Big Fish Grill Brings Crowd-Pleasing Seafood to the Riverfront

What the ratings suggest

Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront holds a 4.4 Google rating from more than 4,700 reviews, a substantial sample that points to broad, sustained appeal. Public feedback tends to describe a busy, polished restaurant rather than a quiet neighborhood seafood spot. Its Wilmington Riverfront location, sizable dining room and family-friendly menu make it a practical choice for groups with different tastes.

The restaurant sits in the moderate price category. Reviews most often frame the experience as a complete package: seafood-centered cooking, attentive service, distinctive decor and a convenient location along the Riverwalk. One visiting family chose it during a children’s lacrosse tournament, while another first-time group highlighted the combination of a large, clean space and plentiful parking.

Seafood leads, but the menu has range

Seafood earns the clearest praise. The Chesapeake Bay Tortellini appears in multiple reviews, including one that specifically compliments the freshness of its crab cake and the absence of filler. That dish is also named as a personal favorite by a repeat admirer of the restaurant.

Other favorable mentions include mussels in garlic wine sauce, fried lobster tail, seared salmon over Caesar salad, crab spinach dip and a tuna preparation served with crackers. These dishes do not recur enough in the supplied feedback to count as consensus favorites, but together they show the breadth diners associate with the menu.

Big Fish also appears capable of handling non-seafood preferences. Burgers receive positive comments from two separate tables, with both noting that the meat was cooked properly. Side dishes including mac and cheese, spinach and Peruvian rice also draw approval. Key lime pie is singled out by one reviewer as a favorite finish.

Setting and service

The Riverfront setting is a major part of the draw. Reviewers mention the river, Riverwalk access and parking alongside the food, suggesting that location is more than background scenery. Inside, the visual theme is unmistakable. One diner describes fish suspended from the ceiling, fish paintings and a large mural, giving the dining room a playful, immersive character.

Service feedback in the sample is notably warm. Diners describe staff members as patient, knowledgeable and attentive, including a first-time visitor who felt well guided through the menu. Another review says the staff goes out of its way to ensure guests are cared for. Those comments support Big Fish Grill as a comfortable option for newcomers as well as returning regulars.

The case for a visit

The strongest order based on recurring praise is the Chesapeake Bay Tortellini, particularly for diners seeking one of the restaurant’s signature seafood combinations. A burger is the better-supported alternative for someone at the table who does not want fish or shellfish.

There are a couple of minor cautions. One reviewer found the garlic bread very good but slightly soggy. Another described the restaurant as seemingly packed much of the time, which fits its high review volume and group-friendly profile. Overall, the public record presents Big Fish Grill as a dependable, energetic Wilmington seafood destination with enough menu range to satisfy mixed parties.