Alongside its coastal Southern charm, Wilmington has evolved a Chinese culinary landscape rich with fresh flavors, family histories, and lunch crowd legends.
Whether you’re strolling from historic downtown or picking up beachside takeout, these five restaurants capture the flavors of old and new China along the Carolina coast.
1. Szechuan 132
Positioned right in the heart of Wilmington’s business district, Szechuan 132 is the place for those who crave spicy authenticity.
Whether you’re after garlic-heavy string beans, mala-flavored mapo tofu, or their signature dry-fried chicken with numbing Szechuan peppercorns, every bite delivers flavor and heat in equal measure.
Portions are hearty; staff are always eager to customize dishes—making it a favorite lunch spot for regulars, and a destination restaurant for adventurous eaters all week long.
2. Double Happiness
With a name that perfectly matches its bright, lively vibe, Double Happiness delivers a wide range of both Chinese-American comfort and more traditional Cantonese fare.
Families and date-nighters alike pile in for the orange chicken, pork dumplings, and excellent vegetarian dishes (try the garlic eggplant or tofu hotpot).
Service is exceptionally quick without sacrificing southern hospitality, and the clean, well-designed space makes every meal feel a bit like a celebration, even on a school night.
3. Panda Chinese Restaurant
Panda is the go-to for the city’s college students and busy families—affordable, ultra-speedy, and never skimping on portion sizes.
Try the Mongolian beef, sesame chicken, or their famed wonton soup.
Takeout orders are often packed before you finish paying, and the menu is broad enough that even picky eaters can find just what they like. It’s a beloved classic.
4. Fu Wangz
A Wilmington legend, Fu Wangz started as a wing joint but makes this list for its incredible Chinese-American sides and fusion rice bowls.
Sticky, sweet, and spicy, the orange chicken wings are often paired with fried rice or lo mein.
The menu changes seasonally but keeps its core flock of loyal regulars, who say it’s the best “unexpected Chinese” in the state.
5. Asia Buffet
Buffet culture is alive and well in Wilmington, and Asia Buffet may be the best: freshly prepared sushi, hot and sour soup, crispy spring rolls, and rotating chef’s specialties.
The dessert bar (with soft-serve and fresh fruit) is a hit with kids, while grownups appreciate the endless crab rangoon.
It’s a staple for birthdays, big family dinners, or post-baseball-game feeds.
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