For this feature, Cape Fear Living has hand-selected six restaurants that we believe represent some of the very best steak experiences in the Wilmington area. This is not an open directory or a list of every restaurant serving steak. Each destination was chosen for its quality, craftsmanship, hospitality and the overall dining experience it delivers.

A great wine list should do more than impress. It should tell a story—of place, of food, and of the people behind the bottle. At Sugo Italian Steakhouse, that philosophy has earned national recognition with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2026, honoring a thoughtfully curated wine program that brings together the depth and diversity of Italy with the richness and structure needed to complement the restaurant’s steakhouse experience.

For Sarah Kelly, owner of Shark Bite Jewelry, the journey from a love of the ocean and sharks to building one of Wilmington’s most personal and creative jewelry destinations was never exactly part of the plan.

Some people leave behind a business. Others leave behind a legacy. Charles “Chuck” Pennington left behind a feeling — the unmistakable sense of being welcomed and made to feel at home. For more than two decades, Chuck and his beloved partner, Dennis Madsen, helped shape Wilmington’s hospitality landscape through The Verandas, transforming a neglected historic property on Nun Street into one of the city’s most cherished inns.

Great cooking starts with knowing your ingredients—and when it comes to meat, there’s no better place to start than with your butcher. In From the Butcher’s Block, Cape Fear Living partners with The Butcher’s Market to explore a different cut of meat each month, taking readers from the butcher’s counter to the dinner table. With expert guidance from owner Smith Prevost, each installment offers a closer look at the cut itself, along with tips for selecting, preparing and cooki

Sam Blount has a rare ability to transport viewers beneath the surface, revealing an underwater world that is at once powerful, peaceful, and profoundly beautiful. From intimate encounters with dolphins and close passes by sharks to hauntingly atmospheric wreck dives, his photography captures not only the extraordinary diversity of marine life but also the quiet relationship between humans and the ocean.

In an age where our lives are increasingly lived through screens, Bookworm Pottery offers something refreshingly simple: the chance to slow down, get your hands dirty, and create something meaningful. Tucked inside Wilmington's vibrant Cargo District, the cozy studio has become much more than a place to learn pottery—it has grown into a welcoming community where creativity, connection, and self-expression flourish. For owner Ashley Merklinger, pottery isn't just an art form;

For Grace Frank, great hair has never been just about style—it's about confidence, connection, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves. Since opening Foiled Hair Studio in Wilmington's Cargo District, she has built a salon known for its thoughtful approach to lived-in color, seamless extensions, and individualized service, while fostering a welcoming environment where both clients and stylists can thrive.

Some restaurants are built around a menu. Others are built around a philosophy. At Salita, every pizza begins with a simple belief: if you care deeply about your people, your ingredients, and your community, everything else falls into place.