southern flair, and somehow makes it magic. The croquetas we ordered were amazing, but the real MVP was the lasagna. It was super unique, with an octopus bolognese, chorizo, and whipped ricotta. It was such a good blend of flavors.

The menu is full of seafood dishes, artisanal pastas, and steaks, all emphasizing seasonal ingredients and stunning presentations. It’s cozy, classy, and perfect for date night, girls’ night, or honestly, just because you’re hungry! This is one of those restaurants in Wilmington we will definitely be visiting whenever we’re in town.

3. Drift

Drift is the spot for when you’re craving breakfast or lunch and a mean cup of coffee. Their cold brew was so good (and I’m a cold brew snob)! They are known for their bowls, but I had to try their breakfast burrito, and I’m so glad I did!

It’s loaded with eggs, chorizo, refried beans, salsa roja, and cilantro crema—basically, a flavor explosion wrapped in a tortilla. And the best part is they have multiple locations, each with its own little twist on the menu.

4. Cousins Italian Deli

Cousins Italian Deli is a cozy little gem that serves up some very mouthwatering sandwiches. We went with the Tuscany, and simply put, it was a masterpiece. Every bite was full of flavor, I mean look at that thing! It’s jam-packed with meat and veggies.

The warm vibes and even warmer hospitality make Cousins a favorite for locals and visitors. It’s the perfect quick little lunch spot for your Wilmington adventure!

5. Ceviche’s

Okay, technically this spot is in Wrightsville Beach, but Ceviche’s is so worth the short drive. This vibrant, beachy restaurant is all about fresh seafood and Latin-inspired flavors that will blow your mind. We loved it so much we went twice in one weekend!

From flavorful ceviche to melt-in-your-mouth scallops, every dish is like a coastal dream come true. OMG, and the empanadas? More perfection. Don’t even get me started on their cocktails—I’m still thinking about those specialty margaritas. If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a vacation in a bite, Ceviche’s is a must.

6. CheeseSmith

Let’s talk grilled cheese, but make it next-level. CheeseSmith takes the classic comfort food and turns it into an art form. Choosing just one sandwich felt impossible, but we finally went with the Buffalo Baby—and wow. The crispy, golden bread was grilled to perfection, and the spicy kick was just what we needed.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong here. Whether you play it safe or go all in on the bold flavors, there’s no wrong choice. Bonus points for their locally brewed Panacea kombucha, which paired perfectly with all that cheesy goodness.

This is one of the best restaurants in Wilmington if you’re looking for something classic but with a fun twist!

7. Seabird

Right in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Seabird is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you’re getting a little taste of the Carolina coast with every bite.

They’re all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients, whipping up dishes that celebrate the best of the region—from just-caught seafood to vibrant seasonal produce. Because of that, the menu is always changing! Expect a mix of comforting classics with a fresh twist.

Their chicken biscuit left me absolutely speechless. And that’s saying something because biscuits and I usually aren’t the best of friends (except for that one at Good Thyme in Lakeland, Florida). Pair it with their velvety cappuccino, and you’ve got yourself a brunch to remember!

Best Bars in Wilmington

8. Banter

If craft beer and cocktails are your love language, Banter is the place to be. This cozy little bar is perfect for hanging out with friends without yelling over the music (we love a bar that gets the vibe just right). Their beer list is packed with local brews, and their cocktail menu is creative without being over-the-top.

Here’s the move: order the espresso martini. Trust me, it’s perfection in a glass!

9. Dram and Draught

Want a bar that’s equal parts swanky and laid-back? Dram and Draught has you covered. This Wilmington bar is all about expertly crafted spirits—think whiskey, bourbon, and even mezcal (my fave). Whether you’re a whiskey pro or just dipping your toes into the world of fine spirits, the staff here is like your personal guide to finding your perfect sip.

They’ve also got live music on some nights, adding even more to the already cool vibe. Bonus points: they also have a bar location in Raleigh!

10. Blind Elephant

Tucked away like a secret you almost don’t want to share, Blind Elephant is a speakeasy-style bar that nails the whole “hidden gem” thing. Down an alley near Front Street Brewery, this spot feels like stepping into another era. No password needed, just a $5 annual membership fee, and boom—you’re in.

The cocktails here are, of course, delicious. The mixologists are true artists, whipping up handcrafted drinks that are as creative as they are delicious. Cozy, intimate, and dripping with charm, Blind Elephant is easily one of the best bars in Wilmington, and the perfect place to sip something special and feel just a little fancy while doing it.

11. End of Days Distillery

End of Days Distillery focuses on small-batch, hand-crafted spirits made with traditional techniques that really showcase their attention to detail.

Stop by for a tour to see the distillation process up close, and, of course, sample their incredible lineup of spirits. Whether you’re into gin, vodka, rum, or whiskey, there’s something here that will wow your taste buds.

We visited on a weekend night and soaked up the chill vibes while sipping on some of the best cocktails of our trip! Their seasonal pumpkin spice old fashioned was amazing, and the Basic (basically a pumpkin spice espresso martini) was downright unreal.

12. Alcove Beer Garden

Tucked away in Wilmington’s Cargo District, Alcove Beer Garden is a laid-back spot that’s all about good drinks and good vibes. The outdoor patio is super inviting, with a solid lineup of local and craft beers on tap. Not a beer fan? No worries—they’ve got a full bar and some killer cocktails, too.

The setup here feels like a backyard hangout, complete with picnic tables and a super friendly staff. It’s the perfect bar in Wilmington for you to unwind, catch up with friends, or even meet a few new ones!

The creative use of shipping containers in the Cargo District adds such a cool and resourceful vibe to the whole experience!

13. Blue Post Billiards

If you know me, you know there was no way I was rounding out this list of fun bars in Wilmington without giving you a bar with games! Blue Post Billiards is a lively bar packed with pool tables, dartboards, and other games that make for an unforgettable night out.

The upbeat energy, great drinks, and welcoming crowd make it a favorite for locals and visitors, plus, it was a filming location for some of the earlier episodes of One Tree Hill!

Ready to experience the best bars and restaurants in Wilmington?

From unique cocktails to unforgettable meals, there are so many amazing bars and restaurants in Wilmington worth checking out! Whether you’re here for a quick visit or plan to stay a while, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these awesome places to eat and drink. If you find some spots that I should add to my list for my next visit, drop them in the comments!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other US blog posts:

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