2025 Vegetarian Guide

For a light lunch or dinner to reenergize after a day of exploring Wilmington’s central shopping plazas, head to the Bento Box. This colorful restaurant features a rainbow of fresh cuisine from Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam, which can...

For authentic Thai cuisine, go where the locals go and head over to Big Thai – a small Thai joint that’s located in the heart of Wilmington along Military Cutoff Road. This small but intimate Thai restaurant has all the staples as well...

The Black Sea Grill puts a wonderfully unique spin on classic Cape Fear area seafood and southern dishes, with Mediterranean fare that allows the local ingredients to shine. From unique takes on “surf and turf,” (with lamb instead of...

Blue Surf Café serves up inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner fare to hungry UNCW college students, Wilmington locals, and savvy vacationers-in-the-know alike. Featuring a wonderfully extensive menu, with a host of global influences, patrons...

Surfers who need a break from the Cape Fear area beaches, or Hampstead locals and visitors who need a hearty but refreshing lunch en route to or from Wilmington, will find plenty to love at Burrito Shak. This Burrito joint that’s located along...

Wilmington Visitors who think they’ve seen it all should plan a visit to the refreshingly cool Ceviche’s. Inspired by the cuisine of Panama, Central America, this unique eatery features a colorful menu that’s stuffed with tapas...

China One is a classic Chinese food take-out restaurant with a wealth of options and a prime location along Market Street. Exceptionally convenient for visitors and locals in the Porters Neck area, this fast and fresh Chinese food joint is a great...

Chopstix is a simple Chinese food take-out joint that has a decent local following and a convenient location along Market Street. Settled in between a host of local businesses, services, and shops, Chopstix is an easy destination for visitors who...

Indecisive diners will have a fine time at Circa 1922. This chic tapas bar and restaurant has a prime Downtown Wilmington location, and a wonderfully varied menu that allows patrons to sample veritably every elevated cuisine under the Cape Fear sun.

Healthy eaters and the diet conscious finally have a place to call their own in the Cape Fear region. Clean Eatz, which is found just north of the UNCW campus, specializes in creating ultimately tasty creations that are also, and somewhat...

Carolina Beach vacationers who are craving a little Fresh Mexican fare, (which is understandable this close to the coast), can head to the centrally located El Cazador Mexican Restaurant. Found in the heart of Carolina Beach’s...

With a name like Epic Food Co, you’d expect the food to be something special, and this casual restaurant off of Military Cutoff Road does not disappoint. Featuring a breakfast, main, and dinner menu, as well as a unique catering menu and...

Folks Café is a sweet little coffee shop that’s found on the outskirts of Downtown Wilmington in an unimposing, (and very easy to pass by), one-story brick “home” in a cluster of small downtown homes. Though the outside...

Take a break from strolling along the Wilmington Riverwalk and enjoy an impeccable meal with a waterfront view at The George. Featuring vast vistas of the adjacent Cape Fear River, and located in the heart of the downtown area, this brunch, lunch...

The wonderfully unique Greenlands Farm Store is worth a detour from the Southport Waterfront or Oak Island due to its petting zoo and gorgeous Bolivia, NC scenery alone. But visitors who stay to feast at the Farm Store will be rewarded with an...

Ida Thai Cuisine is a refreshing little restaurant that’s found just inland of the Carolina Beach shoreline, and which is renowned for a heavy collection of authentic Thai dishes. Located in a vibrant green restaurant, and therefore hard to...

Indochine has garnered a reputation as one of the most inviting Thai and Vietnamese restaurants in Wilmington, and for good reason. The vibrant and colorful menu is almost overshadowed by the exquisite surroundings, which includes an extensive...

Kabuki Korean Cafe & Sushi Bar is a distinctive restaurant that’s perfect for central Wilmington visitors who are in the mood for something that’s miles away from ordinary. Found along a bustling section of Oleander Drive, this...

Kate’s Pancake House is a sunny destination for early risers, thanks to a colorful menu and bright interior that provides a great introduction to a day at the beach. Found in the heart of Carolina Beach along the central Lake Park Blvd, and...

Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café is a dream destination for vegetarians, health-conscious eaters, and anyone who craves a healthy meal or an array of natural and organic goodies. Located along Military Cutoff Road, and close to Eastwood...

The goal of Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine is to provide authentic and genuine Indian cuisine to patrons at reasonable prices, and for Wilmington locals, this longstanding restaurant accomplishes the goal nicely. Boasting a relatively new locale along...

Okami Japanese Steakhouse offers a wide range of dining experiences under one extensive roof along College Road. From the traditional Japanese steak house “show,” with flying knives and freshly prepared cuisine, to the buffet-style lunch...

Visitors and locals who are running errands or enjoying a leisurely day of shopping along Oleander Drive can satisfy a big Greek appetite with a visit to Olympia Restaurant. Tucked away in a small shopping center off of Hilton Ave, this little...

Reel Cuisine’s Pacific Grille, which is found just outside the downtown area along 17thStreet, is a truly unique destination for Wilmington visitors and locals who crave fresh flavors, healthy cuisine, and just a little island flair. With a...

Rx Restaurant and Bar has a goal to feed the soul, with a distinctively fresh menu that uses local ingredients from regional growers, farmers and fishermen. With complementing drinks that are just as unusual as the food, patrons can enjoy a...

Vegetarians and fresh food lovers will find plenty of reasons to celebrate at the Sealevel City Gourmet – an enticing little café that boasts a wealth of fresh and handmade food and drink. Spearheaded by Chef and owner Nikki Spears, the...

There’s always something sumptuous to discover at Sweet N Savory Café – an artful little eatery that’s found on the edge of Wilmington’s Landfall Park, and the River to the Sea Bikeway. The interior is vibrant and...

Tandoori Bites is a fresh Indian food restaurant that features an opulent ambiance and a wealth of delicious cuisine. Located long College Road, just steps away from the UNCW campus, this cool restaurant allows college students and established...

Terrazzo Trattoria is an Italian restaurant and pizza place that has a slightly elevated atmosphere and appeal, and a vast menu that showcases a wealth of Italian specialties. Located along a busy section of Military Cutoff Road, and boasting a warm...

Visitors who are strolling through Downtown Southport and who are in the mood for something light, global, and different, can make a stop at the unique and flavorful Thai Peppers. This cool little Thai restaurant features a relaxing interior with a...

For a fabulous introduction to the staples of Thai cuisine, take a trip to Thai Spice. This little restaurant that’s tucked away along Carolina Beach Road has a vast menu that includes all the favorites and a few unique specialties, which is...

The name of “The Basics” is also an illusion to this casual eatery’s philosophy, which is to serve up all the stales of southern comfort food, keep it simple, and let the inherently rich and wonderful flavors shine.

The Paper Crane has an easy-to-miss location along Eastwood Road, but Wilmington sushi and Asian cuisine fans will want to try this spot that’s known for its distinctively colorful rolls, unique vegan options, and wealth of dishes that combine...