Wilmington’s coastal setting, historic downtown, and growing film and tech scenes have all helped fuel a restaurant boom.
The city now boasts everything from chef‑driven Southern to modern seafood and inventive global flavors. These five restaurants are among the newer standouts.
1. Seabird
Seabird brings a fresh, modern take on coastal Carolina seafood to downtown Wilmington. The space is light and airy, with an understated nautical feel and an open kitchen that keeps things lively.
The menu focuses on seasonal, locally sourced seafood—oysters, crudo, whole fish, and shellfish—paired with bright, coastal flavors. You might find dishes featuring local shrimp, clams, and line‑caught fish, treated with a light, elegant touch rather than heavy sauces…