Boasting an enviable location in downtown Wilmington, just a short walk from the scenic Cape Fear River, Aubriana’s Fine Dining does exactly what it says on the tin. Guests experience fine dining based around unique and delicious dishes, in a cosy and rustic space that includes a covered courtyard perfect for warmer evenings. With talented chef Tyson Amick at the helm, Aubriana’s serves up a menu of contemporary American fare, including dishes like the blackened Carolina catfish with shrimp perlau, spicy tasso ham and calasparra rice. Finish with a dessert like peanut butter pie with an Oreo crust and dark chocolate ganache, washed down with a glass of wine from Aubriana’s extensive selection.
Aubriana’s Fine Dining, 115 South Front Street, Wilmington, NC, USA, +1 910 763 7773
Sunny Sushi and Sake Lounge opened downtown in early 2013, with two brothers at the helm who share a passion for fresh Japanese sushi and authentic Thai dishes. It boasts a stylish interior that is a mix of Japanese-themed minimalism combined with contemporary industrial elements. Guests can enjoy its classy ambience while dining on dishes like the double dragon sushi made with shrimp, crab and cucumber, topped with smoked eel, avocado and a sweet glaze, or a heartier dish like braised duck breast in a red curry sauce of peppers, bamboo shoots, baby string beans and fresh Thai basil.
Sunny Sushi and Sake Lounge, 141 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC, USA, +1 910 833 7272
For a unique and fun dining experience try The Little Dipper, a cosy but modern restaurant in historic downtown Wilmington specialising in fondue. Located in a building dating back to 1937, the restaurant has a historical yet contemporary ambience, and includes its own back deck on which guests can enjoy their food on warmer evenings. The Little Dipper, which in 2011 was listed in the OpenTable Diner’s Top 100 Restaurants in the country, serves many fondue varieties, like the cheddar ale and Fontina. Alongside these is a range of other dishes like filet mignon with portobello mushrooms and Southern pork tenderloin.
The Little Dipper, 138 South Front Street, Wilmington, NC, USA, +1 910 251 0433