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 19971Great place to eat. I had a dog pile nachos and the you make me wanna hamburger. All good choices. We sat in the barrel seats. Very nice. I highly recomm...
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Superb128 Reviews4.5
Taverna Newark
121 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711An outstanding Italian restaurant in downtown Newark. Great menu selection infusing all of your Italian standards that you'd expect and also a decen...
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Good178 Reviews4.2
Le Cavalier
42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801The service and atmosphere is probably the best in the city. Food is not good. Below average.
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Good193 Reviews3.6
Tonic Seafood & Steak
111 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801Great food, great city location for parking garage, excellent waitstaff, no delays.They asked what brought us out on a rainy night, I told them we were s...
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Good137 Reviews4.1
Grey Fox Grille and Public House
140 S State St, Dover, DE 19901The Grey Fox Grille and Public House is a culinary gem that must not be missed. My wife and I recently dined at this charming establishment and were blow...
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Good89 Reviews4.2
Striper Bites
107 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958We went in late February. Food was decent, no complaints. Very convenient to where we were staying. Other places were closed, so our choices were slim. T...
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Good143 Reviews4
Kindle
111 Bank St, Lewes, DE 19958The sparkplug is amazing, highly recommend!Kid-friendliness: They go above and beyond to accommodate children
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Superb85 Reviews4.4
Thrasher's French Fries
26 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971This past Presidents’ Day I happen to be on the boardwalk in Rehoboth and got some fries from thrashers and they were as good as usual but normally they ...
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Superb59 Reviews4.3
Hall's Family Restaurant
108 N Railroad Ave, Wyoming, DE 19934Good place to go for breakfast. Very good sausage and pancakes. Waitresses are always so kind!
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Good40 Reviews4.1
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
130 Gateway South Blvd, DE-10, Dover, DE 19901Chicken Cheesesteak was great!!! Didn't go for the Bobbie, we got a simple turkey sandwhich instead and it was delicious. Fresh turkey made all the ...
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Good27 Reviews3.7
Recently Opened Restaurants
Corner Cove Restaurant & Bar
410 Hockessin Cor, Hockessin, DE 19707This newish restaurant in Hockessin is killing it with the fresh oysters, and the bartender pours a nice drink. Definitely returning soon to try the pizzas.
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Good40 Reviews4.2
El Nopal
617 E Loockerman St, Dover, DE 19901Love this restaurant. Great prices, cozy atmosphere, and the food is phenomenal.Kid-friendliness: Great spot for kids as well!
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Superb24 Reviews4.4
Corner Grounds Café
102 N 5th St, Odessa, DE 19730Best lattes ever. Everyone is super friendly. Love the relaxed atmosphere. My 5th time here and so happy we have something like this in our area
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Superb68 Reviews4.7
Rail Haus - Beer Garden
92 N West St, Dover, DE 19904We were in town for work and found this place. In all my travels this is by far the best. Kid and dog friendly, amazing beers, food is fantastic, staff i...
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Superb78 Reviews4.6
Kacey's Kitchen
Rolling Unit, Newark, DE 19711Kacey catered my daughter's graduation party and she did a great job! She pulled up in her food truck, cooked on the spot, and brought everything in...
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Superb2 Reviews5
Crumbl - Christiana
3138 Fashion Center Blvd, Newark, DE 19702Great overall experience. Family favorite, great service , fast time. Amazing quality
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Good119 Reviews4
Kristina's Cakery, LLC
32828 Reba Rd c, Millville, DE 19967Kristina is awesome! Drove 4 hours to meet with another bakery and they stood us up. Kristina took time out of her busy Saturday to meet with us for a we...
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Superb13 Reviews4.7
Milk and Honey Coffee Shop
500 N Bi State Blvd, Delmar, DE 19940Cute little shop with lots of room to study and sit. Unfortunately I just wasn’t a fan of the coffee. They have lattes on the menu but it actually is jus...
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Superb9 Reviews4.7
Smittys pub
1836 Capitol Tr, Newark, DE 19711Great and friendly bartenders, relaxed atmosphere, you can order and bring in your own food and on Fridays and Tuesdays they provide some food.
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Poor0 Reviews0
CupKates Bakery
4001 Kennett Pike #134, Greenville, DE 19807I ordered custom cookies and they came out perfect! The owner made the ordering process quick and simple. I was surprised that they tasted so great. Norm...
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Superb34 Reviews4.4
New Life Nutrition
2801 Lancaster Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805I visited this store yesterday as a first time customer and I had a great experience! I've been working out and have a couple more lbs to go before ...
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Poor0 Reviews0
Fred's
Dover AFB, DE 19902The guy who rated Fred's with ONE star is NUTS!!! He doesn't know what he is talking about. I just ate the best chicken wings in town ?. The pl...
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Good3 Reviews3.7
Dog Pirate Beer Company
32191 Nassau Rd #5, Lewes, DE 19958-
Poor0 Reviews0
Pupusas Nina Mary
157 S Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720A little food truck situated in front of a liquor store serving pupusas. I was expecting each one to be stuffed and loaded with meat like a taco or burri...
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Superb7 Reviews4.9
Tonys pizza
New Castle, DE 19720One of the best, if not the best places in Delaware to get a cheesesteak. Order your cheesesteak with American and provolone cheese. You can thank me lat...
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Superb15 Reviews4.3
Recent Reviews
Corner Grounds Café
102 N 5th St, Odessa, DE 19730Best lattes ever. Everyone is super friendly. Love the relaxed atmosphere. My 5th time here and so happy we have something like this in our area
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Superb68 Reviews4.7
Beach Break & Bakrie
123 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930LOVE this place! It is our favorite lunch place. Everything is delicious. The muffins are wonderful!
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Good192 Reviews4.1
Stone Mill Pizza
7313 Lancaster Pike #5, Hockessin, DE 19707Excellent pizza! Didn't want to judge too quickly so decided to wait until we ordered again. This time, it was just as good and the service was ju...
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Superb45 Reviews4.8
Empire
2713 Pulaski Hwy, Newark, DE 19702Just had the chicken egg foo young and it is the best I have had in the area. The pancake was fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. The gravy had amaz...
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Superb31 Reviews4.4
Applebee's Grill + Bar
900 Churchmans Rd, Newark, DE 19713Had a party of about 20 on Sunday for a birthday. For the life of me I can't remember the servers name but I know she mentioned she just moved here ...
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Good88 Reviews3.4
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
1225 Churchmans Rd, Newark, DE 19713Got email stating $19.99 steak and shrimp special. Wife and I said let's give it a try. Had a Cesar salad to start, followed by a great steak and sh...
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Good513 Reviews3.9
Bob Evans
18492 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958Went in for breakfast and ordered biscuits and gravy. Got brown gravy, which is nasty on biscuits. White gravy would be much better.Also, no tomato juic...
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Good70 Reviews3.5
Little Caesars Pizza
22802 Sussex Hwy, Seaford, DE 19973Hot and ready ain't hot and ready anymore! This is now twice this has happened to us when we order the hot and ready. It's pull up, pay and go ...
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Poor29 Reviews2
Matt's Fish Camp Fenwick
700 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, DE 19944Excellent “beachy” atmosphere, bright and airy. Dropped in for a lazy Easter afternoon lunch and was delighted with the menu and cocktail choices. We had...
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Superb116 Reviews4.3
Istanbul Grill
1 Chesmar Plaza, Newark, DE 19713Hasan and Oguz were waiters at first, good waiters later, and good friends now. The honesty, nice attitude with a charming smile are crucial in this line...
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Superb109 Reviews4.4
Jersey Mike's Subs
32 East St, Camden, DE 19934Have always used the North Dover location before. Always friendly, helpful, cheerful and quick service with correct orders. Decided to try the Camden s...
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Average49 Reviews3.1
Suki Hana
Mall, 132 Mall rd Christiana, 132 Christiana Mall #1477, Newark, DE 19702Horrible!!! My mother and I were rushed to decide our order from the moment we approached the line- so the employees that worked the line could write our...
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Average39 Reviews2.8
First Watch
74 Geoffrey Dr, Newark, DE 19713What ever the special drink is, get it. I have never been disappointed yet. The food is excellent. It does get really busy, because it's so good, so...
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Good110 Reviews4.2
Party Pizza
212 Boxwood Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804ordeed a steak and pizza . Pizza was bland and smaller then usual just horrible play play. Ive had better digornios. My steak was very held back 0n the m...
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Good33 Reviews4
Golden Eagle Diner
23412 Sussex Hwy, Seaford, DE 19973ordered food to go. while waiting the mgmt was treating an employee like dirt which was embarrassing for him, myself and the poor employee. when i got...
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Good91 Reviews3.9
Recently Updated Menus
Southfork Deli
32890 Horsey Church, Laurel, DE 19956Great food and even better prices! Having only moved into the area weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised to find this gem. Absolutely the best cheeseburg...
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Superb25 Reviews4.8
La Matesina Pizza Pasta Delaware City
504 5th St, Delaware City, DE 19706Very friendly and welcoming. I got the chicken parmesan, and the portion size was great. There was more than enough, and was able to save some for lunch ...
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Superb20 Reviews4.7
Stanley's Tavern
2038 Foulk Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810The service was excellent! The food was a little disappointing. I had for St. Patrick's Day, Guinness stew. The portion was small, the price was hig...
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Good75 Reviews4.1
Slo and Lo BBQ
209 Monroe Ave, Lewes, DE 19958Excellent not fancy delicious BBQ. Sides were tasty too which sometimes are not so great at roadside stops. If you are on the fence, go for it.
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Superb25 Reviews4.7
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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Superb34 Reviews4.9
Three Amigos Mexican Grill
1016 N Lincoln St, Wilmington, DE 19805Fresh food, great music, and their Sopa de mariscos is a 10/10. I will definitely buy it again.
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Superb89 Reviews4.8
Elizabeth Esther Cafè
47 E Commerce St, Smyrna, DE 19977My wife and I finally had the chance to have brunch here. My 4 star review was determined based on several factors.1. I gave the food a 3 would have give...
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Good62 Reviews4.1
Meding's Seafood
3697 Bay Rd, Milford, DE 19963Drive past here often. Finally stopped. Glad I did. We enjoyed our meal very much. Large portions of well seasoned seafood.
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Good120 Reviews3.5
Luv Thai
31507 Oak Orchard Rd, Millsboro, DE 19966We are not experienced Thai food eaters, but have now tried and LOVED several dishes from Luv Thai. Looking forward to trying more, but definitely going...
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Superb20 Reviews5