La Duna Paradiso — Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach

Our team dinner at La Duna Paradiso this past Monday was an absolutely perfect evening, and it was made truly special by our server, Elle. We ate outside on the patio, and listening to the waves crash on the beach behind us throughout the night was wonderful.

From the moment we sat down, Elle’s warmth and expertise were on full display. She was a master at anticipating our needs, checking in at just the right moments to ensure we were comfortable without ever feeling rushed. What really set her apart was her deep knowledge of the menu. She patiently answered all of our specific questions and helped us curate a list of dishes and beverages that perfectly suited our small group. Every single one of her recommendations was a hit. The Octopus Carpaccio was tender and delicate and the Diver Scallop Crudo was light and delicious. The Burrata was so tasty, and the House Focaccia had an unanticipated but welcomed crunch on top and excellent flavor. For our mains, the Chicken al Mattone was crispy on the outside and incredibly moist and flavorful on the inside, and the Tagliata di Manzo was cooked to perfection, each bite more delicious than the last.

Beyond her professional excellence, Elle was genuinely kind and engaging. We enjoyed chatting with her about her own life and interests, and her willingness to share when we asked her questions made us feel like we had made a new friend by the time we left. It’s rare to find someone who not only provides flawless service but also adds such a personal and memorable touch to the dining experience.

Thank you, Elle, and thank you, La Duna Paradiso, for a truly exceptional meal and a night we won’t forget. We...

La Duna Paradiso delivered an outstanding dinner that exceeded our expectations. We began with the kale salad and focaccia bread - both excellent starters. The salad was perfectly fresh with just the right amount of dressing, never overwhelming the greens. The focaccia was warm and fresh, creating a nice complement to the lighter salad.

For entrees, I ordered the bucatini carbonara, which completely won me over despite not typically being drawn to Italian cuisine. The pasta was cooked to absolute perfection with an ideal texture, and the dish managed to be rich and satisfying without feeling heavy. The crispy pancetta added wonderful smokiness and depth of flavor throughout.

The real star of the evening was my wife's halibut - easily one of the best fish dishes we've had in Wilmington. The fish itself was flawlessly executed with beautifully crispy skin, but what made it extraordinary was how all the components worked together. The eggplant and olive caponata, buttered polenta, charred broccolini, and pancetta just created a symphony of flavors that elevated the entire plate.

The only minor disappointment was the cocktail program. The honeysuckle soirée was underwhelming - served in a glass that felt barely half-full even with the large ice cube, and the drink itself was quite strong without the smoothness to balance it out.

Despite the cocktail hiccup, this was a fantastic dining experience overall. It's exciting to see such a talented, decorated chef bringing this level of culinary excellence to Wilmington. La Duna Paradiso is definitely going on our regular...

This is a must visit dining experience if you are lucky enough to be in Wrightsville Beach Area. I had heard about the renovation of the hotel and restaurant after Marriott bought the Blockade Runner. We got a 6pm seating on a Saturday night and I can tell you it was easily the best dining experience I've had this year. We had a kale ceaser salad to start and split it easily..dressing was amazing. Our entrees were the roasted Chilean Sea Bass and the Spaghetti and Crab. Both were amazing and the portions were generous. We finished with an Olive Oil cake and Gelato. The meal was a value considering the view (see the pictures) at the golden hour nonetheless! Our waitress had a trainee under wing and they both spoiled us silly. They knew the menu and skillfully guided me towards our choices for which I was grateful. I had never been to this hotel and had never eaten here but I know I...