Best of Delaware: Food and Drink in 2023

Photos by Maria Deforrest, Angie Gray, Becca Mathias, Hilary Myers and Moonloop Photography

Discover Delaware Today‘s top picks for the best restaurants, food, breweries and more in the First State in 2023.

By Ashley Breeding, Eileen Smith Dallabrida, Pam George, Natalie Orga and Meg Ryan

Al Fresco Dining

Downstate, Readers: Paradise Grill
Long Neck; paradisegrillde.com

Upstate, Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
Newark, Wilmington; ironhillbrewery.com

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American Restaurant

Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill
Rehoboth Beach; bigfishgrill.com
Ocean View; bigfishoceanview.com

American Restaurant: Big Fish Grill is a food and drink winner
American Restaurant: Big Fish Grill

Upstate, Readers: Two Stones Pub
Multiple locations; twostonespub.com

Apple Cider Donuts Like Your Grandma Used to Make

Editors: Milburn Orchards, Over the Line

You’ll find much more than sugar-dusted doughnuts at this Maryland orchard. Along with fresh produce and local honey, visitors can pick up a variety of baked goods at the market. You can also visit the orchard-view lunch and ice cream deck or the big backyard, which features plenty of fun places for kids to explore, like the giant groundhog hill, tractor tire tower or sand dig. Barnyard buddies also await—feed baby goats and watch them play, along with pigs, sheep and more. Don’t miss this summer’s pancake breakfasts and harvest parties, celebrating delicious seasonal fruits.
Elkton, Maryland; milburnorchards.com

Bakery

Downstate, Readers: My Sister’s Fault
Milford; my-sisters-fault.com

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Bakery: My Sister's Fault is a food & drink winner.
Bakery: My Sister’s Fault

Upstate, Readers: Bing’s Bakery
Newark; bingsbakery.com

Barbecue Place

Downstate, Readers: Bethany Blues
Lewes; Bethany Beach; bethanyblues.com

Upstate, Readers: Limestone BBQ and Bourbon
Wilmington; limestonebbqandbourbon.com

Barbecue Place: Limestone BBQ and Bourbon is a food & drink winner.
Barbecue Place: Limestone BBQ and Bourbon

Bay Vistas

Editors: Catch 54 If it’s true that food tastes better with a water view, then Catch 54 is serving some tasty fare. The Fenwick Island–area restaurant gives diners a two-story vantage point of Lighthouse Cove, located off the Little Assawoman Bay. Not surprisingly, the menu is heavy on seafood options, including fried oysters, raw bar selections, seafood stew and gumbo. No matter your choice, you will find a complementary wine; the restaurant has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for five years.
Selbyville; catch54.com

Bethany Beach/Ocean View Restaurant

Readers: Bethany Blues
Lewes; bethanyblues.com

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Binge-Worthy Buns

Editors: Sleeping Bird Coffee

This Wilmington coffee shop’s customers can’t get enough cinnamon buns—they gobbled up 100 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve. The sales are striking, given that owners Zach DeLong and Leigh Ann Tona had vowed to steer clear of yeast. But Zach’s experiment produced the bestselling bun with a brown sugar-cinnamon filling and brown butter-cream cheese frosting. The partners’ baker gets creative with other flavors, including one with lemon, lime and orange zest topped with lemon curd-mascarpone. The labor-intensive brownie flavor is available in limited quantities, so it pays to be an early bird.
Wilmington; sleepingbirdcoffee.com

Binge-Worthy Buns: Sleeping Bird Coffee
Binge-Worthy Buns: Sleeping Bird Coffee. Photo by Hilary Myers.

Bite-Sized Perfection

Editors: DE Slider Co.

Chef Will Johnson can make just about anything taste delicious on a mini bun—including quinoa, gluten-free and plant-based options, lamb patties, pulled pork and, of course, burgers. The mix-and-match meal lets you combine several creations. Then expand your slider experience with creative sides such as garlic-Parmesan fries, chipotle-lime coleslaw and Buffalo Brussels sprouts. The shop also offers catering.
Wilmington; desliderco.com

Boozy Ice Cream

Editors: V&M Bistro

Can’t decide between a cocktail and dessert? Have both at the same time. The Italian restaurant’s “Barlour” offers guests a selection of premium ice cream made with complementing liquor. Try the Whiskey Chocolate Hazelnut or Vodka Mint Chocolate Chip, both served in a martini glass. Also savor seasonal selections like Rum Coconut Dream.
Wilmington; vmbistro.com

Breakfast Spot

Downstate, Readers: Surf Bagel
Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Milford; surfbagel.com

Upstate, Readers: Drip Café
Newark, Hockessin; dripcafede.com

Brewpub

Downstate, Readers: Big Oyster Brewery
Lewes; bigoysterbrewery.com

Upstate, Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
Newark, Wilmington; ironhillbrewery.com

Brunch

Downstate, Readers: The Starboard
Dewey Beach; thestarboard.com

Upstate, Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House and Saloon
Wilmington; harryshospitalitygroup.com

Brunch: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Brunch: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon

Burgers

Downstate, Readers: Smashmouth Burgers
Rehoboth Beach; smashmouthde.com

Upstate, Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House and Saloon
Wilmington; harryshospitalitygroup.com

Butcher Shop

Downstate, Readers: Hickmans Meat Market
Rehoboth Beach; hickmansmeats.com

Upstate, Readers: Bachetti Bros.
Wilmington; bachettis.com

Candy/Chocolate Shop

Downstate, Readers: Candy Kitchen
Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach; candykitchen.com

Upstate, Readers: Govato’s Chocolates
Wilmington; govatoschocolates.net

Caribbean Cuisine in a Colonial Setting

Editors: Zollies Jazz Cucina

Zollie’s Jazz Cucina puts a fresh face on an old place, much to the delight of New Castle residents and food lovers in Delaware. Chef Marc-Antony Williams blends Low Country cuisine, West Indian spices and South American influences to bring the flavors and foods of West Africa to diners in Historic New Castle.
New Castle; zolliesjazzcucina.com

Catering

Downstate, Readers: SoDel Concepts
Rehoboth Beach; sodelconcepts.com

Upstate, Readers: Bachetti Bros.
Wilmington; bachettis.com

Centreville/Greenville Restaurant

Readers: Pizza by Elizabeths
Greenville; pizzabyelizabeths.com

Cheesesteaks

Downstate, Readers: Capriotti’s
Lewes, Milford, Millsboro; capriottis.com

Upstate, Readers: Claymont Steak
Shop Claymont, Newark, Wilmington; claymontsteakshop.com

cheesesteak
Cheesesteaks: Claymont Steak Shop

Chef

Downstate, Readers: Dru Tevis, SoDel Concepts
Rehoboth Beach; sodelconcepts.com

Upstate, Readers: Antimo DiMeo, Bardea Steak
Wilmington; bardeawilmington.com

Chef-Inspired Menu

Editors: Hamilton’s on Main

A chance visit to a friend in Newark transformed Anthony and Jeremiah Brooks’ lives. The couple had owned a restaurant in Harpers Ferry, but the lease was up. As a result, it was the perfect time to fall in love with a former bank on the college street’s main drag. They transformed what was once a watering hole into an elegant but approachable restaurant specializing in standards (seafood Newburg), fun twists (pork Wellington) and local favorites (crab cakes).
Newark; hamiltonsonmain.com

Chef’s Table

Editors: Park Café When you’re looking for an intimate dining experience with a custom menu, this café has you covered. Chef Michael Barbas utilizes farm-to-table ingredients to create a five-course meal befitting the season and your culinary desires. Plus, their knowledgeable staff gives you a hand in pairing wines for each dish.
Wilmington; parkcafede.com

Chinese

Downstate, Readers: Saketumi
Rehoboth Beach; saketumisushi.com

Upstate, Readers: Potstickers Asian Grill & Sushi Bar
Newark; potstickersasiangrill.com

Classic Diner

Downstate, Readers: Ocean Grill
Lewes; oceangrilllewes.com

Upstate, Readers: Crossroads
Wilmington; crossroadsdelaware.com

Coffee Shop

Downstate, Readers: Rise Up
Rehoboth Beach; riseupcoffee.com

Upstate, Readers: Brew HaHa!
Wilmington, Greenville, Newark; brewhaha.com

Coziest Place for a Cocktail on a Winter Night

Editors: Copper Dram

Snuggle up to an Old-Fashioned at this classic cocktail bar, which also pours such specialty libations as the Shogun’s Daughter, a frothy concoction of aquavit, sake and egg white. There’s solid food, too: starters, salads, soups, sandwiches and sweets. Want to get an early start? Celebrate happy hour daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. No reservations.
Greenville; copperdram.com

Crab Cakes

Downstate, Readers: Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill
Dewey Beach; deweybeachbar.com

Upstate, Readers: Banks’ Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar
Wilmington; banksseafoodkitchen.com

Craft Cocktails

Downstate, Readers: Stingray Sushi Bar + Asian Grill
Rehoboth Beach; stingrayrestaurant.com

Upstate, Readers: Torbert Street Social
Wilmington; torbertsocial.com

Craft Cocktails: Torbert Street Social
Craft Cocktails: Torbert Street Social

Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème

Editors: Le Cavalier

Dining at “Le Cav” is always a decadent experience. The menu, with its North African and French influence, is punctuated by its scrumptious desserts. And one dish takes the title of most indulgent—the dark-chocolate pot de crème is a rich custard is served with Hotel Du Pont macaroons and is worthy of savoring every spoonful.
Wilmington; lecavalierde.com

Date Night Restaurant

Downstate, Readers: Salt Air
Rehoboth Beach; saltairrestaurant.com

Upstate, Readers: Bardea Food + Drink
Wilmington; bardeawilmington.com

Destination for Oenophiles

Editors: At the Rail Wine Bar & Grille

Located at the White Clay Creek Country Club, At the Rail appeals to non-golfers and golfers alike. (It is open to the public.) Credit the deck overlooking the manicured course and the wine selection, which you can sample at the circa-1904 bar. In summer, enjoy crisp white wines and live entertainment on the veranda.
Wilmington; whiteclaycreek.com

Dewey Beach Restaurant

Readers: Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill
Dewey Beach; deweybeachbar.com

Dining Events

Editors: Benvenuto

Inspired by their love for Italy, Lisa and Poncho Johnson transformed this restaurant’s dining rooms into Tuscan villages, complete with trompe l’oeil and exacting finishes. But Benvenuto crosses borders during its many special events. Chef Jesus “Zeus” Gordiany is a master of many cuisines and he displays his skills during the themed promotions. The wine events are renowned, and those in the know belong to the restaurant’s wine club.
Milford; benvenuto-restaurant.com

Dover Restaurant

Readers: McGlynn’s Pub & Restaurant
Dover; mcglynnspub.com

Elevated Tacos

Editors: Del Pez Mexican Gastropub

Tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays at Del Pez. This Riverfront spot offers more than your typical beef and cheese with fillings, including Spanish octopus, crispy cauliflower dressed with jalapeño aioli and shredded pork prepared Texas barbecue-style. It’s hard to pick just one flavor, so come hungry or be prepared to share.
Wilmington; delpezmexicanpub.com

Fabulous Flamenco Floor Show

Editors: Ole Tapas Lounge

Experience southern Spain’s passionate music and movement at Ole Tapas, which has regularly scheduled flamenco events, complete with a dancer’s hammering heels and a guitarist’s captivating chords. Seats fill fast, so make a reservation to enjoy the show—and the food. Juan Manuel Aguinaga’s cuisine is as authentic as the entertainment.
Newark; oletapaslounge.com

Fairfax/Brandywine Hundred Restaurant

Readers: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
Wilmington; snuffmillbutchery.com

Fairfax / Brandywine Hundred Restaurant: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
Fairfax / Brandywine Hundred Restaurant: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar

Family-Friendly Restaurant

Downstate, Readers: Nicola Pizza
Lewes; nicolapizza.com

Upstate, Readers: Crooked Hammock
Middletown; crookedhammockbrewery.com

Farmers Market

Downstate, Readers: Historic Lewes Farmers Market
Lewes; historiclewesfarmersmarket.org

Upstate, Readers: New Castle Farmers
Market New Castle; newcastlefarmersmarket.com

Fenwick Island/West Fenwick Restaurant

Readers: Harpoon Hanna’s
Fenwick Island; harpoonhannasrestaurant.com

Fine Dining

Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
Rehoboth Beach; 1776steakhouse.com

Upstate, Readers: The House of William and Merry
Hockessin; williamandmerry.com

Food Truck

Downstate, Readers: Taco Reho
Rehoboth Beach; tacoreho.com

Upstate, Readers: Mojo Loco
Location varies; mojoloco302.com

French

Downstate, Readers: The Back Porch Café
Rehoboth Beach; backporchcafe.com

Upstate, Readers: La Fia
Wilmington; lafiawilmington.com

Fried Chicken

Downstate, Readers: Kick n’ Chicken
Lewes, Milford; kicknchickende.com

Upstate, Readers: Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken
Wilmington; waltschickende.com; waltsexpress.com

Gourmet to Go

Editors: Back Burner to Go

When you’re craving pumpkin-mushroom soup, Better Cheddar spread or roasted red pepper hummus, head to this offshoot of the venerable Back Burner restaurant in Hockessin. The takeout shop has been making hosts look good for 30 years. However, you can also enjoy sandwiches, salads and quiches on site.
Hockessin; backburner.com

Greek/Mediterranean

Downstate, Readers: Café Azafrán
Rehoboth Beach; cafeazafran.com

Upstate, Readers: Opa! Opa!
Wilmington; opaopagyros.com

Happy Hour

Downstate, Readers: Paradise Grill
Long Neck; paradisegrillde.com

Upstate, Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
Newark, Wilmington; ironhillbrewery.com

Health Food Market

Downstate, Readers: Good Earth Market and Café
Ocean View; goodearthmarket.com

Upstate, Readers: Newark Natural Foods
Newark; newark.coop

Hockessin/Pike Creek Restaurant

Readers: The House of William and Merry
Hockessin; williamandmerry.com

Holiday Brunch Bet

Editors: Deerfield Golf Club

Looking for the perfect place to celebrate a holiday over eggs Benedict? Deerfield pulls out all the stops with an unbeatable brunch, including made-to-order omelets, a mix of seafood options, soups, salads, entrées, carved meats and salmon, and, of course, dessert. Trust us, you won’t go home hungry.
Newark; deerfieldgolfclub.com

Hot Dog

Downstate, Readers: Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli
Rehoboth Beach, South Bethany; rosenfeldsjewishdeli.com

Upstate, Readers: The Dog House
New Castle; thedoghouserestaurantde.com

Ice Cream

Downstate, Readers: Hopkins Farm Creamery
Lewes; hopkinsfarmcreamery.com

Upstate, Readers: Woodside Farm Creamery
Hockessin; woodsidefarmcreamery.com

ICE CREAM: HOPKINS FARM CREAMERY
Ice Cream: Hopkins Farm Creamery

Indian

Downstate, Readers: Raas
Lewes; raaslewes.com

Indian Food: Raas
Indian Food: Raas

Upstate, Readers: Curry & Cocktails
Middletown; curryandcocktails.com

Italian (Neighborhood)

Downstate, Readers: Touch of Italy
Lewes, Rehoboth Beach; touchofitaly.com

Upstate, Readers: Mrs. Robino’s Restaurant
Wilmington; mrsrobinos.com

Mrs. Robino's serves some of the best food in Delaware.
Neighborhood Italian: Mrs. Robino’s Restaurant

Italian (Upscale)

Downstate, Readers: DiFebo’s
Bethany Beach; difebos.com

Upstate, Readers: Capers & Lemons
Wilmington; capersandlemons.com

Jamaican/Caribbean

Downstate, Readers: My Sister’s Fault
Milford; my-sisters-fault.com

Upstate, Readers: D&H Jamaican Cuisine
Newark; dandhjamaican.com

Japanese

Downstate, Readers: The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Rehoboth Beach; culturedpearl.us

Upstate, Readers: Mikimotos
Wilmington; mikimotos.com

Late-Night Menu

Downstate, Readers: Summer House
Rehoboth Beach; summerhouserehoboth.com

Upstate, Readers: Washington Street Ale House
Wilmington; wsalehouse.com

Latin Flavor on the Go

Editors: Doggie Style

In 2019, Javier and Aurea Quereguan went from a New Castle County food truck to a brick-and-mortar business in Sussex County. Smart move. Today, kids come to the intimate eatery for the tricked-out foot-long hotdogs—hence the name. However, in-the-know Latin food lovers order Mexican, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican favorites, including empanadas, nachos and arepas. Don’t forget to try the plantain-based mofongo, a dish that will transport you to the Caribbean.
Rehoboth Beach; facebook.com/DoggieStyleHotdogs16/

Lewes Restaurant

Readers: Agave Mexican Restaurant
Lewes; agaverestaurants.com

Locals Bar Scene

Editors: BBC Tavern and Grill

A Northern Delaware institution, BBC is always buzzing with local residents, and for good reason. With an extensive draft, wine and cocktails list, there’s no place like home. Plus, the robust menu of tavern staples makes it easy to make a night of it.
Greenville; bbctavernandgrill.com

Lunch Spot

Downstate, Readers: Arena’s Deli & Bar
Multiple locations; arenasdeliandbar.com

Upstate, Readers: Buckley’s Tavern
Centreville; buckleystavern.com

Over the State Line (Maryland)

Readers: Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina
Chesapeake City; chesapeakeinn.com

Mexican

Downstate, Readers: Agave Mexican Restaurant
Lewes, Rehoboth Beach; agaverestaurants.com

Upstate, Readers: La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant
Wilmington; tolteca.co

Microbrewery

Downstate, Readers: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Milton; dogfish.com

Upstate, Readers: Wilmington Brew Works
Wilmington; wilmingtonbrewworks.com

Microbrewery: Wilmington Brew Works is a best food & drink winner
Microbrewery: Wilmington Brew Works

Middletown/Odessa/Townsend Restaurant

Readers: Crooked Hammock Brewery
Middletown; crookedhammockbrewery.com

Milford Restaurant

Readers: My Sister’s Fault
Milford; my-sisters-fault.com

New Castle/Old New Castle Restaurant

Readers: Jessop’s Tavern
New Castle; jessops-tavern.com

Old-School Cocktails

Editors: Columbus Inn

This classic spot for American fare in Wilmington knows a thing or two about a perfectly made cocktail. The inn’s signature menu includes a variety of well-known drinks with a unique twist. Sip on the maple bourbon Old-Fashioned or the Manhattan bearing the restaurant’s name.
Wilmington; columbusinn.net

Over the State Line (New Jersey)

Readers: Di Paolo’s Italian Ristorante
Penns Grove; dipaolosrestaurant.com

New Restaurant

Downstate, Readers: Lewes Oyster House
Lewes; lewesoyster.com

Upstate, Readers: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
Wilmington; snuffmillbutchery.com

Newark Restaurant

Readers: Taverna
Newark; tavernapdg.com

North Wilmington Restaurant

Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Wilmington; harryshospitalitygroup.com

Not Your Mama’s Italian

Editors: Piccolina Toscana

Dan Butler consistently proves that Italian cuisine isn’t limited to red gravy and meatballs—not that there’s anything wrong with that. The classically trained Butler was among the first in the state to install a wood-burning pizza oven in an open kitchen. He also spotted the trend toward cocktail lounges and carved out a charming al fresco space long before 2020. We love the paper-thin slices of carpaccio with capers and truffle oil, the kitchen salad with grilled vegetables and signature tortellini in a sundried tomato cream sauce.
Wilmington; piccolinatoscana.com/restaurant

Over the State Line (Pennsylvania)

Readers: Chadds Ford Tavern
Chadds Ford; thecftavern.com

Pizza (Gourmet)

Downstate, Readers: Crust & Craft
Rehoboth Beach; crustandcraftrehoboth.com

Upstate, Readers: Pizza by Elizabeths
Greenville; pizzabyelizabeths.com

Pizza (Traditional)

Downstate, Readers: Nicola Pizza
Lewes; nicolapizza.com

Upstate, Readers: Grotto
Multiple locations; grottopizza.com

Place to Treat Your Dad to a Traditional Steak

Editors: Walter’s Steakhouse

You could say that beef is in John Walter Constantinou’s blood. His family owned Constantinou’s House of Beef in Trolley Square from 1959 to the late 1980s. Constantinou returned to his roots in 1994 with Walter’s, which sports the clubby décor of a traditional steakhouse without a hint of pretension. Wilmington’s oldest steakhouse offers the expected items, but there is a bevy of specials so you can treat the whole family.
Wilmington; walters-steakhouse.com

Place to Wine, Dine and Stay the Night

Editors: Deep Blue at Kitty Knight, Over the Line

Planning a romantic dinner where you might wish to overimbibe? Deep Blue’s intimate restaurant and Kitty Knight’s historic inn make for perfect pairing. The dinner menu specializes in American fare with a fresh seafood focus. Enjoy that second bottle of wine, then stay the night in a room overlooking the Sassafras River. Here for a whole weekend? Don’t forget about the weekend brunch.
Georgetown, Maryland; deepbluerestaurant.com

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Editors: Uncle John’ BBQ

At Uncle John’s, smoking meat is an art. On this savory staple, tasty pulled pork is sandwiched between multiple ooey-gooey cheeses and grilled to perfection, then dressed with barbecue sauce. Enjoy chips and pickles on the side.
Claymont; Facebook.com/unclejohnsbbqstand

Reason for a Brain Freeze

Editors: Fusco’s Italian Water Ice

Wilmingtonians who want to take the heat off head to Fusco’s water ice stand in Little Italy, which has been dishing up the tried-and-true blend of lemon juice, rind, sugar and water for the better part of 65 years. The stand closed for seven years before fourth-generation owner Joseph Staffieri took the business to the next level with a food truck and sales at the Blue Rocks games. Staffieri also partnered with Big Oyster Brewery to produce Fusco’s Italian Ice Shandy.
Wilmington; fuscoswaterice.com

Reason Not to Cook Dinner

Editors: Janssen’s Market

Delaware busy bees regularly detour through Greenville. That’s because Janssen’s Market is the go-to place for home-style dinners. Picture slices of meatloaf or grilled tenderloin, portioned lasagna or salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts, house-made soups and chili. Shop at the prepared foods counter, the soup bar or the freezer case, which holds soups, broths, meatballs and pot pies.
Greenville; janssensfinefoods.com

Reason to Go on the Mediterranean Diet

Editors: Aroma Mediterranean Cuisine

Step into this cozy beach cottage and be transported to the Mediterranean. Aroma offers authentic and fresh dishes like baba ghanoush, falafel and baklava. Pick from a variety of entrées made in kebab, kofte or other styles, all paired with traditional rice pilaf.
Rehoboth Beach; aromarb.com

Rehoboth Beach Restaurant

Readers: Fins Ale House & Raw Bar
Rehoboth Beach; finsrawbar.com

Restaurant Desserts

Downstate, Readers: Touch of Italy
Rehoboth Beach, Lewes; touchofitaly.com

Upstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill
Wilmington; bigfishriverfront.com

Restaurant Wine List

Downstate, Readers: Lupo Italian Kitchen
Rehoboth Beach; lupoitaliankitchen.com

Upstate, Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Wilmington; harryshospitalitygroup.com

Rooftop Bar

Editors: The Quoin Hotel

Located above the penthouse in a posh boutique hotel on Market Street, Wilmington’s only rooftop bar is the place to see and be seen. Not surprising, it fills up fast. Drink in craft cocktails and sunset views of the city skyline. Mingle in loungelike seating areas warmed by firepits. The menu includes light fare.
Wilmington; thequoinhotel.com

Salads

Downstate, Readers: SEED eatery
Rehoboth Beach; seedeatery.com

Upstate, Readers: Pizza by Elizabeths
Greenville; pizzabyelizabeths.com

Sandwiches

Downstate, Readers: Arena’s Deli & Bar
Multiple locations; arenasdeliandbar.com

Upstate, Readers: Purebread Deli
Greenville, Wilmington, Newark; purebreaddeli.com

Seafood

Downstate, Readers: Fins Ale House & Raw Bar
Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Selbyville; finsrawbar.com

Upstate, Readers: Feby’s Fishery
Wilmington; febysfishery.com

Seafood Market

Downstate, Readers: The Big Fish Market
Rehoboth Beach; bigfishgrillmarket.com

Upstate, Readers: Feby’s Fishery
Wilmington; febysfishery.com

Signature Breakfast Sandwich

Editors: Scout Café

Nick Qaabar’s cozy, Middle Eastern–inspired café opened at the end of last year, offering quality teas and beans brewed to your liking. Popular breakfast items include fresh pastries from nearby Hells Bells Bakery, Strawberry Short Toast with whipped cream, and the signature Scout sandwich—fried egg, gooey Havarti cheese, Maplewood bacon and fresh sprouts drizzled with smoked-pepper-and-coffee hot sauce, piled generously between two slices of toast. Beyond the menu, we love the café’s “neighborhood” feel and partnerships with local vendors.
Wilmington; scout-cafe.com

Small Plates/Tapas

Downstate, Readers: Striper Bites
Lewes; striperbites.com

Upstate, Readers: Bardea Food & Drink
Wilmington; bardeawilmington.com

Smoothies

Downstate, Readers: Surf Bagel
Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Milford; surfbagel.com

Upstate, Readers: Daily Veg
Wilmington; dailyveg.com

Special Occasion Restaurant

Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
Rehoboth Beach; 1776steakhouse.com

Upstate, Readers: The House of William and Merry
Hockessin; williamandmerry.com

Sports Bar

Downstate, Readers: Nicola Pizza
Lewes; nicolapizza.com

Upstate, Readers: McGlynn’s Pub & Restaurant
Dover, Newark; mcglynnspub.com

Spot for a Business Lunch

Editors: Tonic Seafood & Steak

Downtown Wilmington is the prime location for a working lunch. The centrally located Tonic fits the bill with its upscale décor and American fare. The lunch menu allows patrons to dine casually on crab cake sandwiches and smash burgers or to go fancier with pan-seared scallops and steak frites. Have a large meeting? Reserve the side room, which provides privacy too.
Wilmington; tonicsns.com

Steakhouse

Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
Rehoboth Beach; 1776steakhouse.com

Upstate, Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Wilmington; harryshospitalitygroup.com

Steamed Crabs

Downstate, Readers: The Surfing Crab
Lewes; thesurfingcrab.com

Upstate, Readers: Feby’s Fishery
Wilmington; febysfishery.com

Subs/Hoagies

Downstate, Readers: Capriotti’s
Lewes, Milford, Millsboro; capriottis.com

Upstate, Readers: Capriotti’s
Multiple locations; capriottis.com

Sushi

Downstate, Readers: The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Rehoboth Beach; culturedpearl.us

Upstate, Readers: Mikimotos
Wilmington; mikimotos.com

Thai

Downstate, Readers: Sticky Rice
Lewes; stickyricede.com

Upstate, Readers: Ubon Thai
Wilmington; ubonthaicuisine.com

Unmatched Burger Menu

Editors: Restaurant 55

Move over, classic cheeseburger. Here, burgers are made with a protein of your choice and generously layered with unique fixings reminiscent of popular dishes like Cordon Bleu, French dip and a Philly cheesesteak.
Dover; myrestaurant55.com

Vegan/Vegetarian

Downstate, Readers: SEED eatery
Rehoboth Beach; seedeatery.com

Upstate, Readers: Home Grown Café
Newark; homegrowncafe.com

Warmest Welcome and Top-Notch Service

Editors: Eclipse Bistro

The bistro’s modern American fare—including its seared scallops and duck breast—stands on its own, but the restaurant’s exemplary staff takes the dining experience up a level. Attentive and knowledgeable service is always a plus when dining out, and Eclipse’s expert guidance will lead you to the perfect food and beverage pairing.
Wilmington; eclipsebistro.com

Water-View Dining

Downstate, Readers: Grain on the Rocks
Lewes; meetatgrain.com

Upstate, Readers: Grain H2O
Bear; meetatgrain.com

Where All the Sports Fans Know Your Name

Editors: Stanley’s Tavern

Looking for a spot to watch the big game? There’s no better place. The pub menu offers the perfect spread for sharing plates of wings, nachos and burgers. Wash it all down with the tavern’s extensive draft list.
Wilmington; stanleys-tavern.com

Wilmington/Center City Restaurant

Readers: Bardea Food & Drink
Wilmington; bardeawilmington.com

Wilmington/Little Italy Restaurant

Readers: Mrs. Robino’s Restaurant
Wilmington; mrsrobinos.com

Wilmington/Riverfront Restaurant

Readers: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
Wilmington; bigfishriverfront.com

Wilmington/Trolley Square/Highlands/Rockford Park Restaurant

Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Wilmington; harryshospitalitygroup.com

Wine Store

Downstate, Readers: Atlantic Liquors
Rehoboth Beach; atlanticliquors.net

Upstate, Readers: Kreston Wine & Spirits
Middletown, Wilmington; krestonwines.com

Winery

Statewide, Readers: Nassau Valley Vineyards
Lewes; nassauvalley.com

Related: Delaware’s Health Food Markets Provide Natural Food Options

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