15 Best Restaurants in Wilmington, OH
The county seat of Clinton County, Wilmington is the home of the Banana Split Festival, a celebration held annually for the past 25 years.
Numerous parks, reserves, and recreational areas are available in the city for visitors to explore.
The Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival is also held in Wilmington, where nationally renowned bands play.
You'll also see local and regional musical groups playing around Wilmington in several nearby restaurants.
The city offers exceptional dining options for visitors and residents alike.
Here are the 15 best restaurants in Wilmington, Ohio.
Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe
Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe on East Main Street offers Italian, Middle Eastern, and Greek cuisine.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner options and allows you to build your own pizza.
Try one of their specials, the heavenly Lobster Mac N Beer Cheese, which is topped with fried okra.
Various vegetarian options are also available, including Greek salad and falafel platter.
Their Gyro sandwiches are a favorite among locals, along with beef, impossible cheeseburger, and Cheese Steak sandwiches.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans on East Side Drive is a must-visit for farm-fresh home-style meals.
Start with a hot, filling cup, such as the Farm Festival Bean Soup or the heavenly Cheddar Baked Potato Soup.
Follow it up with a salad, such as Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad tossed in bleu cheese and topped with pecans, or the Heritage Chef Salad, mixed with ham, bacon, and Swiss cheese.
Then, you can feast on a Pot Roast Sandwich made of savory slow-roasted beef and cheese on sourdough bread.
You can also try another specialty sandwich, the Slow-Roasted Turkey Bacon Melt, for that extra turkey heavenly experience.
If you're a big eater, you can have your fill with the Big Farm Burger Platters, which features a mouth-watering 1/2 pound seasoned black Angus beef paired with your choices of sauces, such as smoky, chipotle, and bacon and pepper.
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes such as Lunch Burrito Fajita, Tamale Supreme, and Huevos Rancheros.
Isabel and Elena Ayala, who strived to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere for all customers, founded the first El Dorado Mexican Restaurant in 1987.
The restaurant's must-tries are the Sincronizadas—tortilla sandwiches with options for the meat, such as pulled chicken, beef tips, or carne asada.
Enjoy a large bowl of flavorful soup, such as seafood soup, tripe soup, or chicken or tortilla.
When you visit El Dorado Mexican Restaurant on Rombach Avenue during lunchtime, order Speedy Gonzalez, Lunch Chimichanga, or even the delicious Lunch Pollo Fundido.
If you still have time to spare, grab a taste of their Sizzling Fajitas, particularly the Fajitas A La Diabla, made of marinated shrimp topped with spicy salsa, or the Flaming Cheese Fajitas, made of chicken or steak.
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Famous for its excellent sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine, Yamato Japanese Restaurant on Rombach Avenue has been serving the Wilmington community for years.
Japanese food lovers can enjoy a range of appetizers here, such as Japanese spring rolls, gyoza, lobster Rangoon, rock shrimp, and edamame.
Feast on Yamato Japanese Restaurant's wide range of Bento Boxes, such as Chicken, Shrimp, and Steak Teriyaki Bento Boxes, as well as the Sushi and Sashimi Bento Boxes.
Yakisoba is also available, with options such as Chicken Yakisoba, Yakinniku Yakisoba, and Vegetable Yakisoba.
If you can't decide, choose among the Chef's Selection, such as the delectable General Tso's Chicken, Peanut Chicken-Deep, Black Pepper Chicken, and Sesame Chicken.
General Denver Hotel Restaurant
More than hearty breakfasts, General Denver Hotel Restaurant also offers a delicious lunch and dinner menu full of American classics.
Set in the historic General Denver Hotel, the restaurant offers appetizers such as Fried Green Beans and Spinach Artichoke Dip, Shrimp Cocktail, and the Buffalo Bites.
Soups and salads are available, including Baked French Onion Soup and Caesar Salad with optional grilled chicken or shrimp.
Try the General Denver Hotel Restaurant's house favorites for a hearty meal— six-ounce Sirloin served with two sides, Seared Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Chicken Tender Platter, and Reverence Steelhead Trout.
For a relaxing afternoon, order any of the restaurant's craft beers.
If you're not into beers, why not order a glass of their Signature Cocktails and try out The Elevator Autumn Edition, James Tea Tavern, 1928 Old-Fashioned, and S'mores Campfire Coffee?
Beaugard's Southern Bar B Que
Beaugard's Southern Bar B Que was founded in Wilmington in 2000.
The restaurant takes pride in serving the juiciest and perfectly tendered smoked meat with homemade side dishes.
Beaugard's Southern Bar B Que on S South Street offers several appetizers, with the Starter as a must-try featuring most of the appetizers on the menu, such as nachos and onion rings with ranch dressing.
Sandwiches come in regular servings or Big Beau, with double the pork, chicken, or tasty beef brisket.
If you're not into burgers, get the wraps featuring double the meat placed carefully on the tortilla shell topped with cheese and barbecue sauce.
Big eaters can order the Sampler Plate and feast on the pulled pork, beef brisket, and chicken leg quarter.
Roosters
Bob and Corinne Frick opened Roosters in 1988 as they wanted a fun place where families could come and enjoy good food.
This restaurant on East Side Drive offers a range of appetizers, such as potato skins blended with mozzarella, tater tots, Nacho De Luxe, and Mac N Cheese Bites that are deep-fried and served with cream.
Don't miss the Char-Grilled Chicken Salad, where you can choose from three different flavors and comes with lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.
Then try Roosters' wings, with boneless and traditional wings options, which you can order from five to 50 pieces.
Roosters' wings are made fresh daily, with flavors such as Nu-Killer, Donkey, Nashville Hot Dry Rub, and Sweet Thai Chili.
You can also choose different sauces such as bleu cheese, ranch, and more.
Generations Pizzeria
Serving the community since 1962, Generations Pizza on Lowes Drive serves pizzas, subs, salads, and mugs of beer.
The restaurant offers shareable appetizers, which are American classics, such as Loaded Chili Cheese Fries, Chicken Tenders, Garlic Cheese bread, Onion Rings, and Cheese Fries that come with extra sauces.
As pizzas are the specialty of Generation Pizza, you can build your own or choose from its mouth-watering pizza options, such as Veggie Delete, Kerry's Big Cheese, Tazza, Big Mike's Special, and The Goat.
Pasta lovers must also try their delectable Lasagna or the delicious Spaghetti with Meatballs, which comes with a side salad and garlic bread.
Subs are also available, and one of the well-loved is the Subs & Hoagies selection, which includes the overloaded Turkey Sub, the Famous Italian, or the savory Chicken Barbecue.
Brausch Brewery
If you're looking for a family-friendly place to hang out with friends, Brausch Brewery on S South Street is the perfect spot for you.
It boasts steaks, smash burgers, and blackened haddock that come in big servings and are perfect to pair with their house-made beer.
If you want to try something new, you can sample their vast pretzel served with beer, cheese, and mustard.
For beer options, you can also try Oktoberfest, Hefeweizen, and Peanut Butter mild brown ale.
Besides their variety of tap beers, they also have cocktails and wines.
A Bourbon Bar is also available for you to enjoy with ribeye steak.
Sams Meats & Deli
Sams Meats & Deli in Wilmington has been a staple in the city since 2001.
On West Locust Street, Sams Meats & Deli is known for its various products, such as sandwiches and homemade pastries.
Deli sandwiches, such as chicken salad, ham salad, and bologna and cheese sandwiches, are available.
You can also try grilled sandwiches, such as rib-eye, double cheeseburger, chicken breast, and pork fritter.
Sams Meats & Deli also offers buffet-style catering, boasting in-house entrees, fresh salads, and baked goods.
Fiesta Veracruz Restaurant
You can bring your kids to Fiesta Veracruz Restaurant for a unique family bonding over authentic Mexican dishes.
The restaurant boasts colorful interiors, with the booths designed for children's visual enjoyment, each one sporting different decorations of the sun and moon, parrots, or even singing men with guitars.
Fiesta Veracruz Restaurant has many food choices, including appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, chicken, beef, and pork.
You can start with their chips and salsa or try the famous quesadillas.
Their guacamole is also a must-try, which you can order as an appetizer or a side dish.
Shrimp lovers will have a grand time at Fiesta Veracruz Restaurant, as it offers Shrimp Delight, Tequila Lime Shrimp, and Camarones a la Diablo.
The restaurant is located on West Locus Street.
73 Grill
The American restaurant 73 Grill at OH-380 combines mouthwatering conventional fare and excellent service.
You won't regret dropping by here as it offers the best cuisines in Southwest Ohio.
73 Grill provides an extensive selection of traditional American dishes, including burgers, pizza, and lighter options.
The restaurant's doors are constantly open to fresh faces; it's the ideal stop on your route to Caesar Creek or while traveling between Columbus and Cincinnati.
Newcomers and regulars will love the made-from-scratch Chicken Tortilla Soup, the perfect comfort food on a cold day.
The Steak Fajitas is a good choice, too, or you can try the Chopped Steak for a different flavor.
Don't miss the Cherry Cheesecake or the Dessert Pizza for dessert!
Happy Wok Chinese Restaurant
If you're craving Asian food, drop by Happy Wok Chinese Restaurant for a quick fix.
This restaurant, located in Meadow Park Plaza, is known for its authentic taste of Hunan, Cantonese, and Szechuan dishes.
Some of the popular dishes include General Tso's Chicken, Beef Szechuan Style, and Hunan Chicken.
Happy Wok Chinese Restaurant's appetizers are as filling, as you can choose from Roast Pork Egg Rolls, Boneless Spare Ribs, Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce, or Pupu Platter, which is ideal for sharing.
If you want to taste as many dishes as possible, try the combination platter of chicken or shrimp chow mein, pepper steak with onion, or shrimp lobster with sauce, which comes with Roast Pork Fried Rice and Egg Roll.
For something unique, order from Chef's Specialties Menu and taste the Triple Szechuan Delight, Hawaiian Five "O," Chicken Amazing, and Buddhist Delight.
Donatos Pizza
Donatos Pizza opened its doors in Wilmington in 1992 and has been serving delicious pizza served hot from its ovens.
This restaurant on Rombach Avenue proudly serves family-made sauce, dough, and fresh toppings.
Try the famous Edge to Edge® pizza, where toppings cover the entire pizza crust or order one of their specialty pizzas like the Mariachi Chicken Pizza topped with jalapeño, Roma tomatoes, and provolone cheese.
You can also try Pepperoni Zinger, the well-loved edge-to-edge pizza version topped with a surprising mix of spices for that extra zing.
Donatos Pizza also offers oven-baked subs, including the chicken bacon cheddar, which boasts Applewood bacon and provolone cheese.
Other Restaurants Nearby
If you still can't get enough of the restaurants in Wilmington, you can discover gems nearby.
China Dragon Blanchester
About 20 minutes from Wilmington, you'll find China Dragon Blanchester, a restaurant that offers authentic Chinese cuisine in Blanchester.
China Dragon Blanchester is known for offering a variety of Chinese food at affordable prices, making it a popular destination for locals and people from other parts of Ohio.
The restaurant's menu has all the Chinese food staples, and you can start with the appetizers and try their shrimp or pork egg roll, crab rangoon, fried dumplings, and barbecue boneless spare ribs.
For those who want healthier options, there's the Health Diet Special and Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables.
Combination Plates are also available where you can order chow mein with pork egg roll and fried rice.
Final Thoughts
Wilmington offers a diverse range of restaurants catering to different preferences.
Whether you prefer the classic American fare or want to try something new, Wilmington has something for you.
Visit and enjoy delicious food in this charming city, and discover why these are the best restaurants in Wilmington, Ohio!
Recent posts
20 Best Things to Do in DeBary, FL
23 Best Things to Do in Manchester, NH
22 Best Things to Do in Half Moon Bay, CA
22 Best Things to Do in Pompano Beach, FL
22 Best Things to Do in Bayfield, WI
23 Best Things to Do in Pocatello, ID
25 Best Things to Do in Newport, OR
26 Best Things to Do in Port Angeles, WA
17 Best Things to Do in Bartholomew County, IN
20 Best Things to Do in Pueblo County, CO