OLÉ TAPAS LOUNGE & RESTAURANT IN NEWARK SERVES SPANISH STANDARDS SUCH AS ARTISANAL CHEESES AND CURED MEATS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR SHARING.//PHOTO BY LESLIE BARBARO |
CAFÉ MANAGER LYDIA FARRELL IS POPULAR WITH CUSTOMERS AND CO-WORKERS ALIKE, AT BREW HAHA! ON MARKET STREET IN |
Friendliest Barista
Editors, upstate: Lydia Farrell, Brew HaHa! • Read more about Farrell’s passion for coffee and customer service.
Market Street, 824 N. Market St., Wilmington, 777-4499
Game Dishes
Editors, upstate: Chef Donny Merrill’s Skipjack, for all its nautical goodness, is one of the few places that still walks on the wild side. Order the meat of the moment as a burger or as part of the charcuterie board, or go for a menu standard such as venison with marble potatoes, organic carrots, royal trumpet mushrooms, smoked cranberry honey and Stilton blue.
401 Louviers Drive, Newark, 456-1800
Greek-Mediterranean Restaurant
Readers, upstate: Olive Tree Café
13 Chestnut Hill Plaza, Newark, 266-4598
Guacamole
Editors, upstate: When mere margaritas won’t suffice for happy hour, bring your appetite—and a few hungry friends—to Del Pez Mexican Gastropub for a giant serving of made-to-order guacamole. In addition to a classic avocado-cilantro-lime combo, there are four flavored versions you can’t find just anywhere. One’s got lump crab; another boasts goat cheese and roasted garlic. After a few bites, sticking around for a taco dinner just makes good sense.
400 Justison St., Wilmington, 691-7974
Gyros
Editors, upstate: You can watch the meats roast to juicy perfection on the rotisseries at newly expanded Opa! Opa! The pita is oven-fresh, the lettuce crispy, the tomato ripe and the tzatziki tangy.
7A Trolley Square, Wilmington, 654-4500
Halal Dining
Editors, upstate: Olive Tree Café caters to Muslim diners with everything from beefy harira soup to several tagine dishes and all vegetarian fare—all of it delicious.
13 Chestnut Hill Plaza, Newark, 266-4598
Happy Hour
Readers, upstate: Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen
270 E. Main St., Newark, 737-2931; Grain H20, 3006 Summit Harbour Lane, Bear, 365-5795
Happy Hour Menu
Editors, upstate: While the happy hour at the Columbus Inn features traditional drink specials, its special food menu helps make happy hour a lot happier. Prices are divided into three offerings: $3, $6 and $9. The cheapest treats include roasted edamame, cheesesteak spring rolls, gingersnap-crusted brie, hot wings and BLT deviled eggs. Among $6 items are crispy chicken nuggets with pickle chips, Baja shrimp tacos, a half-dozen oysters, pork belly bites and barbecue fries. For $9, you get a filet sandwich, pepperoni pizza, chicken Caesar salad, peel-and-eat shrimp or a crab cake sandwich. The Lil’ Big Burger of Muenster cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles served with house-made chips and a secret sauce will only set you back seven bucks. Now that’s a deal worth discovering. Happy hour sails 4-7 p.m. during the week and 5-7 p.m. on Saturdays.
2216 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, 571-1492
Ice Cream
Readers, upstate: Woodside Farm Creamery
1310 Little Baltimore Road, Hockessin, 239-9847
Indian Restaurant
Readers, upstate: Maharaja Indian Cuisine
1450 Kirkwood Hwy., Suite 121, Newark, 369-1202
Italian Restaurant
Readers, upstate: Mrs. Robino’s Italian Restaurant
520 N. Union St., Wilmington, 652-9223
Italian Wines
Editors, upstate: Great Italian food requires great Italian wine. The list at Capers & Lemons Italian Restaurant is heaven for lovers of Sangiovese—there are offerings from four makers. That’s not to mention a couple big Barolos and Barberas. Whites include a Verdicchio, a Vermentino and, for dessert, a Moscato. Need bubbles? There is a Prosecco, too. And that’s just the start on a big list of choices. A cent’anni.
301 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, 256-0524
Jamaican-Caribbean Restaurant
Readers, upstate: D&H Jamaican Cuisine
748 E. Chestnut Hill Road, Newark, 369-8826
Japanese Restaurant
Readers, upstate: Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar
1212 Washington St., Wilmington, 656-8638
Late Night Menu
Readers, upstate: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
1801 W. 14th St., Wilmington, 658-4600
Lobster Rolls
Editors, upstate: Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, the rolls at George & Sons Seafood Market & Oyster House will satisfy your lust for lobster. George & Sons offers a choice of traditional or hot-buttered lobster claw and tail meat. The large chunks are packed into a butter-toasted split-top bun and served with chips and a pickle. Stop by the seafood market to see the live versions of these crustaceans, one of which may end up on the next roll.
1216 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 239-7204
Lunch Downtown
Editors, upstate: No more than a five-minute walk from almost any office, Chelsea Tavern will feed you well and send you on your way with time to spare. The restaurant remains a highlight for creamy crab dip, individual pizzas and great sandwiches such as the big Chelsea Burger. After work, head back for a beer—there are more than 200 bottles to choose from.
821 N. Market St., Wilmington, 482-3333
Lunch Spot
Readers, upstate: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
720 Justison St., Wilmington, 652-3474
Margarita
Editors, upstate: The margaritas at Mexican Post are worth their salt. The restaurant carries 24 brands of tequila and offers a fine selection of mixing options. At happy hour, grab a pitcher, but ask to replace the house tequila with a better brand such as Hornitos or Patron. Or, order one of eight specialty drinks such as the Paloma—aka the morning margarita—of Avion Silver, Jarritos grapefruit soda and a lime wedge. The Post also offers margaritas in mango, peach, strawberry, apple, piña colada and banana. Try the No Mas Madras: Corralejo Reposado, Patron Citronge, orange juice, cranberry juice and an orange slice.
3100 Naamans Road, No. 14, Wilmington, 478-3939
Meatballs
Editors, upstate: The irrepressible Donnie Scalessa is at it again at the newest Scalessa’s “My Way” Old School Italian Kitchen, where he serves his famous homemade meatballs in sandwiches, on a salad and with spaghetti in gravy, of course.
1836 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington, 656-1362
Menu Makeover
Editors, upstate: Heaven is burrata from Corner Bistro, whose new menu features healthful fare such as a kale-quinoa salad, a classic cassoulet, and braised short rib on sweet parsnip purée with spinach and local mushrooms. Corner Bistro never rests, reinventing itself every so often, and renewing our love every time.
3604 Silverside Road, Wilmington, 477-1778
Mexican Restaurant
Readers, upstate: La Tolteca
2209 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 778-4646; 4015 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 478-9477; La Tonalteca, 1237 Churchmans Road, Newark, 294-1108, 700 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, 234-2400
Mussels
Editors, upstate: The fresh steamed mussels appetizer at Tutto Fresco is served with either a zesty red sauce or white wine-garlic sauce. We prefer the red. These plump bivalves also lend muscle to Tutto Fresco’s seafood risotto and zuppa di pesce.
514 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 762-9094
Nachos
Readers, upstate: Two Stones Pub
300 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, 239-2200; 2 Chesmar Plaza, Newark, 294-1890; 2502 Foulk Road, Wilmington, 439-3231
Neighborhood Bar
Editors, upstate: Sometimes you really do want to go where everybody knows your name. There is always a friendly face behind the bar of Dead Presidents Restaurant & Pub who is ready to wet your whistle with a craft beer, a shot of Jamison or even a Cosmo. There are no judgments here. Pull up a stool at the bar or slide into one of the cozy booths for a good meal. You’ll feel right at home in no time.
618 N. Union St., Wilmington, 375-5627
New Brewery
Editors, upstate: Wizard Mike Dunlap creates sheer perfection in the list of standard brews at Midnight Oil Brewing Company. Wind your way through the corporate park to find the tasting room, where you can sample sweet and spicy Sundown Saison, the ultra-smooth but potent Orion Double IPA or any of the six regulars. Visit on Mondays for the release of that week’s special brew. Distribution should begin soon.
674 Pencader Drive, Newark, 286-7641
New Brewpub
Editors, upstate: Combine a diverse menu of sandwiches and “skillets” with 11 taps that draw as many styles of brews and you get a wealth of possible food and beer pairings at Stitch House Brewery. Geek out with the brewer and barkeeps over which yeasts were used in the brews, or simply enjoy, say, a dry-ish Ryenot IPA with a rich short rib sandwich. Its downtown location makes it perfect for workday lunches, happy hours and a nightcap after a show at The Grand.
1829 N. Market St., Wilmington, 250-4280
New Mexican Restaurant
Editors, upstate: Takeout gem El Toro recently opened El Toro Cantina in the old Wicked Vine down the street, and we couldn’t be happier. Fans no longer need to wait for one of the four tables at the original. They can now spread out and relax in an updated room while enjoying El Toro signatures such as the incomparable chiles rellenos stuffed with cheesy mashed potatoes. And now that El Toro has a well-stocked bar, you can enjoy a margarita while catching the futbol game on the tube.
1934 W. Sixth St., Wilmington, 543-5635
New Restaurant
Readers, upstate: Grain H20
3006 Summit Harbour Lane, Bear, 365-5795
Nightcap
Editors, upstate: If you’re not ready to end your night after a show at The Playhouse, saunter over to the Hotel du Pont’s Green Room. The renovated hot spot is current and cozy, with a drink menu to match. Classic cocktails range from a Gimlet to a Moscow Mule. But be sure to read the whole menu. It includes decadent martinis, wines and plenty of scotch and bourbon.
42 W. 11th St., Wilmington, 594-3154
Old World Charm
Editors, upstate: La Casa Pasta comes by its roots honestly—founder Giuseppe Martuscelli came straight from the old country. For 40 years, his restaurant has created some of the best Italian food in the state, and a couple updates and an expansion of the dining room have kept the place fresh and contemporary. Our recommendation: seafood.
130 Four Seasons Pkwy., Newark, 738-9935
Outdoor Dining
Readers, upstate: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
620 Justison St., Wilmington, 472-2739
Pasta Dishes
Editors, upstate: The cozy, rustic atmosphere of Taverna practically demands that patrons order at least one pasta platter. We’re partial to the Orecchiette Mac & Cheese—an indulgent fusion of noodles, fontina, Parmesan, caramelized onions and prosciutto.
121 E. Main St., Newark, 444-4334
Philanthropy Program
Editors, upstate: It’s a winning formula that does a world of good: Host a chosen organization’s celebrity bartenders, let them invite all their friends and acquaintances to BBC Tavern and Grill on a Wednesday or Thursday night, then donate all the tips to great causes such as juvenile diabetes research or places like St. Anthony’s community center. The drinks will make you feel great. The philanthropy will make you feel even better.
4019 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 655-3785
PIZZA BY ELIZABETHS OWNER BETSY LEROY, WITH HUSBAND BEN.//PHOTO BY LESLIE BARBARO |
Pizza
Readers, upstate: Pizza by Elizabeths • Read more about why Pizza by Elizabeths has endured.
3801 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 654-4478
Place Almost Off the Beaten Path
Editors, upstate: Housed in a tiny storefront, Nora Lees French Quarter Bistro is one of those places that seems to hide in plain view—easy to do in Old New Castle. Don’t be deceived. Inside, Nora Lees is bigger than it might seem from the street, but still cozy, a great place for classic Cajun-Creole food and live music amid typical N’awlins decor. Don’t miss it on Mardi Gras.
124 Delaware St., New Castle, 322-7675
Place for All Tastes
Editors, upstate: At Ernest & Scott Taproom, order your chicken wings Buffalo-style or coated in teriyaki. Tacos range from pulled pork with barbecue sauce to grilled portobello with queso fresco. Sandwiches and entrées are equally diverse. And the taps feature everything from a range of craft styles to good ol’ Bud.
902 N. Market St., Wilmington, 384-8113
Place that Always Stands Out
Editors, upstate: Since the day it opened, RedFire Grill & Steakhouse has remained a consistently excellent performer. The dark red walls, stone and wrought-iron accents provide a warm, comfortable setting—as a traditional steakhouse should. The service is excellent, and the food never disappoints. Appetizers such as the fried calamari and cheesesteak spring rolls are as good as it gets and the signature burgers are just as tasty. But steak is the star here, and whether it’s the rib-eye, New York strip or tender filet, RedFire sears them to perfection in a 1,200-degree chophouse broiler. Even simple sides like the hand-cut fries are worth returning for, again and again.
400 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, 235-2600
Place to Bring Your Own Crowd
Editors, upstate: The former Firestone Roasting House was recently renamed as Docklands Riverfront, but the big patio on the Christina remains. There’s no better spot to crash with friends or coworkers for a drink, a bite and live entertainment. Docklands offers daily happy hour food and drink specials, and the brick oven that inspired the old name still cranks out tasty flatbreads and craft pizzas. Along with a fun menu of specialty cocktails, there are 14 beers on tap and a nice assortment of craft brews. At Docklands, it’s OK to go along with the crowd.
110 West St., Wilmington, 658-6626
Place to Celebrate
Editors, upstate: At the Rail Wine Bar and Grille offers a panoramic view of the well-manicured golf course at White Clay Creek Country Club—and that is one of many reasons it’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion—like a jackpot win. The catering team at Delaware Park helps guests create a perfect menu—whether it’s a buffet, hors d’oeuvres or a served, sit-down meal—from what seems like a never-ending choice of options. A brunch buffet, for example, includes all of the usual offerings, as well as stations for waffles, omelets and even prime rib. There’s also a cold raw bar and beverage offerings go on forever. Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding reception or a corporate happy hour, At the Rail is a safe bet.
777 Delaware Park Blvd., Wilmington, 994-6700
Editors, over the line: The historic Mendenhall Inn provides a spacious, elegant setting for any celebration—from weddings to birthday parties and anything in between. There’s a 70-room full-service hotel, a restaurant and tavern on-site. The inn boasts two large ballrooms that can seat 300 people each. The Grand Ballroom features a beautiful spiral staircase. The Gold Ballroom includes an outdoor patio. The food and service at Mendenhall are as good as it gets. Picture a roaring fireplace, candles, fresh flowers and soft music. Let’s get the party started.
323 Kennett Pike, Mendenhall, Pa., (610) 388-2100
Place to Drink without Worrying About the Kids
Editors, upstate: You can relax on a lawn chair while your little ones play in the sand at Constitution Yards Beer Garden, now in its third season of pleasing parents who could stand a cold Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA with similar stressed parents. Older kids can amuse themselves in the arcade or play badminton. When you need some activity, Baggo and bocce beckon. Everyone will enjoy fun fare such as chicken tenders, waffle fries and baby back ribs. There is no end of fun, and no better place to catch a cool breeze.
308 Justison St., Wilmington, 407-5192
Place to Impress Your Snooty New York Foodie Friends
Editors, upstate: Eclipse Bistro is consistently creative and classic at once. Classic: Nicoise salad. Creative: Breast of duck with beluga lentil-fava ragu and candied orange. All of it is relaxed. The intimate room is perfect for people watching and the occasional celebrity sighting. (Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir has been known to dine here.) The robust, reasonably priced wine list is pleasing to all palates. • Read more about Eclipse Bistro’s je ne sais quoi.
1020 N. Union St., Wilmington, 658-1588
Place to Impress Your Snooty San Francisco Foodie Friends
Editors, upstate: From the communal table upfront to the vaguely Victorian vibe, everything about Merchant Bar has the feeling of a hidden gem in the foodiest of American food cities. The art on the walls follows a maritime theme. Influences on the menu range from the Mediterranean to Malaysia. May we recommend the crab pad Thai? You’ll be pleased to find lumps of Maryland blue, not the left coast’s Dungeness.
426 N. Market St., Wilmington, 543-5574
Place to Pick Crabs All Day Long
Editors, over the line: The Wellwood, playground of U.S. presidents in a previous life, offers the quintessential Eastern Shore experience. Order fat Maryland blue crabs by the dozen, or opt for all you can eat. Dine in the Club Room lounge, or dig your toes in the sand in the outdoor areas while you enjoy live music and a summer breeze off the Northeast River.
523 Water St., Charlestown, Md., (410) 287-6666
Ramen
Editors, upstate: Few dining experiences have rendered us as speechless as a meal at Ramen Kumamoto. The unpretentious eatery produces breathtaking bowls of Japanese ramen with meat and vegetables married in a broth we’re convinced has healing properties. Whatever combination you choose, don’t skimp on the soft-boiled egg.
165. E. Main St., Newark, 733-0888​
Restaurant for a Party
Readers, upstate: Harry’s Savoy Grill
2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington, 475-3000
Restaurant Reboot
Editors, upstate: After nearly 15 years, Café Mezzanotte has freshened up beautifully. One thing that hasn’t changed is the excellent Italian food, from the antipasti of grilled vegetables, aged provolone and prosciutto to the burrata to the cioppino and pork Milanese.
1007 N. Orange St., Wilmington, 658-7050
Romantic Atmosphere
Readers, upstate: The Green Room at Hotel du Pont
42 W. 11th St., Wilmington, 594-3154
Rooftop Bar
Editors, upstate: Up a narrow stairway you will find the deck and patio, a hidden treetop sanctuary at Buckley’s Tavern. Furnished with a spacious bar, bistro tables and a second level that gets you a little closer to the stars on a cool, clear evening, it’s the perfect spot for an intimate birthday gathering or your wedding after-party. No matter what the occasion, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
5812 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 656-9776
Salads
Readers, upstate: Pizza by Elizabeths • Read more about why Pizza by Elizabeths has endured.
3801 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 654-4478
Sandwiches
Readers, upstate: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
430 Eden Circle, Bear, 832-8132; 1835 Pulaski Hwy., Bear, 838-8898; 120 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, 257-5222; 743 N. Broad St., Middletown, 376-7827; 708 W. Basin Road, New Castle, 322-6797; 230 E. Main St., Newark, 454-0200; 4132 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, 533-5132; 2124 Silverside Road, Wilmington, 479-9818; 510 N. Union St., Wilmington, 571-8929; 4522 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, 998-0096
Seafood
Readers, upstate: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
720 Justison St., Wilmington, 652-3474
Seafood Market
Readers, upstate: Feby’s Fishery
3701 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, 998-9501
Small Plates
Editors, upstate: Tapas may have yielded to the “small plates” section of so many menus, but Olé Tapas Lounge & Restaurant still does them the traditional way, and the scene is better for it. We are crazy for Spanish standards such as braised oxtail and fabada Asturiana, a stew of white beans and sausages topped with a fried quail egg. There is a variety of artisanal cheeses and cured meats, as well as several paellas. Need we mention the wine list?
1126 Capitol Trail, Newark, 224-9378
Smoked Salmon Bagel not from New York
Editors, upstate: When a craving hits for the sort of sandwich you’d find at an old-fashioned Jewish deli on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, head to Market Street Bakery & Cafe. Its version layers a generous serving of lox with tomato, cucumber, red onion and fragrant dill cream cheese (an honest-to-goodness game-changer) on the buttery bagel of your choice. If only it were open on weekends.
823 N. Market St., Wilmington, 482-2553
Soul Food
Readers, upstate: Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken Express
103 S. Lincoln St., Wilmington, 429-2587
Sports Bar
Readers, upstate: Two Stones Pub
300 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, 239-2200; 2 Chesmar Plaza, Newark, 294-1890; 2502 Foulk Road, Wilmington, 439-3231
Steakhouse
Readers, upstate: Harry’s Savoy Grill
2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington, 475-3000
Steak and Seafood Together
Editors, upstate: Walter’s Steakhouse holds the title of the oldest steakhouse in Wilmington, but don’t confuse that with outdated. This distinguished establishment still makes our mouths water by sticking to what it does best: juicy steaks and succulent seafood. The prime rib is always on point, the Delmonico is delicious, and the lobster tails are luscious. Dine on Sunday or Thursday to take advantage of the complimentary seafood bar.
802 N. Union St., Wilmington, 652-6780
Subs-Hoagies
Readers, upstate: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
430 Eden Circle, Bear, 832-8132; 1835 Pulaski Hwy., Bear, 838-8898; 120 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, 257-5222; 743 N. Broad St., Middletown, 376-7827; 708 W. Basin Road, New Castle, 322-6797; 230 E. Main St., Newark, 454-0200; 4132 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, 533-5132; 2124 Silverside Road, Wilmington, 479-9818; 510 N. Union St., Wilmington, 571-8929; 4522 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, 998-0096
Sushi
Readers, upstate: Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar
1212 Washington St., Wilmington, 656-8638
Taste of the Isles
Editors, upstate: Next time you’re feeling peckish, fill your belly with some genuine British grub. Stoney’s British Pub serves all the U.K. faves, including fish and chips, toad in the hole and a variety of meat pies. (We are partial to the shepherd’s.) Owner Mike Stone says the recipes are his mum’s. You can wash it all down with any of the 50 single malts or 30 varieties of beer. It’s the perfect spot for watching soccer on the telly or listening to live music.
3007 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 477-9740
Taste of the Sea
Editors, upstate: The name may be new, but almost everything else at Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar remains exactly as it has been since the former Harry’s Seafood Grill opened 15 years ago—with the addition of burgers and barbecue. You’ll still find a variety of oysters on the raw bar, as well the traditional half-price, half-shell special on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You’ll still find a selection of sashimi and ceviche. You’ll still find delicious crab cakes. And you’ll still find chef David Leo Banks at the helm, looking for great new ways to prepare fish and shellfish.
101 S. Market St., Wilmington, 777-1500
Thai Restaurant
Readers, upstate: Ubon Thai Cuisine
936 Justison St., Wilmington, 656-1706
Tiramisu
Editors, upstate: Tony’s Cafe makes really tasty pizza, but a gigantic slab of tiramisu is the most imperative item on the menu. It gets all the ratios exactly right: a massive mound of heavenly mascarpone cream atop espresso-soaked—but not saturated—ladyfingers. (If you’re feeling too full after your meal, take a piece home to enjoy in all its glory later.
366 Possum Park Road, Newark, 737-2411
Traditional Pizza
Readers, upstate: Café Napoli
4391 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, 999-7553
Vegan-Vegetarian Friendly
Readers, upstate: Home Grown Café
126 E. Main St., Newark, 266-6993
Editors, over the line: If you’re a vegetarian, there’s no need to limit yourself to a salad at Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar. The menu is full of flatbreads, apps such as avocado-artichoke dip and steamed edamame three ways, several entrées and a veg burger that must be tasted to be believed. Vegetarianism not required for max enjoyment.
549 Wilmington Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 358-1005
Water View Dining
Readers, upstate: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
620 Justison St., Wilmington, 472-2739
Way to Finish a Meal
Editors, upstate: As if enjoying one of its signature crab cakes or a savory filet isn’t a sweet enough experience, Vallé Cucina Italian Steakhouse has to tempt you with one of its delectable homemade desserts. There is Key lime pie, crème brûlée, strawberry-banana crème, apple crisp, a half-baked cookie and the pièce de résistance—Valle’s version of timeless tiramisu.
4752 Limestone Road, Wilmington, 998-9999
BETH AND MICHAEL ROSS, OWNERS OF DOMAINE HUDSON IN WILMINGTON, HAVE MORE THAN 400 PREMIUM, RARE, BOUTIQUE AND |
Wine List
Readers, upstate: Domaine Hudson
1314 N. Washington St., Wilmington, 655-9463
Wine Store
Readers, upstate: Kreston’s Wine & Spirits
448 E. Main St., Middletown, 376-6123; 904 Concord Ave., Wilmington, 652-3792
BEST RESTAURANTS IN TOWN:
Centreville-Greenville
Readers: Pizza by Elizabeths • Read more about why Pizza by Elizabeths has endured.
3801 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 654-4478
Hockessin
Readers: Back Burner Restaurant & Tavern
25 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, 239-2314
Middletown-Odessa-Townsend
Readers: Cantwell’s Tavern
109 Main St., Odessa, 376-0600
New Castle
Editors: Step inside Jessop’s Tavern—a 300-year-old building—that serves some of the best stick-to-your-ribs comfort food (think meatloaf and pot roast). The beer list is chock full of hearty Belgians and local crafts that pair perfectly with the English pub fare, Swedish sauces and old American dishes.
114 Delaware St., New Castle, 322-6111
Newark
Readers: Caffé Gelato
90 E. Main St., Newark, 738-5811
North Wilmington
Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington, 475-3000​​
Wilmington
Readers: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
720 Justison St., Wilmington, 652-3474
Over the State Line
Maryland: Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina
605 Second St., Chesapeake City, (410) 885-2040
Pennsylvania: Wonderful Sovana Bistro deftly walks a lot of fine lines: rustic and contemporary, continental and American, special and casual, local and cosmopolitan. The feelings manifest as grilled wild ramps with foraged mushrooms, pizzas with fiddleheads and bresaola, a roasted filet of beef with morel duxelles, and a wine list to match. We can never get enough.
696 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, (610) 444-5600