Best romantic restaurants in Wilmington? 19 top spots for date night

When it comes to date night, there’s no single recipe for romance. Some couples crave the excitement of buzzy new restaurants, while others gravitate toward quiet neighborhood gems that feel worlds away from the everyday.

Little Dipper Fondue is at 138 S. Front St. in downtown Wilmington, N.C.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, it’s set to be one of the busiest dining weekends across New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.

Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for fresh inspiration, here are some of our favorite spots — cozy, elegant, waterfront, and everything in between — for creating a memorable evening. If we missed your go‑to date‑night destination, let us know at [email protected].

Beach Shop & Grill, Topsail Beach

One of the area's oldest restaurants, this business has evolved into a cozy combination of beachy casual and fine‑dining. They re-open for the season in early February and will have a new chef-created, locally sourced menu focusing on seasonal and coastal. Also look for a noteworthy wine list and craft cocktails at 701 S. Anderson Blvd.

The Bento Box, Wilmington

Chef Lee Grossman brings experience and attention to detail to his sushi bar and Asian restaurant that features a selection of elevated favorites. Diners can sit at the sushi bar to chat with chefs or choose the serene dining room or zen‑inspired patio at 1121 Military Cutoff Road.

Café Chinois, Wilmington

At 3710 S. College Road, this sister restaurant to the popular Indochine is a beautiful and popular spot for all sorts of dinners, but it's also a great spot for a romantic meal with art from late owner Solange ‘Niki’ Thompson’s personal collection. 

Caprice Bistro, Wilmington

When it comes to date nights, a classic French menu hits all the right notes. Although new owners have taken over this longtime favorite restaurant, they've continued the traditions that helped it land on a national list of romantic restaurants a few years ago. It's at 10 Market St.

Casa Encanto, Wilmington

You don't have to bring flowers to this date. They are a part of the ambiance at this restaurant that adds a vibe of the Mexican countryside to North Carolina. Grab a specialty cocktail and something from the eclectic Latin menu and it's a delightful recipe at 5120 New Centre Drive.

Edgewater 122, Southport

This Brunswick County restaurant combines waterfront dining with an upscale vibe. It overlooks the Yacht Basin in downtown Southport. In addition to a locally sourced regular menu, they often host wine dinners and other special occasion events at 122 Yacht Basin Drive.

Farfalla, Wilmington

After experimenting with a few concepts at this restaurant in Wilmington's South Front District, the We Are True Blue restaurant group decided to continue with this menu inspired by Italian summers. The renovated cottage offers a cozy setting for the small plates and more at 502 S. Third St. 

The Green House, Wilmington

If you step into this plant-based restaurant near Wrightsville Beach, you'd never believe it was a fast-casual chain restaurant years ago. Now, it's a home for inventive fare, house-grown greens and a curated cocktail, wine and zero-proof beverage menu at 1427 Military Cutoff Road.

Kipos Hellenic Cuisine, Wrightsville Beach

This upscale Greek restaurant from the Giorgios Hospitality & Lifestyle Group continues to dazzle in Lumina Station. You can sit in the buzzy dining room or in the outdoor windchime garden in warm weather and enjoy small plates, fresh seafood and classic dishes at 1900 Eastwood Road.  

STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. 

The Little Dipper, Wilmington

Sharing dippers of cheese, chocolate and other tasty tidbits is always a great choice for a romantic date night. Add in a historic setting in downtown Wilmington and a selection of fun and festive beverages and this restaurant at 138 S. Front St. is a popular spot.

Mr. P's Bistro, Southport

This longtime family restaurant is home to classic date-night dishes like Oysters Bienville (and Rockefeller) and prime rib. The menu here is seafood and more with a Low Country approach. It's been a Brunswick County favorite for many couples at 309 N. Howe St.  

Olivero, Wilmington

The James Beard nominated chefs at this restaurant offer a seasonal menu of pastas and wood-fired plates. But if you'd like dinner and show, book a couple of seats at the kitchen bar so you can watch the magic happen at522 S. Third St.

Origins Food and Drink, Wilmington

Any of the eateries from restaurateur Ash Aziz are a great choice for romance. This one has a retro-modern look, paired with a menu that also offers updated takes on classic dishes. Look for it in the Autumn Hall community at a 102 Autumn Hall Drive in Wilmington.  

Port Land Grille, Wrightsville Beach

Restaurateur Anne Steketee and chef Jonathan McAuley recently took home an award at Taste of Wrightsville Beach for their balsamic-espresso glazed short ribs. Find other seasonally inspired dishes to enjoy at 1908 Eastwood Road in Lumina Station.   

Roko Italian Cuisine, Wilmington

Another local favorite spot is this intimate Italian eatery (with great service) in the Mayfaire shopping center. The family-owned eatery offers popular dishes include the wild mushroom ravioli, the pasta rustica and the shrimp scampi at 6801 Parker Farm Drive.

Rx Chicken & Oysters

James and Sarah Doss take seafood seriously but have also created an elegant but laid-back atmosphere at their Castle Street eatery, with seating in the dining room, on the patio or at the bar surrounded by local art. Order their own oysters, or elevated Southern fare at 421 Castle St.

South Beach Grill, Wrightsville Beach

This popular Wrightsville Beach restaurant known for its fresh seafood and coastal fare sourced from local fishermen and farmers. It's also a great spot to take in the sunset, from the dining room or the patio with a beverage in hand at l00 S. Lumina Ave.

The Vine, Wilmington

If a dark and moody wine bar is your top choice for a romantic evening, this spot is a go to for small plates, wines by the glass and bottle, as well as a variety of craft beers and cocktails. Try the Date Night (bacon wrapped dates) or share a flatbread at 25 N. Third St.

Voyce Bistro, Wilmington

This cozy restaurant in downtown Wilmington is new to the scene. But the latest from chef Keith Rhodes and his wife Angela is already getting great reviews. Look for seafood, as well as some beef and chicken dishes, prepared with a coastal Caribbean approach at 11 Market St.