Discover Wilmington, NC’s Award-Winning Culinary Scene

With sea-to-table fare, James Beard-recognized kitchens and beyond, Wilmington, North Carolina is as delicious as it is charming. This coastal destination’s culinary scene serves up a dining scene that punches well above its weight. Award-winning flavors are never far away, and these culinary hotspots are a must-visit during your trip to the best of the Carolina Coast.

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Seabird is owned and operated by 2026 James Beard Outstanding Chef finalist Dean Neff. Devoted to highlighting the region’s diverse seafood, Seabird’s menu, which changes seasonally, serves the very best the NC coast has to offer. Some standouts–like the Swordfish Schnitzel (served with spaetzle, citrus cabbage, lemon jam and beurre rouge) and the Seafood Tower–are local favorites and menu mainstays that vary seasonally to feature fresh and in-season flavors. Dine at the bar Mondays from 5-6 p.m. for Oyster Happy Hour to sample locally harvested oysters (raw or baked) and be sure to make a reservation for the sought-after weekend brunch.

Indulge in Spanish, Italian and New Orleans-inspired dishes with delectable coastal touches at Olivero, helmed by Sunny Gerhart, a James Beard Best Chef Southeast semifinalist, and named one of USA Today’s 2025 Best Restaurants. Handmade pastas, locally sourced seafood and Gulf-meets-North Carolina flavors define the menu, which includes many of Gerhart’s family recipes. Sample these flavors in signature dishes like the Warm Dates (with n’duja, olive oil and sea salt), Twice-Cooked Pork Shoulder (featuring oyster mushroom marsala, gnocchetti and fennel salsa verde) and the Agnolotti (with butter beans, parmesan brodo, mascarpone and lemon)–one of Gerhart’s top recommendations for visitors.

At manna ave. 123, the chef-driven, rotating menu features sustainably sourced ingredients from local farmers and fisheries. A cornerstone of Wilmington’s culinary scene for more than 15 years, manna’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship and service has earned national recognition, including a 10-year run as the city’s only AAA Four Diamond restaurant and most recently being named one of USA Today’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year. Make a reservation for your visit, and if you can, get a reservation for their Beggars Can’t Be Choosers, manna’s limited-capacity, Omakase-style dining experience offered monthly.

Chef Keith Rhodes, a pillar of Wilmington’s culinary scene for more than 20 years, creatively transforms sustainably sourced local ingredients into unforgettable flavors. A Top Chef contestant and James Beard finalist for Best Chef Southeast, Rhodes owns and operates Catch (reopening soon in a new location!), the Catch Food Truck and Voyce Bistro, Rhodes ’newest venture in historic downtown Wilmington. Just steps from the Riverwalk, Voyce Bistro continues to highlight Rhodes’ seafood-centric fare and commitment to farm-to-table dishes.

This is just a sampling of award-winning bites. Wilmington’s culinary scene is fresh, innovative, deeply rooted in place and very much on the rise. Be sure to bring your appetite and discover why Wilmington continues to earn its place on the national culinary stage one unique and unforgettable bite at a time. Start planning your foodie escape today!

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