Tucked away in a small shopping center near the Monkey Junction area of S. College Road, this family-friendly Italian restaurant is a huge hit with Insiders, who suggest that you come hungry (even the lunch portions are huge). The atmosphere is cozy, with a friendly wait staff focused on making your dining experience a pleasure. Naturally, the food is the centerpiece, with a bountiful selection of salads, zuppas (that's soup for the uninitiated), appetizers and hearty pasta entrees with chicken, seafood, veal or sweet Italian sausage. Locals argue over their favorite dishes, but all are excellent choices. If you prefer something off the grill, try the Kansas rib eye. The lunch menu offers slightly smaller versions of some dinner items plus a selection of create-your-own pasta dishes, a gourmet's choice of calzones and pizzas, and Giorgio's signature sandwiches. Must-try sandwiches include the Italian sausage sub, Giorgio's muffaletta and the eggplant Parmigiana sub. The restaurant's small lounge area with full bar service is a cozy place to wait when the dining room is full, and large parties of up to 70 can be accommodated in a private dining area. Giorgio's opens daily for lunch and dinner. While the portions are equally hearty at lunch, the price is very reasonable, as indicated by the dual price code listed above. Take-out services, catering and party platters are available.

For steamed-oyster lovers nostalgic for the good old days of old-fashioned coastal oyster bars, Heck of a Peck Oyster Bar is a must. Two horseshoe-shaped bars, barstool seating and a casual atmosphere create a friendly and companionable setting. Staffers take the work out of your meal by shucking your order in front of you at stainless steel sinks. Frequently Voted Best Oysters by Encore magazine's annual readers' poll, the restaurant's traditional fare isn't limited to fresh steamed oysters and the fixins, which include warm homemade cocktail sauce, cole slaw, steamed red potatoes and saltine crackers. Steamed shrimp, scallops, clams, crab legs and lobster tails are additional highlights. Located in southeast Wilmington at Masonboro Station, Heck of a Peck Oyster Bar is open daily for dinner with weekly specials Sunday through Thursday.

Henry's is an exciting restaurant from the folks who created Eddie Romanelli's, The Oceanic and Bluewater. The cuisine is classic American fare created through high-quality, from-scratch cooking. The decor features beautifully hued stacked sandstone and hand-painted walls, a hand-painted ceiling and an awesome 100-year-old Brunswick-style tiger oak bar. Lunch possibilities range from generous salad selections (the grilled tuna and fresh spinach salad is a good choice) and cold deli sandwiches to luncheon plates (everything from roast beef and gravy to fresh catch) and hearty, two-handed sandwiches that come with your choice of a side item (12 sides to choose from). Start dinner with some of the best shrimp chowder in the region. Dinner menu highlights include hearty meal-size salads, sandwiches and generously portioned entrees, including pasta dishes, chicken, fresh seafood, prime rib and more. Insiders highly recommend Henry's awesome lump crab cake and the savory shrimp and grits. Sausage-stuffed pork chops and cashew-sesame-crusted grouper are just a few more favorites. The strawberry shortcake is made in-house and is better than Grandma's. Henry's bar offers all ABC permits with premium-pour liquors, eight draft beers and comfortable, upholstered banquettes for dining.

Located on Shipyard Boulevard, Roly Poly puts the fun back into grabbing a quick bite. Their signature rolled sandwiches feature high-quality deli meats, cheeses, fresh veggies and homemade spreads in a huge soft-flour tortilla. The large array of choices range from the traditional to the innovative, or you can get creative with the "roll your own" option. Watching carbs? Ask for a low-carb tortilla with only five net carbs. Accompany your Roly choice with a soft drink and chips or a cup of delicious soup. Need to feed a large group? Party platters, catering and box lunches are available for meetings, seminars, picnics and other special events, corporate to casual. Call either location for details. Roly Poly is open for lunch and dinner daily and offers local weekday delivery with a $15 minimum.

Discover Rucker Johns, a local family favorite since 1992. Renowned for high quality and attention to detail, Rucker Johns' theme is casual and the service is serious. The made-from-scratch menu features an array of fresh salads, appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, hand-stretched grilled pizzas and unbeatable homemade soups. Entree choices include grilled chicken dishes, tender baby-back ribs, awesome prime rib, succulent steaks, tasty pastas and fresh seafood. Adjoining the oak-trimmed dining room is a horseshoe-shaped bar, the perfect place to enjoy live jazz on Saturday evenings or to catch the big game. A second dining area is available for business luncheons and private parties. RJ's has all ABC permits and boasts a wine list with fine selections from around the world. Located in the Myrtle Grove Shopping Center at Monkey Junction, where Carolina Beach Road meets South College Road, RJ's is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, closing late on Friday and Saturday.