Best Upscale Vegan Restaurants in Wilmington | Upscale & Vegan

16 restaurants in Best Upscale Vegan Restaurants in Wilmington | Upscale & Vegan

• Chelsea Tavern — American · rated 4/5: Chelsea Tavern hums with the vibrant energy of a classic neighborhood gathering spot, where the air is thick with the savory scent of bubbling cheese and golden-fried comfort. The kitchen reimagines pub-style indulgence through a playful array of shareable bites, from crispy egg rolls bursting with smoky bacon jam to pillowy pretzel crullers and wings tossed in bold, zesty glazes. It is a place where communal baskets of hand-battered rings and artisanal pizzas anchor long afternoons of spirited conversation and casual, soul-warming feasts.
• Wilmington Brew Works — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into this spirited taproom feels like joining a neighborhood celebration, where the industrial-cool setting is warmed by the aroma of toasted grain and salty snacks. Guests gather over communal tables to share "Pretentious Grilled Cheese" sandwiches and warm Federal soft pretzels, pairing their pints with an eclectic mix of savory salami whips and small-batch popcorn. It is a lively social hub where every crunchy bite and cold pour invites a lingering afternoon of easy conversation and local flavor.
• Constitution Yards — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant open-air destination captures the spirit of a perpetual summer afternoon, where the industrial-chic surroundings hum with the energy of communal tables and sun-drenched relaxation. The kitchen turns out golden, crispy comfort classics like zesty fried pickles and gooey cheese curds alongside bubbling, thin-crust pizzas that are perfect for sharing under the open sky. It is a spirited urban retreat where the simple joy of jumbo wings and salty pretzels creates a quintessential backdrop for a breezy, social dining experience.
• Gianni's Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: Gianni’s Pizza serves as a vibrant neighborhood hub where the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and zesty buffalo sauce beckons guests into a warm, inviting space. The kitchen excels in the art of the shared table, turning out baskets of golden-fried delights like molten mozzarella sticks and crisp, hand-breaded mushrooms that pair perfectly with the satisfying crunch of fresh bruschette. Whether you’re diving into a plate of fiery wings or savoring the pull of cheese-topped bread, the experience is one of pure, unpretentious comfort designed for lively conversation and communal indulgence.
• China King Restaurant — Chinese: China King Restaurant serves as a bustling neighborhood anchor where the irresistible aroma of seasoned flour and sizzling oil promises a masterclass in golden-brown comfort. Guests are treated to an array of expertly fried treasures, ranging from zesty lemon-pepper wings with a satisfying crunch to tender, salt-kissed scallops and jumbo shrimp that snap with freshness. It is a vibrant sanctuary of flavor where the focus remains entirely on the art of the fry, delivering piping-hot indulgence in every bite.
• The Quoin Restaurant — Italian: Bathed in a glow of sophisticated charm, The Quoin Restaurant serves as a polished sanctuary where the crisp snap of chilled East Coast oysters and the delicate brightness of hamachi tartare awaken the palate. The air carries the enticing scent of warm garlic bread and traditional "Ricetta Originale" dishes, inviting guests to linger over artisanal salumi boards and creamy burrata piadinas. It is a space where refined culinary artistry meets a convivial atmosphere, turning every shared plate into a celebration of timeless flavor.
• Bardea Steak — Steakhouse: Bardea Steak reimagines the traditional chophouse as a high-energy culinary playground where sleek, modern design meets a bold, global spirit. The kitchen transforms familiar comforts into artful indulgences, pairing chilled oysters and pillowy lamb gnocchi with playful, elevated bites that bridge the gap between nostalgia and fine dining. Warm brioche pull-aparts and inventive small plates invite a communal, celebratory atmosphere, ensuring every visit feels like a sophisticated yet spirited exploration of flavor.
• Cavanaugh's Restaurant — American: This inviting neighborhood haunt hums with the convivial energy of a local favorite, where the savory steam from crocks of oven-baked French onion soup mingles with the irresistible aroma of signature crisp-fried wings. Guests gather around tables piled high with golden potato skins and mountain-sized nachos, finding comfort in a menu of timeless pub classics that turn every casual meal into a soulful, shared celebration.
• Faire Cafe — American: Faire Cafe serves as a sun-drenched neighborhood sanctuary where the rich, nutty aroma of house-roasted coffee mingles with the comforting scent of toasted brioche from their signature breakfast sandwiches. Guests can linger over golden, hand-cut shoestring fries and rotating seasonal specials that celebrate the month’s freshest flavors, all while the space shifts seamlessly from a bustling morning retreat into a sophisticated haunt for artisanal cocktails.
• Drop Squad Kitchen — American: This vibrant plant-based sanctuary reimagines the soul food tradition, filling the air with the smoky, savory perfume of slow-simmered comfort and bold innovation. Guests feast on hearty platters of tender vegan oxtail and glistening "VRibs" glazed in the signature New Jerusalem Sauce, where every bite delivers a rich, nostalgic depth that celebrates both heritage and health. It is a soulful culinary destination where the warmth of community meets a menu that is as indulgent as it is conscious.
• Taco Grande — Mexican: Stepping into this vibrant cantina, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of charred meats and the rhythmic sound of chefs hand-pressing fresh guacamole. The energy peaks as sizzling platters of tender filet fajitas and bubbling molcajete bowls weave through the dining room, perfectly paired with frosty margarita pitchers and smooth house tequila. Whether peeling back the husks of delicate, steaming tamales or diving into a colorful spread of artisanal tacos, every bite captures a festive spirit that turns a simple meal into a lively celebration.
• The Riverfront Asian Cuisine & Bar — Chinese: Perched along the water’s edge, this vibrant destination invites diners to linger over a tapestry of bold flavors, from the spicy kick of bang bang shrimp to the delicate, hand-folded artistry of kanom jeeb. The air hums with the energy of a sophisticated social hub, where the aroma of lemongrass and sizzling satay mingles with the cool river breeze to create an unforgettable sensory escape.
• Big Fish Grill — Seafood: The air at this lively coastal retreat is thick with the savory scent of bourbon-marinated shrimp and charcoal-grilled seafood, drawing guests into a space that feels like a permanent seaside escape. From the satisfying crunch of golden-fried Chesapeake catfish to the delicate richness of lobster-infused dips and briny Virginia oysters, every plate captures the spirited essence of the shoreline, making it an ideal harbor for sharing fresh, salt-kissed flavors in a relaxed setting.
• China Wok — Chinese: China Wok hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood kitchen, where the enticing aroma of sizzling woks and golden-fried appetizers invites guests into a world of savory comfort. The experience centers on a playful variety of hand-rolled delights—from creamy crab rangoon to inventive cheesesteak rolls—alongside tender, glazed skewers and smoky spare ribs that promise a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite.
• Le Cavalier — French: Stepping into Le Cavalier feels like entering a grand, sun-drenched brasserie where the air is thick with the savory perfume of onion soup and the sophisticated energy of a timeless French retreat. The kitchen elevates classic indulgence, presenting everything from silken steak tartare and earthy wild mushroom tartines to the decadent, marrow-rich union of traditional escargots. It is a sanctuary of culinary refinement, where chilled oysters and black diamond caviar are enjoyed amidst an atmosphere of polished elegance and effortless charm.
• The Melting Pot — French: The Melting Pot invites guests into an intimate, dimly lit sanctuary where the communal ritual of fondue transforms a meal into a lingering, multi-sensory celebration. The journey begins with the rich aroma of artisan cheeses melting in copper pots and crisp, garden-fresh salads, eventually giving way to savory entrées and the ultimate indulgence of decadent chocolate fondue. Between sips of fine wine and craft cocktails, the interactive four-course experience fosters a unique connection, making every dip and every bite a shared memory.