Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Wrightsville Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanVegetarian / Vegan

Regions

Wilmington

Neighborhoods

WilmingtonWrightsville Beach

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine restaurant

1. Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine

4.8

Exceptional(2105)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Wilmington

Booked 12 times today

Serving the Best Seafood in North Carolina. James Beard Semi-Finalist and Bravo Tv's "Top Chef"contestant, Chef Keith Rhodes and his team, explore the Cape Fear Coast,for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced Produce.Providing the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington's Best Chef Dubbed by NYT's,"Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood and Vegetarian options. We offer our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, NC Oysters on the 1/2 Shell, Seafood Ceviche & Conch Fritters . Larger Plates include our "Angry" Maine Lobster, Prime Steaks, Blackend Mahi Mahi & our Award winning Charleston Crab Cakes, Seared OBX Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Black Grouper. Full ABC Permits.Large selection of boutique Wines by the Glass, Hand crafted Cocktails And over a half a dozen rotating local beer offerings.

A photo of The Green House Restaurant - Wilmington restaurant

2. The Green House Restaurant - Wilmington

4.7

Exceptional(410)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Vegetarian / Vegan • Wrightsville Beach

Booked 8 times today

The Green House offers inventive, plant-based menu with an emphasis on sustainability, seasonality, and all of the amazing local producers this area has to offer

A photo of Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar restaurant

3. Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

new

4.7

Exceptional(596)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Wilmington

Booked 13 times today

The Area's Authentic Seafood Restaurant The experience that you will have at Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is uniquely Wilmington, North Carolina. Our specialty is Cape Fear cuisine, including fresh local seafood, fresh vegetables, and local craft beer. When you walk through our doors, take a look around. You will see many items that are a part of our history. The shells inside the tables have been brought to us by many guests throughout the years. Nameplates on the bar designate locals that have told many a tale. News releases show Hieronymus cooking for Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show. You might copy a recipe for soft shell crab or take a gander at some of the "stars" that have dropped by for dinner.

4. Seabird

4.9

Exceptional(1547)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Wilmington

Booked 24 times today

Mindfully sourced and thoughtfully prepared ingredients highlight the landscape of the food in our coastal community. Menu subject to change daily with local availability of seafood and produce. James Beard nominated chef and owner, Dean Neff. Reservations available for dinner Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesdays.Brunch now served Saturday & Sunday!

5. Tarantelli’s

4.7

Exceptional(2901)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Wilmington

Booked 45 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 Floriana - Wilmington restaurant

6. Floriana - Wilmington

4.7

Exceptional(1289)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Wilmington

Booked 33 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 Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC restaurant

7. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington, NC

4.7

Exceptional(2501)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Wilmington

Booked 31 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.

8. PinPoint

4.7

Exceptional(1843)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Wilmington

Booked 12 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 Tequilas Waterfront restaurant

9. Tequilas Waterfront

4.5

Awesome(167)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Wilmington

Booked 18 times today

A culinary collaboration between Tequila Comida & Cantina and Marina Grill, infusing the vibrant flavors of Mexico into the heart of Wilmington’s waterfront. Established in 2018 by Chef Ramon Villasenor and Miguel Villasenor, Tequila Comida & Cantina has teamed up with Marina Grill to create an exceptional dining experience.Nestled beside the Riverfront Park and boasting an extraordinary view of the Riverfront Marina, Tequila’s Waterfront offers a unique setting. Our spacious outdoor area is the perfect spot to enjoy live music during the summer months. Located next door to the Riverfront Park, home to the Live Oak Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater hosting open-air concerts and entertainment, we invite you to savor the magic of Mexican cuisine amid cultural warmth and breathtaking views.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
chuckVIP
Atlanta •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
One of the finest dinner experiences in all of Wilmington. The swordfish was outstanding. We look forward to returning again.
More info
SeabirdPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Wilmington
•
4.9
S
Steve
Kansas City / Kansas •30 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
This was my first visit to this quaint restaurant. Very good experience. The New England Clam Chowder was the best I've ever had, and the clam strips were quite delicious. Wait staff were attentive and pleasant.
More info
Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Wilmington
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 3, 2023
Hostess made the experience for the kids amazing. Food is typical frozen seafood
More info
Red Lobster - JacksonvillePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Jacksonville
•
4.5

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Worth the drive

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington