Wilmington restaurants make Raleigh Metro's list

Wilmington restaurants again are taking out-of-town kudos, this time two hours west in Raleigh Metro Magazine.

Each year, the magazine bestows its coveted Metro Bravo Awards. Readers vote for what they consider the Triangle and coast’s best restaurants. The magazine permits one vote per person per category.

In 12 categories focused on food and drink, New Hanover County locations took 16 awards, competing with spots as far north as the Outer Banks.

Manna, 123 Princess St., won the best new coastal restaurant award. Catch restaurant chef Keith Rhodes won best coastal chef, and Catch, 6623 Market St., tied with Beaufort’s Blue Moon Bistro for best coastal seafood restaurant.

Jerry’s Food, Wine and Spirits, 7220 Wrightsville Ave., also took the second-place best seafood restaurant award. Additionally, Jerry’s took an honorable mention award for best coastal chef. Chef Jerry Rouse owns the restaurant. The executive chef is Steven Powell.   

In spring 2011, Wilmington restaurants dominated the eastern piedmont/coastal fine dining category nominations in the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s Best Dish in North Carolina contest focused on local ingredients.

With the Triangle’s burgeoning restaurant scene, why would Raleigh Metro Magazine bother with the coast?

“So many people from Raleigh go down to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, that’s so much of our readership,” assistant editor Dan Reeves said.

Other winners:

Best hot dogs: The Trolley Stop, with locations in Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington, Southport. Honorable mention went to Andy’s Burgers, Shakes and Fries in Wilmington.

Best breakfast: Causeway Café, 114 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach; second place, Sweet & Savory Café, 1611 Pavillion Place, Wrightsville Beach

Best shrimp burger: Dockside, 1308 Airlie Road, Wilmington

Best late-night dining: Lumina Station’s Cameo 19 Hundred, 1900 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, tied with the Outer Banks’ Aqua Restaurant & Bar

Best patio: Dockside

Coldest beer: Carolina Ale House, 317 S. College Road, Wilmington; honorable mention, The Wilmington Icehouse, 7201 Ogden Business Lane, Wilmington

Best place for a margarita: K38 Baja Grill, midtown and Porters Neck, Wilmington, tied with El Zarape Mexican Restaurant, Emerald Isle

Best place for a bloody Mary: Dockside

Best local shrimp: Motts Channel Seafood, 120 Short St., Wrightsville Beach