14 Wilmington-area restaurants we're looking forward to opening in 2024
Plans are already underway for dozens of new restaurants, some familiar and some unique, that could open in the Wilmington area in 2024. Here’s a look at some of those cool and exciting eateries that we’re especially looking forward to in the coming weeks and months.
CheeseSmith
Molly Curnyn, one of the people behind this popular grilled-cheese concept, said they are getting closer to opening a second storefront near Wrightsville Beach. It’s slated for 1319 Military Cutoff Road in the Landfall Shopping Center. Until it opens, you can still check out their first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 624 S 17th St. In Wilmington’s Cargo District.
Wheelz Pizza Leland
The Leland and Belville area will get a new pizza restaurant in the coming weeks. As the local Wheelz Pizza brand expands, one of the newest locations is at 59 Waterford Business Center Way in Belville. Look for their signature scratch-made artisan dough that goes through a 72-hour fermentation, as well as the popular turkey club and chocolate chip cookies.
Commodore Public House and Kitchen
Work is underway for this restaurant at 620 N. Fourth St. from Brian Westlye, Travis Weiss, and their PROOFhospitality group. They already have Rebellion and the Fox's Hole in the Wall, but this spot promises to bring something unique to the Brooklyn Arts District, including a strong cocktail program and elevated bar food, mostly American style with a Latin twist,
The Commodore Club
This year could be the year of the commodore. This partnership between Wrightsville Yacht Club and Giorgios Bakatsias of Giorgios Hospitality Group promises to bring a multi-level floating club house and restaurant to the area. Bakatsias, who owns the nearby Kipos Hellenic Cuisine and G Prime steakhouse, will lead the food and beverage program.
Pie Slayer
A storefront for this baking phenomenon is slated to open in the former manna Provisions space at the corner of Second and Princess streets, perhaps as soon as March. Look for a late-night dessert bar with drinks, plated desserts, and grab-and-go treats.
Chingon Taqueria Wilmington
Wilmington’s former Catawba Brewing Co. location on New Centre Drive will soon be home to a Chingon Taqueria. Restaurateur Alex Zaragoza has already had success with the concept in Leland. He also owns Si Senor! in Porters Neck and Papi’s Chicken in Leland.
Brunch Thyme
Phallin and Corey Scott recently announced that they’re adding to their On Thyme restaurant on Castle Street. They’ll soon be opening this breakfast and brunch concept in the former Chicken In The Box location at 1124 N. Fourth St. on the other side of downtown Wilmington.
Bahn Sai
Austin Belt said he's eyeing a spring opening for a storefront version of this popular Asian fusion food truck. It's set for the former Drinx space in Wilmington's Cargo District at 2162 Wrightsville Ave. The menu will include bowls and burritos, as well as a rotating special featuring their best-selling katsu sandwiches.
Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktails
Jennifer Rigard, one of the people behind this restaurant concept, said they're adding an awning-covered patio on the Cape Fear River. The restaurant should be ready to open this spring in the Pier 33 complex. The menu will incorporate Peruvian, Colombian and Caribbean dishes, along with a Miami-style cocktail program.
Nautical Bowls
As the Pier 33 area continues to expand the restaurant options downtown, it's also set to include a fresh acai bowl concept to open this year. The owners also recently opened a location in Pender County. The Wilmington site will be on the north end of Pier 33, parallel to Harnett Street.
Royal James
The owners of The Pub of Southport have been working on a new rum and tequila bar at 109 E. Moore St. They’re converting it into a two-story bar with a Carribean theme and small beer garden out back. Also look for ledge seating at the entrance overlooking downtown Southport.
Preston
Only a short time after this new fine dining restaurant opened in the historic Graystone Inn at 100 S. Third St., a fire closed it again. But owners are working to renovate and re-open this year. In the meantime, you can also check out their Oklahoma's Original Burger spot and the new Concorde Espresso Bar.
Savard Beer and Board Company
John and Michelle Savard, of Wilmington Brewing Company, have started construction on a new concept in downtown Wilmington. It will include a second, smaller brewery, as well as a custom surfboard shaping shop -- and a bar area where people can watch the work as it happens at 121 S. Front St. It'll will be a long process, about 11 months, but there's a (small) chance that it could open later this year.
Bridgewater Wines + Dines
Also in the "possibly later this year" category is a new space for this popular Leland business. But Doug and Susan Zucker said they're expecting to host a grand opening in January 2025. It will be a bigger space for their global selection of wines, and with a bigger kitchen for their eclectic menu at 60 Gregory Road.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington area restaurants we're looking forward to opening in 2024
