The authentic Italian cuisine served at Taste of Italy has scored them Best Deli in the Port City for years running now. The Guarino family recipes have been passed down from generation to generation to brothers Tommy and Chris, who serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry diners. They also cater all events, from holiday parties to corporate lunches, including hot meals, cold trays, handmade desserts and an array of platters, from antipasto to cold cuts. In addition, Taste of Italy sells Scalfani products, Sabrett hot dogs and Polly-O cheeses in their market, all the while serving top-notch hot and cold items from their delicatessen. Located at 1101 South College Rd., P. 910392-7529, F. 910-392-9745 www.ncatasteofitaly. com Open M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Ponatone, Pandora, Torrone and gift baskets of all sizes! ■ WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com
EDDIE ROMANELLI’S
is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its diverse menu includes Italian favorites such as Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Rigatoni a la Vodka and, of course, made-from-scratch pizzas. Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16 oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak. Romanelli’s offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area. Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South. ■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials ■ WEBSITE: www.RomanellisRestaurant.com.
ELIZABETH’S PIZZA
A Wilmington favorite since 1987! At Elizabeth’s you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine, as well as some of your American favorites. Offering delicious pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts, beer, and wine. Elizabeth’s is known for their fresh ingredients, where even the bread is baked fresh daily. A great place for lunch, dinner, a late night meal, or take out. Elizabeth’s can also cater your event and now has a party room available. Visit us 4304 ½ Market St or call 910-2511005 for take out.
■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:
Open 10am-Midnight every day ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown (Corner of Market St and Kerr Avenue). ■ WEBSITE: www.epwilmington.com ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, kids menu and online coupons. ■ WEBSITE: www.elizabethspizzawilmington.com.
PIZZETTA’S PIZZERIA
Family-owned and operated by Sicilian cousins Sal and Vito, Pizzetta’s Pizzeria has become Wilmington’s favorite place for homey, authentic Italian fare served with precision and flavor like none other. Made daily from family recipes, folks will enjoy hand-tossed pizzas——gourmet to traditional—— specialty heroes and pastas, homemade soups and desserts, and even daily blackboard specials. Something remains tempting for every palate, whether craving one of their many pies or a heaping
of eggplant parm, strombolis and calzones, or the famed Casa Mia (penne with sautéed mushrooms, ham, peas in a famous meat sauce with cream). Just save room for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth garlic knots! Ending the meal with their pastry chef’s carefully crafted cannolis, Tiramisu or gourmet cheesecake, alongside a cup of freshly made espresso or cappuccino, literally makes a perfect end to one unforgett able and desirable meal. Located in Anderson Square at 4107 Oleander Dr., Unit F, Wilmington (910-799-4300) or coming soon Pizzetta’s II, 1144 Cutler’s Crossing, Leland (in Brunswick Forest next to Lowe’s). ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER: ILM location: Mon.Sat., 11 a.m., and Sun., noon. • Leland location: Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m. -11 p.m.; Sun., noon - 9:30 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown Wilmington and coming soon, Brunswick Forest in Leland ■ FEATURING: Homemade pizzas, pastas, soups and desserts, all made from family recipes! ■ WEBSITE: www.pizzettas.net
SLICE OF LIFE
“Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at 122 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and our newest location in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT:
11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South. ■ FEATURING: The largest tequila selection in Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com
JAMAICAN JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE
Tucked in the corner of University Landing, a block from UNCW is the hidden gem of Wilmington’s international cuisine scene - Jamaica’s Comfort Zone. This family owned restaurant provides a relaxing blend of Caribbean delights – along with reggae music – served up with irrepressible smiles for miles. From traditional Jamaican breakfast to mouth-watering classic dishes such as curry goat, oxtail, jerk and curry chicken, to our specialty 4-course meals ($12.00). Cook Dana Keels, from Clarendon prepares flavors to please every palate. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER: Tuesday - Saturday 11:45am - 9:00pm and Sunday 1:30pm 8:00pm Sunday. Monday - Closed ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown – University Landing 417 S. College Road, Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials updated daily on Facebook ■ WEBSITE: www.jamaicascomfortzone.net
LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFE
Offering the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin
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America. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue. 910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates! ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon Sat. 11 a.m.2:30 p.m. and from 5-10 p.m. Closed Sunday. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Nightly specials ■ WEBSITE: www.sanjuancafenc.com
MEXICAN LOS PRIMOS
Considered Wilmington’s first Authentic Mexican restaurant, Los Primos is quickly gaining a large following among the community. It’s entirely home cooked menu features local favorites such as tacos dorados de pollo, coctel de camarones, pozole and a selection of the best tacos a la parrilla north of Mexico. This restaurant is an absolute must for anyone who wants to taste the true favors of Mexico. Located at 3530 Carolina Beach Rd., between the two intersections of Independence Blvd. and Shipyard Blvd. (910) 859-8145 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs.: 10:30am-8pm; Fri.-Sat.: 10:30am-9pm; Sun.: 10:30am-6pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ FEATURING: Chiles Rellenos, Tamales, Pollo Enchilado, Mole con Pollo, Azado de Res ■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/Restaurantprimos
ORGANIC LOVEY’S MARKET
Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for Organic and Natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a Veggie Burger, Hamburger or a Chicken Caesar Wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar-which has cold salads and hot selections can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out. The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of juices and smoothies made with Organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of Local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries Organic Grass-Fed and Free-Range meats and poultry. Wheat-Free and Gluten-Free products are in stock regularly, as are Vegan and Vegetarian groceries. Lovey’s also carries Wholesome Pet Foods. Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 am to 6 p.m.. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Rd in the Landfall Shopping Center; (910) 509-0331. “You’ll Love it at Lovey’s!” ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, New Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. Newly expanded. ■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com.
TIDAL CREEK CO-OP KITCHEN
Come dine-in or take-out from the newly renovated Co-op Kitchen at Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market. You can fill your plate or box with hot bar and salad bar items that are prepared fresh daily
in our kitchen. Made-to-order sandwiches, like the Tempeh Reuben, are served hot off the Panini grill. The Co-op Café offers organic smoothies and fresh juices; local wheatgrass shots; fair trade organic coffee, lattes, and chai tea; and our newest addition of Lenny Boy kombucha tea on tap. Don’t forget our baked-from-scratch baked goods! The Co-op Kitchen provides menu items that appeal to everyone, regardless of dietary demands. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ■ WEEKEND BRUNCH: Sat & Sun, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ■ SALAD BAR: Mon. - Sun, 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. ■ SANDWICHES: Mon. - Sun, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. ■ BAKERY & CAFE: Mon. - Sun, 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: indoor/outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi ■ WEBSITE: www.tidalcreek.coop
SEAFOOD DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR
Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters. ■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net
EAST
The Blockade Runner offers an array of seasonal seafood specials, certified Angus beef, lobster menu on Fri. evening plus a spectacular Sun. brunch. Romantic al fresco dining is available on our dinner deck located in the center of a lush garden overlooking the ocean far away from the traffic and noise. Our lounge is eco-friendly and offers light fare nightly. 275 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256-2251. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach. ■ FEATURING: Lobster menu on Fri. ■ MUSIC: Live music on Sat. evening and Sun.
brunch.
■ WEBSITE: www.blockade-runner.com
HIERONYMUS
Hieronymus Seafood is the midtown stop for seafood lovers. In business for over 30 years, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by constantly providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in local seafood. It’s the place to be if you are seeking top quality attributes in atmosphere, presentations, flavor and ingenuity. Signature dishes include Oysteronymus and daily fresh catch specials. Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering services. Voted “Best Seafood” in 2011. 5035 Market Street; 910-392-6313; hieronymusseafood.com ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Fireside oyster bar. ■ WEBSITE: www.hieronymusseafood.net
OCEANIC
Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located