After all,Ashevillewith standout restaurants like Curate, Rhubarb, and Benne on Eaglewas namedYelps No.

1 Foodie Destinationin both 2021 and 2022.

But the culinary talent in the Tar Heel State extends far beyond these metropolitan hubs.

Olivero

Credit:Anna Routh

For a big night out, order the Seasonal Seafood Tower and marvel at the chilled glory.

The incredible ambiance atIndochinetakes your meal past the point of tasty nourishment and into the realm of memorable experiences.

The expansive menu includes everything from banh mi and pho to Thai curries and chicken satay.

Seabird

Credit:Lisa Corson

Opened since 1939, thisboardwalk shopis known for its homemade glazed donuts.

The other thing this place does well is pie.

A Panama Painkiller cocktail or margarita rimmed with salt straight from Wrightsville Beach is the perfect pairing.

Indochine

Credit:Lisa Corson

Like many of its compatriots, Catchs point of view centers around sustainability, seasonality, and locality.

Southern influence is apparent, but so are flavors from around the world.

AtManna, the dish names are as creative as the cuisine.

CheeseSmith

Credit:Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB

The Honeydew List includes summer melons, burrata, Tulsi Italian speck, and black pepper honey.

Soul food, barbecueif its Southern theyve got it.

Whatever you add to your plate, just be sure to save room for an order of banana pudding.

PinPoint

Credit:Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB

The lunch and dinner menus offer similar creative takes on classic Latin cuisine.

The burgers here are stacked high, the drinks are ice-cold, and the vibes are always top-notch.

There are two locations of this beloved restaurant: one in downtown Wilmington and a second in Carolina Beach.

Britt’s Donuts

Credit:Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB

The Southerly

Credit:Courtesy of The Southerly

Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria

Credit:Lisa Corson

The Basics

Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB.

Drift Coffee & Kitchen

Credit:Courtesy of Drift Coffee & Kitchen

Ceviche’s

Credit:Lisa Corson

Catch

Credit:Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB

Manna

Credit:Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB

Casey’s Buffet

Credit:Courtesy of Casey’s Buffet

The Green House

Credit:Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB

Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant

Credit:Courtesy of Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant

Caprice Bistro

Credit:Courtesy of Caprice Bistro

Savorez

Credit:Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB

Olivero

Credit:Anna Routh

Tarantelli’s

Credit:Courtesy of Tarantelli’s

Fork ‘N’ Cork

Credit:Courtesy of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB