savor — guide to dining on the azalea coast
45
fine dining by Gregory Tyler Loftis / photography by Joshua Curry
a new crop of eateries joins the roster of established
restaurants to give foodies fresh reasons to head downtown
“Fine dining” is a subjective concept. For instance,
many people would consider made-to-order, authentic French food
— think Caprice Bistro — to be fine dining. However, to Chef Thierry
Moity, the legendary Caprice is simply a modest French bistro. Other restaurant owners
in Historic Downtown Wilmington feel the same way about their establishments,
considering themselves warm, welcoming neighborhood eateries rather than fine dining
restaurants. Just for today, we respectfully beg to differ, although we agree that what
makes a restaurant a fine-dining experience isn’t the white tablecloths or overly elaborate
presentation; it’s the quality of the food, drink, service and atmosphere.
Over the last 20 years, Historic Downtown Wilmington has become a bustling
center for great restaurants and nightlife, including these Port City eateries. They
may not have starched-white tablecloths and $300 entrees, but their food is worthy
of five stars and the well-earned title of fine dining.
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
Caffe Phoenix
The elder statesman of fine-dining
downtown restaurants, Caffe Phoenix (35
North Front Street, 910-343-1395) moved to
its new location on N. Front Street last
year. Since the 1980s, Caffe Phoenix has
served excellent American-Mediterranean
food to its fiercely loyal clientele. Local
art continues to decorate the walls, and
the relaxed but professional approach to
service gives Caffe Phoenix a welcoming
neighborhood atmosphere. With
large brunch, lunch and dinner menus,
Phoenix offers a variety of made-to-order
pastas, seafood and more. “My personal
favorite is the cilantro encrusted tuna,”
says manager Nicole Mize. Be sure to
visit on Friday nights to see jazz musician
Benny Hill perform.