Three10 Restaurant, a Contender for Best Seafood in Wilmington, NC

For seafood enthusiasts who care about the quality, Three10 is an excellent "local and sustainable" modern seafood destination. Located in Wilmington's Brooklyn Arts district, this restaurant prides itself on its commitment to sourcing only the freshest seafood. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a cozy, historic atmosphere with an open kitchen experience. So, if you're craving some of the very best seafood in Wilmington, be sure to add this restaurant to your must-try list.

Husband and wife, Matthew Walker and Jennifer Concklin, opened this restaurant in the fall of 2021 with a modern Southern menu in mind. The execution of their vision is spot-on.

Located at the north end of the Brooklyn Arts district, Three10 is a convergence of "old Wilmington" with "new Wilmington". As customers walk up to the front door, they may realize the restaurant occupies the historic Allen-Oliver house that was rescued from demolition at its former location, 310 Bladen Street — hence, the restaurant's namesake.

Despite its outward appearance as a historic home, the interior of the building has been transformed into a modern restaurant that cleverly incorporates vintage elements from its past. The bar boasts vintage floor tiles that add character to the space, while the dining room features original pine flooring that harkens back to the building's roots. There are three eating areas: the main dining room, the bar, and the outside porch. For those who love the buzz of a busy kitchen, the bar seating offers an up-close and personal view of the chefs in action. Meanwhile, the outside porch provides a picturesque backdrop for diners to enjoy stunning Cape Fear sunsets while savoring their meal.

My Experience with Three10's Winter Dinner Menu

At Three10, the menu is a work of brilliance, with creative and inventive Southern-inspired dishes that are sure to delight even the most discerning palate. As I perused the menu, I found myself faced with a dilemma that's all too rare these days - not what to order, but what to leave off my bill. Gone were the usual questions of "what's good here?" or "what should I try?" Instead, I was confronted with the difficult task of narrowing down my options to just a few standout dishes that caught my eye. It's a testament to the skill and creativity of the chef at Three10 that every item on the menu is worthy of trying.

The Dinner Menu is broken into three main areas: the Raw Bar, Small Plates, and Large Plates. Although fish is clearly the focus of their menu, there were other very attractive alternatives as well: Duck Confit, Tomahawk Pork Chop, and for vegetarians: Smoked Mushroom and Charred Baby Corn. All the fish alternatives looked refined and equally impressive as the fish dishes.

To start my night off right, I ordered the Port City Martini at the bar, which featured a unique blend of locally distilled End of Days Vodka and Luna Bloom Gin, along with “house sea water”, dry vermouth, and two olives (I opted to substitute the citrus zest for olives). Priced at $13, this modern twist on the classic martini was a winner. The combination of flavors was expertly balanced, with the sea water lending a subtle briny note that complemented the smooth, crisp finish of the vodka and gin. Overall, this was an excellent cocktail that set the tone for a fantastic evening ahead.

From the raw selection, I chose Oysters on the half shell. While baked and fried oysters are popular in the lower Cape Fear region, raw oysters have become fashionable at local restaurants. These oysters were spectacular; locally cultured, briny with a hint of saltiness.

Black Garlic Caesar salad

To start off our dinner, we ordered the Black Garlic Caesar salad which featured crisp romaine lettuce with smoked mushroom conserve, Grana cheese, and cornbread croutons. The addition of black garlic added a delightful earthy depth of flavor to the dish, making for a truly fantastic salad. However, I do have one minor critique: the cornbread croutons felt like a flavor mismatch. While they provided a satisfying crunch, the sweet and savory taste of the cornbread seemed to clash with the other elements of the salad. In my opinion, this was an unnecessary add-on that detracted from the overall harmony of the dish. Despite this small misstep, the salad was still a truly gratifying start to our meal.

For my dinner, I opted for a glass of the Colin Barollet Bourgogne Chardonnay from France, priced at $14 per glass, instead of the Sonoma chardonnay. Upon sampling both options, I found that the Colin Barollet had a smoother profile and paired better with the dishes I had selected.

The Crispy Skin Striped Bass Entree

For our next course, we were served a stunningly prepared Crispy Skin Striped Bass on a bed of Carolina Gold crab rice, accompanied by bacon, asparagus, rich beurre blanc, and a tangy blood orange gastrique. While I don't typically gravitate towards Bass when dining out, this version was so outstanding that I'll be ordering it again on my next visit. The fish was cooked to absolute perfection, with the crispy skin offering a delightful contrast to the flaky, tender flesh beneath. The combination of textures was truly exceptional, and the dish was a true feast for the senses.

The Seared Diver Scallop Entree

The Diver Scallops entree ($29) was unforgettable. The scallops were seared to perfection, achieving a crisp golden crust on the outside while remaining perfectly tender on the inside. Served alongside a creamy Kohlrabi puree, fluffy quinoa, tangy pickled red onion, and roasted pepitas, each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures that blended seamlessly. Overall, this fish dish is an outstanding example of culinary excellence that'll surely leave a lasting impression.

Seafood Alternatives

The chef's passion lies in crafting outstanding seafood dishes. While there are vegetarian and land-based protein options available, the chef has made a conscious decision to avoid featuring beef or chicken on the menu. His alternative proteins, favoring more unconventional options like duck, pork, or mushroom showcases his culinary skills and pushes the boundaries of what's possible with each ingredient. It's a refreshing departure from the norm and a testament to the restaurant's commitment to innovation and creativity in the kitchen.

Beverage selection and pairings

The beverage selection at Three10 was impressive. Upon perusing the wine list, it was evident their lineup was a hand-selected curation designed for menu pairing. Big Wine retail brands were gratefully absent; and, both U.S. and international wines were featured. The staff is knowledgeable about their list and can confidently recommend a great pairing for your meal. If you're undecided, feel free to ask for a tasting.

The cocktail menu features classic cocktails with a twist as well as some new ones you may want to explore.

Value

The small plates range from $10 to $19, while the entrees range from $21 to $43, and every dish is prepared with the finest ingredients available. Despite the premium quality, the portion sizes are impressively generous, ensuring that diners get plenty of value for their money. Whether you're looking for a light bite or a full meal, you're sure to find something that fits your budget without sacrificing flavor or quality at this restaurant.

Additional Notes on Three10

Three10 continually changes their menu. Their Winter menu changed twice, and their Spring menu is now published. View their latest menu on their website.

The menu at this establishment is sophisticated and geared towards adult diners and may not be suitable for children.

Recommendation

The seafood at Three10 is nothing short of outstanding, with dishes that rival those found in some of the country's top culinary destinations like Manhattan or San Francisco. Every dish is masterfully crafted resulting in an exceptional culinary experience. The staff is both friendly and knowledgeable, striking the right balance between attentiveness and discretion. Whether you're planning a romantic evening with your significant other or a fun night out with friends, Three10 is the perfect choice, with a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that's sure to impress.

If you enjoy seafood, you simply must try Three10.