Seafood/Steak House

Circa 1922 $$$
8 N. Front Street, Wilmington 28401
(910) 762-1922
Circa has become renowned for serving a tapas-style menu, which allows you and your companions to create your own dining experience by sharing several small plates of specialties from around the world. Or you can order individually by course. Each course is marked by the quality and exceptional service that makes this restaurant stand out from the rest. If you're looking to begin your meal with an appetizer, you may want to consider the crab and artichoke dip. Then it's on to an array of tempting choices for your main course. One excellent choice is the Filet Mignon Porto in Pastry, topped with Gruyere cheese and proscuitto ham and wrapped in a puff pastry served atop a tawny port wine sauce. Gauge your appetite for generously portioned, award-winning desserts. The bananas Foster will put you in a state of pure bliss, and the creme brulee is heavenly. The greatest part of Circa, aside from their appetizers, desserts and complete wine list, is the authentic 1922 atmosphere. You will expect F. Scott Fitzgerald to walk in the door before you leave. Circa opens nightly for dinner. Reservations are welcome.

DELUXE $$-$$$
114 Market Street, Wilmington 28401
(910) 251-0333
Deluxe offers an aesthetically stimulating environment in a lively and casual atmosphere: eclectic decor of art deco, abstract expressionism and architectural formalism; paintings, wood sculpture and glasswork within a historic space under high ceilings with clean lines. It's a sublime and friendly environment for enjoying excellent New American-style dinners, with the largest selection of fine wines in the region, and one of Wilmington's superior brunches. Dinner is memorable, with innovative offerings including French, Asian, Italian, New Southern, Low-country and Caribbean dishes that appeal visually while tempting the palate. One delicious example from a menu full of unique cuisine is the pan-seared Outer Banks striper filet. For brunch, the menu is equally attractive, with selections that include cinnamon pecan swirl French toast or hickory-smoked salmon, served with melted white cheddar cheese, two poached eggs and topped with a mustard cream sauce. After dinner, sit back with a 20-year-old tawny or vintage port or a Grand Marnier flight, and you'll know why this cafe at the very heart of downtown has a dedicated following. Deluxe is open for dinner every evening and for Sunday brunch from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. Menu selections are prepared with a special emphasis on fresh local ingredients and exquisite plate presentation. Deluxe has achieved a Wine Spectator award of excellence four years in a row, and the staff is dedicated to re-inventing fine dining styles for today's savvy gourmand.

Elijah's $$-$$$
Chandler's Wharf, 2 Ann Street, Wilmington 28401
(910) 343-1448
No one can say they've been to Wilmington until they've tried Elijah's crab dip. Directly on the Cape Fear River, Elijah's offers traditional low-country fare as well as such delights as oysters Rockefeller, the mouthwatering Shrimp and Scallops Elijah, and mahi fettucine. Elijah's is two restaurants in one — the oyster bar, which includes outdoor deck seating, and the enclosed dining room, with its more formal presentation of seafood, poultry, pasta and choice beef. Nautical artwork recalls the building's former incarnation as a maritime museum. The ambience is casual, and the western exposure makes it a great place for a sundown toast. Elijah's is open seven days a week year round and serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Reservations are accepted only for parties of eight or more

The George on the Riverwalk
128 South Water Street, Wilmington 28401
(910) 815-3443
The Cape Fear River is a scenic focal point of the Wilmington landscape, and The George is situated right on its western bank, even boasting facilities for your boat to create a unique "dock and dine experience." Once you have secured your craft, you'll delight at the unique and sumptuous selections featured in The George's Southern coastal cuisine. Fresh local seafood, juicy steaks and numerous vegetarian selections round out the menu, and a full bar offers top-shelf cocktails for the discriminating connoisseur. An ideal sunset dining spot in the spring and summer, The George brings you closer to Wilmington's maritime history as well as its seafaring culture. In addition to serving both lunch and dinner, The George's Sunday brunch is a lovely way to spend your last day of the weekend, and the outdoor seating options provide you with a stunning view of the river and, in warmer months, the sunset. Weekday afternoons feature drink specials and $5 appetizers from 4 until 6:30 PM. With The George's convenient parking, you'll want to start your Riverwalk tour with some tasty treats here.

The Pilot House $$-$$$
Chandler's Wharf, 2 Ann Street, Wilmington 28401
(910) 343-0200
The Pilot House is among the preeminent dining establishments downtown. Overlooking the Cape Fear River at Chandler's Wharf, the restaurant occupies the historic Craig House (c. 1870) and strives for innovations with high-quality Southern regional cooking. The wide-ranging dinner menu features sautéed and chargrilled seafood, beef and chicken, pan-seared duck, pasta and a delectable roster of appetizers. Daily lunch and dinner specials are equally tempting. Lunch selections include generous traditional and seafood salads, innovative sandwiches and entrees. You will see guests dressed in everything from Bermuda shorts to a shirt and tie. Lunch is more casual than dinner. The wine list is carefully chosen and well-rounded. The Pilot House features additional outdoor seating, weather permitting, and serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, year round, with brunch offered on Sunday. The addition of a newly renovated riverfront bar provides spectacular views of the Cape Fear River to go along with that cocktail. A children's menu is available. Reservations are recommended.

Riverboat Landing Restaurant $$-$$$
2 Market Street, Wilmington 28401
(910) 763-7227
Enjoy a panoramic sunset over the Battleship North Carolina from one of the nine intimate two-seater balconies that overlook the Cape Fear River. Downtown's landmark restaurant, Riverboat Landing is located at the foot of Market and Water streets, nestled in a building that dates to the 1800s. A newly renovated interior decor complements the modern cuisine, which is an eclectic blend of Southern regional with French, Asian and Mediterranean influences. Enjoy selections from the expansive lunch menu, including traditional comfort food, as well as sandwiches from simple to sensational. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday offers a special brunch menu, including the famous Eggs Chesapeake and quiche du jour. Blending a wide assortment of breakfast and lunch entrees, brunch offers selections to suit everyone's taste. Dinner is served every night. Begin your evening with one of the unforgettable appetizers and a cocktail from the bar. Next, enjoy an elegantly prepared entrée from the unique and ever-changing dinner menu. A member of the professional staff will be happy to assist you in pairing a wine from an award-winning wine list. Remember not to leave without sampling some legendary desserts. From Chocolate Lava Pie a la mode to Creme Brulee Napolean, any of their enticing desserts will bring your meal to a sweet conclusion. A children's menu is available upon request.