As a local Wilmington photographer, I often get the opportunity to capture beautiful moments during a couple's session.
One common question I get asked is where couples can head to after our photoshoot.
It makes perfect sense—dressed to the nines, they're usually ready to continue their special day with a FANCY dinner at one of downtown Wilmington's exquisite restaurants.
Photo by Glenn Guiao
AFTER THE SHOOT: WHERE TO DINE?
After spending time capturing your beautiful moments, you might wonder where to go next. Here are a few of my favorites:
You have to try this place—especially if you can snag a table upstairs near the windows. The seafood here is exceptional. I particularly recommend the Waterzooi; it's the star of the menu! The mussels are also a standout, especially with their savory curry sauce, and they're presented so beautifully.
While the French onion soup had the most amazing cheese, the broth could use a bit more flavor. Don't forget to pair your meal with some French white wine—it complements the seafood perfectly. This spot is definitely a must-visit for a special night out!
To get a reservation here: Open Table | (910) 815-0810
Address: 10 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Personal Rating
Food: Highly Recommended
Atmosphere: The Perfect Romantic Restaurant for a Date Night
Expect to spend $50-$100+
Photo by Glenn Guiao
It's a fantastic spot for a fun date night. I love the fontina basil cheese and coffee toffee chocolate fondue courses. I also had their peach on the beach cocktail; it pairs wonderfully with the fondue. The service is excellent too. Just a heads up, they prefer reservations, so it's a good idea to book ahead.
To get a reservation: Resy | (910) 251-0433
Address: 138 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Personal Rating
Food: Cheesilicious
Atmosphere: 11/10
Expect to spend: $50-$100+
Port Land Grille was truly exceptional—the service was impeccable! The manager, Eric, went above and beyond, checking on us several times to ensure we were enjoying our meal and had everything we needed.
As for the food, it was amazing. I had the rib eye steak, she ordered the spinach and chicken lasagna, which was cooked perfectly. We also shared a spinach and pear salad and a crab cake—all of which were delicious. The portions were very generous, and the prices were comparable to other restaurants in the area.
To get a reservation: Open Table | (910) 256-6056
Address: 1908 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Personal Rating
Food: Already know what I'm ordering
Atmosphere: Date night worthy
Service: Impeccable
Expect to spend: $50-$100+
Floriana
I had a fantastic experience at Floriana! The food was exceptional—had the fried calamari, seared salmon, and lamb chop, all of which were cooked to perfection. Each dish was flavorful, fresh, and served hot.
I had made a reservation and only waited about 5 minutes for a balcony table, which offered a beautiful view.
A tip for future visitors: if you want to sit on the balcony, try timing your visit closer to sunset. It's a bit cooler then, and you get the added bonus of watching the sunset, which is perfect since the sun hits the tables directly.
Highly recommend Floriana for a memorable meal!
To get a reservation: Open Table | (910) 504-0160
Address: 2 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Personal Rating
Food: Already know what I'm ordering
Atmosphere: I dined outside which is pretty great!
Service: Fantastic 10/10
Expect to spend: $50-$100+
Noteworthy Restaurants
Sailfish in Wilmington, NC, delivers a dynamic dining experience with its emphasis on fresh, expertly prepared seafood and a lively, maritime ambiance, making it a standout destination for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of the coast.
Elija's
Situated on the waterfront, Elija's blends fine dining with breathtaking views of the Cape Fear River. It's a fantastic choice for enjoying fresh seafood and capturing stunning photos during the golden hour.
Gelarto
Gelarto offers a casual yet delightful experience with its artisan gelato. Bright and playful, it's a great place to snap fun photos and enjoy a sweet treat.
City Gardens
A beautiful garden right in the middle of of downtown Wilmington. City Gardens is perfect for those looking for a special evening.
Perla
Perla Raw Bar offers an upscale experience with fresh, locally-sourced seafood in a chic, minimalist setting.
Thai Green Curry | Kapow | Photo by Glenn Guiao
The most delicious Thai Food on the East Coast
My favorite restaurant is Kapow on Eastwood rd.
I go-to-order is their Chicken Pad Thai. Pair that with Thai Beef Jerky and Thai Iced Tea.
To get a reservation: No need to reserve, call ahead to check for their space. | (910) 239-9228
Address: 1988 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Personal Rating
Food: THE BEST THAI I'VE EVER HAD 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Service: The staff was attentive, offered me recommendations, simply impeccable
Expect to spend: $20-50
Local Wilmington Food and Travel Blogger
Follow one of my closest friends, Katie Graham, she's a fantastic and bubbly Wilmington Travel Blogger on Instagram.
