The Sounder
Midtown
The Sounder is a coastal-inspired American restaurant. Founded by Grant Steadman of Flying Machine Brewing, it serves as a "love letter to the coast," focusing on elevated yet approachable local seafood.
The menu highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and the restaurant's own oyster farm, with signature dishes like NC Seafood Stew, Smoked Tuna Wellington, and a variety of baked oysters. Open for daily lunch and dinner—plus a popular weekend brunch—the space features a bright, coastal-chic redesign with round booths, a private event space, and an outdoor patio. It also offers a lively late-night bar menu available until midnight for those looking to enjoy a cocktail or a bite in a community-focused atmosphere.
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Zora's Market and Kitchen
Downtown
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Voyce Bistro
Downtown
Voyce Bistro is a new addition to the downtown Wilmington, NC culinary scene, located at 11 Market Street. Led by Chef Rhodes, the bistro specializes in Coastal Caribbean Cuisine, blending the fresh flavors of the North Carolina coast with vibrant Caribbean influences.
The restaurant is known for its "farm-to-table" approach, sourcing ingredients from local fishermen, farmers, and purveyors. Its menu features a variety of seafood dishes, burgers, and curated beer and wine selections, all served in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Voyce Bistro has already gained local recognition, recently being nominated as a "Best Kept Secret Restaurant" in the community.
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Red's Crab Shack
Midtown
Red’s Crab Shack is a new addition to Wilmington’s seafood scene.
A family-owned venture by Victor Nguyen and his wife, this is the second location for the concept following a successful start in Jacksonville, NC. It offers a unique "Pho and Seafood" fusion experience.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Seafood Boils: The heart of the menu features Southern-style boils where you can build your own pot with snow crab, shrimp, dungeness crab, mussels, and lobster tail. These are tossed in a variety of house-made sauces like Garlic Lovers, Cajun, Lemon Pepper, and Old Bay.
- Authentic Pho: A standout addition to the Wilmington location is their authentic Pho. The broth is simmered from bone marrow to create a rich, traditional flavor, offering a lighter, approachable lunch option alongside the heavy seafood boils.
- Diverse Menu: Beyond boils and pho, they serve seafood po'boys, fried baskets (catfish, flounder, oysters), quesadillas, and appetizers like "crab cake balls" and coconut shrimp.
- Drinks & Vibe: The restaurant features a full bar with a focus on craft beer, wine, and a signature cocktail menu. They also offer a variety of Boba/milk teas and smoothies.
- Entertainment: The interior has a coastal "mariner" vibe and includes a small stage with a baby grand piano, with plans to host live music and comedy nights



