Coco Pipa | Our Story
rooted in travel, crafted for community
Coco Pipa is a vibrant health oasis on Castle Street in Wilmington, NC — a place where globally inspired food, warm hospitality, and a deep belief in community wellness all meet under one colorful roof.
how Lizzy & Isaac got here
Lizzy and Isaac brought their whole world to Castle Street — Isaac's Ethiopian roots, Lizzy's New England upbringing, and years of shared travel across continents. every item on the menu carries a thread of those journeys.
real food matters
we believe in food that's honest, vibrant, nutritious, and made with care, not shortcuts. every dish can be adapted for vegan diets or allergy needs, because everyone deserves a seat at the table. Isaac and Lizzy built this place from the ground up, right here on Castle Street, and quality is non-negotiable.
the space we built
we wanted somewhere that didn't feel rushed. a place where you could sit down, put your phone away, and actually taste what you were eating instead of hurrying it. every choice in the room came out of that one idea — slow down, stay a while.
a backyard for the neighborhood
we wanted somewhere the neighborhood could actually use, not just walk past — somewhere people ran into each other instead of just picking up food and leaving. That's what it became: regulars trading stories at the next table, a crowd showing up for live music, people staying long after their plates were empty. it stopped being our backyard and started being everyone's.
what this has been about
what we wanted, from the start, was simple: a place where taking care of yourself felt paramount, and where you felt like you belonged the second you walked in. that's what we've tried to build here, every day. come as you are, leave better than you walked in.