Seafood/Steakhouse

The Bento Box
1113-F Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington 28405
(910) 509-0774
If you want the freshest, highest-quality sushi around, look no further than The Bento Box. Chef Lee Grossman earned his stripes under the watchful eye of a master sushi chef and has cultivated his knowledge of the art of sushi over numerous years in the restaurant business. Today he maintains close relationships with some of the finest fish vendors the world over, acquiring amazing cuts of choice fish from Scotland, Japan and many other sought-after fishing grounds. With traditional and contemporary choices, diners will find themselves awash in a sea of delicacies from the cutting board of Chef Lee. Take a seat at the bar and watch as he assembles magical dishes right before your eyes or catch the action from the flat-screen TV featuring closed circuit shots of his handiwork.

Boca Bay $$$
2025 Eastwood Road, Wilmington 28403
(910) 256-1887
Located between Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington, Boca Bay's covered outdoor patio, fountain and palm trees provide a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere. When you’re hungry but not quite sure what you’re in the mood for, this is the place to go. Boca Bay’s tapas-style menu allows you and your companions to create your own dining experience by sharing a variety of specialties from around the world, served in smaller portions so you can enjoy several different yet complementary flavors in one meal. Of course, you’ll want to complete your meal with one of Boca Bay’s delectable desserts. Boca Bay is open every day for dinner, and in the spring and summer season they’re open for Sunday brunch as well. Reservations are welcome.

Port Land Grille $$$
1908 Eastwood Road, Ste. 111, Wilmington 28403
(910) 256-6056
This five-star restaurant alone is worth a trip to the coast. Port Land Grille knows the art of fine dining. The ambiance, indoors and out, offers an appealing sense of style with oversized tables draped with white tablecloths, black and white photographs of Old Wrightsville Beach, comfortable rooms with a view, exquisite service and, weather permitting, picturesque dining on the patio overlooking a landscaped pond at Lumina Station. Though the restaurant is reminiscent of the classy supper clubs of bygone eras, the food is its key to success. Chef Shawn Wellersdick is renowned for his ability to transform quality ingredients into a meal of layered flavors and side dishes that rival the entree in taste and creativity. An excellent example is his version of mashed sweet potatoes (the secret involves scented vanilla beans).
The menu includes meal-sized appetizers, especially when coupled with one of Port Land Grille's salads. A favorite is the crab cake nestled on a bed of buttered baby lima beans and served with an applewood-smoked bacon vinaigrette. A popular salad choice is characterized as a simple Southern salad — a chilled iceberg lettuce wedge with crisp bacon and bleu cheese dressing. Entrees feature fresh seafood and organically raised meats. Dessert is memorable, especially Port Land Grille's signature coconut cake. This wonderful confection is seven layers of cake with a lemony filling, topped with a pistachio anglaise. The restaurant's award-winning wine list is almost exclusively American selections, especially small-production boutique wines. A popular spot for drinks and dining is the beautiful, well-stocked granite bar. Seating here overlooks the action in the open theater-style kitchen. The restaurant is completely nonsmoking, and in addition to the main dining room it offers two private dining areas that seat 20 and 65 people, either of which is perfect for parties and corporate events. Open year-round, Port Land Grille serves dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends, but walk-in guests are graciously accommodated.

Texas Roadhouse $$
230 Eastwood Road, Wilmington 28403
(910) 798-1770
The Texas Roadhouse story is simple: legendary food with legendary service inspired by legendary folks! Everything here is made from scratch. Steaks cut by hand, award-winning ribs, grilled salmon, fried catfish, fresh-baked bread and delightful sides are all made from scratch with only the highest-quality ingredients. Leave room for dessert, including Granny's Apple Classic, strawberry cheesecake and a Big Ol' Brownie. Every Tuesday night is Kids' Night, when kids get to enjoy games, crafts and lots of fun while you relax and enjoy your meal. Texas Roadhouse is open for dinner every night and serves lunch Friday through Sunday only.

Port City Chop House $$$
1981 Eastwood Road, Wilmington 28403
(910) 256-4955
A unique and superior dining experience in casual surroundings. They have everything from steaks to seafood, salad and dessert. Plus, they have an excellent wine list to pair with our favorite meal.

Max’s Prime Steakhouse $$$
1900 Eastwood Road, Wilmington 28403
(910) 256-9950
Max’s offers the finest selections of prime meat available, cooked to 1,200 degrees in our custom broiler. Fresh local seafood and chops round out the entrée offerings. Choose to accompany your meal with a special bottle from our wine list of more than 300 bottles. Max’s is home to Wilmington’s best collection of ports and single malt scotches.

Jerry’s $$-$$$
7220 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington 28403
(910) 256-8847
Located just before the bridge to Wrightsville Beach, Jerry’s has been serving the finest in upscale cuisine for the past 12 years. Utilizing the freshest seafood, Jerry’s offers gems like the Caribbean grouper, the stuffed flounder and Jerry’s favorite, the grilled salmon. In the mood for something on the heartier side? Try the New Zealand rack of lamb or perhaps the mouth-watering Chateaubriand, served with a port wine and shiitake mushroom sauce.

Bridge Tender Restaurant $$$
1414 Airlie Road, Wilmington 28403
(910) 256-4519
Located at the foot of the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge on historic Airlie Road, The Bridge Tender Restaurant features the finest steaks and seafood with a spectacular panoramic view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Since 1976, this fine casual dining establishment has earned their reputation for excellence through careful attention to detail, unparalleled cuisine and impeccable service. The Bridge Tender offers inside and outside dining with unobstructed views of the marinas, boats and waterway. The dinner menu includes a wide variety of appetizers and entrees along with several nightly specials. Served from 11:30 AM daily, the lunch menu has everything from salads and sandwiches to fresh seafood entrees. If you're in the mood for something lighter, visit the waterfront bar and deck to sample one of the unique appetizers as well as a selection of specialty cocktails. The Bridge Tender caters large and small events and is the perfect setting for a rehearsal dinner. The Bridge Tender serves lunch Monday through Friday and dinner nightly, and is a non-smoking restaurant. Nautical enthusiasts can glide right up to the adjacent dock and go from sea to seat in a matter of steps, making this one of the truly unique dining locations in the region.