Waterfront Classics
Settle in by the water at one of these five restaurants to savor fresh seafood and watch the sun set over the Cape Fear River.
1. Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill
- As Wilmington’s only floating bar and restaurant, Anne Bonny’s is a must‑visit. Walk onto the barge directly from the Riverwalk and grab a bar seat facing the river.
- Must-tries: Ship’s Wheel Pretzel, Crab Cakes, Tropical Chicken Sandwich, frozen cocktails.
2. Pilot House Restaurant
- The oldest continuously operating restaurant downtown, Pilot House sits on the south end of the Riverwalk with covered and umbrella‑shaded patios. Insider tip: Head upstairs to The Crow’s Nest Bar for wide panoramic views of Wilmington’s Cape Fear River, plus craft cocktails mixed by expert bartenders.
- Must-tries: Baked Crab Dip, Shrimp and Grits, Market Catch.
3. Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp
- Pick a spot on one of the Downtown Riverwalk’s largest porches, featuring a mix of open-air and umbrella-shaded tables. Try locally harvested oysters alongside cocktails like the Cucumber Coconut Refresher, Key Lime Mojito and Oyster Shooter.
- Must-tries: Port City Crab Fries, Classic Rockefeller Oysters.
4. Smoke on the Water
- Unwind on the shaded back deck, which has a fire pit and long boardwalk overlooking the Cape Fear River marsh. Insider tip: Be sure to check the restaurant’s calendar for concerts and community events.
- Must-tries: Crab Cake Dinner, Calabash Trio, Riverlights Smashburger.
5. River 128 Restaurant
- Serving up Southern coastal cuisine, River 128 Restaurant has an outdoor deck and climate‑controlled enclosed patio, both offering amazing views of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Good to know: This restaurant is closed on Mondays.
- Must-tries: Lobster Crab Dip, Black Bass, Cajun Chicken Penne.
(Pilot House)
Date Night Patios
In the evening, this list of open-air spaces sets the scene for slow dinners, fine wine and good conversation.
1. Floriana
- Enjoy an intimate meal on a private Juliet balcony overlooking the Cape Fear River. Inspired by the cuisine of Northern Italy, Floriana’s menu rotates seasonally and features locally sourced ingredients. Good to know: The restaurant’s balcony seating accommodates parties of two and is first-come, first-served, even with a reservation. Plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your reservation to be placed on the balcony waitlist.
- Must-tries: Black Gnocchi, Seared Scallops, Filet Mignon.
2. Port Land Grille
- Choose a table on the elegant brick-lined patio with a fountain, fire pit and string lights. Then, savor land- and sea-based dishes crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients and grilled over natural hardwood charcoal. Good to know: Port Land Grille is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Must-tries: Famous “Redneck” Eggrolls, Pan-Seared NC Grouper, USDA Prime Angus Beef NY Strip Steak.
3. Origins Food and Drink
- Sip wines from around the world on the expansive, partially covered patio at Origins Food and Drink. Pair your pour with everything from raw bar favorites to hearty steaks and fresh local seafood. Insider tip: Be sure to order a side of freshly baked yeast rolls served hot from the oven. They’re crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside.
- Must-tries: Tuna Tataki, Braised Short Rib, Flounder with Carolina gold rice.
4. Brasserie du Soleil
- Located in Lumina Station, this French brasserie offers courtyard dining overlooking a pond and twinkling string lights. Order French classics and share a bottle from the extensive wine cellar.
- Must-tries: Escargot, Boeuf Bourguignon, Steak Frites Au Poivre.
5. Kipos Hellenic Cuisine
- Choose a table on the secluded garden patio, a space designed to make you feel like you’ve slipped into another world, and discover an elevated take on Greek coastal cuisine. Fun fact – “Kipos” actually means “garden” in Greek! Good to know: This spot is closed on Mondays but is open late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays for Party in the Garden. Stop by any time after 9 p.m. for a live DJ, dancing and drinks. Check the restaurant’s Instagram for more details.
- Must-tries: Moussaka (“Greek lasagna”), Grilled Octopus, Kakavia (seafood stew).
6. The Little Dipper Fondue on Front
- Sit on the patio, located in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington on Front Street, and dip breads, fruits and veggies into a variety of cheese fondues. Follow with soup or salad, cook‑your‑own entrees and decadent dessert fondues.
- Must-tries: 3-Course Fondue Dinner (Choose from Date Night, Traditional and Light options).
7. G Prime Steak & Cellar
- For a special steakhouse meal, dine al fresco under umbrellas or choose a spot by the outdoor fireplace on cooler evenings. Located just outside of Wrightsville Beach, this trendy spot is perfect for an elevated dinner out.
- Must-tries: Prime Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye, Sweet Tea Berkshire Pork Chop, G Prime Burger.
8. Three10 Wilmington
- Located in the Brooklyn Arts District, Three10 serves coastal‑inspired dishes in a repurposed historic building with a wraparound porch. Good to know: The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Must-tries: NC Broiled Oysters, NC White Shrimp Étouffée, Seared Potato Gnocchi.
(Floriana)
Quick and Casual Spots
These five neighborhood spots are great for lunch! Grab a shaded table and dig into local staples, from burgers and sandwiches to crispy seafood plates.
1. Blue Surf Cafe
- Find a spot on the restaurant’s shaded patio and enjoy modern American dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Must-tries: Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich, Cubano, Citrus Chicken Salad.
2. Capt'n Bill's Backyard Grill
- Part restaurant, part volleyball hub, Capt’n Bill’s offers outdoor seating, 12 sand volleyball courts and an on‑site brewery. Grab burgers, sandwiches and seafood plates before hitting up a volleyball social or tournament. Fun fact: This restaurant was featured in Season 1 of "The Summer I Turned Pretty.”
- Must-tries: Musser's Famous Fried Chicken, Musser's BBQ Sandwich, Peel-N-Eat Shrimp.
3. Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar
- Grab a patio seat out back with a great view of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Then, order Calabash‑style seafood, along with steamed or raw oysters for the table.
- Must-tries: Steamed Oysters, Calamari, daily chalkboard specials.
4. Winnie's Tavern
- This beloved tavern, recently featured in Our State Magazine, is known for its award‑winning burgers. Head to the fenced‑in backyard and dine at a shaded picnic table.
- Must-tries: Trailer Park Burger (featured on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”), BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger.
5. PT's Olde Fashioned Grille (Fountain Drive location)
- Relax on the patio with a burger, grilled sandwich or hot dog. For a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, wash everything down with an ice-cold sweet tea or lemonade.
- Must-tries: Olde Fashioned Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, P.T. Dog
(Blue Surf Cafe)
Global Flavors, Coastal Setting
Explore this list of unique outdoor spaces and flavors from around the world, with dishes inspired by Thailand, Japan, Panama, Italy and more.
1. Indochine
- Escape to Indochine’s tranquil garden, where you can wander among tropical plants and a lotus pond filled with koi. Settle into a semi-private outdoor hut and dig into Thai‑Vietnamese cuisine.
- Must-tries: Appetizer Sampler, Yellow Curry, Chicken Pad Thai, Coconut Cake.
2. The Bento Box
- Sit on the patio, which has a Zen rock garden and water features, and sample flavors from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Korea. Good to know: The Bento Box is closed on Sundays.
- Must-tries: Dim Sum Sampler, Signature Sushi Rolls.
3. YoSake, Downtown Sushi Lounge
- Located in Historic Downtown Wilmington, YoSake offers a partially shaded patio with string lights and a menu full of sushi and pan‑Asian dishes, many made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Must-tries: Firecracker Shrimp, Sushi Platters, Spicy Thai Basil Stir Fry.
4. Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktails
- Settle in on a covered patio overlooking Port City Marina and start with house margs for the table. Then, order from a menu rooted in Central and South American flavors with hints of Asian and African influence. Insider tip: Check out the restaurant’s Instagram for fun events and live music.
- Must-tries: Bonita Dip, Latin Fusion Sushi, mix-and-match tacos.
5. Ceviche's
- Located near the Wrightsville Beach bridge, Ceviche’s serves Panamanian cuisine, best enjoyed on the intimate back patio framed by hedges and string lights. Good to know: It’s closed on Sundays.
- Must-tries: Coconut Ceviche, Margarita Scallop Ceviche, Jerk Shrimp Skewers.
6. Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery and Wine Bar
- Step into a private courtyard with a fountain at this downtown Italian spot. Share a wine flight, then sample Italian dishes inspired Chef Timothy Grandinetti’s family recipes. Insider tip: Visit between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. for a classic Italian aperitivo (drinks and appetizers). Good to know: Quanto Basta is closed on Sundays.
- Must-tries: Arancini Di Riso, Beef Short Rib, Nonna’s Baked Ziti.
7. Osteria Cicchetti
- Located near Mayfaire Town Center, this Italian eatery offers an old world-inspired patio with a fountain.
- Must-tries: Lamb Ragù, Piccata, Lasagna.
8. Prost Biergarten
- This German beer garden in downtown Wilmington has an enclosed courtyard with string lights, as well as heaters during cooler months. Good to know: Prost Biergarten is closed on Mondays.
- Must-tries: Riesenbrezel (two giant pretzels with beer cheese and beer mustard), Bratwurst, Chicken Berlin.
(Indochine)
Breakfast and Brunch Favorites
Grab a coffee drink at one of these four breakfast and brunch places – breezy porch or garden patio included.
1. Blueberry's Grill
- Located in Lumina Station, Blueberry’s offers a fresh‑to‑table experience with an outdoor patio cooled by fans.
- Must-tries: Bananas Foster and Walnuts French Toast, Blueberry Ricotta Waffle, Blueberry Hushpuppies.
2. Jester's Cafe
- You’ll feel right at home on the small, covered front porch at Jester’s Cafe in the Castle Street Arts District, surrounded by palms and greenery. Good to know: The café is closed on Tuesdays.
- Must-tries: Veggie Quiche, Crab Frittata, Strata (a homemade casserole layered with egg, sausage, cheddar cheese and hashbrowns).
3. Folks Cafe
- Just off Market Street near Historic Downtown Wilmington, this cozy café has a quaint garden patio perfect for sipping an iced coffee and catching up with friends. Good to know: Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Insider tip: Folks Cafe doesn’t have an active website; check this Facebook page for daily menu updates.
4. South Front Tavern
- Located in the South Front District, this spot offers a covered porch and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Must-tries: Baked NC Blueberry French Toast, Brunch Burger, Bacon Egg and Cheese Wrap.
(South Front Tavern)
For more alfresco dining experiences, visit nearby Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach
