Best Spots for a Romantic Dinner Near Wilmington

Sometimes we want to take our sweethearts out to a romantic dinner for two. We want candlelight, soft violin music in the background, and savory foods that just melt to our taste buds. In the Wilmington area there are a number of great spots for a romantic dinner.

Bluewater Grill - The Bluewater Grill sits on the Intra-Coastal Waterway just underneath the bridge to Wrightsville Beach on Marina Street. (Referring to its looks, the building kind of reminds me of the Real World house in San Diego.) It has been voted Best Business Lunch and Best Outdoor Dining Restaurant in the area. This two-story restaurant features indoor as well as outdoor dining on the water. If you're looking for music to spice up your romantic candlelit meal, live entertainment on the deck is from 4pm to 8pm each Sunday. The menu at Bluewater includes American favorites like ribs, steak, shrimp, and other fresh seafood. You can also order combo platters. There is also a full bar. Don't skip dessert at the Bluewater Grill. Order your sweetie a slice of Caribbean Fudge Pie - the recipe was requested by Gourmet Magazine! This classy restaurant is open seven days a week and closes at 10pm. Items on the dinner menu range in price from $15 to $30. Even though it says dress is casual, 99% of the customers wear dresses, skirts, khakis, and such.

Fat Tony's - Downtown location - For the more relaxed and easy to please couples, Fat Tony's probably has what you want. You can either sit indoors our outdoors on their patio overlooking the Cape Fear River. I should also warn you that this Italian Pub is on Wilmington's long list of haunted places. But, I wouldn't worry if I were you. The restaurant serves up 24 draft beers, wines, full bar menu, and great pizza and pasta dishes. There is a darkness about Fat Tony's that creates a romantic mood. Christmas-type accent lights line the ceilings and there's live bands that play there often. Fat Tony's makes the perfect place for a romantic dinner for those of you who want to be a little less traditional without going towards the Burger King level.

Oceanic - The Oceanic is yet another waterfront dining establishment. However, it overlooks the ocean instead. For several years in a row this restaurant had Best Seafood Restaurant awards to be proud of. Unlike other waterfront restaurants, the Oceanic has a pier built onto it's side. When it's warm outside, you have the choice of dining on the pier. Otherwise you get to enjoy dinner from inside. The restaurant has very large windows so no matter where you sit at, you will be able to see out. Nothing beats watching surfers ride waves as they come ashore or the stars twinkling in the waters offshore a bit while you wait for your meal to be brought out. Fresh local seafood is the specialty at the Oceanic. You can also order steaks, chicken, and pasta. The hushpuppies served before meals are very delicious! This restaurant is more open and bright, but the gorgeous views bring out the romance in everyone! Add a glass of chardonnay or merlot to your dinner and you will be all set. Like the Bluewater, dress nicely but comfortable. A skirt for females and khaki pants with a polo shirt for males is the norm.

The Bluewater Grill, Oceanic Restaurant, and Fat Tony's Pub Downtown are three of my favorite restaurants around Wilmington. Furthermore, all of these are without a doubt my first choices of places to take my loved one for a romantic dinner.