Romantic Restaurants in Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina

Whether you’re a golfer, beachgoer, history enthusiast, or shopper, there’s no doubt that Wilmington, North Carolina is an ideal travel destination. Wilmington is nestled along the banks of the Cape Fear River, and this port city offers unique appeal and area visitors are known to fall in love with the charm of the city.

Wilmington’s past is evident is the large historic district, where you’ll find stately homes on cobblestone streets and just within walking distance of the river. While you’re in downtown Wilmington, you can discover more of the Old South from the museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. For a romantic, the restaurants in downtown Wilmington are perfect. If you’re planning a trip to the Wilmington area and you’re on the hunt for a charming, romantic restaurant to take your loved one then here are a few spots that you must visit:

The Riverboat Landing
For a romantic, this restaurant is truly a gem. You can see The Riverboat Landing’s baby blue exterior from across the historic riverfront, beckoning visitors to stop by and have a delicious meal or a bottle of wine from their expansive selection. Couples can enjoy a panoramic sunset over the Battleship North Carolina from one of the nine intimate two-seater balconies that overlook the Cape Fear River. This is downtown Wilmington’s landmark restaurant. This building is located in the heart of downtown Wilmington and the building date backs to the 1800’s. The renovated interior complements the modern cuisine which is a delicious blend of Southern with French, Mediterranean and Asian influences. Sunday offers a special brunch menu, including Eggs Chesapeake.

But if you’re looking for an intimate meal with your loved one, wait until dinner, which is served every night of the week. Begin your evening with one of the unforgettable appetizers such as crab salad or grilled scallops and grab a cocktail from the bar. Continue the evening with an elegantly prepared entrée from the menu. While the menu is ever-changing, be assured that no matter what time of year you go to The Riverboat Landing you’ll be pleased with the results. From shrimp and grits to smoked duck, it’s all delicious. The staff is helpful and pleasant to deal with and will be happy to serve a wine from an award-winning wine list. If you still have room for dessert, which is always the case, choose from their killer dessert selection. From Chocolate Lava Pie a la mode to the Crème Brulee, any of their desserts is the best way to cap off a perfect evening.

2 Market St.
Wilmington, NC
910-763-7227

Deluxe
Looking for a place where you can be heard, but not seen? Deluxe is the place. Although it’s no a busy street, this restaurant is so low key you could nearly pass right by it. This restaurants visually stunning, offering a stimulating environment of art deco and abstract expressionism, all mixed with the wood sculpture, glasswork, fresh floral arrangements, and clean lines. Artwork is rotated every ten weeks for a fresh, ever-changing look. And that’s just the décor! Deluxe is the ultimate romantic restaurant. The staff places special emphasis on plate presentation and the use of local, fresh ingredients. Make your dinner memorable by choosing from their menu of French, Italian, Asian, Southern, and even Caribbean dishes that are pleasing to both the eye and the palate.

Though you can find their menu posted online, my personal recommendation for an appetizer is the Snead’s Ferry Little Neck Clams which are steamed in Sancerre fumet with spicy chorizo, shaved fennel, toy box tomatoes and tortellini fromage. It’s the perfect way to start your evening. The entrée course menu is nearly impossible to choose from. There are a variety of dishes ranging from duck to snapper, but my personal recommendation is the pan seared South Florida Red Grouper which is displayed over Blue crab fingerling potato hash & roasted asparagus, with proscuitto-fennel vinaigrette & sauce béarnaise. It’s wonderful.

For dessert, try the Chocolate Mocha Crème Brulee or the Pumpkin Crunch Sundae to end your perfect night. Most of the entrée dishes at Deluxe average $25-30, while the appetizers and desserts range from $10-15.

114 Market St.
Wilmington, NC
910-251- 0333

The Pilot House
If you’re looking to have a quiet, romantic evening, but you still want to enjoy a more regional style of food, then The Pilot House should be your choice. The Pilot House is another premier restaurant in downtown Wilmington. This restaurant overlooks the Cape Fear River and sets up for the perfect evening with a loved one. The restaurant occupies the historic Craig House, and offers high quality Southern cooking. The restaurant features outdoor seating which is perfect during Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons and the attire of the visitors at The Pilot House ranges drastically from Bermuda shorts to suits and ties. The wine list is not over powering, but is well-rounded. The restaurant was renovated recently with a riverfront bar with tremendous views of the Cape Fear River to go along with your cocktails.

The menu of The Pilot House defines historic downtown Wilmington in every way. Start your romantic dinner off by ordering a starter. You can find crab fritters, mussels, and oysters all on the menu. As for the main course, the menu ranges from char grilled seafood and chicken to duck and a selection of pasta dishes. There is also a selection of seafood salads. My personal recommendation for a main dish is the Pilot House Crabcakes that include jumbo lump crab, low country beurre blance, and Hoppin John with vegetables. The entrees range from $17.00 to $25.00.

Chandlers Wharf, 2 Ann St.
Wilmington, NC
910-343-0200

For more in-depth travel information on Wilmington then you can also read my article featured on Associated Content entitled, “Travel Guide on Wilmington, NC.”