Welcome to Belmar Forest, a charming enclave in Murraysville, NC, where community spirit and culinary diversity intersect deliciously. Often overshadowed by its bustling neighbors along Highway 17 and the busy corridors of downtown Wilmington, Belmar Forest harbors some of Murraysville’s most delightful dining experiences. Whether you’re a longtime local or just exploring, here’s the ultimate guide to eating well in Belmar Forest.
The Neighborhood Flavor: An Overview
Nestled between Market Street and the tranquil Greenfield Park, Belmar Forest’s tree-lined streets are dotted with a surprising array of eateries. From family-owned spots on North College Road to inventive food trucks parked on quiet corners, Belmar Forest offers a refreshing alternative to chain-dominated strip malls. Here, each spot oozes character, authenticity, and warm neighborhood charm.
Standout Restaurants in Belmar Forest
- Magnolia Table & Bar (Corner of Ridgewood Dr & N College Rd)
- Cuisine: Southern Modern
- Price: $$-$$$
- Why Go: Magnolia Table & Bar is the heartbeat of Belmar Forest’s dining scene. With its exposed brick walls and family-friendly vibe, locals flock here for elevated takes on shrimp and grits, honey-drizzled fried chicken, and pecan pie that tastes just like grandma’s. Sunday brunch is legendary, featuring homemade biscuits and rotating seasonal jams.
- Insider Tip: Try the “Belmar Board”—a sampling of local cheeses, pickled vegetables, and artisan breads.
- Saffron Lotus (Near Belmar Forest Drive & Imperial Gate)
- Cuisine: Thai & Asian Fusion
- Price: $$
- Why Go: An unassuming storefront hides a world of bold flavors. Saffron Lotus’s fragrant curries, steaming bowls of pho, and tangy papaya salad have earned it cult status with both spice-lovers and vegetarians. The owner, Chef Linh, sources herbs from her backyard garden, adding freshness to every dish.
- Hidden Gem: Their coconut sticky rice with mango is a must-order dessert.
- Old Pine Taproom (Northpoint Blvd, by the lake)
- Cuisine: Gastropub
- Price: $$-$$$
- Why Go: With rotating local beers on tap and a menu of creative small plates (think duck-fat fries and bourbon BBQ sliders), Old Pine Taproom is the after-work hangout for Belmar Forest. The sunny patio overlooks a small lake, making it perfect for sunset happy hours.
- Standout Dish: The Carolina pulled pork nachos, topped with housemade pickles and chipotle crema.
Coffee Shops & Bakeries Not to Miss
- Cuppa Joe’s Roastery (Belmar Forest Dr & Sugar Maple St)
- Vibe: Cozy, artsy, community bulletin board
- Why Go: More than just a caffeine stop, Cuppa Joe’s is where ideas flourish over expertly roasted pour-overs and flaky croissants. Owners Joe and Elise pride themselves on single-origin beans and homemade granola bars.
- Sweet Spot: Maple-pecan scones and almond milk lattes are a local favorite.
- Belmar Bakeshop (East Ridgewood Drive, near Pine Lane)
- Why Go: Part nostalgic bakery, part neighborhood hub, Belmar Bakeshop whips up everything from cinnamon rolls oozing with icing to custom cakes and sourdough loaves. On weekends, snag their famous rosemary-focaccia before it sells out.
- Don’t Miss: The “Sweet Tea Cake,” a nod to Southern traditions, infused with local honey and a hint of lemon.
The Food Truck Scene
Belmar Forest boasts a robust rotation of food trucks, especially along the open green lot at the intersection of Oak Grove Rd & Forest Bluff Dr. Fridays bring a mini-food festival vibe, often with live music and picnic tables under the oaks.
- Rolling Roots
- Fresh, plant-forward fare like BBQ jackfruit sliders, roasted veggie wraps, and beet hummus bowls.
- Affordable and quick, perfect for picnics at nearby Greenfield Park.
- El Ray’s Taqueria
- Tacos with a coastal Carolina twist—think fried flounder, pickled onions, and cilantro crema.
- Secret Sauce: Their homemade salsa verde draws a loyal crowd.
Local Culinary Traditions & Hidden Gems
- Fish Fry Fridays at Belmar Community Center (Forest Bluff Dr & Spruce Ave)
- You haven’t truly eaten like a local until you’ve joined a Friday night fish fry: platters of fried catfish, hush puppies, and house slaw bring neighbors together. It’s a tradition dating back generations.
- Guest chefs often try their hand at classics, so the menu is never quite the same.
- Myrtle & Main Pop-Up Suppers
- Several times a year, local chefs host ticketed pop-up dinners inside historic homes. Menus showcase seasonal North Carolina produce and regional specialties—like pimento cheese-stuffed peppers or oyster stew.
- Events are intimate and tickets can be scarce, so follow the Belmar Forest social pages for announcements.
Where Foodies Gather: Clusters & Streets to Explore
Belmar Forest’s food can be savored all over, but a few key intersections are dining hotspots:
- North College Road & Ridgewood Drive – the “main drag” for sit-down restaurants and taprooms.
- Belmar Forest Drive & Sugar Maple St – the heart of the café scene, ideal for brunch hopping.
- Oak Grove Rd & Forest Bluff Dr – the unofficial home of Belmar’s Friday food truck nights.
The Belmar Experience: More Than Just a Meal
What sets Belmar Forest apart isn’t just the food—it’s the sense of community. Chefs greet patrons by name, neighbors swap recipes in line at the bakery, and everyone has a fish fry story to tell. Here, food means togetherness: a slow cup of coffee, a family dinner, or a meal shared with someone new on a breezy patio.
If you haven’t explored the flavors of Belmar Forest yet, now’s the perfect time. Whether you’re craving global cuisine, Southern comfort food, or just an unforgettable dessert, this Murraysville neighborhood promises to surprise and delight—even seasoned foodies. So, bring an appetite and discover why Belmar Forest is fast becoming Murraysville’s unsung culinary hero.