Five years have passed since we moved to Wilmington and we’re still discovering new things to love. It has beautiful beaches, a clean riverwalk, delicious restaurants, an abundance of activities to enjoy on the water and even historic sites and architecture that date back to the founding of America! I’m excited to share recommendations for each of those things in this Wilmington Travel Guide series! In case you missed it, first up was Where to Stay + Where to Shop. Today, we’re talking all things food and coffee: the best restaurants and coffee shops around!

Where to Eat for Breakfast

There’s just something extra special about breakfast paired with sunrise at the beach! Each of these breakfast options are within about 10 minutes of Johnnie Mercer’s Pier…

1. Blueberry’s Grille:

Blueberry’s Grill is my favorite little breakfast stop after a sunrise session at Wrightsville Beach!! I especially love sitting under the garden patio outside.

2. Drift Kitchen:

There are now a number of locations around town, but the Wrightsville Beach location is the best!! We love to come here for a Mother’s Day brunch… post-swim re-fuel… birthday breakfast… shopping break with the girls… any excuse works. I order the Crispy Potato Brekkie on repeat (with extra roasted tomato aioli because it is scrumptious). Always with a mocha. And maybe a fresh-squeezed OJ.

3. Beach Bagels

Beach Bagels has a few locations around town and is a great quick stop for breakfast on-the-go!

Where to Eat for Lunch

Lunch should be easy! Nothing too serious, but still delicious and worth the pause. Here are six lunch options in Wilmington we love!

1. Brixx + Wheelz Pizza:

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza (left): I realize this is a chain, but it was new to us when we moved to the south, so if you’re coming from somewhere where Brixx is a new name to you and you want a good bite of pizza? Definitely check out Brixx in Mayfaire. Order of Brixx Sticks is mandatory.

We also LOVE Wheelz Pizza (right)! It is our go-to if we want pizza on the beach or if we’re going to be on the lawn at the Live Oak Pavilion.

2. Casa Blanca:

Casa Blanca is actually first and foremost a coffee roaster, BUT they they added a lot to their lunch menu a year or two ago and now it’s a fabulous lunch spot, too! Everything we’ve tried is not only delicious, but colorfully plated. There’s a spacious backyard that includes a beautiful garden patio where I’ve come many times: for knitting club… to celebrate my sister finding her wedding dress… coffee dates… even capturing a proposal!

3. P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille:

P.T.’s is a local’s favorite and has become our favorite grab on the way to or from fishing in Wrightsville Beach.

4. Heritage BBQ:

For some incredible southern BBQ and possibly the best beans you’ve ever had, come to Heritage BBQ!! It’s family-owned by our in-real-life friends! They just opened their doors a couple months ago and already have nearly 100 rave reviews.

5. Playa Bowls:

The açaí bowls at Playa are THE most refreshing on a hot summer day by the beach! They also have smoothies and juices and great options if you’re dairy or gluten free.

6. Cava:

Brixx, Playa Bowls and Cava are all in the Mayfaire area and great fast-er food options if you’re looking for a quick lunch. Cava was another new-to-us restaurant that you may already be familiar with, but if you’re not, think Chipotle, but make it Mediterranean. SO good!

Where to Eat for Dinner

My favorite category… date night possibilities!! Here are some of the best:

1. Floriana’s:

All the pasta at Floriana’s is made in-house we never leave without ordering their charcuterie with local meats, cheeses and honey. One of the best features about Floriana’s is their personal-sized balconies — they overlook the riverwalk downtown, so if you can, try to time your date for sunset!

2. Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill:

Out favorite Mexican place in Wilmington is Tower 7! It’s casual, fun, affordable and offers generous portions. Parking can be a little tricky, but once you secure a spot, it’s worth it (especially if it’s a Monday when fajitas are 1/2 price). Tower 7 is right on an access point, too, so we always end with a walk by the beach.

3. Kipos:

We’re a little new to authentic Greek cuisine, but Kipos has us hooked!! They also have a garden courtyard (if you haven’t noticed yet, it’s kind of a favorite around here). Highly recommend!

4. Elijah’s + Pilot House

Elijah’s and the Pilot House are nearby each other and right on the riverwalk! This is one of our favorite places to take friends visiting from out-of-town for a “Welcome to Wilmington” vibe at sunset. In the past, we’d order the steam pot from The Pilot House and share that. They no longer offer those, but never fear… you’re in good hands with Elijah’s right next door if that’s what you’re after. Not only do they have a low country boil, they also have 1/2 priced oysters on Wednesday…

5. Olivero:

I definitely saved the best for last. Olivero is my personal favorite restaurant in all of Wilmington. My actual love language. If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate, this is just the place. We come here for my birthday every year, for anniversaries and any other occasion we can!! If you don’t have any particular reason to celebrate, I recommend making one up.

Where to get a good coffee or treat

Two of my top recommendations for coffee are 1. Casa Blanca and 2. Drift Coffee & Kitchen (already listed above, since they both also offer meals)! Here are a few more you should check out:

3. Concorde:

Concorde is a part of the Front Street Inn downtown – we always sit in the back patio area which is suprisingly still a great option even when it’s cold, because every table has its own fire. You can even order s’mores with made-from-scratch marshmallows to roast!

4. Bespoke:

Another downtown option is Bespoke! Last time we were here we had some time to kill before a reservation and were able to snag a quick cup of coffee while we walked around downtown… delicious.

5. Bitty & Beaus:

Bitty & Beaus is a locally-owned, family-run shop started by parents of four children, one with autism and two with Down syndrome. They wanted to create a space where those with disabilities would have the opportunity for meaningful work, and they did it in the form of a coffee shop. On top of that, their daughter, Emma Grace, is a videographer I’ve personally gotten to work alongside for this wedding!

6. Little Loaf Bakery:

At the core of any great trip (in my opinion) is finding a great coffee, a great bookstore and a great local bakery. You can check two out of three of those here! If you’re looking for a quaint little coastal bakery with top notch artisanal pastries and European breads — look no further: Little Loaf Bakery is another family-owned business and they didn’t stop with the goods; they also offer classes on things like making pasta and the basics of sourdough. It may be a small building, but don’t be deceived: the line can be long (like, out to the street long)… and understandably, too… we know a good thing when we find it.

(P.S.: They have plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, too!)

7. Kilwins + Boombalatti’s

If you’re in the Mayfaire area and looking for some good ice cream, we love Boombalatti’s! Kilwins is downtown and in addition to ice cream, they have things like caramel apples, handcrafted fudge and specialty chocolates.

Want more recommendations? Here is Part 3: What to Do in Wilmington.