If you’ve ever stumbled upon a viral food review on TikTok and instantly thought, I have to try this place, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what happened to us when I sent my husband (Rob) a TikTok video of a viral review for Indochine Restaurant in Wilmington, North Carolina. A few months later, Rob surprised me with a weekend getaway to Wilmington, and the first stop on our adventure? This iconic restaurant we’d seen raved about online. It was the perfect way to kick off our first weekend trip as a married couple.

We arrived on a Friday evening, eager to experience the food and atmosphere we'd seen in the TikTok video. Let me tell you, Indochine did not disappoint!

Indochine Restaurant is nestled in the heart of Wilmington, offering a vibrant mix of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its exotic, art-filled décor, and its gorgeous outdoor garden and gazebos. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that feels both lively and inviting — like you're entering a cozy oasis.

Though the parking lot is a bit funky (nothing too unusual for Wilmington's charming, tucked-away spots), the setting inside and out is truly unique. The outdoor garden seating, surrounded by palm trees and bamboo, it’s perfect for an evening meal — though I can imagine it’d be quite hot in the summer months, so be prepared to wait for inside seating if the weather's warm. Indochine makes up for this with a laid-back atmosphere and a cozy indoor space, but the garden seating is definitely a standout feature.

The menu at Indochine offers a delicious fusion of Thai and Vietnamese flavors with some surprising twists. Let me walk you through the dishes we tried:

Appetizer Sampler: We kicked things off with the appetizer sampler, which offered a variety of bites perfect for sharing. There were so many items I can’t even remember them all, but I do know that each one was absolutely delicious!

Steamed Dumpling Sampler: Hands down, the best steamed dumplings I’ve had since our trip to London. Seriously, these were amazing. The filling was tender, and the dumplings were perfectly steamed, which made them light yet satisfying. 

Buddha’s Feast in a Nest: When they say "feast," they mean it. This dish is huge — and I mean huge! Two or even three people could have shared this one plate. The combination of vegetables, tofu, and crispy noodles was simply divine. 

Chicken Pad Thai: Rob’s choice was the classic chicken pad thai, and while it wasn’t his favorite, it still had a solid flavor. He felt it could have been a bit more vibrant, but it was still a decent dish overall.

Mango Sticky Rice: We weren’t planning on getting dessert, considering the generous portions we had just devoured. But after hearing rave reviews online (and you know what they say — there's always room for dessert), we couldn’t resist trying the mango sticky rice. And wow, were we glad we did. It was the perfect sweet end to our meal. 

Banana Egg Rolls: These were a surprise favorite! Even when we were stuffed, we couldn’t stop snacking on them. Crispy, slightly sweet, and perfectly fried — they were the perfect way to finish off our meal.

Beyond the food itself, Indochine offers an experience. The outdoor garden seating was a particular highlight. The temperature was perfect that night, making the garden feel like a serene escape. The huts, tucked away under strings of lights, create a cozy ambiance that feels exotic but comfortable. While I can imagine the outdoor seating might not be ideal on a scorching hot day, they do have ample indoor seating, though it’s a bit more limited.

The service was excellent — friendly and efficient. We started our evening by grabbing a drink at the outdoor bar while we waited for our table. The drink was sweet with just the right amount of liquor — strong enough to make you feel relaxed but not overpowering. When we were seated, our server was kind enough to offer to take a photo of us at our table, which made the experience feel even more personal.

Despite the restaurant being busy (almost all the tables were full), the food arrived quickly and in good timing, which surprised me given how many people were there. We were seated within 10 minutes, and the staff made sure the whole evening ran smoothly.

The overall vibe of Indochine is definitely exotic, with a lively yet cozy energy. The décor is full of colorful art, and the outdoor seating area is something you won't forget anytime soon. From the garden’s huts to the string lights twinkling overhead, it feels like a special escape. This place is perfect for just about any occasion: a casual dinner, a special celebration, or a fun night out with friends.

We were incredibly impressed by the value at Indochine. For the quality and quantity of food, the price was reasonable — and trust me, we were full after just a few dishes. The portions are massive, especially for the price, so if you’re not super hungry, I’d recommend sharing. It’s definitely worth every penny!

All in all, our experience at Indochine was fantastic. If you’re in Wilmington, this is definitely a place you need to visit. From the unique atmosphere and amazing food to the great service, it was a perfect start to our weekend getaway. We can’t wait to return — and we’re already telling everyone we know to check it out!

If you do get a chance to sit outside, I highly recommend it — especially if the weather’s nice!