It’s been a tumultuous year in restaurants. The industry still struggles with labor and supply issues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and yetdozens of restaurants have opened this year – as well as food trucks, coffee shops, barsand meal prep places. More are on the way for 2022. But for now, let’s take a look at some of this year’s new restaurants that are bringing excitement to local diners and helping to shape the greater Wilmington area’s dynamic food scene. How many have you tried?
(Did we missyour favorite new restaurant? Let us know. Email aballard@gannett.com.)
More:Follow us on Facebook for 2022's food news
Seabird
From recreating the historic 1920s storefront look,to the morning coffee-and-pastry service, to the inventive Southern inspiredmenu, chef/owners Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton have created a downtown destination. Be sure to try the olive oil muffin in the morning (which is transformed as olive oil cake for dessert) and the Sea Birdie oysters, cultivated especially for the restaurant. Details: 910-769-59961, S. Front St., Wilmington, www.seabirdnc.com.
More:9 things to expect at Seabird in downtown Wilmington
Café Chinois
With boldly colored walls and a selection of artwork straight from owner Solange “Niki” Thompson's personal collection, this is one of the most distinctive dining settings in Wilmington. The menu also brings a wide variety of Asian fare from the Banana Blossom salad (a personal favorite) to the Vietnamese crepes. Details: 910) 769-3193, 3710 S College Road, Wilmington, www.cafe-chinois.com.
More:New dining space reflects the culture and heritage of longtime Wilmington restaurateur
Mariposa
Many, many restaurants in the greater Wilmington area claim to serve small plates and tapas, but none of them come closer to the authentic Spanishexperience than this restaurant, which opened this spring. Try the Albodigas, which I enjoy because it’s so fun to say, and the sangria. Or go for the Wednesday night $5 Bocadillos burger special. Details: 910-769-0763, 1502 S 3rd St, Wilmington, www.mariposatapas.com.
More:A first look at Mariposa Tapas Bar in Wilmington
CheeseSmith
How creative can you get with grilled cheese sandwiches? You canfind out here. After startinga food truck, owners Brendan and Molly Curnyn opened their storefront in the downtown Cargo District in July. There’s a grilled cheese for every mood, but I am partial to the Figgy Smalls with goat cheese, fig jam, charred balsamic onions,and arugula. Details: 910-399-3253, 624 S. 17th St, Wilmington, cheesesmithco.com.
More:Cheese pull: food truck-turned-restaurant opening in Wilmington's Cargo District
The Green House
Vegan food is everywhere these days, even in some fast food places. But this restaurant has anespecially ambitious goal -- to bring vegan fine dining to Wilmington foodies.They were winners at the recent Taste of Wrightsville Beach event for their scallop interpretationthat features King Trumpetmushrooms served over curried pumpkin puree (which is delicious). Also try their vegan and gluten-free chocolate cake. Details: 910-679-4994, 1427 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, thegreenrestaurant.com.
More:Soon-to-open restaurant to bring vegan fine dining to Wilmington
The Kitchen Sink
Although this restaurant only opened a short while ago in the Brooklyn Arts District, photos of the soup flight platters (which allow you to try four of the daily varieties) are already all over social media. It was a dream of owner Alicia Mitchell to switch careers and become a restaurateur and bring her savory sandwiches, homemade soups and funky sides to locals. Details: 910-399-4162, 622 N 4th St, Wilmington, www.facebook.com/TKSILM.
More:More restaurants set to boost Wilmington's Brooklyn Arts District
Vientiane Kitchen
This understated Laotianrestaurant opened in the former Hungry Sparrow location at 7th and Castle streets. It's named for the capital of Laos and you can findsticky rice, larb and tam mak hoong (a signature green papaya salad) on the menu. But we are also fans of the other selections, including the red and green curries and the Lao iced coffee. Details: 910-660-8789, 701 Castle St., Wilmington,facebook.com/vientianekittchen.
More:Laotian restaurant to open soon on Wilmington's Castle Street
ARtisano Pizza &Gelato
From Turin, Italy to Wrightsville Beach may be an unexpected journey, but the thin-crust pizzas and authentic gelato are right at home at this restaurant in the Grand View Apartments.It’s from the same owner of GelaRto in downtown Wilmington and now the restaurant hasexpanded to include more specials and charcuterie boards. What to try? I’m a fan of the English Breakfast pizza, with tomato, mozzarella, bacon, sausage and an egg on top, and the gelato co*cktails. Details: 910-239-9495,7205 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington,artisanopizzaandgelato.com.
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Surf City Line
What’s better than tacos and co*cktails? Enjoying them with beach views. The former Brass Pelican spot in Pender County opened in May, with three (yes, three) levels ofdecks. One is forlive music, games and dancing and another is more of a traditional restaurant deck. The third level boasts the best views, and a full bar -- including a line of margaritas and other signature co*cktails. Try one of their many, many selections of tequila along with some Surfin’ Bird chicken tacos. Details: 910-541-0062, 2112 N. New River Drive, Surf City, surfcitylinenc.com.
More:'A shift happening here': Surf City sees major growth in restaurants, food businesses
COAST Craft co*cktails & Calabash
Craig Love and the Coastal South Hospitality group re-envisioned their Surf House Carolina Beach restaurant as this more casual concept that is still devoted to great food and drink. It reopened in January with aseasonal Calabash-style seafood menu. Try the Old Bay fries and the fried oyster succotash. Non-seafood eaters can opt for the chicken sandwich with hot honey and the ever-changing harvest bowl.Details: 910-707-0422, 604 N. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, www.eatatcoast.com.
More:Wilmington Riverlights space to get new restaurant-and-event concept
Fabe’s Roasting Co.
After starting in Fayetteville, ownerFabian Llamas brought this fast casualPeruvian-style rotisserie chicken spot to the Port City this year. It's already a local favorite. The menu is simple, and specializes inPollo a la Brasa from a family recipe. Customize your chicken with a variety of sides, likerice, beans, coleslaw, fries, chicken soup,tostones, yuca fries and maduros. Details:910-399-5971, 1201 S. College Road, Wilmington,www.fabesroco.com
More:Rotisserie chicken restaurant planned for former Denny's location
3315 Cut & Pour
The people behindGrand Cru Food & Wine in Lumina Station had the idea to bring a proper steakhouse to the Masonboro area. The spent a lot of time renovating the former Siena Trattoria spot and creating just the right classic menu with lots of steaks, toppings, sauces. But early winners might not be what you expect: the fried green tomatoes and flatbread pizzas, made with homemade dough and sauce. Details:910-399-3969, 3315 Masonboro Loop Road, Wilmington, 3315cutandpour.com.
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Blue Surf Arboretum West
Owners of the much loved Racine Drive Blue Surf location wanted to try something new -- but still familiar -- at their new restaurantonMilitary Cutoff Road near Ogden. They hit it out of the park in terms of setting -- with a cool, coastal look inside and an expansive outdoor seating area that includes heaters, co*cktails lounges, and an indoor/outdoor bar. When you're there, don't forget to order a slice of classic chocolate cake: Details: 910-406-5050, 404 Arboretum Dr. St., Wilmington,bluesurfrestaurants.com.
More:4 things to know about the soon-to-open Blue Surf Arboretum West restaurant in Wilmington
Chunky Salsa
Karina Lopez and her partner have had years of restaurant experience before opening this catering business-turned-eatery in Brunswick County. Their goal is to bring a fresh interpretation of authentic fare and family recipes. They buy ingredients in the morning, and make enough food for the day. Try the tamales (pork with green salsa and chicken with red salsa) or thecheese-encased birria quesadilla. Details:910-232-7322,5990 Beach Dr. SW, Ocean Isle Beach,www.facebook.com/letsgetchunky.
More:Brunswick County restaurant with a 'chunky' name now open
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
