HUNGRY HOT SPOTS

A Roundup of Wilmington’s Best New Restaurants

There’s no feeling like revving up your enthusiasm for a meal, and it all starts with the question, “Where should we eat?”

Wilmington, NC, has no shortage of fresh, alluring outlets to satisfy even the craziest of cravings, and our curated list covers everything you need to know. It’s not categorized or ranked; just an inclusive reflection of the city’s newest hot spots–from a downtown oyster bar boasting a bomb fried chicken biscuit to a grilled cheese café whose garlic parmesan fries could probably cure COVID-19.

Speaking of, keep in mind that these establishments not only took the risk of stepping onto the scene during tough times in their industry, but they’ve successfully stayed the course and beckoned us back to the table.

This roundup is your most up-to-date chronicle of the Port City’s latest culinary digs, so, with no further ado, dig in.

Seabird

When Pinpoint chef and owner Dean Neff left his post to open Seabird a few doors down, faithful supporters couldn’t wait to sneak a peek at his coastalmotivated menu. It started with a simple, yet superb breakfast lineup (with standouts like a

by Fanny Slater

grits and roasted potato bowl and a pimento cheese-smothered chicken biscuit with shaved pickles), but the restaurant has since expanded to full lunch and dinner service. Never pass up an impeccably fresh raw oyster that’s passed through Neff’s hands, but go all out with the jaw-dropping seasonal seafood tower—a plentiful pyramid of grouper rillette, mussel escabeche, and yellowtail with playful accoutrements. SeabirdNC.com

The Green House

Though plant-based fare and non-alcoholic cocktails may not have always been the cool kids in school, they’ve finally peaked— and The Green House is doing them justice. As Wilmington’s first upscale veg-centric restaurant (that, by the way, flaunts a zero-proof bar program), The Green House focuses on wholesome ingredients with an emphasis on sustainable practices. Modern, high-end, vegan American eats are the stars of this show, like the seared eggplant filet with velvety parsnip potato purée, red wine demi-glace, and crispy roasted shallots. Pair the runny, housemade Camembert with one of the bar’s innovative sips like the foam-topped Matcha Man, made up of a citrusy aperitif, herby NA spirit, and locally-made fig-cardamom shrub. TheGreenRestaurant.com

Floriana

Tucked inside the historic three-story building smack dab on the corner of Market and Water (formerly Roy’s Riverboat Landing), this contemporary bistro serves madefrom-scratch Italian dishes so dreamy you’ll swoon for the spaghetti. Call ahead to snag one of the private two-person wrought-iron balconies overlooking the Cape Fear’s stunning sunset, then kick things off with the deliciously dark and mysterious black gnocchi with lobster, fiery Nduja sausage, and rock shrimp. Pull up a fork (and maybe a friend) to the massive beefy lasagna, layered with smooth béchamel and milky in-house mozzarella—an over 100-yearold recipe passed down from the family of the original owner. FlorianaRestaurant.com

CheeseSmith

Now that Molly and Brendan Curnyn have planted roots via brick-and-mortar in the Cargo District, you no longer have to scour the streets for their grilled cheese truck to get your fix. CheeseSmith’s artisanal between-bread combos are crafted with creativity (and Duke’s Mayo, of your tummy for sides. The epic beer cheese fries with green onions are well worth the resulting food coma. CheeseSmithCo.com

Second Glass

course) and taste even better when washed down with a local brew. Find solace on their sunlit patio with a Buffalo Baby—a blend of buttery Havarti, tender buffalo braised chicken, homemade buttermilk ranch, and quick pickled carrot and celery slaw. Save room on the picnic table and in

South Front District’s newer urban eatery is far more than a seasonally-driven, wine-focused restaurant. It’s an eclectic mecca of munchies, where traditional Southern foods like deviled eggs get a makeover with epicurean embellishments like trout roe, smoked mullet, and pickled onion. For sophisticated small plates you’re supposed to share but definitely won’t want to, start with the decadent duck fat fingerling potatoes or mussels floating in sweet potato broth. When you move onto the main, go for the Joyce Farms duck confit with black rice risotto and white cheddar. Swirl a second glass of the recommended Syrah alongside and people-watch on the breezy patio. SecondGlassWineBar.com

Quanto Basta Italian Eatery & Wine Bar

A global, well-informed wine list, superior service, and elegant ambiance (plus hefty servings of freshly-made pastas and expertly-thin, hand-stretched pizzas) easily earned Quanto Basta a spot on our list. Now a go-to for familiar yet elevated Italian fare, this restaurant rose to the top of locals’ lists despite opening in the midst of a pandemic. Fan favorites include the beef short ribs Barbaresco—with fluffy gnocchi dumplings swimming in a sumptuous layer of melty fontina cheese and spaghetti with mama’s Sunday sauce. Be on the lookout for specials inspired by heritage recipes. QuantoBastaNC.com

Michael’s on the Waterfront

Another success story that not only came out of COVID-19 times, but also survived multiple hurricanes, is Michael’s on the Waterfront, where you’ll discover a riverside dining experience you won’t soon forget. The kitchen draws influence from all over the world, and one look at the colossal, saltstudded Bavarian pretzel, and you’ll realize this place ain’t playin’ around. The gastropub’s streetside seating makes for a memorable ambiance, and polished dishes like pan-seared lump crab cake fritters and soy-glazed salmon over cheesy mushroom risotto offset all assumptions that Michael’s is just slinging modest bar food. MichaelsOnTheWaterfront.com

Flying Machine at Wrightsville Beach

You know brewery business is booming when, within a few years of raising your curtain, there’s vigorous demand for an encore. Celebrated for their whimsical attention to de- tail and imaginative beers, FMBC recently welcomed guests into their Wrightsville Beach taproom in the former Banks Channel space. The fried chicken beer cheese mac with chili glaze is undeniably delicious (and also hard to say), but don’t miss the “sun’s out, buns out” section of the menu for coastal-themed handhelds like the cornmeal battered fish sammy with lemon aioli. Thoughtfully-harvested libations (from signature brews and wines to brunchy Sunday cocktails) and creative cookery change with the seasons. FlyingMachineWB.com

Mariposa

Sangria and small bites were a much-needed addition to the downtown area, and Mariposa transports diners from the South Front District to Spain with one salty nibble of their hand-carved, acorn-fed Ibérico ham (aged for 30 months). Wilmington’s first authentic Spanish tapas bar has finally arrived, and they’re crushing every course from brunch to lunch to dinner. Not to mention, their stunningly refined cocktails are unmatched. Regulars suggest adding sweet, tangy Manchego cheese to the Pan Con Tomate (thick rounds of toasted bread with tomato, freshly-sliced garlic, and fruity olive oil) and saving space for light, spongy, cocoa-dusted Ponche Segoviano cake. MariposaTapas.com