Seabird

Seabird is a restaurant in Wilmington, NC, located at 1 S Front St. It offers brunch and dinner with a focus on seasonally inspired seafood and locally sourced ingredients from North Carolina’s coastal region. The menu highlights oysters and shellfish caught by small-scale fisherpeople, complemented by craft cocktails, wine, and beer. The restaurant is known for its creative, fresh, and uniquely Wilmington approach to dining, with a commitment to sustainable seafood practices. Chef Dean Neff, a three-time James Beard Foundation nominee and a finalist for Outstanding Chef, opened Seabird in 2021 alongside his wife, Lydia Clopton. The restaurant has received accolades from Eater, Reader’s Digest, Hemispheres, The Local Palate, and Garden & Gun, and was named Beach Restaurant of the Year and Essential by Eater.

Seabird is housed in a historic building in downtown Wilmington, where the dining experience reflects the rhythms of the local coast. The kitchen, led by Chef de Cuisine James Jones, emphasizes seasonality and responsible sourcing, with a strong advocacy for North Carolina’s Oyster Trail and sustainable fishing practices. The team includes Wine Director Colby Perkins, Pastry Chef Leticia Torres-Rojas, Bar Manager Chason Huggins, and Day Manager Sarah Dodson, who contribute to the restaurant’s creative and cohesive vision. The restaurant is celebrated for its locally focused seafood tower and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and BuzzFeed’s “Worth It.”

Seabird operates with extended hours, serving brunch on weekends and dinner Monday through Saturday, with Sunday dinner and brunch also available. The restaurant is known for its thoughtful preparation, community engagement, and deep connection to the North Carolina coast. It stands as a leading culinary destination in Wilmington, rooted in local tradition and innovation.