Nestled just north of Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island is Wilmington’s exclusive barrier island, famed for its serene privacy, unspoiled landscapes, and luxury homes. But while this neighborhood is celebrated for its natural beauty and seclusion, the local dining scene offers an impressive array of foodie experiences—from refined waterfront restaurants to laid-back seafood shacks and delightful bakeries. If you’re lucky enough to spend time on Figure Eight, here’s your go-to guide for eating your way through this coastal enclave and its nearby food treasures.
Figure Eight Island: Dining On and Around the Island
Unlike downtown Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island itself is more residential and private, with access limited to property owners and their guests. Here, the Figure Eight Island Yacht Club (15 Bridge Road) reigns as the island’s premier culinary destination:
- Figure Eight Island Yacht Club
Cuisine: Upscale American, Fresh Seafood
Price: $$$
Standout For: Panoramic waterfront dining, attentive service, and a focus on locally sourced seafood. Don’t miss their signature She-Crab Soup, grilled Carolina shrimp, or the perfectly seared grouper. The weekend brunches are beloved, especially the crab cake Benedict and fresh-baked pastries. The Yacht Club’s menu celebrates seasonal, coastal Carolina cuisine, with extensive wine and craft cocktail options.
While exclusive to members and guests, the club plays a pivotal role in the island’s social scene, hosting themed dinners, oyster roasts, and summer cookouts.
Just Off the Island: Gateway to Wilmington’s Culinary Scene
Step just off the island, south across the Figure Eight bridge, and you’ll enter an eclectic mix of eateries along Porters Neck Road, Market Street, and nearby Middle Sound Loop.
Standout Restaurants
- Port Land Grille (1908 Eastwood Rd, a quick drive south)
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price: $$$
What Makes It Great: Consistently ranked among Wilmington’s best, Port Land Grille focuses on chef-driven, farm-to-table cuisine—think pecan-crusted local trout, slow-braised braised short rib, and an ever-changing menu of creative small plates. Elegant yet unfussy, it’s perfect for a date night or special celebration.
- Grand Cru Food & Wine (4403 Oleander Dr)
Cuisine: Modern American, Wine Bar
Price: $$-$$$
Hidden Gem: Inspired wine-and-dining atmosphere with an extensive global wine list, creative tapas (try the pimiento cheese croquettes and duck breast), and some of Wilmington’s best charcuterie boards. Their patio is a local favorite for sipping rosé and sharing plates.
- Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar (5035 Market St)
Cuisine: Carolina Seafood
Price: $$
Local Tradition: Established in 1979, Hieronymus is “old Wilmington” at its finest. Dive into steamed local oysters, fried shrimp baskets, or blackened Mahi tacos. The hush puppies are legendary—crunchy, sweet, and irresistible.
Casual Bites and Family Favorites
- Kornerstone Bistro (8262 Market St, in Porters Neck Center)
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Price: $$
Why Go: Housemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, hearty salads, and a fun weekend brunch. This spot nails both authenticity and approachability—locals rave about the pesto gnocchi and the lamb burger.
- Poe’s Tavern (212 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach)
Cuisine: American, Burgers
Price: $-$$
Hidden Gem: An Edgar Allan Poe-themed bistro with inventive burgers (try the “Tell-Tale Heart” burger with fried egg and bacon jam) and craft beers, perfect for a casual lunch after a morning paddle or beach walk.
Bakeries and Cafés: Sweet Treats and Morning Musts
- Nothing Bundt Cakes (820 Town Center Dr, Mayfaire)
Noteworthy for: Moist, flavorful bundt cakes in classic and seasonal flavors—red velvet and lemon are standouts. These cakes are popular for birthdays, celebrations, and sweet island picnic treats.
- Drift Café (1207 Airlie Rd, near Middle Sound Loop and Wrightsville Beach)
What to Love: Drift is a trendy coastal café with exceptional coffee, smoothie bowls, and avocado toast. The in-house bakery supplies gooey cinnamon rolls and flaky croissants—perfect for fueling a morning walk on the sand.
- Burney’s Sweets & More (6806 Market St)
Why It’s Special: Famed in the Cape Fear area for glazed croissants, homemade pies, and Southern-style cakes. It’s worth the short drive for these pillowy, sugar-dusted treats—locals pack in for the sweet potato pie and chocolate eclairs.
Food Trucks: Hidden Gems on Wheels
Though food truck permitting is limited on Figure Eight Island itself, the nearby Porters Neck and Market Street areas often host a tasty rotating roster of trucks and pop-ups at breweries and local events. Watch for:
- Catch the Food Truck
Chef Keith Rhodes’ mobile offshoot of his award-winning Wilmington seafood grill. The fried shrimp po’boys and Carolina fish tacos are crowd pleasers.
- Port City Que
Classic North Carolina barbecue, loaded brisket nachos, and smoky pulled pork sandwiches—perfect grab-and-go fare for a beach picnic.
Check out local brewery parking lots on weekends to catch a surprise pop-up, especially around Waterman's Brewing (1610 Pavilion Pl).
Locals’ Favorites: Off-the-Beaten-Path Finds
- Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café (1319 Military Cutoff Rd)
A retreat for health-conscious diners, Lovey’s serves fresh juices, smoothie bowls, vegan wraps, and a stellar salad bar. The market is also stocked with organic groceries and gourmet snacks—great for stocking up a summer rental.
- Havana’s Fresh Island Seafood (322 N New River Dr, Surf City—worth the drive north)
Hidden Gem: This laid-back spot is a pilgrimage for seafood fanatics—try the blackened mahi sandwich, the shrimp and grits, or the chef’s daily ceviche special. The energy here is neighborly and unpretentious, and the ocean breezes are free.
Food Traditions and Island Flavors
On Figure Eight Island, food is often about gathering—sunset oyster roasts, lowcountry boils, or big family brunches. Southern hospitality reigns; expect to see platters of peel-and-eat shrimp, baskets of hush puppies, and pitchers of sweet tea at any gathering. Locals swear by fresh catch from Motts Channel Seafood (120 Short St, Wrightsville Beach) to grill at home or enjoy dockside.
Where the Action Clusters
While true restaurant “rows” on Figure Eight Island are limited by its private community, the culinary action centers just off the bridge, especially:
- Porters Neck Road/Market Street Corridor: Family-friendly bistros, bakeries, and food trucks.
- Eastwood Road & Oleander Drive: Home to elevate date-night dining and bustling cafés.
- Middle Sound Loop: For hip brunch spots and gourmet coffee shops.
Savor the Flavors of Figure Eight
Figure Eight Island’s food scene may be lower-key than downtown Wilmington, but its charm is in the quality, not the quantity. Whether you’re soaking in a sunset dinner at the Yacht Club, dropping in for fresh pastries at a neighborhood bakery, or picnicking on wild-caught shrimp from a local market, the flavors here are pure coastal Carolina—fresh, unfussy, and meant to be shared.