5 Best Restaurants in Wilmington NC
Updated 11 October 2026 · 34 restaurants in Wilmington NC considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list covers five restaurants in Wilmington NC that stand out on Google. Each one is ranked by its Google rating, weighted by how many reviews it has, with a 300-review minimum. Thirty-four qualifying businesses were considered before these five made the cut. The list is meant for anyone planning a dinner out, a casual lunch or a quick bite in the city. Each entry covers the category, listed price range, hours and the points reviewers raise most often. Treat the order as a starting point, since ratings shift as new reviews come in.
#1
Voyce Bistro
★ 5 (437 Google reviews)Seafood restaurant$20–60 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Voyce Bistro is a seafood restaurant at 11 Market St in Wilmington, with a 5-star Google rating from 437 reviews and a listed price range of $20-60. It is closed on Mondays and keeps lunch and dinner hours on several other days. Google lists dine-in and takeaway, table service, vegetarian options and a wine and beer list. Reviewers mention personable staff, food they call some of the best in the city, and a family-owned feel. One reviewer advises booking dinner ahead.
Best for: Seafood dinners and special occasions
- Address
- 11 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11:30 am–2 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4:30–8:30 pm; Sun 4:30–8:30 pm; Thu 11:30 am–2 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm; Tue 4:30–8:30 pm; Wed 11:30 am–2 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm
#2
Pizzeria Don Luca
★ 4.9 (1,078 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Pizzeria Don Luca is a pizza restaurant at 1215 N 4th St in Wilmington, rated 4.9 from 1,078 reviews. Its listed hours are mostly evening hours, with weekend service starting at noon. No price range is listed on Google. Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible parking area, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention strong flavor, a careful approach to each pie and courteous service, and several say it ranks among the best pizza they have had. One reviewer found the toppings and cheese light.
Best for: Pizza lovers wanting a standout pie
- Address
- 1215 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–10 pm; Mon 4–9 pm; Sat 12–10 pm; Sun 12–9 pm; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue 4–9 pm; Wed 4–9 pm
#3
On Thyme Restaurant
★ 4.8 (1,330 Google reviews)New American restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
On Thyme Restaurant is a New American restaurant at 918 Castle St, rated 4.8 from 1,330 reviews, with a price range of $10-20. It is closed on Mondays and opens on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Google lists outdoor seating, live music, happy-hour food and drinks, cocktails and beer, and wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention a strong cocktail made with fresh fruit, crispy wings with good sauces, and food that arrives quickly and hot.
Best for: Cocktails, wings and a lively night out
- Address
- 918 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun 10 am–5 pm; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#4
The Half Downtown
★ 4.8 (701 Google reviews)Sandwich shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Half Downtown is a sandwich shop at 510 1/2 Red Cross St, rated 4.8 from 701 reviews, with a price range of $10-20. It is open daily for lunch and early dinner hours, closing at 4 pm on Sundays. Google lists outdoor seating, counter service, vegan and vegetarian options, healthy options, coffee, beer and wine. Reviewers mention flavorful sandwiches, a bahn mi with tofu and hoisin that takes its own spin on the classic, and a lacto-fermented side pickle. One reviewer found the indoor air smoky.
Best for: Sandwiches and vegetarian lunch options
- Address
- 510 1/2 Red Cross St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–6 pm; Mon 11 am–6 pm; Sat 11 am–6 pm; Sun 11 am–4 pm; Thu 11 am–6 pm; Tue 11 am–6 pm; Wed 11 am–6 pm
#5
South Front Tavern
★ 4.8 (407 Google reviews)New American restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
South Front Tavern is a New American restaurant at 1540 S 2nd St in Wilmington, rated 4.8 from 407 reviews, with a price range of $20-30. Hours run through the afternoon and evening, with a Sunday opening at 10 am. Google lists outdoor seating, live music, sports on screen, a strong beer, cocktail and wine selection, and happy-hour food and drinks. Reviewers mention a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of outdoor seating and friendly service. Some found the burgers and chicken wrap good, while one reviewer thought the steak quesadillas were small and bland.
Best for: Drinks, outdoor seating and happy hour
- Address
- 1540 S 2nd St #110, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 12–10 pm; Mon 4–9 pm; Sat 12–10 pm; Sun 10 am–8:30 pm; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue 4–9 pm; Wed 4–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 34 restaurants in Wilmington NC with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by weighted Google rating across the city, 300 reviews minimum. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Voyce Bistro, On Thyme Restaurant and South Front Tavern take reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
Voyce Bistro ranks first, with a Google rating of 5 from 437 reviews. Pizzeria Don Luca is second at 4.9 from 1,078 reviews.
Which restaurants in Wilmington NC are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Pizzeria Don Luca, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Voyce Bistro $20–60; On Thyme Restaurant $10–20; The Half Downtown $10–20; South Front Tavern $20–30. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Voyce Bistro, On Thyme Restaurant, The Half Downtown and South Front Tavern.
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