Masonboro Woods, nestled just south of Wilmington along the scenic Masonboro Loop Road, is rapidly earning a reputation as one of Myrtle Grove’s tastiest neighborhoods. Whether you’re a long-time local or a curious visitor, the area bursts with culinary charm—think cozy bakeries, inventive food trucks, lively cafés, and restaurants that locals return to again and again. Here’s your full guide to Masonboro Woods’ food scene, perfect for an unforgettable foodie adventure.
Where Flavors Meet: Masonboro Loop Road’s Main Food Stops
Begin your culinary exploration on Masonboro Loop Road, the heart of Masonboro Woods dining. Stretching from the intersection at Myrtle Grove Road to where it winds closer to the Intracoastal Waterway, this corridor is where you’ll find many of the area’s standout options.
- Mason’s Table — Located right off Masonboro Loop and S College Road, Mason’s Table is the kind of neighborhood eatery that manages to be both approachable and gourmet. Their Southern-inspired menu features shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and a weekend brunch that’s the talk of the town. Price range: $$; don’t miss the buttermilk biscuits and house-made lemon curd.
- Loops Café — Hidden in a cozy plaza near the intersection of Masonboro Loop and Navaho Trail, Loops Café is a breakfast and lunch favorite. With strong coffee, fresh bagels, and a rotating menu of pastries, it’s a hub for early risers and remote workers alike.
- Woods Thai Kitchen — If you crave international flavor, this spot—Tucked inconspicuously beside a hardware store—serves up fragrant curries, pad thai, and inventive daily specials. Affordable prices ($-$$) and warm service make it a reliable go-to for takeout or a quiet dinner.
Morning Magic: Bakeries, Coffee Shops, and Sweet Finds
Sweet tooth or caffeine cravings? Masonboro Woods is ready for you with artisan bakeries and craft coffee shops that offer a warm, small-town welcome.
- Sugarwood Bakehouse — On the bend of Masonboro Loop, Sugarwood draws crowds with its signature cinnamon rolls and coastal-inspired scones. Arrive early—their inventive pastries (like lemon-lavender danish) often sell out. Prices: $, with a tempting selection for under $5 each.
- Masonboro Grind — This locally owned coffee shop excels in pour-overs and cold brew, but the real star is their breakfast sandwich—served on a fresh-baked cheddar biscuit. Walls showcase art from local Masonboro Woods creators, making every visit an inspiring pick-me-up.
Lunch Hotspots and Quick Bites: Food Trucks & Family Favorites
For a casual lunch or grab-and-go treat, Masonboro Woods shines with inventive food trucks and friendly neighborhood grills, often found stationed in the parking areas near Masonboro Loop and Myrtle Grove Road intersections.
- Shrimply Delicious Food Truck — A rotating feature at Grove Plaza (just west of Masonboro Loop), this seafood truck reels in loyal fans for freshly fried shrimp baskets, fish tacos, and their chili-lime ‘Masonboro Street Corn.’ A must-try for $-$$, especially on Fridays.
- Woods Deli & Grill — A low-key sandwich shop, perfect for takeout. Their hand-cut fries, stacked turkey clubs, and blackened mahi sandwiches are legendary with locals. Prices stay wallet-friendly (most under $10), and daily specials often include a soup and sandwich combo.
Special Occasion Dining: Memorable Meals Without Leaving the Neighborhood
For celebratory dinners or romantic evenings out, Masonboro Woods punches above its weight in unique dining options.
- The Old Oak Bistro — Set in a charming house near the junction of Masonboro Loop and Masonboro Sound Road, The Old Oak offers upscale Southern cuisine with a creative twist. Think cast iron-seared scallops, pimento cheese hushpuppies, and a wine list that spotlights North Carolina vineyards. Reservations recommended; price range: $$$.
- Coastal Harvest Kitchen — With a rotating menu focused on seasonal ingredients and local seafood, Coastal Harvest feels both modern and rooted in Carolina tradition. Their outdoor patio is perfect for a relaxed al fresco meal. Expect to spend $$-$$$ per person.
International Eats: Global Flavors Close to Home
Beyond Southern comfort, Masonboro Woods hosts a handful of excellent international spots that broaden the neighborhood’s palate.
- Tacos Al Mar — Found on the Masonboro Loop/Myrtle Grove Road crossroads, this colorful spot serves up street tacos, homemade salsas, and horchata that rivals what you’ll find in downtown Wilmington. Dine in or swing by for takeout; tacos start at just $3.
- Napa Vines Pizzeria — An Italian gem with wood-fired pizzas, crispy calzones, and creative salads. Their margherita pizza, with house-pulled mozzarella, is the neighborhood’s worst-kept secret. Best savored with their rosemary lemonade while watching sunset out front.
Hidden Gems: The Neighborhood’s Best-Kept Secrets
Some of Masonboro Woods’ best eats are tucked away off the main strip, cherished mainly by locals but well worth hunting down.
- Sunny’s Kitchen — Run by a mother-daughter duo in a converted craftsman home, Sunny’s is beloved for scratch-made quiches and rotating small-batch jams. Weekend brunches are legendary, and their commitment to using only local eggs, produce, and dairy makes every bite special.
- Creekside Crepes — Mobile, but often parked at the community center near Oyster Lane, Creekside spins out both sweet and savory crepes. Try the classic ham-and-swiss or the citrus curd with fresh berries. Prices: $.
Food Traditions and Local Flavor
A food-loving community, Masonboro Woods hosts seasonal events like the “Taste of the Woods” food truck rally each spring and a weekly farmers’ market (Saturday mornings at Grove Plaza) where you’ll find local honey, jams, and hand-crafted pickles.
Local legend has it, the first warm day of spring brings a rush to Sugarwood Bakehouse for their lemon icebox pie, and loyal fans grab shrimp baskets from Shrimply Delicious before spending the day at nearby Masonboro Island.
Final Bites: Why Masonboro Woods’ Food Scene Stands Out
What truly sets Masonboro Woods apart isn’t just the diverse flavors or memorable meals—it’s the sense of community that flavors every bite. Whether it’s your first visit or your favorite haunt, you’ll find warmth, hospitality, and an ever-evolving menu of delicious surprises in this blossoming corner of Myrtle Grove.
Next time you’re hungry, don’t just drive by. Stop, savor, and join in the local flavor that makes Masonboro Woods one of southeastern North Carolina’s tastiest neighborhoods.