If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would.
Today may be my last visit to First Watch in Wilmington, NC (1035 International Drive) before I relocate to Florida, and I wanted to make sure I leave a review that truly matters — a review that highlights someone who deserves real recognition.
My server, Anjalina, delivered the best service I’ve ever experienced — not just at First Watch, but anywhere. From the moment she approached the table, she was kind, attentive, patient, and genuinely welcoming. Her smile is unforgettable, her professionalism is top-tier, and her warmth is something you don’t come across often anymore. She has the kind of energy that can literally light up an entire room, and her personality makes you feel like you’re being taken care of by family.
I’ve been in leadership and business long enough to understand the difference between “good service” and elite service — and Anjalina operates at an elite level. Her attention to detail, respectful communication, and her ability to make guests feel truly appreciated is something that cannot be taught easily. She didn’t just serve food — she created an experience. The level of care she brings to the guest experience is rare, and it’s exactly what builds loyal customers and strengthens a brand.
As a business owner, I can honestly say this: I would hire 100 versions of Anjalina without hesitation. She represents what true hospitality looks like. She is the type of employee that makes a company better, makes a team stronger, and makes customers come back again and again.
Corporate leadership should take note because employees like Anjalina are priceless. First Watch is blessed to have her, and her management should be extremely proud. Please recognize her, reward her, and let her know how valued she is — because she absolutely deserves it.
If this really is my last time eating at this location before I move to Florida, I can genuinely say I’m grateful it ended with service like this. Anjalina made this visit memorable, and I will always remember the hospitality she showed me here in Wilmington.
Thank you, Anjalina — you are truly one of a kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ji Murr
Great food and atmosphere. Friendly staff. Good pricing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bartley Brown
My chorizo omelette had a whole TEASPOON of chorizo in it!!! Pretty pathetic and guaranteed I won't be returning. Also, my mother was very disappointed in her avocado toast with lukewarm eggs.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Lindsay Yedlosky
loved it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Olivia Wasilas
Annabelle was very attentive, super kind, got our special orders perfect as well as informative for allergy concerns!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Christopher Vilchez
Always delicious and always something new to try. The also have a great menu for there regular items.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jamie Castro
Gabe is such a great and friendly server!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carlton A Ferguson II
Gates was amazing. I was simply blown away by her service. Thank you so much for hiring her. She definitely deserves an upgrade and pay!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chuck Routh
Love this place. Had a late breakfast this morning. The biscuits and gravy were outstanding. And the eggs were cooked to perfection. Great staff. Always feels clean. Thanks so very much
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Carnitas Omelet, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Shrimp and Grits
Michael Doerr
Service was quick food very good. Could prefer less AC in January
If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would.
Today may be my last visit to First Watch in Wilmington, NC (1035 International Drive) before I relocate to Florida, and I wanted to make sure I leave a review that truly matters — a review that highlights someone who deserves real recognition.
My server, Anjalina, delivered the best service I’ve ever experienced — not just at First Watch, but anywhere. From the moment she approached the table, she was kind, attentive, patient, and genuinely welcoming. Her smile is unforgettable, her professionalism is top-tier, and her warmth is something you don’t come across often anymore. She has the kind of energy that can literally light up an entire room, and her personality makes you feel like you’re being taken care of by family.
I’ve been in leadership and business long enough to understand the difference between “good service” and elite service — and Anjalina operates at an elite level. Her attention to detail, respectful communication, and her ability to make guests feel truly appreciated is something that cannot be taught easily. She didn’t just serve food — she created an experience. The level of care she brings to the guest experience is rare, and it’s exactly what builds loyal customers and strengthens a brand.
As a business owner, I can honestly say this: I would hire 100 versions of Anjalina without hesitation. She represents what true hospitality looks like. She is the type of employee that makes a company better, makes a team stronger, and makes customers come back again and again.
Corporate leadership should take note because employees like Anjalina are priceless. First Watch is blessed to have her, and her management should be extremely proud. Please recognize her, reward her, and let her know how valued she is — because she absolutely deserves it.
If this really is my last time eating at this location before I move to Florida, I can genuinely say I’m grateful it ended with service like this. Anjalina made this visit memorable, and I will always remember the hospitality she showed me here in Wilmington.
Thank you, Anjalina — you are truly one of a kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and atmosphere. Friendly staff. Good pricing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My chorizo omelette had a whole TEASPOON of chorizo in it!!! Pretty pathetic and guaranteed I won't be returning. Also, my mother was very disappointed in her avocado toast with lukewarm eggs.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
loved it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Annabelle was very attentive, super kind, got our special orders perfect as well as informative for allergy concerns!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Always delicious and always something new to try. The also have a great menu for there regular items.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gabe is such a great and friendly server!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gates was amazing. I was simply blown away by her service. Thank you so much for hiring her. She definitely deserves an upgrade and pay!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place. Had a late breakfast this morning. The biscuits and gravy were outstanding. And the eggs were cooked to perfection. Great staff. Always feels clean. Thanks so very much
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Carnitas Omelet, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Shrimp and Grits
Service was quick food very good. Could prefer less AC in January
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
We had the best waitress! We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a great omelette. They have cool iced coffee drinks. My friend had huge pancakes. Yum!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Avocado toast was great! Service was excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Hash was AMAZING and the Purple Haze is the BEST
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was really delicious and our waitress Angelina was super nice as well her service was great! Definitely recommend first watch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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