The Cape Fear region is always an interesting place to eat, all the more so with a mix of new restaurants, bars and specialty food businesses opening and rebranding. New to try are an island-inspired restaurant near Wrightsville Beach, a small-batch ice cream shop in Shallotte, and a music-focused lounge in downtown Wilmington.
Here's a look at some of the latest openings and changes across New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. If there’s a spot we should add to the list, let us know by emailing aballard@usatodayco.com.
Cabana Bar & Grill
When new owners took over the former Waterman’s Brewing Co. and Sammy Sea’s Coastal Kitchen location, they did a quick revamp at 1610 Pavilion Place near Wrightsville Beach. Look for all-day, island-inspired food for brunch,
lunch and dinner. Early favorites are the coconut shrimp, coconut curry mussels, a crab Rangoon dip, a jerk-spiced smash burger, and the Campechana, a Yucatan-style seafood salad. There's a dining area, and a bar with 11 televisions that's open until midnight.
Tuscan Sunset Restaurant & Lounge
Restaurateurs Maryann and Dion Harris opened this restaurant at 925 Seaside Road SW in Ocean Isle Beach on Aug. 20. Look for scratch-made flatbread pizzas, burgers, tacos, pastas and entrees like blackened tuna and a variety of steaks. There are also several appetizers and salads to choose from, as well as a children's menu.
Lilly Bird Creamery
This new small-batch ice cream shop is at 4810 Main St. in Shallotte. Ice creams are made with local ingredients. In addition to the 16 dairy and 8 non-dairy flavors, look for treats like affogato, ice cream sandwiches and sundaes.
Sunny Day Sandwich Shoppe
The We Are True Blue restaurant group recently changed the concept at 348 Hutchison Lane in Wilmington. It’s now all about the sandwiches, which are huge, messy and satisfying. Those who choose to make their own creation with the selection of meats, cheeses and condiments on hand can name their sandwich – and it might appear on the menu.
The Confession Room
This cocktail lounge and banquet hallis open for live music and private events at 201 N. Front St. in downtown Wilmington's historic Murchison Building.
Jimmy's Inland
The popular Jimmy's bar in Wrightsville Beach now has a second location. It opened in the former Coat of Arms Lounge at 3818 Wrightsville Ave. in Wilmington. The grand opening on Aug. 30 featured their signature boozy slushies. live music, arcade games and food from their sister business King Neptune.
Ti Elle’ aBee
Newly opened, and serving on weekends at the 3rd Street Eats window, is this business serving seasonal popovers and herbal teas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday evenings and Sundays. Owner Beth Joy-Dougherty said she’s long had an interest in herbalism and natural healing – and also wanted to open a bakery. Look for a rotating selection of pastries (from sweet to savory) and teas like the Love Buzz and Earl Gray French Vanilla Lavender Cream.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 7 new restaurants to try in the Wilmington area
