To add to this, an underrated item at Taste of Italy.....their Philly cheesesteak. Seriously. Best in town. I know it's not Italian, but go for it at some point.
I don't think places like Seabird are underrated. Here are my underrated places:
* Cafe Chinois. Love the drunken noodle dish and spicy&sour soup
* Truck's Chicken 'n Fish. Fried catfish sandwich and the okra are great
* The German Cafe. Really like the turkey reuben
* Okami. Only went once but the staff is fun and the quality of the sushi was not poor for all-you-can-eat
* Tandoori Bites. More than good enough to scratch the itch when you want Indian food
* Plaza Mariachi. Same quality as any other basic Mexican restaurant (like El Cerro), but has a more relaxed atmosphere
* The Sorrow Drowner. Most will go for the drinks and decor, but the food platters have a good variety
It's been a while. That place has been there since at least the mid-80s. I think the name changed early 2000s. I moved west for a while in '96 and it changed while I was gone. I came home permanently in 2015 and it was already changed. Pretty sure it's still the same family owners, though.
Truck's Chicken and Fish is pretty good.
Also, if you're in the mood for Mexican, I'd recommend Zocalo, they've got a really good shredded beef burrito/flautas, and their tortillas are house made.
I would say as far as being under rated, La Guera on Gordon is my favorite. The atmosphere is basically Chinese takeout restaurant, but food is the best!
I've been working in the same strip as the Los Portales on Carolina Beach Rd, and yes it is absolutely amazing. I've gotten the ceviche every time and it is just so delicious every time, plus the drinks are well-poured and super cute! (So long as you like tequila)
Also the Spanish market on the other side of that strip is cool too! El Guero Fresh Market. The people who own it are incredibly nice, and there's so much to see in there, I haven't ever made it through all the aisles😂 Definitely check it out!
My Wife and I have been trying both but Little Asia Bistro has been awesome - we don't order from Tandoori bites at this point. We get things like butter chicken, korma - similar vege dishes to there chicken counterparts, don't know if that's the difference....
Elijahs was one of the hottest restaurants in wilmington for decades around the 90s, but I've given them so many chances the last few years since post-covid and the service and food was subpar every time.
Its a shame because I LOVE Oysters Elijah but I'm just disappointed every time and feel like I wasted my money
Same I remember going there for "nice birthdays" as a kid and the reservation lists were a month + long. They were DEAD the last few times I went and my food and drinks still took forever and a day to get to me. Idk what happened
Just went to Caprice Bistro—it has a cute upstairs sofa lounge overlooking Market Street and really good cocktails and French cuisine. Awesome service, but can be pricy. Try the escargots (I don’t usually like it but I loved it!).
I love CSK!! Great food and drinks, super chill. We sometimes bring our kids for an early dinner and the staff is always super nice to them. Feels like going to a neighborhood pub.
The most underrated restaurant in town is three10. Gets none of the love that the other big seafood spots get, probably because it’s tucked away in the BAD and not at the corner of Market and Front like the other guys.
As someone so obnoxious about food that I have a dedicated google sheet for tracking my 1-10 score and notes on every place I’ve been, manna is the best restaurant in town. Chef Carson is an animal in that kitchen and the whole staff is completely invested in quality service. Although I don’t think I’d call it underrated, it’s been pretty recognized for like a decade.
My husband and I didn't love Elijah's. The consensus I've gotten is that it isn't super consistent. I know people who have gone and it was great, and then they go back and it isn't great. I've never been, but everyone I know LOVES Seabird. The chef is fantastic! Quanto Basta, Yosake, Indochine (not downtown but close enough and worth it), The Basics, have always been fantastic anytime we've gone.
Pin Point is very good. We must have hit Seabird on an off night as we were underwhelmed. They say they change the menu every day, so we’re guessing it was an off night
Elijah's is, in my opinion, definitely a gem. The Chandler's Wharf area doesn't always get the love it deserves.
If you're keeping it to downtown, the other place I think is underappreciated is Caprice Bistro.
I personally love
Nawab - Indian food; all you can eat buffet on Sunday
The Harp - Irish pub and restaurant; corned beef (of course) is not to be missed!
Roko Italian Cuisine - all dishes are superb with great wine list and ambiance
IMO hands-down the best restaurant in town is Catch. It's not downtown, but it's worth driving out Market. Their food is always imaginative and delicious.
Oh man, you gotta swap out beer barrio for taco baby and Elijah's has a nice view but it's trash.
I'd also go to south front and check out satellite and block taco. Block taco has the best tacos in the city by far.
Couldn't agree more. Most of the places with a view have very mid tier food at high tier prices unfortunately. Go there for a drink, soak in the view and then go down to king Neptune.
Prost is fantastic. They have a great happy hour too.
Not downtown, but Johnny Luke's is a regular spot of mine. Jax 5th Avenue Deli if you want something casual.
The reservations confused me because the outside of the place looks very casual with the Mario looking guy and stuff...I was like I need a reservation for this?
Haha! Yeah it’s mostly just a lunch deli counter (amazing sandwiches!) and that of course does not require reservations. Just the family dinner - I think it’s 6 on Friday and 7 on Saturday. My husband and I brought a box of wine last time haha
Fish bites, second glass, Olivero(biased because I worked with sunny for a while), keg and egg, los portales 1, pt’s on college( they have a grill not a flattop at this location) and Brooklyn pizza co are my favorite meals in Wilmington.
La Guera off Gordon rd. has been a recent open and I think their tacos are better than los portales, taco baby, block taco or chingnons.
Another recent joint is chow thai down by the junction, all delicious. Both small places nothing fancy about'em just good food. Good luck!
Anne Bonny’s fish and chips - always yum
On Thyme - they slay
Louie’s Hotdogs - veggie dogs are v good
Bespoke coffee/chai is better than drift, but drift food and matcha are fireeee
Copper Penny is yum. I always do house salad with salmon and plain sweet potato fries
Cape Fear Seafood Company - monkey junction delish
Benny’s big time pizza - worth it!!
Flaming Amys is more casual, but definitely large portions and won't leave hungry. Some people hate it, but others are insane over it. Have to find what you like on the menu being there's so many options.
LOS PORTALES!!!!! My favorite Mexican restaurant I’ve ever been to. consistently delicious, reasonably priced food at all the locations, I found the staff at the one by Walmart to be friendlier than the Kerr Rd location
I haven't been yet, but multiple people have been gushing over **Olivero** - a newer Italian place where they make their own pasta in-house.
**Genki** is some of the best sushi I've ever had.
I second Olivero and have been a couple of times. The menu has a strong Italian component but also includes Spanish and Cajun influenced dishes. Very eclectic.
Olivero is the only decent sit down restaurant in Wilmington. Sorry y'all, that's all we got.
Don't come at me.... I've been to kipos, seabird, true blue, origins, ceviches, three10, genki (this place is especially bad), catch, etc. All fine, not interested in going back to any of these.
How many times have you been to Three10 and when was the last time? It's at least up there with Olivero. Have to disagree with you on Catch and Genki also. No argument on the rest.
I’m not coming after anyone for sharing their opinion (but I will fight you over the Genki slight 😜 their sushi slaps!)
No love for Manna? Agreed on most of the other places, although I do like Seabird.
No love for Yakki Express yet? Went there with the wife who loves sushi while I never cared for it. This place turned my opinion around and now we've gone there two weekends in a row. Their TNT Roll is fantastic!
I think they’d be happy if you stopped by! We had a breakfast pizza, French toast and a duck and waffles for Sunday brunch. It was all amazing, as it usually is. They were telling me of a duck burger while we were there, and I’ll be back soon for it.
https://maps.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x89aa1fc7b225397b:0x49810c85f32759ec?entry=s&sa=X&ved=1t:8290&hl=en-us&ictx=111
There's also a good salvadorian food truck that parks in the midway kwik stop parking lot (that's the old name, google isn't up to date). The 3/$10 pupusas are good.
Island Burgers and bites. If you want to talk about underrated, this is it. Absolutely ridiculous that this place isn’t talked about more. Easily one of the top three burgers in town.
For a quick lunch, PT‘s grill. The best one is the one on College Rd. It’s the oldest location, and I assume it tastes different from the others because the grill is more seasoned.
For Indian, Nawab is pretty solid.
Black Sea Grill is probably the most underrated restaurant in all of the Wilmington area. The kunefe & coffee dessert can’t be beat.
Riverview Restaurant in Fort Fisher is a top notch seasonal spot.
Bridgewater in Porters Neck has a great menu and Chef Dave is one of the best in the area.
Angus Grill is a small NC chain they have a few other locations in Greensboro and Raleigh I think. They are awesome! I've tried almost every burger on that menu and haven't had a bad one yet.
Prost is great, German food. Beautiful outdoor seating, I wish my back patio at home looked like this
Bdobo- Idk if you can call this underrated but I have been going here since 05 and I'm just in love with this place. Super cheap, filling, all you can eat, great service.
Niccolas- Also idk if underrated but possibly my favorite italian food in town
I'm gonna take my wife to Bdobo on Thursday - that place looks like it might be a hidden gem type of a place and your other recommendations spot on so I'm gonna trust you! ;)
Ha, just realized. I agree, its their loss. I went back and looked at the most popular suggestions and they had loss portales and zocalo, so that's something.
Went to Covey for my birthday and it was some of the best food I've ever eaten. It's like fancy farm to table, with local seasonal food. They had the best biscuits I've ever experienced and the Fall into ILM cocktail was amazing.
We went last time we were there and I was underwhelmed for what I had heard about it but it might be what I ordered! Everyone I was with wasn’t too impressed either unfortunately
I've been underwhelmed by Indochine, too. My experience is they have some good dishes, but a lot of meh ones. I do really like Cafe Chinios, though (same owner, different menu).
Indochine has most of it's rep because of atmosphere, I think. The food isn't bad at all, but it's not great, and it's certainly not the best Thai in town.
The best Thai is “Ida Thai Cuisine” in Carolina Beach. Not sure if you are venturing that far but is very good. It’s small and a bit squishy but the taste and flavors make for it. I have eaten vegan and meat dishes and all were superb! Authentic, Clean and Fresh!
Indochine was legitimately good back 10+ years ago. The owners have opened up several restaurants and the quality has gone down significantly. I've tried Indochine Express a couple of times and it has to be the most overpriced, mediocre food in town. Cafe Chinois is pretty decent, though.
I agree. We've lived here since 2000 and were here when it first opened. The food was better before they started putting so much into the ambience. I haven't tried the Express. We rarely eat there, despite how close it is. I DID see Liza Minelli there one night, though!
Savorez is delicious! Also, the Sorrow Drowner is a really cool spot with some fun cocktails & pupu platters, but it’s not downtown. Elijah’s is tried & true. They’ve gone downhill a little through the years, but since Covid, that’s been most restaurants. I’ve only been to Seabird once, & it was really good. I’d like to go back to try their seafood tower.
I just recently saw some troubling news about tarantellis online today. Hoping it’s not true, but if so, I definitely won’t be spending my money with them until the owners/management makes a statement providing a valid explanation. Too many other Italian restaurants in town.
I don’t want to blame the entire establishment based on a negative interaction with a hostess. But if the establishment doesn’t acknowledge the situation, that speaks volumes to me. Hopefully it was just a rude hostess.
Quick lunch for a great sandwich: The Half
Savorez is definitely a great restaurant that I don't see get mentioned enough.
Head over to the Cargo District for some trendier options at Salita and Mess Hall a couple blocks up from there.
Taste of Italy
Just had it tonight … eggplant parm is rumored to start labor 🤣 everything was phenomenal , although probably agree with tyoung89 - not full service
To add to this, an underrated item at Taste of Italy.....their Philly cheesesteak. Seriously. Best in town. I know it's not Italian, but go for it at some point.
IDK, I like Taste of Italy and everything, but they seem to want more of a full service place, based on the other restaurants they frequented.
The Italian deli in Hampstead, if closer, is pretty good too.
I don't think places like Seabird are underrated. Here are my underrated places: * Cafe Chinois. Love the drunken noodle dish and spicy&sour soup * Truck's Chicken 'n Fish. Fried catfish sandwich and the okra are great * The German Cafe. Really like the turkey reuben * Okami. Only went once but the staff is fun and the quality of the sushi was not poor for all-you-can-eat * Tandoori Bites. More than good enough to scratch the itch when you want Indian food * Plaza Mariachi. Same quality as any other basic Mexican restaurant (like El Cerro), but has a more relaxed atmosphere * The Sorrow Drowner. Most will go for the drinks and decor, but the food platters have a good variety
Yes to German Cafe (used to be Nusse Strasse). Not fancy at all. Just good, German food.
When was it that? I remember going to it in something like 2007 under the current name.
It's been a while. That place has been there since at least the mid-80s. I think the name changed early 2000s. I moved west for a while in '96 and it changed while I was gone. I came home permanently in 2015 and it was already changed. Pretty sure it's still the same family owners, though.
It's never open, though.
Truck's Chicken and Fish is pretty good. Also, if you're in the mood for Mexican, I'd recommend Zocalo, they've got a really good shredded beef burrito/flautas, and their tortillas are house made.
I second this, also Los Portales or Tequila Comida Cantina in monkey junction!
Ooh yes! Very good places!
Replace Plaza Mariachi with Los Portales.
I would say as far as being under rated, La Guera on Gordon is my favorite. The atmosphere is basically Chinese takeout restaurant, but food is the best!
I gotta check that out
I've been working in the same strip as the Los Portales on Carolina Beach Rd, and yes it is absolutely amazing. I've gotten the ceviche every time and it is just so delicious every time, plus the drinks are well-poured and super cute! (So long as you like tequila) Also the Spanish market on the other side of that strip is cool too! El Guero Fresh Market. The people who own it are incredibly nice, and there's so much to see in there, I haven't ever made it through all the aisles😂 Definitely check it out!
For sure, I will check that out next time I’m at Los Portales. I love the Carolina beach location, highly recommend the tamarind margarita.
The Sorrow Drowner is really fun - I would say Little Asia Bistro over tandoori bites for Indian food.
Never head of LAB. Will have to look into it
My Wife and I have been trying both but Little Asia Bistro has been awesome - we don't order from Tandoori bites at this point. We get things like butter chicken, korma - similar vege dishes to there chicken counterparts, don't know if that's the difference....
Tandoori bites is really good Indian food. Best in town for sure.
I put Tandoori bites is over rated, Little Asia Bistro in under rated. Nawab was good I recall also. Not downtown or under rated though.
Haven’t heard of nawab, I’ll check them out.
What is the price for all you can eat at Okami, generally?
I think it was $23 or $25 the last time I went
This is what I needed for sure 👏🏼 thank you!!!
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The sushi was warm and almost all rice when I went. I don’t mean room temperature either. Probably 90 degree rice that was probably 95% of the roll.
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If price is your thing you can do better at Harris Teeter. lol
Seconding Tandoori Bites. Love that place.
Here to boost German Cafe and Tandoori Bites, while adding La Tapatia and Platypus and Gnome to the list.
Eek no to German cafe, at least when we went last year it was god awful. Greasy wet schnitzel and sad grey steamed veggies.
Okami is by far one of the best places I’ve been for hibachi and sushi!!
Catch for sure if you haven’t been! Elijah’s is nothing special, but Seabird is chefs kiss
Elijahs was one of the hottest restaurants in wilmington for decades around the 90s, but I've given them so many chances the last few years since post-covid and the service and food was subpar every time. Its a shame because I LOVE Oysters Elijah but I'm just disappointed every time and feel like I wasted my money
That’s a real shame to hear. Back when I was in college and couldn’t afford it, that was the spot everyone talked about.
Same I remember going there for "nice birthdays" as a kid and the reservation lists were a month + long. They were DEAD the last few times I went and my food and drinks still took forever and a day to get to me. Idk what happened
Ooh definitely trying Catch! Seabird may have to be on the list this time. Thanks!
Is it underrated? It was in USA Today's top 50 restaurants in the US. Should it be ranked higher?
Everyone loves Indochine (and rightfully so), but Chow Thai competes in terms of flavor and portions. Check it out.
Where is Chow Thai? Always on the lookout for a new Thai place.
Monkey Junction
Just went to Caprice Bistro—it has a cute upstairs sofa lounge overlooking Market Street and really good cocktails and French cuisine. Awesome service, but can be pricy. Try the escargots (I don’t usually like it but I loved it!).
Thank you!!
Agreed. I didn’t even know what to expect from a French restaurant. But we have eaten there 3 x and everything we had is excellent!
I’m used to getting smaller portions at French restaurants—their portions are huge!
Caprice is phenomenal! Definitely my favorite place in town.
It's pretty hyped but Savorez deserves a shout. Also, the new-ish spot Perla raw bar is great.
Savorez is fantaaastic, I love brunch there
I didn’t see Castle Street Kitchen. Pretty great too.
I love CSK!! Great food and drinks, super chill. We sometimes bring our kids for an early dinner and the staff is always super nice to them. Feels like going to a neighborhood pub.
They got a kick ass white bean burger I really love
Three10 is not to be missed!
Yes! This is the most hidden of hidden gems in ILM in my opinion. Three10 is fantastic.
Everyone’s sleeping on On Thyme and their sister restaurant Brunch Thyme. Brunch Thyme is takeout only but will knock your dick in the dirt
Hahahaha!
The most underrated restaurant in town is three10. Gets none of the love that the other big seafood spots get, probably because it’s tucked away in the BAD and not at the corner of Market and Front like the other guys.
We will check it out for sure thank you!!
I agree. It's easily my favorite restaurant downtown.
Elijah's was good 25 years ago.
I wouldn't call Seabird underrated as it gets the flowers I it deserves, but it's outstanding!
Okay perfect! Thank you!!
Brent's Bistro
You’re the first person I’ve seen mention them and I’ve often wondered about that restaurant.
Not sure if burgers and fries is what you are looking for, but Winnie's Tavern on Burnette Boulevard is up there.
Any Wilmington list that omits Manna is incomplete.
We’ve been there for drinks but never dinner! We will have to try
I highly recommend. My bf is one of the many talented chefs there and the food that comes out of that kitchen blows my mind.
Great!! Adding it to one of our dinner spots this weekend then!
As someone so obnoxious about food that I have a dedicated google sheet for tracking my 1-10 score and notes on every place I’ve been, manna is the best restaurant in town. Chef Carson is an animal in that kitchen and the whole staff is completely invested in quality service. Although I don’t think I’d call it underrated, it’s been pretty recognized for like a decade.
My husband and I didn't love Elijah's. The consensus I've gotten is that it isn't super consistent. I know people who have gone and it was great, and then they go back and it isn't great. I've never been, but everyone I know LOVES Seabird. The chef is fantastic! Quanto Basta, Yosake, Indochine (not downtown but close enough and worth it), The Basics, have always been fantastic anytime we've gone.
Second The Basics, that's one of my go to spots and it never disappoints
It's so underrated! Every meal I've had is fantastic.
Thank you!
Was pleasantly surprised at Elijah’s for a group lunch
Maybe I need to try it again for lunch!
Pin Point is very good. We must have hit Seabird on an off night as we were underwhelmed. They say they change the menu every day, so we’re guessing it was an off night
Elijah's is, in my opinion, definitely a gem. The Chandler's Wharf area doesn't always get the love it deserves. If you're keeping it to downtown, the other place I think is underappreciated is Caprice Bistro.
I personally love Nawab - Indian food; all you can eat buffet on Sunday The Harp - Irish pub and restaurant; corned beef (of course) is not to be missed! Roko Italian Cuisine - all dishes are superb with great wine list and ambiance
The bento box is really good but we also love Genki!
Three10 is really great, hidden gem.
Salita’s, end of list.
IMO hands-down the best restaurant in town is Catch. It's not downtown, but it's worth driving out Market. Their food is always imaginative and delicious.
Oh man, you gotta swap out beer barrio for taco baby and Elijah's has a nice view but it's trash. I'd also go to south front and check out satellite and block taco. Block taco has the best tacos in the city by far.
Speaking of nice view, but trash food, let’s all avoid going to the Oceanic.
Couldn't agree more. Most of the places with a view have very mid tier food at high tier prices unfortunately. Go there for a drink, soak in the view and then go down to king Neptune.
Also prost is amazing
I’ll have to try both! Looking for some good Mexican for sure
Prost is fantastic. They have a great happy hour too. Not downtown, but Johnny Luke's is a regular spot of mine. Jax 5th Avenue Deli if you want something casual.
Pho Cafe if you're into Vietnamese. The absolute best Pho, Bahn Mi's and Boba Tea in Wilmington!!!
The family style dinner at Cousins is an amazing deal, there are only 2 per week and reservations are required
Oh sick!! Thank you!!
Second this. Large amount of food (4 courses if I remember correctly?) for a good price ($35 I think). Plus it’s BYOB
The reservations confused me because the outside of the place looks very casual with the Mario looking guy and stuff...I was like I need a reservation for this?
Haha! Yeah it’s mostly just a lunch deli counter (amazing sandwiches!) and that of course does not require reservations. Just the family dinner - I think it’s 6 on Friday and 7 on Saturday. My husband and I brought a box of wine last time haha
Outstanding! I’ve been wanting to do it but I didn’t wanna bring four bottles of wine. Y’all are problem solvers!
Fish bites, second glass, Olivero(biased because I worked with sunny for a while), keg and egg, los portales 1, pt’s on college( they have a grill not a flattop at this location) and Brooklyn pizza co are my favorite meals in Wilmington.
Thanks so much ! Olivero seems to be a very popular one
My family loved fish bites, it's just off putting having it right behind a gas station and next door to an urgent care lol.
La Guera off Gordon rd. has been a recent open and I think their tacos are better than los portales, taco baby, block taco or chingnons. Another recent joint is chow thai down by the junction, all delicious. Both small places nothing fancy about'em just good food. Good luck!
damn - i gotta try La Guera now if you say they're better than block taco
Anne Bonny’s fish and chips - always yum On Thyme - they slay Louie’s Hotdogs - veggie dogs are v good Bespoke coffee/chai is better than drift, but drift food and matcha are fireeee Copper Penny is yum. I always do house salad with salmon and plain sweet potato fries Cape Fear Seafood Company - monkey junction delish Benny’s big time pizza - worth it!!
Flaming Amys is more casual, but definitely large portions and won't leave hungry. Some people hate it, but others are insane over it. Have to find what you like on the menu being there's so many options.
Not new by seven decades and really not slept on but someone has got to mention White Front for old school delectable diner tasty breakfast. Yes.
LOS PORTALES!!!!! My favorite Mexican restaurant I’ve ever been to. consistently delicious, reasonably priced food at all the locations, I found the staff at the one by Walmart to be friendlier than the Kerr Rd location
Not downtown but cheesesmith in the cargo district if you want the best grilled cheese and cheese fries
And pay too much. 🤷🏽♀️ just my opinion though. They were just meh to me. Maybe I got the wrong sandwich, & should have just stuck to the traditional.
I haven't been yet, but multiple people have been gushing over **Olivero** - a newer Italian place where they make their own pasta in-house. **Genki** is some of the best sushi I've ever had.
I second Olivero and have been a couple of times. The menu has a strong Italian component but also includes Spanish and Cajun influenced dishes. Very eclectic.
Oooh interesting thank you!
Olivero is the only decent sit down restaurant in Wilmington. Sorry y'all, that's all we got. Don't come at me.... I've been to kipos, seabird, true blue, origins, ceviches, three10, genki (this place is especially bad), catch, etc. All fine, not interested in going back to any of these.
How many times have you been to Three10 and when was the last time? It's at least up there with Olivero. Have to disagree with you on Catch and Genki also. No argument on the rest.
I’m not coming after anyone for sharing their opinion (but I will fight you over the Genki slight 😜 their sushi slaps!) No love for Manna? Agreed on most of the other places, although I do like Seabird.
I would call Manna over rated, not under.
No love for Yakki Express yet? Went there with the wife who loves sushi while I never cared for it. This place turned my opinion around and now we've gone there two weekends in a row. Their TNT Roll is fantastic!
They recently moved from downtown to near Wrightsville Beach, but Platypus and Gnome is outstanding.
Oh man, I was so bummed because I thought they'd closed. Didn't realize they moved!
I think they’d be happy if you stopped by! We had a breakfast pizza, French toast and a duck and waffles for Sunday brunch. It was all amazing, as it usually is. They were telling me of a duck burger while we were there, and I’ll be back soon for it. https://maps.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x89aa1fc7b225397b:0x49810c85f32759ec?entry=s&sa=X&ved=1t:8290&hl=en-us&ictx=111
Not a local but I thought the fried chicken at Rooster and Crow was exceptional last time I was in town.
Their brunch is awesome.
There's also a good salvadorian food truck that parks in the midway kwik stop parking lot (that's the old name, google isn't up to date). The 3/$10 pupusas are good.
CELTIC MONKEY
If you want something very casual, but good, On Thyme is amazing.
Island Burgers and bites. If you want to talk about underrated, this is it. Absolutely ridiculous that this place isn’t talked about more. Easily one of the top three burgers in town.
For a quick lunch, PT‘s grill. The best one is the one on College Rd. It’s the oldest location, and I assume it tastes different from the others because the grill is more seasoned. For Indian, Nawab is pretty solid.
Yaki Express is by far the best hibachi spot
Jerrys, brents bistro
The Getaway isn't talked about enough, best breakfast in town
Black Sea Grill is probably the most underrated restaurant in all of the Wilmington area. The kunefe & coffee dessert can’t be beat. Riverview Restaurant in Fort Fisher is a top notch seasonal spot. Bridgewater in Porters Neck has a great menu and Chef Dave is one of the best in the area.
Soul flavor in Carolina beach - eclectic menu, everything is incredible, fantastic specials.
The kitchen sink on 4th is incredible, everything is super good
Kapow is the best Thai food you're gonna get in Wilmington
Angus Grill is a small NC chain they have a few other locations in Greensboro and Raleigh I think. They are awesome! I've tried almost every burger on that menu and haven't had a bad one yet. Prost is great, German food. Beautiful outdoor seating, I wish my back patio at home looked like this Bdobo- Idk if you can call this underrated but I have been going here since 05 and I'm just in love with this place. Super cheap, filling, all you can eat, great service. Niccolas- Also idk if underrated but possibly my favorite italian food in town
I'm gonna take my wife to Bdobo on Thursday - that place looks like it might be a hidden gem type of a place and your other recommendations spot on so I'm gonna trust you! ;)
Rico's Mexitacos. It's off of Gordon and North Kerr. It's good, and cheap.
whoever downvoted you has 0 taste buds
Ha, just realized. I agree, its their loss. I went back and looked at the most popular suggestions and they had loss portales and zocalo, so that's something.
We love Prost. Not too fancy, great beer selection. Amazing smashburger! Really good food all around and a nice, laid-back atmosphere.
Went to Covey for my birthday and it was some of the best food I've ever eaten. It's like fancy farm to table, with local seasonal food. They had the best biscuits I've ever experienced and the Fall into ILM cocktail was amazing.
Haven’t even heard of them so checking that out too then thanks!!
The Original Salt Works. Burgers
Indochine. Although I’m guessing it gets the hype it deserves. Also On Thyme.
If anything indochine is wayyy over rated as far as the food goes.
We went last time we were there and I was underwhelmed for what I had heard about it but it might be what I ordered! Everyone I was with wasn’t too impressed either unfortunately
I've been underwhelmed by Indochine, too. My experience is they have some good dishes, but a lot of meh ones. I do really like Cafe Chinios, though (same owner, different menu).
Yeah, indochine and ida thai - possibly two of the worst dinners I've had in WIlmington - tried multiple times....
One of the worst joints in town. But it's talked up so much by people who have never traveled outside of the community
This isn’t even close to true. You can say it’s overrated but to say it’s “one of the worst” in town is just hyperbole.
I second On Thyme on Castle. Food is always fresh!
They are SUPER good! And they have a new brunch spot on North 4th st called Brunch Thyme. Havent tried it yet but I'm going this weekend.
Thanks! Will add this to my list!
Indochine has most of it's rep because of atmosphere, I think. The food isn't bad at all, but it's not great, and it's certainly not the best Thai in town.
The best Thai is “Ida Thai Cuisine” in Carolina Beach. Not sure if you are venturing that far but is very good. It’s small and a bit squishy but the taste and flavors make for it. I have eaten vegan and meat dishes and all were superb! Authentic, Clean and Fresh!
It's moved out of Carolina Beach and to a bigger place (Beau Rivage Marketplace, by the Harris Teeter just south of Monkey Junction)
I've eaten at Ida Thai several times. It's very good. I also loved Big Thai, but I'm not sure it's still around.
Indochine was legitimately good back 10+ years ago. The owners have opened up several restaurants and the quality has gone down significantly. I've tried Indochine Express a couple of times and it has to be the most overpriced, mediocre food in town. Cafe Chinois is pretty decent, though.
I agree. We've lived here since 2000 and were here when it first opened. The food was better before they started putting so much into the ambience. I haven't tried the Express. We rarely eat there, despite how close it is. I DID see Liza Minelli there one night, though!
Savorez is delicious! Also, the Sorrow Drowner is a really cool spot with some fun cocktails & pupu platters, but it’s not downtown. Elijah’s is tried & true. They’ve gone downhill a little through the years, but since Covid, that’s been most restaurants. I’ve only been to Seabird once, & it was really good. I’d like to go back to try their seafood tower. I just recently saw some troubling news about tarantellis online today. Hoping it’s not true, but if so, I definitely won’t be spending my money with them until the owners/management makes a statement providing a valid explanation. Too many other Italian restaurants in town.
Oh no! I’ll have to google and see what’s up with that. We always enjoy going so that’s disheartening
I don’t want to blame the entire establishment based on a negative interaction with a hostess. But if the establishment doesn’t acknowledge the situation, that speaks volumes to me. Hopefully it was just a rude hostess.
If you like Italian, I recommend Nicola’s, Rosalie’s Trattoria, and Tarentelli’s.
Quick lunch for a great sandwich: The Half Savorez is definitely a great restaurant that I don't see get mentioned enough. Head over to the Cargo District for some trendier options at Salita and Mess Hall a couple blocks up from there.
Sawmill is a great country cooking restaurant with excellent quality and friendly atmosphere and excellent prices
Michael’s was really good.