Reservations are generally not required unless your party consists of six persons or more, and many restaurants throughout the region don't accept reservations at all, especially during peak season. It wasn't very long ago that waiting time at most Wilmington restaurants was negligible. With the region's growing year-round visitor season, the wait has changed substantially for many restaurants. At most popular eateries in Wilmington, expect to find waiting lists throughout the summer, during festivals and on most holidays. Some restaurants have call-ahead seating, which allows you to place your name on the waiting list before your arrival. A call to the restaurant regarding their policy is recommended.

Restaurant hours are frequently reduced or curtailed in winter, although some restaurants close entirely for a month or more, especially in the beach communities. Most places serve later on Friday and Saturday nights than on weeknights, so call ahead to verify hours and reservations. You may also want to inquire about early bird specials and senior citizen discounts even if such information isn't included in our listings.

In keeping with the area's resort character and hot summers, dining here is generally very casual. While you might feel out of place wearing shorts at fancier restaurants such as The Pilot House or Caprice, casual dress is commonplace practically everywhere else. Wearing shorts or polo shirts during the summer, even at the better restaurants, may be the only practical way to end a very full day.

Most restaurants listed here accept major credit cards, and some will accept personal checks with an ID. We'll let you know which ones do not take credit cards.

Coffeehouses are a welcome addition to the local landscape, particularly in Wilmington, so we've listed a number of the most popular spots at the end of the chapter. Often reflecting the communities in which they thrive, these gathering places exhibit a definite artistic and coastal flair. Local artwork receives pride of place on many cafe walls in this culturally rich region. Warm and courteous friendliness is thrown in for good measure. All offer the standard array of coffeehouse beverages, from traditional espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and herbal teas to cool, sweet fresh fruit smoothies, with daily specials that are exquisitely exotic. Biscotti, muffins, scones and bagels, made fresh daily on the premises or at local bakeries, are traditional fare for area cafes. The Bakeries section at the end of this chapter lists outstanding establishments in the region. These talented and well-established bake shops also supply several local restaurants and eateries with delicious homemade breads and mouth-watering desserts.

The following price code is based on the average price for two dinner entrees only. For restaurants not serving dinner, the code reflects mid-priced lunch entrees for two. Dual codes indicate that lunch and dinner prices vary significantly. The price codes do not reflect the state/county 7 percent sales tax or gratuities.