From new coffee trailers to unexpected goodbyes, the Wilmington-area restaurant scene continues to grow and change. Recent weeks have brought a wave of activity in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties. Local diners have new cafés, casual eateries and regional brands to choose from, as well as roving food trucks out and about at local bars and breweries.
A few food-and-drink businesses have also closed in recent weeks, including some businesses known for carving out unique niches in local dining. Here’s a look at some of the recent restaurant and bar openings and closings across the region. If there’s a spot we should add to the list, let us know by emailing [email protected].
Restaurant and bar openings
Nil’s Mediterranean Cuisine
This new eatery serving fresh Turkish and global flavors is now officially open at 114 Market St., the former PinPoint restaurant location. Owners Tan and Semra Uckan also have locations of this concept in Fuquay‑Varina and Angier.
Sweet & Salty Grill
Entrepreneur and restaurateur Paul Webber and his daughter have now opened this new Brunswick County restaurant. The menu includes starters like loaded nachos, fries, and wings, as well as signature burgers and chicken sandwiches. You can also find salads and a brunch menu with croissants and pastries, waffles, pancakes and platters at 110-3 Shallotte Crossing Parkway in Shallotte.
Cielo Café
This new cafe and restaurant is now open in the former La Costa Mexican restaurant space at 3617 Market St. in Wilmington. Husband-and-wife team of David Saldaña and Montse Vazquez envisioned the business as part coffee shop, part Mexican restaurant and part bakery with a Christian focus, including worship nights.
Anchored Café & Deli
Another coffee shop and cafe with a Christian focus has also opened at 7290 Beach Drive S.W. in Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County. The menu includes coffees, salads and sandwiches, like the “The Jonah,” a tuna sandwich inspired by the Bible story.
Fitz’s Biscuits
A new food truck has launched in the Wilmington area, serving a biscuit-focused menu. In addition to a build-your-own biscuit, there’s also the Cock-a-Doodle-Moo, a smash burger biscuit with egg and cheese, as well as The Birdie with fried chicken and optional hot honey. Look for them at breweries like Flytrap Brewing and Flying Machine Brewing Company.
Common Tides Coffee
Zack Bennett said he worked in the local beverage and hospitality industry before opening his new mobile craft espresso trailer. Common Tides is his way to continue to pursue his passion for coffee, and for building community. You can look for them at farmers markets, events, and local neighborhoods.
LVL UP Coffee
Gamer baristas are also now rolling this mobile cafe in the Leland and Wilmington areas. The drink menu includes lattes and dirty sodas. There are also snacks, like Pixel Pops shaped like game controllers and a gluten-friendly Level Up star-shaped cookie.
Level 1 Retro Lounge
Speaking of games, the former Port City Cheesesteak Company restaurant reopened at 21 N. Front St. in downtown Wilmington in late March. There are arcade games and a vintage video-store vibes at this retro-themed bar.
Ray Ray’s Chicken Shack
A North Carolina-based chain recently opened its fifth location in Southport, at 5028 Southport Crossing Way in the former Alpaca Chicken location. The menu includes crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders, sliders, wings, and a signature sauce. The menu also includes another family recipe, Logan’s Frozen Custard.
Subs Up To-Go
A new sandwich shop is now hosting soft-opening hours at 116B South Shore Drive in Surf City. The menu includes customizable sandwiches and salads, which can be topped with condiments like General Tso’s sauce and Ceasar dressing. There is also a selection of classic subs, and signature subs like a Cutlet a la Vodka and a Buffalo Roll.
Talk of the Town
Soon after closing at 925 Seaside Road S.W. in Ocean Isle Beach, this restaurant reopened with a new concept. The old-school Italian restaurant is now more elevated and social, according to the owners. Look for chef-driven tapas, a full bar and shareable small plates. Early favorite dishes include Cheesesteak Sliders, flatbreads and Artichoke Dip, and the build-you-own Bloody Mary and mimosa bar on Sunday.
Restaurant closings
Bori Café Bar
The people behind the WilmiRicans food truck opened this cafe at 14280 N.C. 17 in Hampstead in 2024. On March 14, they announced they’d be closing there. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who walked through our doors,” they said in a note posted to social media. “Whether you came in for a coffee, a sandwich, a plate of Puerto Rican food, or just a conversation, you helped create something special here.” They said that while this location was closing, it’s not the end of their story.
Chunky Salsa
This Ocean Isle Beach business closed as its current model in early March. “We are grateful for the community’s love and support over the past few years,” said a note posted to social media. “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to overcome recent hurdles.” There are plans for a new concept to the space at 5990 Beach Drive S.W.
The Museum of Beer & Art
Otherwise known as MOBA Beer, this brewery is closed at 9600 Ploof Road in Leland. It opened relatively recently in the former Mannkind Brewing Company space. The partners have said that the future of the business is still up in the air.
Coastal Coolers
This dirty soda shop at 5214 Market St. In Wilmington also closed in recent weeks. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of our Wilmington store,” said a note from the owners. “With baby coming next month, and having moved back to Minnesota, we are shifting our focus to our operations back home in the new year. We are so thankful for all the wonderful people we met.”…