Let Wilmington and Island Beaches’ local restaurants handle your Thanksgiving feast this year. There is a wide variety of restaurants serving up delicious holiday meals from waterfront favorites with coastal views to cozy local gems offering traditional turkey dinners. These local spots make it easy to enjoy the season with family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Here are 15 Wilmington-area restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day 2025:

1. Bluewater Waterfront Grill

Enjoy a Thanksgiving plate featuring your choice of turkey or ham with classic sides, or order from the full dinner menu. Located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, Bluewater offers a scenic holiday tradition worth savoring.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
To make a reservation: Call 910-256-8500 and speak with a staff member directly about availability and accommodations.

2. The Bridge Tender

A waterfront seafood and steakhouse with stunning Intracoastal views, The Bridge Tender is serving a special Thanksgiving menu featuring turkey breast, 12-ounce prime rib, and fall tortellini.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To make a reservation: Call 910-256-4519 and speak with a staff member directly about availability and accommodations.

3, Biggers Market

Biggers Market, a local favorite with locations in Wilmington and Carolina Beach, offers take-home Thanksgiving classics like twice-baked potatoes, turkey gravy, fresh salads, and homemade pies. All orders must be picked up from their kitchen location at 6250 Market Street.

Hours: Accepting orders through Nov. 17; pickup available Nov. 24–26.
To preorder: Use this online order form to make selections for pickup.

4. Elijah’s

Located at the south end of the Riverwalk, Elijah’s offers a Thanksgiving Buffet paired with beautiful river views. For $42 per adult ($20 for kids under 12), enjoy a feast featuring turkey, ham, oyster stuffing, mac and cheese, and more.

Hours: Thanksgiving buffet, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
To make a reservation: Call 910-343-1448 and speak with a staff member directly about availability and accommodations.

5. Fork N Cork

Join the laid-back annual Thanksgiving Cluster Fork at Fork N Cork. This local favorite serves up turkey, sides, and specialty sandwiches until they run out, so arrive early to grab a seat.

Hours: Opens at 4 p.m.
No reservations needed.

6. Front Street Brewery

Downtown’s original brewery will open with limited hours but a full menu alongside traditional Thanksgiving plates. Enjoy craft brews and comfort food in the heart of downtown.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
No reservations needed.

7. La Duna Paradiso

Celebrate the season with a coastal holiday feast featuring roasted turkey, maple-glazed ham, classic sides and desserts like pumpkin and pecan pies. Prices are $85 for adults, $45 for kids ages 5–12 and free for children under 4. View the full menu here.

Hours: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
To make a reservation: Reserve a table online.

8. Oceanic

Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner right on the ocean’s edge with a full dinner menu and a special turkey plate. The Thanksgiving meal includes herb-roasted turkey with homemade gravy, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, green beans, cornbread stuffing and cranberry sauce. Turkey dinners are $40 for adults and $18 for kids 10 and under.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
To make a reservation: Call 910-256-5551.

9. Pilot House

Enjoy a waterfront holiday feast at The Pilot House, featuring all the Thanksgiving classics in a beautiful riverside setting. Tables fill quickly, so be sure to reserve early.

Hours: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
To make a reservation: Reserve a table online or call 910-343-0200 for groups larger than 12.

10. Pinpoint Restaurant

Pinpoint’s seventh annual Thanksgiving Dinner features a family-style feast for $95 per person (paid at booking). The menu includes roasted turkey, Grand Marnier–glazed ham, classic sides and desserts like apple bread pudding. This popular event always sells out, so make your reservation early.

Hours: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
To book a reservation: Click here or call 910-769-2972.

11. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Celebrate Thanksgiving Ruth’s Chris style with a full steakhouse menu plus a special holiday feast. Dine in, or order a Thanksgiving at Your Table Turkey Bundle or Holiday Sides To-Go.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
To book a reservation: Book online.

12. Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive buffet featuring roasted turkey, prime rib, salmon, and a variety of sides and seasonal desserts. Located at the Holiday Inn Resort, Solstice offers an elegant setting and ocean views for your holiday meal.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
To make a reservation: Reservations required; book now online.

13. Steam Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a Thanksgiving brunch buffet with all the traditional favorites at Steam, located inside the Embassy Suites on the Riverwalk.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For reservations: Call 910-726-9226 or book online.

14. The Harp

This Irish pub brings back its popular Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins may be accommodated.

Hours: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
To make a reservation: Call 910-763-1607 for details and availability.

15. Michael’s Seafood

Pick up Thanksgiving “Family Style Sides” to-go from Michael’s Seafood in Carolina Beach. Place an order on their website or by calling the restaurant.

Hours: To-go only; pickup Nov. 25–26
To order: Order here or call the restaurant directly at 910-458-7761.


Whether you’re craving a traditional turkey dinner or a fresh coastal twist on holiday flavors, Wilmington’s restaurant scene offers something for everyone this Thanksgiving. Be sure to make reservations early—these local favorites fill up fast!

For even more seasonal inspiration, check out our Holiday Events and Things to Do in Wilmington and Beaches to make the most of your coastal holiday getaway.