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Best Historic Restaurants in Wilmington

Discover the best restaurants in Wilmington

Explore must-try spots, new openings, and hidden gems.

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7 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Tarantelli’s restaurant
1. Tarantelli’s
4.8
Exceptional(2933)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Wilmington
Booked 33 times today
Tarantelli’s is located on Second Street, just one block from Front Street and in walking distance to the Cape Fear River. The restaurant and event venue is located in the historic district of downtown Wilmington. This lively area spans 230-plus blocks and is home to some of the best bars, restaurants, churches, architecture, and selection of fine art. There are several parking facilities nearby, but you can also reach Tarantelli's year round via horse drawn trolley and carriage, river taxi, trolley cars, or on foot.
A photo of River 128 Restaurant restaurant
2. River 128 Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(55)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Wilmington
Booked 42 times today
River 128 Restaurant, located in downtown Wilmington, NC, offers an unforgettable dining experience on the Cape Fear River. Enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine with stunning views of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, the USS North Carolina Battleship, and breathtaking sunsets. Dine inside or on our heated outdoor decks, and bring your furry friends to one of the area’s only dog-friendly restaurants. Arrive by car or boat—take advantage of free parking vouchers and our 90-ft floating dock. River 128 is your destination for exceptional food, waterfront dining, and Southern hospitality.
A photo of Floriana - Wilmington restaurant
3. Floriana - Wilmington
4.7
Exceptional(1327)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Wilmington
Booked 32 times today
We are open for carry out and for dine-in guests. The balcony tables are available first come first serve upon reservation. If one is not available upon arrival, guests are welcome to wait at the bar or in the lounge until one becomes available. We are open for Dinner MON-SUN 4:30 pm till 10 pm and for Brunch on SUN 11:00-2:00 pm. Floriana Restaurant is about friends, family and community. We are an independently-owned Italian bistro serving dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers. We pride ourselves on our menu, service and passion for food. Our beautifully appointed dining room is the perfect setting for any occasion — an intimate, romantic dinner, or when you have reason for celebration and want all your closest friends together at the same table.The Wilmington Floriana Restaurant is located in Wilmington, NC riverside at 2 Market Street.
A photo of PinPoint restaurant
4. PinPoint
4.8
Exceptional(1853)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Wilmington
Booked 14 times today
Welcome to PinPoint Restaurant! Located in Wilmington, NC, PinPoint Restaurant serves food deeply rooted in Southern tradition. Featured in Southern Living's Best Restaurants of 2019. The menu changes daily and features local seasonal offerings from Wilmington’s farmers, fishermen, and oystermen.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC restaurant
5. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC
4.7
Exceptional(2525)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Wilmington
Booked 33 times today
Ruth's Chris Steak House in Wilmington is located at the newly constructed River Place in the heart of historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether it's a romantic steak dinner for two, an important business meeting, or a private party, Ruth's Chris Steak House can accommodate your needs and our Wilmington steakhouse provides guests with a warm, comfortable atmosphere of casual elegance.
A photo of Steam Restaurant - Embassy Suites restaurant
6. Steam Restaurant - Embassy Suites
4.3
Awesome(670)
Price: Moderate
• American • Wilmington
Booked 10 times today
Steam is bringing American cuisine to Wilmington using locally sourced goods & ingredients. With an extensive wine & beer selection, plenty of cocktails, indoor/outdoor seating, & beautiful views of the Cape Fear River, Steam is your go-to local restaurant.
A photo of The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect. - Courtyard Wilmington Downtown-Historic District restaurant
7. The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect. - Courtyard Wilmington Downtown-Historic District
(0)
Price: Moderate
• American • Wilmington
Coming Soon!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • David
    South Carolina •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The restaurant was quiet on a Wednesday evening, but the food and service were still top notch.
    More info
    PinPointPrice: Very Expensive• American• Wilmington
    •
    4.8
  • David
    South Carolina •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful meal & service as always! The beef tip bruschetta is absolutely fabulous --it is our go-to appetizer. It is always a tough decision on what to have for dinner. The daily specials are always excellent but there are plenty of great choices on the menu.
    More info
    Tarantelli’sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Wilmington
    •
    4.8
  • Stephen
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Always a great place for a pre-theater dinner. Valet is very convenient. and Joe is a terrific server. He (and we ) had a couple of issues with the kitchen's inability to follow a couple of easy changes to our orders--broccoli was not thoroughly cooked, which has been a problem in the past, and bringing that huge baked potato in a larger bowl. Joe handled these issues with grace and efficiency, but, these issues should not have happened. On a positive note, the quality of the food, as it always is, excellent
    More info
    Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NCPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Wilmington
    •
    4.7
  • Eric
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The entire staff was professional and friendly, the food was beyond delicious, and they we’re able to seat us on the balcony for a great how of the river. The hostess have warm energy as each Weather with polite conversation.
    More info
    Floriana - WilmingtonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Wilmington
    •
    4.7
  • Debra
    New York City •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Apr 15, 2025
    We really enjoyed our dinner on the covered patio last night, perfect night for it. All 4 of us got something different and enjoyed all our entrees. Our server did a good job too!
    More info
    River 128 RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Wilmington
    •
    4.4

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