The best restaurants in Leland

64 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 64 places · showing the latest additions first

When you need real deal barbecue without firing up the backyard, The Pit Backyard BBQ in Leland delivers juicy brisket, smoky wings, and…

503 Olde Waterford Way Ste 100

When you need real deal barbecue without firing up the backyard, The Pit Backyard BBQ in Leland delivers juicy brisket, smoky wings, and those brisket burnt ends locals keep talking about, plus a lineup of sauces. They’ll even handle your next get-together or cater the whole thing, so you just focus on the fun.

From the Brunswick County newsletter, August 6, 2026

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What the Grill LLC turns patios into legit cook spaces, from custom outdoor kitchens with top brands to propane, charcoal, pellet, or…

1026 Appleton Way NE Unit 110

What the Grill LLC turns patios into legit cook spaces, from custom outdoor kitchens with top brands to propane, charcoal, pellet, or kamado setups plus griddles and all the gadgets. Swing by their tasting bar to sample North Carolina rubs and sauces, then plot your next legendary cookout.

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Quick hop across the river for crispy fried chicken, cheesy grits, and banana pudding, because Rooster & The Crow brings the comfort with a…

225 S Water St Suite G & H (Wilmington)

Quick hop across the river for crispy fried chicken, cheesy grits, and banana pudding, because Rooster & The Crow brings the comfort with a side of fun. Hit the Beer Garden, sip unique cocktails at Cryptid Den, then tap into Fowl Play Arcade for bragging rights and bonus nostalgia.

From the Leland newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Tarantelli's

Restaurants

Family-owned and named by Southern Living as one of Wilmington’s Top 20, Tarantelli's leans into house-made pastas, stone-oven garlic…

102 S 2nd St (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Jul 28

Family-owned and named by Southern Living as one of Wilmington’s Top 20, Tarantelli's leans into house-made pastas, stone-oven garlic knots, and that tableside parmigiano spaghetti moment that turns dinner into a show. Treat yourself to legit, cozy Italian right downtown.

From the Leland newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Al's Burger Shack hand-patties 100% Black Angus burgers to your preferred temp, piles on made-in-shack sauces and toppings, and serves them…

3556 Leland Town Center Dr

Al's Burger Shack hand-patties 100% Black Angus burgers to your preferred temp, piles on made-in-shack sauces and toppings, and serves them with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or tots.

From the Leland newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Trendy eatery specializing in hot, Nashville-style chicken tenders, sliders and sandwiches.

3530 Oleander Dr (Wilmington)

Trendy eatery specializing in hot, Nashville-style chicken tenders, sliders and sandwiches.

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Casual spot with dogs, burgers and fries, plus outdoor seating and a kids' menu.

103 A Village Rd NE

Casual spot with dogs, burgers and fries, plus outdoor seating and a kids' menu.

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Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.

503 Olde Waterford Way #104

Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.

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Seasonal American cooking & seafood specialties with cocktails, indoor-outdoor seats & river views.

9 Estell Lee Pl (Wilmington)

Seasonal American cooking & seafood specialties with cocktails, indoor-outdoor seats & river views.

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manna

Restaurants

Seasonal New American fare in posh, romantic environs, plus craft cocktails & extensive wine list.

123 Princess St (Wilmington)

Seasonal New American fare in posh, romantic environs, plus craft cocktails & extensive wine list.

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Charming eatery with a cute patio for breakfast plates, burgers, sandwiches and pancakes.

1120 East Cutlar Crossing

Charming eatery with a cute patio for breakfast plates, burgers, sandwiches and pancakes.

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Casual restaurant serving burgers, seafood dishes and fried food, plus beer and wine.

918 Castle St (Wilmington)

Casual restaurant serving burgers, seafood dishes and fried food, plus beer and wine.

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Local chain dishing up burgers, sandwiches & fresh-cut fries in a laid-back setting.

1035 Grandiflora Dr

Local chain dishing up burgers, sandwiches & fresh-cut fries in a laid-back setting.

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Airy, rustic-chic dining space dishing out Italian staples such as pizza, pasta & house gelato.

206 Greenfield St (Wilmington)

Airy, rustic-chic dining space dishing out Italian staples such as pizza, pasta & house gelato.

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Unfussy eatery offering a menu of locally sourced American eats from pancakes to grits, plus cocktails and beer.

3704 Carolina Beach Rd (Wilmington)

Unfussy eatery offering a menu of locally sourced American eats from pancakes to grits, plus cocktails and beer.

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Fast-food-style eatery specializing in fried onion burgers, along with smashed burgers and shakes.

1407 Barclay Pointe Blvd (Wilmington)

Fast-food-style eatery specializing in fried onion burgers, along with smashed burgers and shakes.

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Jester's Café

Restaurants

Daytime cafe offering breakfasts, sandwiches & other light fare in a comfy, home-like space.

607 Castle St (Wilmington)

Daytime cafe offering breakfasts, sandwiches & other light fare in a comfy, home-like space.

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Henry's

Restaurants

Relaxed eatery & bar preparing eclectic American sandwiches & mains with local ingredients.

2508 Independence Blvd (Wilmington)

Relaxed eatery & bar preparing eclectic American sandwiches & mains with local ingredients.

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Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

1113 New Pointe Blvd

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

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Relaxed venue offering comfort food, a variety of beers, and cocktails, plus TV sports.

1611 Dusty Miller Ln #305 (Wilmington)

Relaxed venue offering comfort food, a variety of beers, and cocktails, plus TV sports.

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Trendy sushi restaurant with a full bar, serving creative rolls, as well as bento boxes and hibachi meals.

3532 Oleander Dr (Wilmington)

Trendy sushi restaurant with a full bar, serving creative rolls, as well as bento boxes and hibachi meals.

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Savorez

Restaurants

Latin American fusion dishes served in a snug, brightly painted space with a convivial ambiance.

402 Chestnut St #4026 (Wilmington)

Latin American fusion dishes served in a snug, brightly painted space with a convivial ambiance.

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Fast-food eatery specializing in Cajun-style fried chicken, plus wings, seafood, breakfast & more.

9413 Ploof Rd SE

Fast-food eatery specializing in Cajun-style fried chicken, plus wings, seafood, breakfast & more.

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Locals Tavern

Restaurants

Down-to-earth spot with indoor and outdoor seating, offering casual eats alongside beer and cocktails.

1107 New Pointe Blvd STE 9

Down-to-earth spot with indoor and outdoor seating, offering casual eats alongside beer and cocktails.

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Fashionable Pan-Asian spot serving sushi & craft cocktails on the 2nd floor of a historic building.

33 S Front St (Wilmington)

Fashionable Pan-Asian spot serving sushi & craft cocktails on the 2nd floor of a historic building.

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Waffle House

Restaurants

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

111 Village Rd NE

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

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Retro-themed chain with a 1950s soda-fountain look, dishing out familiar fast-food selections.

1114 New Pointe Blvd

Retro-themed chain with a 1950s soda-fountain look, dishing out familiar fast-food selections.

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Six Happiness

Restaurants

Family-run restaurant serving sushi and other Asian dishes, like pad thai.

1114 New Pointe Blvd

Family-run restaurant serving sushi and other Asian dishes, like pad thai.

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Winnie's Tavern

Restaurants

Known for its burgers, this nautical-themed standby since 1962 also offers a full bar & patio seats.

1895 Burnett Blvd (Wilmington)

Known for its burgers, this nautical-themed standby since 1962 also offers a full bar & patio seats.

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Wok And Roll

Restaurants

Relaxed restaurant serving a variety of Chinese cuisine for dine-in or take-out.

2013 Olde Regent Way #190

Relaxed restaurant serving a variety of Chinese cuisine for dine-in or take-out.

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Thai & Vietnamese fare served in an exotic, art-filled setting with an outdoor garden & gazebos.

7 Wayne Dr (Wilmington)

Thai & Vietnamese fare served in an exotic, art-filled setting with an outdoor garden & gazebos.

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Family-friendly hub for steamed & raw shellfish, wings & beers served in a no-frills setting.

1175 Turlington Ave Unit 101

Family-friendly hub for steamed & raw shellfish, wings & beers served in a no-frills setting.

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Pizza, other Italian eats & craft beers on tap in a casual sports-bar setting with outdoor seating.

131 N Front St (Wilmington)

Pizza, other Italian eats & craft beers on tap in a casual sports-bar setting with outdoor seating.

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Rebellion NC

Restaurants

Trendy urban bar & restaurant with a brick interior & TV screens, serving inventive American food.

15 S Front St (Wilmington)

Trendy urban bar & restaurant with a brick interior & TV screens, serving inventive American food.

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Local pizzeria & pub chain serving pies, wings, subs & tacos, plus craft beer, wine & tequilas.

125 Market St (Wilmington)

Local pizzeria & pub chain serving pies, wings, subs & tacos, plus craft beer, wine & tequilas.

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Classic Italian eatery with balcony seating serving brunch, pasta, seafood & meat dishes, plus wine.

2 Market St (Wilmington)

Classic Italian eatery with balcony seating serving brunch, pasta, seafood & meat dishes, plus wine.

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Dixie Grill

Restaurants

Long-running eatery & bar serving up diner classics & Southern dishes in a convivial atmosphere.

116 Market St (Wilmington)

Long-running eatery & bar serving up diner classics & Southern dishes in a convivial atmosphere.

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Papa Johns Pizza

Restaurants

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

2013 Olde Regent Way 140 Ste 140

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

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Counter-serve chain serving fried chicken & Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ in vinegar-based sauce.

2020 Olde Regent Way

Counter-serve chain serving fried chicken & Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ in vinegar-based sauce.

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Casual eatery known for its pizza pie and pasta, plus Italian salads and dishes.

2013 Olde Regent Way #230

Casual eatery known for its pizza pie and pasta, plus Italian salads and dishes.

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Gondolfo's Pizza

Restaurants

New York-style pizzeria offering dine-in and takeout, plus other Italian dishes.

1735 Reed Rd NE

New York-style pizzeria offering dine-in and takeout, plus other Italian dishes.

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Angus Grill

Restaurants

Casual burger joint known for gourmet variations plus cocktails.

1001 N 4th St (Wilmington)

Casual burger joint known for gourmet variations plus cocktails.

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Upscale riverfront destination for coastal seafood & American fare with boat docking available.

128 S Water St (Wilmington)

Upscale riverfront destination for coastal seafood & American fare with boat docking available.

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City Barbeque

Restaurants

Counter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.

3824 Carolina Beach Rd (Wilmington)

Counter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.

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Casual pizzeria featuring Neapolitan-style pies baked in wood-fired ovens and topped with fresh ingredients.

1020 Princess St (Wilmington)

Casual pizzeria featuring Neapolitan-style pies baked in wood-fired ovens and topped with fresh ingredients.

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Papis Chicken

Restaurants

Casual counter-service eatery specializing in Peruvian roasted chicken, plus sides like fried rice and plantains.

1108 New Pointe Blvd Ste. 140

Casual counter-service eatery specializing in Peruvian roasted chicken, plus sides like fried rice and plantains.

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Pizzettas

Restaurants

Casual restaurant dishing up pizza and other classic Italian dishes in the Villages at Brunswick Forest.

1144 East Cutlar Crossing #105

Casual restaurant dishing up pizza and other classic Italian dishes in the Villages at Brunswick Forest.

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Olivero

Restaurants

Neighborhood kitchen and bar inspired by the food of Italy and Spain with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a curated wine list.

522 S 3rd St (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Aug 5

Neighborhood kitchen and bar inspired by the food of Italy and Spain with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a curated wine list.

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The Basics

Restaurants

Creative spins on traditional Southern cuisine served in a homey, brick-walled bistro setting.

319 N Front St (Wilmington)

Creative spins on traditional Southern cuisine served in a homey, brick-walled bistro setting.

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Eggs Up Grill

Restaurants

Relaxed chain serving a menu of breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in a colorful setting.

3556 Leland Town Center Dr Ste 140

Relaxed chain serving a menu of breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in a colorful setting.

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American diner known for signature Spanish omelets serving breakfast & lunch for over 30 years.

3817 Market St (Wilmington)

American diner known for signature Spanish omelets serving breakfast & lunch for over 30 years.

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Caprice bistro

Restaurants

Bistro serving French fare like mussels & crêpes in a cozy yellow space with a pressed-tin ceiling.

10 Market St (Wilmington)

Bistro serving French fare like mussels & crêpes in a cozy yellow space with a pressed-tin ceiling.

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Five Guys

Restaurants

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

2028 Olde Regent Way

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

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I Love NY Pizza

Restaurants

A variety of pizza toppings & other Italian comfort foods on offer at this basic storefront parlor.

28 N Front St (Wilmington)

A variety of pizza toppings & other Italian comfort foods on offer at this basic storefront parlor.

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Casual eatery and bar featuring wings, burgers, and beer, along with trivia nights.

3525 Lancelot Ln (Wilmington)

Casual eatery and bar featuring wings, burgers, and beer, along with trivia nights.

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Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting

244 N Water St (Wilmington)

Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting

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Yummi Yummi

Restaurants

Casual Chinese restaurant serving staples such as general tso chicken and dumplings, plus vegetarian options.

112 Village Rd NE

Casual Chinese restaurant serving staples such as general tso chicken and dumplings, plus vegetarian options.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

112 k Village Drive

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

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Laid-back eatery serving a menu of wood-fired pizzas, along with sandwiches, salads and beer.

300 N Front St (Wilmington)

Laid-back eatery serving a menu of wood-fired pizzas, along with sandwiches, salads and beer.

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Circa 1922

Restaurants

Global small plates, including sushi & Spanish tapas, served in a stately refurbished bank.

8 N Front St (Wilmington)

Global small plates, including sushi & Spanish tapas, served in a stately refurbished bank.

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Gaylyn's Diner

Restaurants

Relaxed diner serving breakfast classics and burgers in a casual setting.

322 Village Rd NE

Relaxed diner serving breakfast classics and burgers in a casual setting.

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Dimly lit steakhouse with an Italian emphasis, serving lasagna, lobster mac and cocktails.

within the Hotel Ballast, 301 N Water St (Wilmington)

Dimly lit steakhouse with an Italian emphasis, serving lasagna, lobster mac and cocktails.

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Local pie shop specialising in thin-crust pizza and chicken wings in a simple space.

1215 N 4th St (Wilmington)

Local pie shop specialising in thin-crust pizza and chicken wings in a simple space.

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Easygoing stop with a bright wall mural offering sushi rolls & other Japanese fare in casual digs.

16 S Front St (Wilmington)

Easygoing stop with a bright wall mural offering sushi rolls & other Japanese fare in casual digs.

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