Fabulous Restaurants

Wilmington: Port Land Grille

The Port Land Grille in Wilmington evokes the feeling of dining in a classic old-style supper club including staff dressed in crisp white cotton jackets. The main dining room seats 85-100 with large windows overlooking a beautifully landscaped patio area complete with a fountain and live oak trees.

The food is described as progressive American regional cuisine. One reviewer calls it “… delicious food with a sense of humor. Try Red Neck Eggroll and see for yourself.”

Shawn Wellersdick, executive chef and owner, searches out local sources and buys foods in season. He believes in supporting local farmers and fishermen who make their livelihood off the land and sea in North Carolina. Everything is made in house and the menu changes slightly each night, reflecting seasonal availability and Shawn’s current passion.

The name Port Land Grille comes from a cherished vacation to Portland, Oregon where the predominant mentality of the chefs he met there was to create their menus focusing on the wealth of premium ingredients found just miles away in the Willamette Valley. While he could have moved there in a heartbeat, he and his wife truly love the North Carolina coast where Wilmington is known as the "Port City." The name "Port-Land" is a play on that as well, illustrating their own commitment to using the entire country's bounty from the sea and the land.

Shawn is joined at the restaurant by his wife, Anne Steketee, who is the floor and wine manager. A reviewer concludes “… sheer love of wine permeates Port Land Grille’s wine list.”

Port Land Grille
1908 Eastwood Road, Suite 111
Wilmington, NC 28403

Hours
Monday through Saturday from 5:30PM

added: December 15, 2008

updated: December 24, 2008