
manna
Sophisticated New American dining with a focus on playful, local ingredients and a romantic ambiance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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manna

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sophisticated New American dining with a focus on playful, local ingredients and a romantic ambiance.
"Every dish was a revelation – the best meal I've ever had!"
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the dining room, to secure your spot.
Trust Your Server
Staff are knowledgeable and their recommendations are spot-on for an elevated dining experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Innovative New American Cuisine
Locally sourced ingredients are transformed into playful, impeccably executed dishes with unexpected sides.

Romantic Ambiance
Cozy, inviting, and classy environs that encourage guests to linger for hours over exceptional food.

Craft Cocktails & Extensive Wine List
Talented mixologists create seasonal cocktails with house-made bitters, complemented by an impressive wine selection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the dining room, to secure your spot.
Trust Your Server
Staff are knowledgeable and their recommendations are spot-on for an elevated dining experience.
Save Room for Dessert
Reviewers rave about dessert options like the Apple Pie Bread Pudding.
Consider Off-Peak Visits
Visiting during less busy times can offer a more intimate dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the dining room, to secure your spot.
Trust Your Server
Staff are knowledgeable and their recommendations are spot-on for an elevated dining experience.
Save Room for Dessert
Reviewers rave about dessert options like the Apple Pie Bread Pudding.
Consider Off-Peak Visits
Visiting during less busy times can offer a more intimate dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manna is praised for its innovative New American cuisine, utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both playful and exquisitely executed. Diners consistently highlight the romantic and inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for special occasions. While the food and ambiance receive widespread acclaim, occasional comments mention service inconsistencies during busy periods, though many highlight exceptional staff like servers Alayna and Adam.
"If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality, and our server Alayna truly made the evening special. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, answering every question we had with confidence, and her recommendations were spot on. We trusted her completely, and she did not disappoint – each dish was a revelation.
The food itself was out of this world – fresh, creative, and expertly prepared. Every bite was a delightful surprise, showcasing the kind of quality and innovation you don't often find. It was honestly the best meal I've ever had.
The atmosphere was just as exceptional. It felt cozy and inviting, so much so that we ended up staying for four hours, savoring every moment. I took my mom out for a girls' night, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. We had the most wonderful time, and we’re already looking forward to returning to see what’s new on the menu.
Thank you to everyone at the restaurant for making our night so memorable. We can't wait to come back!"
Ryane Pepitone
"Go here!!!!
oh my manna is a new favorite for us. we got the mezcal drinks to start and they were delicious. the mezcal doesn’t hit you in the face and the drink wasn’t overly sweet. perfectly balanced!
we started with the oyster which might have been the star on the show. we got the NC crab dish with cream corn. the crab tasted super fresh and light. we also got the zucchini bread pudding which was essentially a version of biscuits and gravy but 10x better. the sauce was so flavorful and reminded me of a vodka sauce.
for entrees we got the pork chop and 1/2 chicken. the peach combo with the charred flavor of the pork was 10/10. the chicken had a BBQ raspberry type sauce and the pickles and pickled onions took it to the next level.
every single dish we had was PACKED with flavor. service was fantastic and the atmosphere was super cute. this is now a wilmington staple for us!"
Ansley Hiatt
"If you’re looking for accessible, innovative, unique dining in Wilmington, look no further. Manna is fine, fine dining at a price point that can’t be beat. Every dish served was almost as beautifully crafted as the melody of flavors it contained. This is a kitchen that is clearly consistent and thoughtful. Head to Manna for a sure bet. Thank you especially to our server Adam!"
Aly Giles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Manna is frequently described as having a romantic and inviting atmosphere, perfect for special occasions.
Yes, the chef is known for being fantastic at adjusting dishes for vegetarian diners.
It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for the dining room, to ensure a table.
Manna boasts an extensive wine list and talented mixologists who create craft cocktails with seasonal ingredients and house-made bitters.
The restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients crafted into playful yet impeccably executed dishes with unexpected flavor combinations.
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Sleek design, creative lighting, and carefully orchestrated music provide a mesmerizing backdrop to chef Carson Jewell's locally sourced ingredients and culinary artistry and the talented mixologists who create cocktails using seasonal ingredients and house-made bitters. Try the braised pork shank with sweet-potato puree, collards, and radish pico de gallo, or the pan-seared Virginia scallops with parsnip puree, braised leeks, and apple salsa. You're made to feel very special here, and there's great attention to detail.
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The $125 ticket -- available at www.BrownPaperTickets.com -- buys a five-course feast of hors d'oeuvres, composed plates and family-style dishes from chefs Jameson Chavez of manna, James Doss of Rx, Dean Neff of PinPoint, Keith Rhodes of Catch and Shawn Wellersdick of Port Land Grille, with desserts by manna pastry chef Rebeca Alvarado-Paredes. All taxes and gratuities are included in the price and paired wines will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will benefit autism support organization Oasis NC and Cape Fear Community College's culinary program.
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The only restaurant with a AAA Four Diamond Rating in Wilmington, manna sources everything they can from as close to the restaurant as possible. Buying local from some dozen farmers, fishermen and ranchers means big flavor on every plate. The dishes here are playful, with cheeky names—Eight is Enough, an octopus dish; The Reel Thing, the fresh catch; Iron Chef: Bobby Filet, a steak—and unexpected sides—pickled jalapeño and sunflower seed tapenade, beet “soil,” strawberries and burrata—but impeccable execution.
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Manna is a seasonal New-American restaurant in Wilmington that specializes in a wild and rugged cooking style while creating elegant dishes and providing top-of-the-line service. From the minute that you walk through the front door, the romantic and classy atmosphere sets the bar high for a superior dining experience. By using the freshest ingredients that are sourced locally, Manna has crafted a seasonal menu that is sustainable and prepared by an amazing culinary team.
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manna, situated in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, is a seasonal haven of New American cuisine. Within its opulent, romantic ambiance, patrons can indulge in craft cocktails and explore an extensive wine collection. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where the freshest ingredients are masterfully transformed by manna’s creative chef into exquisitely plated symphonies of flavor, all served with an air of relaxed sophistication.
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Manna serves quintessential American cuisine and is one of the hippest new spots to have opened in Wilmington in recent years. Besides being recognized for their awesome food, the cocktails and beers at Manna do seem like they are sent from heaven (pun intended)!. Their selection of beers are some of the best in town, also be sure to try out their cocktails Ñwe recommend the Lotus, Lavender Citrus Blossom, and the Rattlesnake.
2-Day Wilmington NC Itinerary
Options include Manna (American cuisine featuring local, regional and American ingredients), Catch Modern Seafood (seafood with a modern twist), Caprice Bistro or Brasserie du Soleil (authentic French bistros), The Basics (gourmet Southern comfort food), Rx and Pembroke’s (seasonal farm-to-table menus). Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours even offers walking culinary tours of downtown restaurants and markets.
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Manna peaks the list once again for all things shaken, stirred, and served on the rocks. The only thing this town loves more than posh cocktails are the mixologists producing the magic behind the bar. From homemade bitters to infused simple syrups to fresh juices and hand-picked liquors—Manna takes their beverage program very seriously with the best products they can find.
Fresh to Table Dining & Seafood
The rotating menu at manna features wholesome ingredients from the local farmers and fisheries of North Carolina. The chef curates his vision of the American restaurant, with locally sourced meats, vegetables and seafood. manna is a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant, noted by the reviewer for its "warm and knowledgeable" service and "heavenly" food and beverages.
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Manna may be known to fall from heaven, but in Wilmington, it’s found at the city’s first and only restaurant to receive the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. manna uses local, regional, and American ingredients almost exclusively in their stunningly crafted, seasonal menu. Their lounge, Bourgie Nights hosts musicians in an intimate listening room.
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Nestled in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Manna is the epitome of upscale dining with a creative twist. As you step into this elegant establishment, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of sophisticated intimacy. The restaurant’s ever-changing menu is a testament to the chef’s commitment to innovation and locally-sourced ingredients.
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The menu changes daily at this white-tablecloth spot downtown, so a return visit is a must. Offering creative New American cuisine, plus a large wine list and plenty of craft cocktails, this is a date-night spot that bars no expense to create a memorable dining experience. At Manna, the dish names are as creative as the cuisine.
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But hands down, the best libation in town is found at Manna, which is also one of finest restaurants in the area (more on that later). Its bartenders aren’t afraid to tell you that they’re the best, either – they don’t lack confidence or skills. I guess when you’re that good and you’re telling the truth, it ain’t bragging.
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We weren’t quite ready to call it a night after the speakeasy, but we weren’t exactly hungry for dinner after our food tour either. So, we ended up visiting manna for appetizers and drinks. Manna was the first restaurant in Wilmington to receive the AAA Four Diamond Award, and the cocktail list is top notch.
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Another not-to-be missed Chef driven dining experience, you’ll be talking about for weeks and months to come. Chef Carson Jewell and his talented team feature a locally-sourced, seasonal menu. Hand- crafted cocktails, fine wines and a superlative staff make dining at manna a must.
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Perfection is simply doing a lot of little things very well,” is the mantra at manna. Dine on white tablecloths with an expertly trained staff, extremely talented kitchen (chef Carson Jewell) and an unbeatable wine cellar. Manna is a favorite of celebrities while in town filming.
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An unforgettable experience with amazing service, creative flavors, and a cool speakeasy vibe makes this spot a must-visit!. Let me start off by saying WOW; Manna was such an INCREDIBLE experience!. The quality of service matched every ounce of the quality of the food!
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Manna offers pure American cuisine and artisan cocktails in a cozy location on Princess Street. The menu includes a variety of options that changes frequently to accommodate only the freshest ingredients. The chefs truly believe in the art of their work and it shows.
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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by manna (@mannawilmington). With its pure American fare paired with exquisitely crafted cocktails, appetizers, and dessert, Manna is a go-to restaurant on Princess Street.
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For a romantic dinner in Wilmington, manna (123 Princess St) should be your go-to spot. Beautiful interiors and elegant cocktails set the scene for a special night out together. Go for the tasting menu if you’re really looking to impress your partner.
non-alcoholic drinks in Wilmington
The good news: non-alcoholic options continue to grow and with so many wonderful places in town serving NA drinks (Panacea Brewing, The Green House, Manna, and Eagle's Dare, to name a few), there are more NA options than ever before!
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Manna is an enticing fine dining destination in the heat of Downtown Wilmington that applies French techniques to elevated American fare. Using local ingredients whenever possible, diners will be treated to a...
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- Rating: 4.3/5 (251 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 123 Princess St. Wilmington, North Carolina - Categories: New American, Bars- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit