The Pilot House Restaurant

The Pilot House Restaurant opened in 1978 and was the first restaurant in then-newly restored Chandler’s Wharf, a significant section of Wilmington’s port city industrial past. Initially, only salads and sandwiches were dispensed from a service window to customers who sat outdoors. Lots more delicious things have happened since an on-site kitchen was added in 1988.

The restaurant specializes in Southern regional cuisine, traditional and with contemporary flair. From-scratch dishes showcase fresh, local ingredients. Everything from “down home cooking” to Cajun to Lowcountry and other coastal cuisines inspire chefs. For lunch, arugula, goat cheese and roasted red pepper embellish a fried green tomato sandwich on a toasted Mexican telera roll.

Shrimp and grits includes kielbasa sausage, mushrooms, scallions and collards on fried grits cakes. Shrimp and grits is on the dinner menu as well as everything from lobster macaroni and cheese to cioppino to filet mignon and herb-crusted rack of lamb. Sweet potato-crusted grouper is served with mushroom ravioli, mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette. Brown sugar, cider vinegar, toasted pecans, fresh thyme and butter season pan-seared Southern Pecan Chicken Cutlets.

The Pilot House Restaurant has a full bar menu that includes wine, beer and delightful cocktails. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday throughout the year. The restaurant, deck and private rooms are available for weddings and other special events for groups of 30 to 300.Reservations should be made well in advance for special parties.

For more information visit www.pilothouserest.com

See what our local and visiting customers have to say about The Pilot House Restaurant!

“Pilot House located on the riverfront in Chandlers Wharf is one of our best restaurants for visitors and for residents on special nights. They have outdoor seating and indoor seating. They’re right on the river. You can see the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. And the parking lot is proximate to the restaurant. The food is outstanding and they have a cute little bar it’s a great place to have a meal.” – Annie Anthony

“Outstanding in all regards! Great food, views and excellent service!!! Highly recommend. A very nice place to celebrate a special occasion.” – Bill Hoke