Foodie stars shine and Wilmington area restaurants close

The Michelin Guide system can be opaque. Many in the Wilmington area were wondering if any local restaurants would be on the starred-and-tiered list from the prestigious world-famous rating guide when they evaluated restaurants in the American South for the first time last year. While 2025 was a bus

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Salita Pizza in Wilmington's Cargo District uses seasonal ingredients, like these peaches, for its pizzas.

The Michelin Guide system can be opaque. Many in the Wilmington area were wondering if any local restaurants would be on the starred-and-tiered list from the prestigious world-famous rating guide when they evaluated restaurants in the American South for the first time last year. While 2025 was a bust, that's not true anymore! In a somewhat secret ceremony in Nashville this week, representatives from two Wilmington were there – and brought Michelin honors to Southeastern North Carolina for the first time. It's great news for the local food scene, and you can read the details and more of this week's food news below.

What to eat

We recommend: Michelin added these two local eateries to their "recommended" selections. Have you tried them? If not, you can learn

more about them -- and the honor -- here.

Poppin' out: One of the newer businesses in the Wilmington area is taking the classic pastry, popovers, and stuffing them with delicious fillings and serving them alongside wellness teas. The popovers have surprisingly good-for-you qualities. And I am still thinking about that one filled with peanut butter and chocolate.

On the calendar: Spicy is one of the themes this weekend. One of the participants at a really hot hot dog challengefrom Water Weenies food truck, is now hosting a spicy pizza challenge at Slice of Life. There are T-shirts, prizes and bragging rights for those who participate at the downtown location. This weekend also marks the return of the Wilmington Greek Festival drive-thru, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Friday through Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. And don't forget that Chef Dean Neff's Out to Sea NC fest is coming up. The screening on Nov. 9 promises to be a fascinating, oyster-filled look at the local industry.

A flight of stuffed popovers, including one with a pear-and-cherry filling with brie, the Ti PB Cup, and The Frenchy with cinnamon and honey butter, from Ti Elle’ aBee in Wilmington, N.C.

Restaurant closings

Changes in Southport: After the recent announcement that one downtown Southport restaurant would close later this year, another one less than a block away has also closed.

Final days: We are also in the final days for a popular waterfront restaurant before it closes. There is more in the works, though. Here's a look.

Social stuff

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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Foodie stars shine and Wilmington area restaurants close