Pilot House, Wilmington

WOW. The food is excellent and a true pleasure for your palet. We had three small children with us and the staff was most accommodating with them, bringing them extra goodies without being asked. Prices are very reasonable, with large servings.

The southern cuisine was very good and spicy. Appetizers were fried green tomatoes and calamari. The horseradish dip could have been a bit stronger. The family had the Red bean and rice paella, shrimp and crawfish etouffe, sweet potato grouper, and the hot and spicy shrimp pasta for dinners. Dessert was Mississippi pie and low country cheesecakes. Good selection of beers. Service was prompted. Restaurant cleanliness was good. The restrooms needed some attention, but they were ok. All over experience was 4 out 5.

Location is nice but I was very dissapointed in the setting and the portion of food served for the price. I got the seafood platter which included 3 shrimp, 3 oysters, 2 scallops, slaw (which was the biggest portion) and a palm size piece of fish for $20. The food was like any other fried seafood location I have eaten at in the area. The service was good when we arrived for the first 15 minutes and then the waitress got a big table and we hardly saw her again after that. My wife and I went there for our anniversary expecting a romantic setting from reading the reviews and it was nothing much more than maybe one step above the Dockside in Wrightsville Beach. The chairs were not comfortable. They were like a metal patio chair with a very low back and tables had a cheap plastic table covering. The mens bathroom sink had a stopped up drain and the sink was full of water and water was all over the floor. This was on a Saturday evening so you would think they would try to clean that up before the crowd arrived. We also had to park 3 blocks away and we were early for dinner for a Saturday night, so wear your walking shoes. I do not think we will be visiting there again in the near future.

I love the romantic feel of this restaurant by the river in Wilmington, NC. It is a classy place to eat with a good menu to choose from. My daughter and I like sitting outdoors by the river front and having dinner at sunset..