16 Best Southern Restaurants in Wilmington

three10 Seafood • $$
1022 N 4th St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

NC Broiled Oysters on the Half Shell
Carolina Gold Hushpuppies
Crispy Skin Red Snapper
Grilled Yellowfin Tuna
Seared Diver Scallops
Shrimp and Scallops
Seared Grouper
Tuna Tartare

“As newcomers to the Wilmington area, we are always looking for great food, drink, service and atmosphere. Three10 did not disappoint. A quaint bungalow turned restaurant in the Brooklyn Arts District, with a small but inviting dining room area and a dining bar that faces the very organized and chill kitchen. The dining bar was our choice. Jill was our primary service person working alongside Claire. They were both excellent! Knowledgeable, professional and personable; not easy find, regardless of caliber of restaurant. I started with the cocktail "The One Where They Brown the Butter", which was bourbon based, had hints of sweet from the browned butter and brown sugar, although not overpowering. It was delicious and easy to drink.We started our meal with the Hushpuppies, Tuna Tartare and raw Oysters, all of which were excellent. The pepper jelly base under the hushpuppies was subtle but added so much flavor. The base of diced beets/sweet potatoes with the Tuna Tartare was seasonally fresh.The 2 NC blue crabcakes had a subtle cayenne heat, balanced with the creaminess of the celery root gribiche and made with the same base as the hushpuppies. Needless to say, we did not have room for dessert.....Overall, our first visit was excellent, not only for the great food but for the knowledgeable and friendly service. We will be back!“

4.7 Superb234 Reviews
Chicken Salad Chick Southern • $
1131 A, Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich with Scoop of Sassy Scotty
Sassy Scotty Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich with Grape Salad
Original Chicken Salad Sandwich with Pasta Salad
blt Chicken Salad
Signature Soups
Mac and Cheese
Pimento Cheese
Broccoli Salad
Egg Salad

“Dropped in for dinner. Picked the original chicken salad croissant sandwich with provolone cheese and a side of poblano Mac and cheese. The sandwich was delicious; did not have an over bearing taste, very mild. Also, the restaurant has a perfect sanitary score of 100.“

4.8 Superb96 Reviews
Rooster & The Crow Southern • $
225 S Water St Suite G & H, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Fried Chicken and Mac & Cheese and Potato Salad
Cape Fear Chicken & Waffles
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Fried Green Tomatoes
Mashed Potatoes
Chicken Pot Pie
Shrimp & Grits
Chicken Wings
Fried Cabbage
Gator Bites

“The fried chicken dinner was delicious and juicy! I can't say enough about it! It was enough for 2 people! The Mac and cheese delicious! My daughter got the fried chicken and waffles she only ate half, but she loved it! Again enough for the next day! My husband got the chicken pot pie he didn't love it. I would go back for sure. Please watch where you park! Biggest pain in the neck! You can't park along the waterfront. You can only park at the end of the brick building (chandlers wharf) and then you have to scan the code inside of the rooster and the crow and remember your license plate for parking. They do give you a few hour credit. But after searching for a parking spot we then had to go move the car! It was just a pain. But did was very good.“

4.7 Superb136 Reviews
Dram Yard American • $$$
101 S 2nd St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Charred Brussels Sprouts
Smoked Trout Dip
Whole Snapper
Uni Carbonara
Wagyu Sirloin
Avocado Toast
Beef Tartare
Dram Burger
Chicken
Burrata

“This is my new favorite in Wilmington! We did the chefs tasting menu and were so impressed. It was a ton of food and we got to try so many different options. Everything we tried was insanely delicious. We just moved from San Francisco and this food is seriously just as good as any upscale restaurant in SF. All the staff are so friendly and helpful. They are able to accommodate gluten free and modified several dishes. Definitely will be back!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free friendly“

4.6 Superb80 Reviews
The Basics Southern • $
319 N Front St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes
Mediterranean Scramble
Fried Green Tomatoes
Mac and Cheese Side
Biscuits and Gravy
Southern Benedict
Hummingbird Cake
Blueberry Pancake
Mashed Potatoes
Spinach Dip

“Had a great time sitting at the bar, watching the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The special grits bowl with crispy pork belly, potatoes, mushrooms, squash, Brussels sprouts, and arrugula, with a French onion soup cheese sauce was to die for!“

4.5 Superb122 Reviews
Ruth's Kitchen Southern • $
6790 Market St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Eggs Grits French Toast
Homemade Sausage Gravy
Spaghetti & Meat Sauce
Biscuits and Gravy
Hamburger Steak
Steak and Eggs
Banana Pudding
Club Sandwich
Salmon Patties
Fried Chicken

“I had my first experience at Ruth's Kitchen at the behest of a long time friend, and they did NOTHING but confirm the compliments of my friend ??! To the extent and extreme that should I find myself remotely close to Ruth's Kitchen in my City-wide places of employ, I would MOST LIKELY have them on my itinerary of Restaurants to patronize when I am TOO tired to go home and cook or even warm up what I have cooked for myself! The Staff I had was exceptionally affable and engaging, and that made for a successful consumption and digestion of a VERY TASTY and FILLING meal! Without ANY DOUBT in my MIND or BELLY, I WILL be dining in or carrying out a meal once again and SOON ??!“

4.5 Superb73 Reviews
RUMCOW. Southern • $$
121 Grace St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Vietnamese Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce Wrap with Chicken Salad
Crispy Pork Belly Pockets
Charred Brussels Sprouts
Rumcow Burger and Fries
Char Crusted Tuna Tataki
Shrimp and Grits Tacos
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken and Waffles
Pork Belly Tacos

“LOVE RUMCOW! We had family in town and were trying to find a place for dinner (no reservations) after we were told 30 min wait, the owner Jen chased us down the street and said she had an open table for us! Creative food options and everything is delicious.“

4.4 Superb103 Reviews
Truck's Chicken 'n Fish Southern • $
604 Red Cross St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Fried Catfish Plate with Mac and Cheese and Fried Okra with Cornbread and Tartar Sauce
Chicken Strips and Fries
Fried Chicken White
Spots and Grits

“Have you ever been somewhere the food was just ON POINT! This is your place and talk about portions! I’m gonna have to roll myself out of here, lol! Chicken on point, fish on point, their homemade Mac and cheese on point, service on point, and I will DEFINITELY BE BACK!!! Thanks to the ladies inside and the chefs in back!!!“

4.4 Superb34 Reviews
Cast Iron Kitchen American • $
8024 Market St #6, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Red Eye Pulled Pork Hash Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: Yes Takeout: Yes Delivery: No Curbside pickup: Yes
Dirty South Biscuit
Southern Breakfast
Biscuits and Gravy
Sour Mill Pancakes
Corned Beef Hash
Shrimp & Grits
Cinnamon Roll
Chicken
Toast

“This place was recommended by my Airbnb host, service was awesome. I went early on a Sunday before the crowds came. Was seated right away. I opted for the meatloaf sandwich and a pancake on the side. The sandwich had a nice flavor but was a bit dry for my liking. The grits were delish and creamy and piping hot. Prices were reasonable.“

4.3 Superb103 Reviews
Sawmill Restaurant Southern • $
5611 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Lumberjack with French Toast
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Plate Sized Pancakes
Country Style Steak
Fried Shrimp Plate
Fried Clam Strips
Hamburger Steak
Chicken & Waffle
Vegetable Plate
Mashed Potatoes

“The food here is delicious, absolutely loved it. Service could be a little better, but overall it was good. Now the Sawmill on 133 near castle hayne, that one is terrible. Has stuff on specials and then run out before lunch is over with, and still leaves it on the board and don't tell you they have ran out until you order it. But this one is really good.“

4.2 Good110 Reviews
Casey’s Buffet Barbeque • $
5559 Oleander Dr, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

BBQ Pork Pig Feet Fried Chicken
BBQ Sandwich with Sides
Sweet Potato Casserole
Chicken and Dumplings
Oven-Baked Cornbread
Fried Pork Chops
Squash Casserole
Hushpuppies-Side
Mashed Potatoes
Hamburger Steak

“I can't say enough about the exceptionally wonderful experience I had at Casey's. Goodness!!! I can honestly say that I've never ate at a buffet or any other restaurant on par with Casey's! Almost hurt myself enjoying the best soul food restaurant ever! Can't wait to go again!! Wasn't a thing I got off the buffet that didn't have me saying ...mmmph mmmph mmmmmmmph!“

4.2 Good129 Reviews
Pinpoint Restaurant Southern • $$$
114 Market St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

1855 Prime NY Strip
Heritage Pork Chop
Raw Oysters 6 For
Pimento Cheese
Shrimp & Grits
Baked Oysters
Steak Tartare
Beef Tartare
Seafood

“This is a strange review. Why? The overall rating is higher than the individual segment. Why? The beef tartare! The STAR of the night.The lemon puree brightened the dish and married the flavors of the pickled fennel, black garlic aioli, capers, and smoked trout roe. The beet tartare was also a treat. The candied pecans played well with dill sour cream and apple vinaigrette the mustard and capers brought a briny flavor that leveled out the sweet notes, but the smoked goat cheese brought them all together. The oysters were interesting, with vodka sauce parmesan bread crumb. The Blackened Shrimp & Grit Grits lead creamy stone ground grits. The seared greens tasted as though they were blanched before they were seared. The ratio of celery root and sunchokes to shrimp was more on the veggies side. I ordered a side of black eyed peas and collards. The collards were cooked well. I like a more vinegary collard. There was a sweetness that looked to level off the vinegar taste. The sweet was a little much for me. The black eyed peas were fresh and bright. I like mine cooked a little longer, but you could taste the farm to table on these. The sides came out at the end of completing my entree, which was not ideal. The server seemed nervous at the beginning of the service. Warmed up towards the middle and got swamped with tables at the end of our service. My wife had the pork chop, i didn’t try it. I knew better. She didn’t offer like she usually does? The seating was tighter than my liking, but the parties closest were very considerate, we all keep or volume down.Vegetarian options: Lions mane steak & beet tarts, butternut hummus“

4.2 Good303 Reviews
Dixie Grill American • $
116 Market St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Strawberry Banana Pecan French Toast
Shrimp and Grits with Egg
Traditional Breakfast
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Buttermilk Pancakes
Huevos Rancheros
Corned Beef Hash
Louisiana Hash

“Let preface this by saying I was here on St Paddy’s Day. I’ve never been to Dixie Grill before so I don’t have a clue how busy it usually is. But I will say from the time I put my name on the list until the time I finished it was 1.5 hours. I was by myself at the bar so I wasn’t chit chatting or anything.The food was good though, corned beef and hash over medium eggs. The biscuit was a little too crispy on the outside for me. I would still recommend this place for breakfast.“

4.1 Good95 Reviews
Board & Barrel Wine Bar • $
301 N Water St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Hotel Ballast Signature Salad
Chicken Quesadilla

“Incredibly busy for a quite hotel, everytime I passed by this place when entering the hotel from the riverwalk, so I was curious why. First I tried one of my favorite drinks while my sons where at the pool. A cordial spritz (I believe they called Bless my Heart) and it was very nice. Then we had breakfast the day after, french toast, avocado toast and buffet. All thing delicious but what made our morning was the service. Destiny (forgive me if I got your name wrong!) was a an amazing host and waitress!“

3.7 Good40 Reviews
The George on the Riverwalk Southern • $$
128 S Water St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Scallops and Mushroom Risotto
Shrimp and Crab Nachos
Oysters Rockefeller
Brussels Sprouts
Shrimp and Grits
Mashed Potatoes
Fish and Chips
Key Lime Pie
Calamari
Chicken

“No exaggeration, this is the best restuarant I've ever been to. The food was absolutely amazing. Try the Raviolis and crab dip. Boyfriend said the blackened catfish is the only catfish he's ever loved. The drinks were too good! I recommend Queen Anne's Revenge. The waitstaff was so fun and helpful. It was nice being inside out of the wind. And the interior was gorgeous. Such a wonderful choice for our anniversary dinner.“

4 Good290 Reviews
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store American • $
21 Van Campen Blvd, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Mamas French Toast Breakfast Side of Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
The Cracker Barrel's Country Boy Breakfast
Eggs Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole
Momma's French Toast Breakfast
Cracker Barrel Classic Bundle
Momma's Pancake Breakfast
Dozen Buttermilk Biscuits
Cornbread and Biscuits
Cracker Barrel Sampler
Chicken Fried Chicken

“Friendly, fast service. Server made sure everything was to our liking, kept drinks filled, checked on us regularly. Food was hot and delicious. Cheese fries were very good, biscuits were fluffy, and chicken tenders/fries were good. I tried the new golden Carolina BBQ tenders, very good (slight Smokey flavor).“

3.8 Good213 Reviews
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