Seeking an upscale restaurant in Wilmington, NC, to host a business dinner, celebrate a birthday, commemorate an anniversary, toast a promotion, or mark any other special occasion? Your search ends here! Below, we present some of the finest options available.
Covey
Covey, nestled in Wilmington, NC, stands as a top-tier establishment specializing in farm-to-table cuisine and exquisite seafood offerings. Revered as a culinary masterpiece, Covey beckons to discerning food enthusiasts and those who savor the artistry of fine dining. Their dedication to sourcing nearly all ingredients, from fish and oysters to dairy and produce, through close-knit partnerships with local purveyors breathes life into their dishes. The Covey menu boasts an array of delectable options, from tantalizing small bites to sumptuous full entrees, complemented by a meticulously curated wine selection. To complete the experience, the restaurant also features a well-appointed full bar.
Olivero
Savor the rich and vibrant flavors of Spanish and Italian cuisine at the hands of Chef Sunny Gerhart, a James Beard semifinalist for “Best Chef Southeast.” renowned for his celebrated St. Roch restaurant. Olivero is a fusion of Mediterranean and New Orleans-inspired dishes, drawing inspiration from Gerhart’s cherished family recipes and infusing them with delightful coastal influences from North Carolina.
The ever-evolving seasonal menu boasts house-made pasta, locally caught grilled seafood, succulent steaks, and an array of culinary treasures. Don’t overlook the signature Olivero martini, a fine sherry concoction named after the establishment itself.
Kipos
Indulge in the innovative flavors, delightful aromas, and the charming coastal ambiance of Greek cuisine at Kipos, nestled in Lumina Station just a stone’s throw from Wrightsville Beach. Immerse yourself in the world of traditional Hellenic fare, featuring dishes such as avglemono (a comforting chicken and rice soup), spanakopita (flaky phyllo dough filled with feta and spinach), and mouthwatering moussaka. Alternatively, opt for the fresh seafood offerings, including grouper, swordfish, or octopus, all masterfully seasoned with exotic spices like saffron or fennel.
Whether you prefer the inviting natural wood tables set against a crisp, coastal-chic interior or the option to dine al fresco in their secluded garden (after all, “Kipos” means garden in Greek), this refined yet relaxed dining destination promises an authentic Greek feast just steps from the beach.
Brasserie Du Soleil
Nestled within Lumina Station on Eastwood Road, Brasserie du Soleil reigns as Wilmington’s ultimate destination for an authentic French culinary experience. This charming establishment welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner, promising an expansive menu of French delicacies. Explore a delectable range of offerings, from the exquisite tuna tartare and escargot to the indulgent plateaus de fromages, hearty cassoulet, and the classic steak pomme frites. The Brasserie also boasts a complete raw bar and a variety of enticing entrees.
For those seeking a midday treat, the lunch menu presents options such as The Brasserie salad, customizable to your liking, along with an array of sliders, sandwiches, and a diverse selection of enticing entrees. To complement your meal, indulge in the well-stocked bar and an extensive wine list that is sure to enhance your dining experience.
Circa 1922
Located in downtown Wilmington, Circa 1922 is an establishment renowned for its contemporary approach to high-end American cuisine. Circa 1922’s commitment to excellence is reflected in their use of the freshest ingredients, customized meats, and an array of delectable flavors. The Circa 1922 menu is thoughtfully designed to evolve with the seasons, offering an ever-changing selection of dishes crafted to perfection.
At Circa 1922, their pride lies in the meticulous sourcing of the finest products, allowing them to create each dish with utmost precision and care, all in the pursuit of delivering a truly memorable dining experience.
Tarantelli’s
With a focus on exquisite Italian cuisine rooted in cherished family recipes originating from the Abruzzo region of Italy, Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano takes immense pleasure in sharing the most authentic flavors with you. One unique touch is their presentation of pizzas, complete with their very own Pizza Shears for a personalized dining experience.
You’re invited to partake in special occasions such as live music evenings on their charming outdoor patio and indulge in exclusive wine dinners. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor their signature Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiana, an extraordinary tableside preparation featuring an authentic 24-month aged cheese wheel, a flambé of whisky, a delicate marinara sauce, and a gracefully melted cheese, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic delight.
Seabird
Seabird is an oyster bar and seafood restaurant dedicated to showcasing North Carolina’s coastal treasures. Dean Neff, a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Southeast,” and his talented wife, the award-winning pastry chef Lydia Clopton, have curated an inviting and tasteful atmosphere for day-long dining, spanning breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, and a tempting array of handcrafted cocktails.
While seafood rightfully takes the spotlight, both vegans and carnivores will appreciate the same meticulous care given to sourcing and preparation. Don’t forget to leave some space for Lydia’s heavenly desserts, or if you swing by in the morning, be prepared to savor tantalizing coffee cake, fresh fruit crostadas, or made-to-order biscuits paired with Dean’s crispy fried chicken, pimento cheese, cured fish, or Lydia’s renowned Strawberry-Rose Jam.
Port Land Grille
Located in Wilmington, NC, the Port Land Grille stands as a beacon of fine dining, offering an exquisite culinary experience rooted in the region’s sustainable farms. Their culinary expertise shines as they grill their dishes over natural hardwood charcoal, presenting them in a casually elegant coastal ambiance. The menu showcases a delightful array of offerings, including free-range meats, heirloom vegetables, fresh herbs, and artisanal spice blends crafted in-house.
For diners seeking a charming atmosphere, the restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating, with a welcoming patio setting. Guests can peruse a diverse menu, featuring seasonal surf and turf options, or opt to share an array of small plates, which include gluten-free and vegetarian choices. To elevate your dining experience, explore their extensive all-American wine list, boasting over 500 bottles, with a particular emphasis on wines from small-production vineyards.
Caprice Bistro
Caprice Bistro is a culinary gem dedicated to serving traditional French Cuisine crafted from the freshest locally sourced ingredients. This charming restaurant offers a two-tiered dining experience, with an exquisite fine dining atmosphere downstairs and a cozy sofa bar upstairs. Caprice Bistro also welcomes four-legged companions, as their sidewalk seating is dog-friendly.
The restaurant’s owners boast an impressive track record, with successful ventures such as Patou Bistro in Charlotte, NC, and Cafe de Bruxelles in New York City. Caprice Bistro’s culinary prowess shines in its specialty, where they masterfully blend influences from the northern regions of France near the Belgian border and the heart of the central French provinces, resulting in a menu that showcases the best of French gastronomy.
manna
manna, situated in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, is a seasonal haven of New American cuisine. Within its opulent, romantic ambiance, patrons can indulge in craft cocktails and explore an extensive wine collection.
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where the freshest ingredients are masterfully transformed by manna’s creative chef into exquisitely plated symphonies of flavor, all served with an air of relaxed sophistication. The ever-changing menus feature a spectrum from aged beef to locally sourced catches, all accentuated by the finest offerings from select farmers and growers, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
As a testament to its commitment to excellence, the restaurant proudly showcases a reserved Wine List featuring rare and allocated bottles, accompanied by custom-made desserts meticulously crafted by an in-house pastry chef. Notably, manna has the distinct honor of being the only restaurant in Wilmington to have received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for multiple consecutive years.
Steam Restaurant and Bar
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, Steam is a restaurant that celebrates American cuisine while offering breathtaking views of the iconic Cape Fear River. With menus infused with a touch of Southern charm and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, Steam has established itself as the ultimate destination for casual luxury dining in the Port City.
Indulge in the sweeping vistas of the river, visible through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, while savoring a meal meticulously crafted by Executive Chef Jared McKay. Steam’s daily dinner specials showcase the freshest catches from the sea and a carefully curated selection of hand-cut meats from the butcher, ensuring a dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Origins
Origins Food and Drink stands as Wilmington’s premier destination for Modern American cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences. Orgins’s commitment to excellence is evident in their selection of prime steaks, carefully sourced from small farms in the Midwest, as well as our meticulously curated collection of wines from across the globe, offering a diverse range of varietals.
Origins transforms fresh, locally sourced ingredients into culinary delights, be it one of their artisanal pasta creations or their delectable seafood offerings. To conclude your evening on a sweet note, savor a slice of their indulgent Seven Layer Chocolate Cake, the zesty delight of our Key Lime Pie, or create your own customized Ice Cream Sundae.
