What sets the Wilmington, North Carolina area apart from the rest of the state? We have so many patio dining spots around town to boast. Some are waterfront, but some transport you to the ocean regardless of their location. Here are some of the best outdoor and patio dining spots we cannot wait to flock to this spring!

Indochine

Indochine takes top of the list here as it does on many websites for the same reason — this place is one-of-a-kind. At Indochine, the back patio dining garden transports you out of Wilmington. Wander through a tranquil eastern oasis with a koi pond, dine in a Thai hut under the glow of paper lanterns and tiki torches. 

Docksider

If you were to put a restaurant on a postcard for Wilmington, it may be Docksider. Situated literally on a dock, boaters can right up to the restaurant. This place has been a favorite for locals, visitors and movie location scouts for decades. Enjoy cold, boozy drinks, baskets of fried seafood, and a great view. 

The Pilot House

Downtown, The Pilot House is one of Wilmington’s oldest restaurants. Located on the Riverwalk, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset on the Lower Cape Fear River with classic seafood dishes and a nice drink. 

Perla Raw Bar

While The Pilot House is one of Wilmington’s oldest, Perla is new to the scene. Run by Ash Aziz (one of our community’s most storied restauranteurs) Perla has a vast outdoor patio dining area and plenty of vibes. Enjoy upscale small bites, seafood and oysters. Don’t skip out on the cocktails. 

Blueberry’s

I love the outdoor patio dining at Blueberry’s – where it honestly feels like summer all year round. Located in Wrightsville’s Lumina Station shopping and dining area, we love to do brunch here and a bit of shopping. Here, the indoor bar connects to an outdoor one and on a pretty spring day the inside and outside feel like one-and-the-same. 

Block taco

Posted next to a downtown favorite bar (Satellite) in South Front, BlockTaco is always a good time. Enjoy corn hole, picnic tables and…. Is that a giant donkey on top of a car? Yes – that’s how you know you are in the right place!

Kippo’s 

Like Blueberry’s, Kippo’s is also located in the Lumina Station shopping and dining area of Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy tasty Mediterranean fare, small plates and seafood in their gorgeous garden patio dining area. 

Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar

All your dreams of life on the beach will come true at Tiki Bar — we promise! This pier-turned bar and restaurant serves all sorts of tropical boozy wonders and a fantastic crab dip, among other things. Order their Piña Colada with an extra floater shot on a sunny day with pelicans soaring overhead, waves crashing beneath you. Thank us later.

Captain Bill’s Backyard

When you pull into this parking lot, you have no idea what is awaiting around back. Yards of sandy volleyball courts stretch through backyard courtyard with a bar and full restaurant. We love unwinding on a weekday watching a tournament with friends and enjoying a great burger. Learn more here.

Shaka Taco

Bare feet are always welcome at Topsail Island’s Shaka Taco. This seaside taco shack has a line worth waiting for on busy summer nights. Enjoy their famous fish tacos at their picnic tables, or head to their Hampstead location to enjoy some rounds of golf before letting the kiddos bounce around in the family-friendly courtyard. 

Want to learn more about the Wilmington, NC area? We have ideas on where to eat, play, stay and live at Arth Real Estate! Check out our other blogs and our neighborhood guide.