10 waterfront restaurants Wilmington locals recommend for great food and coastal views
Wilmington's connection to the water is one of the first things visitors notice. From the Cape Fear River winding through downtown to the Intracoastal Waterway near Wrightsville Beach, waterfront views are woven into daily life here. Fortunately for food lovers, some of the area's best restaurants take full advantage of those scenic settings.
Whether you're looking for fresh local seafood, a casual dockside lunch or a sunset dinner overlooking the water, Wilmington offers no shortage of memorable waterfront dining experiences. Some restaurants sit directly along the Riverwalk, while others overlook marinas, boat traffic and coastal waterways that showcase the region's laid-back charm.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Wilmington offers waterfront dining along both the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway.
- The details: Local favorites range from casual seafood spots to upscale date-night destinations. Many restaurants feature outdoor patios, sunset views and fresh local seafood.
- The more you know: Riverwalk restaurants provide easy access to downtown Wilmington attractions. Several waterfront eateries offer live music, marina views and boat-accessible dining.
To help narrow down the options, we rounded up 10 waterfront restaurants Wilmington locals recommend for great food, beautiful views and an authentic taste of coastal North Carolina.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway near Wrightsville Beach, Bluewater Waterfront Grill is one of the area's most iconic waterfront dining destinations. Locals love its expansive deck overlooking the marina, where boats glide by throughout the day. The menu focuses on fresh seafood, seasonal catches and coastal-inspired dishes. It's especially popular at sunset, when the water views are at their best.
- Address: 4 Marina St., Wrightsville Beach
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 256-8500
Michael's on the Waterfront
Set along the historic Cape Fear River, Michael's combines waterfront views with a welcoming local atmosphere. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with coastal Carolina influences and offers a spacious outdoor patio with a view of the river. Many locals appreciate the combination of quality seafood, friendly service and a less touristy feel than some nearby spots. It's an excellent choice for lunch, dinner or a casual date night.
- Address: 5 S. Water St., Wilmington
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Phone: (910) 769-4252
River 128 Restaurant
Formerly called The George on the Riverwalk, River 128 sits directly on the Cape Fear River and offers some of the city's best sunset views. Guests can enjoy Southern coastal cuisine while watching boats pass along the river. The restaurant's elevated deck creates a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Locals frequently recommend it for special occasions, weekend brunches and out-of-town visitors.
- Address: 128 S. Water St., Wilmington
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 763-2052
The Pilot House
The Pilot House has been a Wilmington waterfront staple for decades. Located beside the Riverwalk, the historic building offers panoramic river views and a menu centered around fresh seafood and Southern favorites. Locals appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and classic Wilmington charm. It's an ideal spot to enjoy lunch while exploring downtown or dinner overlooking the water.
- Address: 2 Ann St., Wilmington
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Phone: (910) 343-0200
Oceanic is one of Wrightsville Beach's most iconic waterfront dining destinations. Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean beside the historic Crystal Pier, it's the only restaurant on Wrightsville Beach situated right on the beach. Known for fresh local seafood, oceanfront views and outdoor pier seating, Oceanic is a favorite spot for everything from casual lunches to sunset dinners. Its laid-back coastal atmosphere and unbeatable views make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
- Address: 703 S. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 256-5551
Marina Grill
Marina Grill overlooks the Port City Marina and offers one of downtown's most scenic waterfront dining experiences. Guests can dine indoors or outside while enjoying marina views and passing boats. The menu includes seafood, steaks, brunch favorites and creative cocktails. Locals often recommend Marina Grill for celebrations, weekend brunches and sunset dinners.
- Address: 18 Harnett St., Wilmington
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 769-7974
Dockside Restaurant
Dockside offers classic waterfront dining along the Intracoastal Waterway. The restaurant is famous for fresh seafood, fish tacos and boat-watching from its outdoor deck. Locals love arriving by boat or gathering with friends for casual dinners by the water. Its laid-back atmosphere captures the coastal lifestyle Wilmington residents enjoy.
- Address: 1308 Airlie Road, Wilmington
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. daily
- Phone: (910) 256-2752
Smoke on the Water
Nestled within the Riverlights community, Smoke on the Water has quickly become a favorite for residents in southern Wilmington. Guests enjoy waterfront views of the Cape Fear River while dining on Southern-inspired comfort food and seafood dishes. The relaxed setting, live music events and beautiful sunsets make it a neighborhood gathering spot. Many locals consider it one of Wilmington's hidden gems.
- Address: 3704 Watercraft Ferry Ave., Wilmington
- Hours: 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 833-5069
Anne Bonny's Bar & Grill
For a unique waterfront dining experience, Anne Bonny's is hard to beat. The restaurant sits on a floating barge directly along the Cape Fear River, making it one of the most distinctive dining destinations in Wilmington. Locals love the casual atmosphere, cold drinks and front-row views of the river and the North Carolina Battleship. The menu features seafood baskets, burgers, sandwiches and shareable appetizers, making it a great stop during a stroll along the Riverwalk.
- Address: 106 S. Water St., Wilmington
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Phone: (910) 399-7212
Bridge Tender
A longtime local favorite near Wrightsville Beach, Bridge Tender overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and offers a classic coastal North Carolina dining experience. Known for fresh seafood, steak and dockside views, it's a popular gathering spot for both boaters and locals. Guests can dine outside while watching boats pass beneath the nearby drawbridge, creating one of the area's most memorable waterfront settings. Its combination of fresh seafood and laid-back coastal charm keeps Wilmington residents coming back year after year.
- Address: 1414 Airlie Road, Wilmington
- Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
- Phone: (910) 256-4519
