Looking for beautiful latte art, ethically sourced beans, or fun, one-of-a-kind beverages? Here are our top picks.

With a career rooted in Maine and shaped by two decades of experience across a wide range of kitchens, the Executive Chef at The Sounder brings a thoughtful, globally influenced approach to Coastal American cuisine.

Rooted in memory, water, and community, The Sounder is more than Wilmington’s newest coastal restaurant—it’s a love letter to the Cape Fear way of life.

As icy winter weather sweeps over the Cape Fear region, cocktails turn inward. Brightness gives way to depth. Citrus softens, bitterness deepens, and drinks slow down—meant to be held, not rushed. This is the season of stirred spirits, fortified wines, smoke, fat-washing, and quiet complexity. Cocktails that feel intentional. Protective. Built for long nights and cold air.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of soulful soup. From creamy bisques to bold seafood broths, local chefs are crafting winter bowls that comfort, delight, and tell a story of seasonality and local ingredients. We asked five standout Wilmington eateries to share their winter soup picks—and the perfect pairings to sip alongside them.

Executive Chef Victor Martinez’s path to the kitchen was forged early, shaped by family, hard work, and an instinctive love for cooking. As a child, he spent hours helping his mother prepare banquets, drawn to the rhythm and generosity of the kitchen. That passion followed him into his first professional role as a dishwasher, where he began learning the craft from the ground up.

We’re turning up the heat and showcasing the Best Pizza's in Wilmington, NC and surrounding Cape Fear areas.

At Perla Raw Bar, oysters aren’t just a menu item—they are a craft, a celebration of coastal waters, and a tribute to the farmers who pull them from tide to table. Known for elevating the region’s most exceptional oysters with both classic and creative preparations, Perla has earned its place as one of the Cape Fear’s premier oyster destinations.

The Ray Family Trifle is a true family mainstay, one that feels as though it has been passed down for generations. In the Ray household, this dish is inseparable from celebrations, and it is the creation for which Art Ray—the brother of Winemaker & Owner of JOLO Winery, JW Ray —is especially famous.

At Tidewater Oyster Bar, the oyster experience is built on respect, for the water, the farmers, and the ritual of gathering around a great plate of seafood. Each preparation, from briny raw oysters to soulful Southern classics, reflects a balance of tradition and creativity rooted in North Carolina’s coast. Add a perfectly chilled martini, a knowledgeable team, and a room buzzing with holiday-season energy, and Tidewater becomes a place where oysters are not only enjoyed, but

Walk into Concorde Espresso Bar this time of year and it feels less like a coffee shop and more like stepping straight into a holiday movie. Twenty feet of sparkling Christmas tree glow, fireside blankets waiting to be draped over your lap, and a winter cocktail menu built on nostalgia, spice, and a little bartending magic. From spiked cocoa to the cult-favorite Eggnog Espresso Martini, Concorde turns every visit into a scene you’ll want to replay all season long.

At The City Club, the holidays don’t just sparkle — they completely transform the experience. Step through the doors and you’re met with timeless ambiance, festive energy, and that unmistakable warmth that only the season can bring. From crackling fireplaces to chef-driven feasts, nostalgic gatherings to spirited sips, the Club becomes a place where celebration feels effortless and every moment feels made just for you.We caught up with General Manager Bryan Chappell to find o

At Hieronymus , oyster season isn’t just a time of year—it’s a full-blown coastal celebration. From their indulgent, crab-topped baked Oysteronymus to briny raw oysters served with bright, house-made mignonettes, the restaurant showcases the very best from North Carolina waters. With local farms supplying the salt-kissed flavors guests love and cold craft beers ready to match every slurp, Hieronymus is the place to dive into the freshest oysters of the season. Visitors can gr

Celebrating Italian Christmas food traditions and local flavors with Antonio Carlo Sauces and Raffaldini Wines.

There’s something undeniably magical about the holidays on the water — twinkling lights dancing across the river, cozy winter evenings shared over good food, and the kind of warmth that only comes from gathering together. At Tequila’s Waterfront, the season comes alive with Mexican flavors, coastal charm, and vibrant dishes that feel just as festive as the décor. This year, the team is embracing the holidays with tequila-forward events, bold winter plates, and celebrations pe

At Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar , oysters aren’t just a menu item — they’re the heart of the experience. The restaurant is known for serving high-quality, locally sourced North Carolina oysters that capture the bright brine, clean finish, and unmistakable character of the state’s coastline. From bubbling, flavor-packed creations coming straight off the grill to chilled, pristine raw selections that taste as if they were pulled from the tide only moments before, Shuckin’ Shack’s

The holidays hit differently at Dram & Draught Wilmington — and this year, they’re hitting in full Ralph Lauren splendor. Think rich textures, layered plaid, glowing candlelight, evergreen draped from corner to corner, and that unmistakable blend of American luxury and fireside comfort.

As the holiday season approaches, Marina Grill is embracing the spirit of giving, celebration, and cozy indulgence. Under the guidance of F&B Director Tim Akins, this year marks a milestone for the waterfront favorite — from preparing Thanksgiving meals for the first time to partnering with The Salvation Army to support families in need, and donating a portion of Thanksgiving sales to Nourish NC.

There are certain flavors that signal the start of the holiday season—rich chocolates, buttery toffees, perfectly crunchy peanut brittle. This year, Wilmington gets to enjoy all of them with the arrival of a beloved American favorite: See’s Candies, now open for a limited time with a festive Holiday Gifting Center on South College Road.

With a culinary journey rooted in family traditions and sharpened through years of hands-on experience, Executive Chef Duane Ellison brings both heart and skill to the kitchen at Marina Grill.