15 Best Restaurants in Wilmington, OH
This article is written by local contributor Helena Gao & edited by the Travel Lens team.
I've been living in Wilmington, the county seat of Clinton County, for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that this city has a lot to offer.
Every year, we have the Banana Split Festival, a celebration that has been held annually for the past 25 years.
There are also numerous parks, reserves, and recreational areas for visitors and residents to explore.
One of my favorite events in Wilmington is the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival, where nationally renowned bands perform.
I also enjoy watching local and regional musical groups play at various restaurants around town.
Speaking of restaurants, Wilmington offers exceptional dining options for everyone.
Here are the 15 best restaurants in Wilmington, Ohio.
Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe
I recently visited Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe on East Main Street, and I must say, their blend of Italian, Middle Eastern, and Greek cuisine is fantastic.
They serve lunch and dinner options, and I love that they allow you to build your own pizza.
The interior of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
I decided to try one of their specials, the heavenly Lobster Mac N Beer Cheese, which was topped with fried okra.
It was absolutely delicious and definitely worth trying.
Being a vegetarian, you will be pleased to find various vegetarian options on the menu, including a refreshing Greek salad and a flavorful falafel platter.
I also couldn't resist trying their Gyro sandwich, which is a favorite among locals. The sandwich was packed with flavor and left me feeling satisfied.
I noticed that they also offer beef, impossible cheeseburger, and Cheese Steak sandwiches, which seem to be popular choices among other diners.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans on East Side Drive is definitely a must-visit for farm-fresh home-style meals.
I started with a hot, filling cup of the Farm Festival Bean Soup, which was absolutely delicious.
I also tried the heavenly Cheddar Baked Potato Soup, and it was just as amazing.
For my salad, I chose the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad tossed in bleu cheese and topped with pecans.
It was so fresh and flavorful. I also had a taste of my friend's Heritage Chef Salad, which was mixed with ham, bacon, and Swiss cheese, and it was equally delightful.
For my main course, I decided to go with the Pot Roast Sandwich made of savory slow-roasted beef and cheese on sourdough bread.
It was incredibly tender and flavorful.
My friend ordered the Slow-Roasted Turkey Bacon Melt, and I had a bite of that too. It was a heavenly turkey experience.
Being a big eater, I couldn't resist trying one of the Big Farm Burger Platters.
I chose the mouth-watering 1/2 pound seasoned black Angus beef paired with smoky chipotle sauce, bacon, and pepper.
It was absolutely satisfying and delicious.
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant is on Rombach Avenue, and I must say, it's one of the best places in town for authentic Mexican dishes.
I've tried their Lunch Burrito Fajita, Tamale Supreme, and Huevos Rancheros, and they were all delicious.
Isabel and Elena Ayala founded El Dorado back in 1987, and they've always made sure to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere for all customers.
One of my favorite dishes to order here is the Sincronizadas—tortilla sandwiches with options for the meat, such as pulled chicken, beef tips, or carne asada.
During lunchtime, I often go for their Speedy Gonzalez, Lunch Chimichanga, or the delicious Lunch Pollo Fundido.
But if I have some extra time, I love to indulge in their Sizzling Fajitas.
The Fajitas A La Diabla, made of marinated shrimp topped with spicy salsa, and the Flaming Cheese Fajitas, made of chicken or steak, are both fantastic choices.
I also enjoy their flavorful soups, like the seafood soup, tripe soup, or chicken or tortilla soup.
They're perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Famous for its excellent sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine, Yamato Japanese Restaurant on Rombach Avenue has been my go-to spot for years.
I've enjoyed countless meals here, and it never disappoints.
I usually start my meal with some appetizers, and I've tried almost all of them.
The Japanese spring rolls, gyoza, lobster Rangoon, rock shrimp, and edamame are all delicious and perfect for sharing with friends.
One of my favorite things to order at Yamato is their Bento Boxes.
I've tried the Chicken, Shrimp, and Steak Teriyaki Bento Boxes, as well as the Sushi and Sashimi Bento Boxes.
Each one is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, and I love the variety it offers.
I've also enjoyed their Yakisoba dishes, with options such as Chicken Yakisoba, Yakinniku Yakisoba, and Vegetable Yakisoba.
The noodles are always cooked to perfection, and the sauces are full of flavor.
When I'm feeling indecisive, I often go for one of the Chef's Selection dishes.
I've tried the delectable General Tso's Chicken, Peanut Chicken-Deep, Black Pepper Chicken, and Sesame Chicken.
Each one is unique and delicious in its own way.
General Denver Hotel Restaurant
General Denver Hotel Restaurant is not just about their hearty breakfasts.
They also offer a delicious lunch and dinner menu full of American classics.
The restaurant is set in the historic General Denver Hotel, which adds to its charm.
I started my meal with their Fried Green Beans appetizer, and it was delightful.
I've also heard great things about their Spinach Artichoke Dip, Shrimp Cocktail, and Buffalo Bites.
For those who prefer soups and salads, they have options like Baked French Onion Soup and Caesar Salad, with the choice to add grilled chicken or shrimp.
For my main course, I decided to try one of their house favorites – the six-ounce Sirloin served with two sides.
It was cooked to perfection, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I've also seen other patrons enjoy the Seared Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Chicken Tender Platter, and Reverence Steelhead Trout, which all looked delicious.
To accompany my meal, I ordered one of their craft beers, which was a great choice for a relaxing afternoon.
If you're not into beers, they also have a selection of Signature Cocktails. I
've tried The Elevator Autumn Edition and James Tea Tavern on previous visits, and both were fantastic.
I've heard good things about their 1928 Old-Fashioned and S'mores Campfire Coffee as well.
Beaugard's Southern Bar B Que
I've been going to Beaugard's Southern Bar B Que since it was founded in Wilmington in 2000.
This restaurant takes pride in serving the juiciest and perfectly tender smoked meat with homemade side dishes, and I can attest to that.
Whenever I visit Beaugard's Southern Bar B Que on S South Street, I love to start with their appetizers.
The Starter is a must-try as it features most of the appetizers on the menu, such as nachos and onion rings with ranch dressing. It's a great way to kick off a meal here.
When it comes to sandwiches, I usually go for the Big Beau, which comes with double the pork, chicken, or tasty beef brisket.
The portion sizes are generous, and the flavors are always on point.
If you're not into burgers, their wraps are also amazing.
They feature double the meat placed carefully on the tortilla shell, topped with cheese and barbecue sauce.
It's a delicious alternative to the sandwiches.
As someone who loves to eat, I sometimes order the Sampler Plate to feast on the pulled pork, beef brisket, and chicken leg quarter.
It's a great way to try a bit of everything on the menu, and I always leave feeling satisfied.
Roosters
Nestled on East Side Drive since 1988, Roosters, orchestrated by Bob and Corinne Frick, has successfully realized its vision of being a hub for family foodie adventures.
An atmosphere filled with warmth and laughter, it remains a compelling testament to their commitment to quality and merriment.
My gastronomic journey commenced with their range of appetizers, an elegant amalgam of familiarity and innovation.
The potato skins, harmoniously paired with mozzarella, were indulgently crispy, while the deep-fried Mac N Cheese Bites, complemented by a delicate cream, offered an unexpectedly delightful contrast in textures.
The culinary canvas further blossomed with the Char-Grilled Chicken Salad.
One can select from three diverse flavors, each offering a tantalizing dance of tastes when blended with the fresh crunch of lettuce, the creamy mildness of cheddar, and the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes.
But the pièce de résistance undoubtedly was the wings.
From boneless to traditional, Roosters promises—and delivers—a fresh experience daily.
Each flavor—from the searing Nu-Killer to the mysteriously named Donkey, the exotically tingling Nashville Hot Dry Rub, and the Sweet Thai Chili—paints a symphony of flavors on your palate.
A la carte, add a dash of bleu cheese or ranch sauce to tailor this culinary work of art to your tastes.
Generations Pizzeria
I've been going to Generations Pizza on Lowes Drive since I can remember.
This family-owned pizzeria has been serving the community since 1962, and it's always been one of my favorite spots for pizzas, subs, salads, and mugs of beer.
When I visit Generations, I usually start with one of their shareable appetizers.
They have American classics like Loaded Chili Cheese Fries, Chicken Tenders, Garlic Cheese bread, Onion Rings, and Cheese Fries that come with extra sauces.
I can't resist their Cheese Fries – they're just too good!
As pizzas are the specialty of Generations Pizza, I often build my own or choose from their mouth-watering pizza options.
Some of my favorites include Veggie Delete, Kerry's Big Cheese, Tazza, Big Mike's Special, and The Goat.
The crust is always perfectly cooked, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful.
I also love their pasta dishes, especially the delectable Lasagna and the delicious Spaghetti with Meatballs.
Both of these dishes come with a side salad and garlic bread, making for a satisfying meal.
When I'm in the mood for a sub, I usually go for one of their Subs & Hoagies selections.
The overloaded Turkey Sub, the Famous Italian, and the savory Chicken Barbecue are all fantastic choices.
The bread is always fresh, and the ingredients are top-notch.
Whenever I visit Generations Pizzeria, I know I'm in for a delicious meal and a great time.
Brausch Brewery
Brausch Brewery is the perfect spot for a family-friendly hangout.
The steaks, smash burgers, and blackened haddock came in big servings and paired perfectly with their house-made beer.
We decided to try something new and ordered their vast pretzel served with beer, cheese, and mustard. It was a delicious and unique appetizer that we all enjoyed.
For beer options, I tried their Oktoberfest, Hefeweizen, and Peanut Butter mild brown ale.
Each beer had its distinct flavor, and I appreciated the variety they offered.
Besides their tap beers, they also had a selection of cocktails and wines.
I noticed they had a Bourbon Bar, which would be great to enjoy with their ribeye steak.
Overall, my experience at Brausch Brewery was fantastic.
The food was delicious, the beer selection was impressive, and the atmosphere was welcoming and family-friendly.
Sams Meats & Deli
I've been going to Sams Meats & Deli in Wilmington since it opened in 2001, and it's always been a staple in our city.
Located on West Locust Street, this place is known for its various products, such as sandwiches and homemade pastries.
I often stop by for their deli sandwiches, like the chicken salad, ham salad, and bologna and cheese sandwiches.
They're always fresh and delicious.
Their grilled sandwiches are top tier, which I can personally vouch for.
The rib-eye, double cheeseburger, chicken breast, and pork fritter are all fantastic options.
One time, I had an event to host, and I decided to try Sams Meats & Deli's buffet-style catering.
They did not disappoint! They provided a variety of in-house entrees, fresh salads, and baked goods that left my guests raving about the food.
Fiesta Veracruz Restaurant
Fiesta Veracruz Restaurant is my go-to place for authentic Mexican dishes, and it's perfect for family bonding.
The restaurant has colorful interiors, with booths designed for children's visual enjoyment, each one sporting different decorations of the sun and moon, parrots, or even singing men with guitars.
There are so many food choices at Fiesta Veracruz, including appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, chicken, beef, and pork.
I always start with their chips and salsa, which is a great way to kick off the meal.
The famous quesadillas are also a must-try, and I can never resist ordering their guacamole, either as an appetizer or a side dish.
As a shrimp lover, I've had a grand time trying out their different shrimp dishes. The Shrimp Delight, Tequila Lime Shrimp, and Camarones a la Diablo are all fantastic options.
I've also tried some of their other dishes, like the chicken fajitas and the carne asada, and they never disappoint.
The service at Fiesta Veracruz is always friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
73 Grill
The American restaurant 73 Grill at OH-380 is one of my favorite places to eat in Southwest Ohio.
The combination of mouthwatering conventional fare and excellent service keeps me coming back for more.
I often stop by 73 Grill on my way to Caesar Creek or while traveling between Columbus and Cincinnati.
The extensive selection of traditional American dishes, including burgers, pizza, and lighter options, always leaves me satisfied.
One of my go-to dishes is the made-from-scratch Chicken Tortilla Soup, which is the perfect comfort food on a cold day.
I've also tried the Steak Fajitas and Chopped Steak, both of which were delicious and full of flavor.
To top it all off, I never leave without indulging in one of their desserts.
The Cherry Cheesecake is a must-try, but if you're in the mood for something different, the Dessert Pizza is a unique and tasty option.
Whether you're a newcomer or a regular like me, 73 Grill is the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal in a welcoming atmosphere.
Happy Wok Chinese Restaurant
Whenever I'm craving Asian food, I drop by Happy Wok Chinese Restaurant.
This restaurant, located in Meadow Park Plaza, is known for its authentic taste of Hunan, Cantonese, and Szechuan dishes.
Some of my favorite dishes include General Tso's Chicken, Beef Szechuan Style, and Hunan Chicken.
Their appetizers are as filling, and I usually choose from Roast Pork Egg Rolls, Boneless Spare Ribs, Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce, or Pupu Platter, which is ideal for sharing with friends.
If I want to taste as many dishes as possible, I go for 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, I've tried ordering from their Chef's Specialties Menu and tasted the Triple Szechuan Delight, Hawaiian Five "O," Chicken Amazing, and Buddhist Delight.
All of these dishes were absolutely delicious and left me wanting more.
I've been to Happy Wok Chinese Restaurant multiple times, and I can confidently say that their food is consistently good, and the service is always friendly and efficient.
Donatos Pizza
I remember when Donatos Pizza first opened its doors in Wilmington back in 1992.
Since then, it has been my go-to spot for delicious pizza served hot from their ovens.
Located on Rombach Avenue, this restaurant proudly serves family-made sauce, dough, and fresh toppings.
One of my favorite things to order is their famous Edge to Edge® pizza, where toppings cover the entire pizza crust.
I also love trying their specialty pizzas, like the Mariachi Chicken Pizza topped with jalapeño, Roma tomatoes, and provolone cheese.
Another must-try is the Pepperoni Zinger, their well-loved edge-to-edge pizza version topped with a surprising mix of spices for that extra zing.
It's always a hit with my friends and family when we gather for a pizza night.
Donatos Pizza doesn't just serve amazing pizzas, though.
They also offer oven-baked subs, like the chicken bacon cheddar, which boasts Applewood bacon and provolone cheese.
I've had it a few times, and it never disappoints.
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, I discovered China Dragon Blanchester, a restaurant that offers authentic Chinese cuisine in Blanchester. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a gem in my area.
China Dragon Blanchester is known for offering a variety of Chinese food at affordable prices, making it a popular destination for us locals and people from other parts of Ohio.
I've been there several times, and I can vouch for the quality and affordability of their dishes.
The restaurant's menu has all the Chinese food staples, and I usually start with the appetizers.
I've tried their shrimp and pork egg roll, crab rangoon, fried dumplings, and barbecue boneless spare ribs - all of which were delicious and well-prepared.
For those who want healthier options, I've heard great things about their Health Diet Special and Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables, although I haven't tried them myself yet.
I've also ordered their Combination Plates, where I got chow mein with a pork egg roll and fried rice.
The portion sizes were generous, and the flavors were spot-on.
I've recommended China Dragon Blanchester to friends and family, and they've all had similarly positive experiences.
It's definitely a must-visit if you're in the area and craving some authentic Chinese cuisine.
Final Thoughts
As someone who lives in Wilmington, I can confidently say that our city offers a diverse range of restaurants catering to different preferences.
Whether I'm in the mood for classic American fare or want to try something new, I know I can always find a great spot to eat in Wilmington.
So, if you ever find yourself in our charming city, be sure to check out some of the best restaurants in Wilmington, Ohio, and discover for yourself why we locals love them so much!
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