Delaware Restaurant and Dining Guide
When you think of Delaware, you might think of its history, corporate headquarters, or tax-free shopping, but there's a hidden gem you may not know about: its mouthwatering local cuisine. As the first state to join the Union, Delaware offers a unique blend of history, culture, and scrumptious eats. Join me on a flavorful adventure through Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Rehoboth Beach, and Lewes, where we'll dig into delicious dishes and explore enchanting tourist attractions.
Wilmington: Classy Dining and Artful Attractions
Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, boasts classy dining experiences and a rich art scene. Sink your teeth into some Delaware Scrapple or Roasted Duck Breast at The Green Room at Hotel du Pont, a historic and sophisticated restaurant that will take your taste buds on a luxurious journey. For a more modern dining experience, Tonic Bar and Grille offers Seared Foie Gras and Pan-Seared Scallops, paired with their exquisite wine list.
Once you've indulged in Wilmington's culinary offerings, check out the Hagley Museum and Library, which showcases the DuPont family legacy and the history of American industry. Don't miss the Delaware Art Museum, where you'll find an impressive collection of American art and illustration.
Dover: Hearty Meals and History Lessons
Dover, the state capital, serves up hearty meals and fascinating history. At Hall's Family Restaurant (which is 10 minutes away from Dover center), you can enjoy Slippery Dumplings, a Delaware classic, or their legendary Fried Chicken. For a laid-back atmosphere and tasty pub fare, visit Grey Fox Grille & Public House, where you'll find Blackened Chicken Alfredo and a mean Crab Cake Sandwich.
After feasting on Dover's comfort food, explore the Air Mobility Command Museum to see vintage aircraft up close, or visit the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village to learn about the state's farming heritage.
Newark : Sandwiches and Scenic Beauty
Newark, a college town with a vibrant food scene, is home to the famous Capriotti's Sandwich Shop. Try their iconic Bobbie Sandwich, a Thanksgiving feast in a bun, or go for the classic Cheese Steak Sandwich. For an Italian twist, Taverna serves up Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza and Wild Boar Pappardelle.
After you've had your fill, take a leisurely stroll through White Clay Creek State Park or enjoy the view at the serene Newark Reservoir.
Rehoboth Beach: Boardwalk Bites and Seaside Sights
Rehoboth Beach is the ultimate destination for boardwalk bites and seaside fun. Thrasher's French Fries offers the quintessential Boardwalk Fries, crispy and golden, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Funnel Cake. A short drive away, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats serves up Wood-Grilled Burgers and Fish & Chips that'll make you swoon.
Afterward, hit the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk for amusement rides and games at Funland, or simply relax on the beautiful sandy beach.
Lewes : Coastal Cravings and Historic Havens
Lewes, a charming coastal town, is the perfect spot for seafood lovers. Striper Bites offers delectable Blue Crabs and Lobster Rolls, while Kindle serves up Seared Scallops and Duck Confit that'll keep you coming back for more.
Complete your Lewes experience with a visit to Cape Henlopen State Park for gorgeous views and nature trails, or explore the Zwaanendael Museum to learn about Delaware's Dutch history.
The First State Finale: Delaware's Delicious Adventures Await
With a smorgasbord of local dishes, enticing restaurants, and captivating tourist attractions, Delaware is a food lover's paradise and a treasure trove of hidden gems. So, whether you're craving savory Delaware Scrapple, scrumptious Slippery Dumplings, a legendary Bobbie Sandwich, iconic Boardwalk Fries, or fresh Blue Crabs, the First State has something to satisfy your taste buds.
If you're planning a culinary adventure, don't miss the chance to explore Wilmington's elegant dining scene, Dover's hearty comfort food, Newark's iconic sandwiches, Rehoboth Beach's boardwalk delights, and Lewes's coastal temptations. And remember, it's not just about the food – Delaware's rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture make it an unforgettable destination for any traveler.
So, go ahead and explore Delaware's delicious delights and enchanting attractions – your taste buds will thank you, and you'll leave with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Must-Try Restaurants in Delaware
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Good drinks, wings were a bit soggy, no crisp to them at all, pizza was ok… their 8 cut could feed maybe 2 people if hungry… pretzel bites looked like a ...
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Superb149 Reviews4.3
Taverna Newark
121 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711Amazing! Delicious, we were visiting from New York and celebrating a birthday and we were not disappointed! We had appetizers, entrees, and desserts and ...
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Superb193 Reviews4.3
Le Cavalier
42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801I made a reservation for 3 on a Friday evening and was seated promptly. The decor inside is very extravagant, the restauraunt is located inside the histo...
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Good148 Reviews3.6
Tonic Seafood & Steak
111 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801Looks nice inside, server was great, food was way overpriced, and they even wanted a 3 dollar upcharge to switch from mashed potatoes to a baked potato. ...
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Good150 Reviews4.2
Grey Fox Grille and Public House
140 S State St, Dover, DE 19901The service was top-tier! Our server was so attentive and was extremely knowledgeable of the drink specials and the rotating seasonal specials as well. T...
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Good97 Reviews4.2
Striper Bites
107 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958Delicious seafood! We've been coming to Rehoboth Beach for 7 years now but we only found this gem of a restaurant a couple years ago - definitely wo...
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Good160 Reviews4.2
Kindle
111 Bank St, Lewes, DE 19958We got seated promptly and the server was great. Our food was delish! The halibut was so moist and cooked perfectly. The lobster bucatini was piping hot ...
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Superb82 Reviews4.5
Thrasher's French Fries
26 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Best fries I've ever had without ketchup! I will be back next time. Service was very quick and the gentleman who helped me was grinning from cheek t...
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Superb71 Reviews4.4
Hall's Family Restaurant
108 N Railroad Ave, Wyoming, DE 19934It was quiet, have not been there in a long time. Had spaghetti and meatballs was very good.
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Good42 Reviews4.1
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
130 Gateway South Blvd, DE-10, Dover, DE 19901sandwiches are prepared very stingy with meat you could go to wawa and get the same thing half price
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Good38 Reviews3.5
Recently Opened Restaurants
Pastries & More by Sugar Savage
147 S Governors Ave, Dover, DE 19904Walked into this nice space with positive affirmations and was warmly greeted I ordered a half dozen cupcakes and a slice of sweet potato and apple pie. ...
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Superb5 Reviews5
Outback Steakhouse
503 Merrimac Ave, Middletown, DE 19709We were at the Middletown, DE Outback on Sept. 1, 2024 late afternoon. They quickly found setting to accommodate me, since my back will not allow me to s...
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Superb137 Reviews4.7
Succulent Sweets Treats
97 Clark St, Harrington, DE 19952Purchased some donuts from this new place downtown Harrington. Asked for an assortment of donuts of their choosing. Quite a decent set up they gave inclu...
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Superb5 Reviews5
JoJo’s Express Georgetown
20633 Dupont Blvd, Georgetown, DE 19947Interesting menu & very tasty. Prompt service & courteous staff. Good take out behind Burger King
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Superb43 Reviews4.6
El Patron Mexican Restaurant and Bar
714 Greenbank Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808Absolutely not good ugh please don't waste your time and energy they don't have any idea about yo costumers
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Good42 Reviews3.7
Umami Express LLC Sushi to Go
7 Chesmar Plaza, Newark, DE 19713Do not use your debit card here they have been slowing taking out $19 over the span of 2 months so in total took $38 from me! I only been here once when ...
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Superb39 Reviews4.4
Roja & Verde Taqueria
60 N College Ave, Newark, DE 19711My colleagues and I visit often. It's in the heart of UD so we walk from Harker to the Taqueria instead of Trabant a few times per week. The food is...
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Good39 Reviews4.2
Pithari
1 W Main St, Middletown, DE 19709-
Poor0 Reviews0
Townsend Deli
5988 Summit Bridge Rd Ste - 2, Townsend, DE 19734Food was not what I was expecting with small portions. Children cheese steak was bland, fries were soggy and the mozzarella sticks looked like they pick...
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Good16 Reviews4.2
Gusto Grill
102 Marrows Rd, Newark, DE 19713Easily the best Halal Tex Mex and excellent halal restaurant in the area in terms of both the quality and the quantity. We ordered Beef Shawarma platter,...
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Superb31 Reviews4.7
Long Bao & Noodles Express
626 Newark shopping center, Newark, DE 19711i don't leave reviews to places often but god man this place is delicious. i've been here a lot and Juan, the owner, is such a nice and authent...
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Superb38 Reviews4.5
Baja Bob's
101 S Boardwalk Floor 1, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971I know it's a "boardwalk restaurant" but I think it's new this season so my family wanted to check it out. Unfortunately it was not g...
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Average38 Reviews3.1
The Opulent Restaurant & Lounge
3421 Kirkwood Hwy Unit A-D, Wilmington, DE 19808Our first experience here was drinks and an appetizer. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by staff. T gave us the tour of this beautifu...
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Superb45 Reviews4.3
Shawarma Beirut
2800 Lancaster Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805The best Shawarma ever.
Very tasty and clean plus Big portions.
Very friendly staff.
Highly recommended
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Superb30 Reviews4.7
Nuevo Vallarta Seafood and Grill
1612 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720Good comfortable place, good service with the waitress Lorena
Parking: Lots of space
Kid-friendliness: simon
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Good21 Reviews3.8
Recent Reviews
1776 Steakhouse
18585 Coastal Hwy #6, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Paul was our server. Extremely knowledgeable & Johnny on the spot without hovering. The food was delicious. For me the noise level was an issue. Hard...
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Superb660 Reviews4.6
Keem's Cuisine
409 S Walnut St, Wilmington, DE 19801I Was in town for a Private Event, it was held at Keem's, Christian was manager that evening. My husband and I had a wonderful time, EVERYTHING was ...
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Good284 Reviews4.2
CEDAR land + sea kitchen
30234 Cedar Neck Rd, Ocean View, DE 19970Food, service, and cocktails were all fantastic. The seafood was prepared perfectly. The paliela while different than normal paliela it was delicious. We...
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Good46 Reviews3.9
Ruby Tuesday
4732 Limestone Rd, Pike Creek, DE 19808This place rocks! I've worked in restaurants many years of my long life. The food is amazing as well as the service! 10 stars from
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Average99 Reviews2.8
Atexquita Restaurant Mexican Grill & Bar
4456 Summit Bridge Rd, Middletown, DE 19709Unusual small place with over-the-top decor. The food was very good, but expensive. Could NOT believe that they wanted to charge $14 for salsa and chi...
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Good32 Reviews4.2
Fondue.
39 N Walnut St Suite 101, Milford, DE 19963Our party of 9 went last night. Some how I had mixed up the date (I had made the reservations for the next night), but they were so accomodating and so ...
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Superb142 Reviews4.5
Applebee's Grill + Bar
36501 Seaside Outlet Dr, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Parking: Tons of parking! Staff is awesome! Food was amazing. 10 out of 10 would recommend and can’t wait to come again. Jordyn our waitress was amazing....
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Superb179 Reviews4.4
Brown Bag Deli & Grocery (Eastside)
301 E 9th St #3609, Wilmington, DE 19801It has been over 1 year to get the philly cheesesteak. I asked for smashed which means heated grilled. Total change I think the deli was sold and prev...
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Good36 Reviews3.7
Trini Quizeen Restaurant
1855 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901Wow,great food & service, had the chicken 🐔 roti with pepper. Still eating, potion was sizable. Will definitely make return trip from wil...
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Superb52 Reviews4.5
Burger King
2690 Kirkwood Hwy, Newark, DE 19711Today train very hard , I was shocked at how the rain water poured into the restaurant. It’s time the owner fixes the roof I know you can affo...
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Good43 Reviews3.6
Succulent Sweets Treats
97 Clark St, Harrington, DE 19952Purchased some donuts from this new place downtown Harrington. Asked for an assortment of donuts of their choosing. Quite a decent set up they gave inclu...
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Superb5 Reviews5
Miro's Pizza
204 N Maryland Ave, Wilmington, DE 19804New owner has disappeared, and food quality has gone down. The standards and quality of food the new owner had established is not the same since he has n...
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Good28 Reviews3.8
Riverfront Bakery
313 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801Our usual bakery was closed for the day so we decided to try this one. I ordered the mystery box and got an unexpected surprise …mold on one of my pastri...
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Good127 Reviews3.9
Fiesta Maya Mexican Grill
200 Pencader Plaza, Newark, DE 19711Great roomy atmosphere! Drink was purrrfect, food was plentiful, service was delightful!
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Good94 Reviews4.2
Surf’s Up
100 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930Best cheesesteaks in Bethany! I've been coming here for 30+ years and always get consistently delicious food. Family favorites are of course, the la...
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Good36 Reviews4
Recently Updated Menus
Sidebar Cafe (Downtown Wilmington, DE)
Citizens Bank Building (Lobby area, 919 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801i had their breakfast sandwich (on homemade sour dough bread) and a smoothie and OMG!! delicious!! will definitely be back
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Superb47 Reviews5
Southfork Deli
32890 Horsey Church, Laurel, DE 19956They were polite, helpful .. & their Italian cold sub was totally awesome! The shop was very clean .. & their prices were good.
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Superb33 Reviews4.9
La Matesina Pizza Pasta Delaware City
504 5th St, Delaware City, DE 19706I ordered chicken Parmesan and a side of meatballs $30 of food and it took an hr to get it as pick up and the meatballs were NOT cooked. The sauce was st...
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Superb28 Reviews4.6
Stanley's Tavern
2038 Foulk Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810Food was very good service was great. Management is terrible, walked passed us 4 or 5 times, never stopped to talk to us or other customers. On my way ou...
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Good93 Reviews4
Slo and Lo BBQ
209 Monroe Ave, Lewes, DE 19958Strictly roadside. Nicest people. Food, some of the best bbq I’ve eaten.
A classic. A group of friendly men having a great time puttin...
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Superb30 Reviews4.8
Fin & claw
42a Atlantic Ave, Ocean View, DE 19970Wow. That was one of the best crab cakes I’ve ever eaten. Stopped by for the first time today and found out the jumbo crab cake doesn’t have gluten, so I...
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Superb29 Reviews4.9
Three Amigos Mexican Grill
1016 N Lincoln St, Wilmington, DE 19805I was impressed with the quality of food here! Hawaiian Fajitas is a piece of art. Portions are huge. Staff is friendly and welcoming. They also have a n...
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Superb117 Reviews4.8
Elizabeth Esther Cafè
47 E Commerce St, Smyrna, DE 19977We visited Elizabeth Esther Café for Sunday brunch and were impressed by the gluten-free options. The gluten-free bruschetta and chicken salad sandwich w...
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Good82 Reviews4.2
Meding's Seafood
3697 Bay Rd, Milford, DE 19963I went to have a quick lunch on 08-27-2024. That didn't happen. I had to wait while an employee finished his ranting about democrats, immigrants and...
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Good145 Reviews3.7
Luv Thai
31507 Oak Orchard Rd, Millsboro, DE 19966Best Thai food in the area. Very friendly owners. Food was excellent. Yellow curry was my favorite.
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Superb15 Reviews5