The Best Food & Drink in Delaware According to Readers

Photo courtesy of Eggspectation

[rs_space lg_device=”30″ md_device=”” sm_device=”” xs_device=””]

[vc_custom_heading text=”Food & Drink” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:80|text_align:center|color:%23000000″][rs_space lg_device=”20″ md_device=”” sm_device=”” xs_device=””]

[rs_space lg_device=”30″ md_device=”” sm_device=”” xs_device=””][vc_btn title=”Find the Best Restaurant” color=”primary” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fnear-me.delawaretoday.com%2Fsearch%2F%3Fgeodir_search%3D1%26stype%3Dgd_restaurant%26s%3D%2B%26awards%3Dbest-of-delaware-2021|||”][rs_space lg_device=”20″ md_device=”” sm_device=”” xs_device=””]

Al Fresco

Upstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
720 Justison St., Wilmington; 652-3474; bigfishriverfront.com

Downstate, Readers: Grain on the Rocks
43 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes; 291-3900; meetatgrain.com

American Restaurant

Upstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
720 Justison St., Wilmington; 652-3474; bigfishriverfront.com

- Advertisement -

Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill Rehoboth
20298 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 227-3474; bigfishgrill.com

Bakery

Upstate, Readers: Sweet Melissa’s
5407 Peterson Rd., Middletown; 376-5049; sweetmelissade.com

Downstate, Readers: My Sister’s Fault
10 Front St., Milford; 503-7446; mysistersfault-milford.comf

Barbecue

Upstate, Readers: Limestone BBQ and Bourbon
2062 Limestone Rd., Wilmington; 274-2085; limestonebbqandbourbon.com

Downstate, Readers: Bethany Blues BBQ
6 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach; 537-1500; bethanyblues.com

- Partner Content -

Below the Canal (Southern New Castle County)

Readers: Cantwell’s Tavern
109 Main St., Odessa; 376-0600; cantwells-tavern.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eggspectation (@eggspectationchristiana)

Breakfast Place

Upstate, Readers: Eggspectation
507 Stanton Christiana Rd., Newark; 842-2515; eggspectation.com

Downstate, Readers: The Starboard
2009 DE-1, Dewey Beach; 227-4600; thestarboard.com

Brewpub

Upstate, Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
620 Justison St., Wilmington; 472-2739; 147 E. Main St., Newark; 266-9000; ironhillbrewery.com

- Advertisement -

Downstate, Readers: Dogfish Head Brewery
320 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 226-2739; dogfish.com

Brunch

Upstate, Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House and Saloon
1801 W. 14th St., Wilmington; 658-4600

Downstate, Readers: The Starboard
2009 DE-1, Dewey Beach; 227-4600; thestarboard.com

Burgers

Upstate, Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House and Saloon
1801 W. 14th St., Wilmington; 658-4600

Downstate, Readers: SmashMouth Burgers
309 Federal St., Milton; 236-1092; facebook.com/smashmouthburgers

Butcher Shop

Upstate, Readers: Bachetti Bros. Meats, Market and Catering
4723B Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington; 994-4467; bachettis.com

Downstate, Readers: Haass’ Family Butcher Shop
3997 Hazlettville Rd., Dover; 734-5447; haassmeats.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sweet_Dreams_Confections (@sweetdreamsconfectionsco)

Candy/Chocolate

Upstate, Readers: Sweet Dreams Confections
1 Shallcross Pl., Middletown, 696-2506, sweetdreamsconfectionsco.com

Downstate, Readers: Candy Kitchen
102 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-7195; candykitchen.com

Caribbean/Jamaican

Upstate, Readers: D&H Jamaican Cuisine
748 E. Chestnut Hill Rd., Newark; 369-8826; dandhjamaican.com

Downstate, Readers: Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill
1 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-7660; zoggsbar.com

Catering

Upstate, Readers: Bachetti Bros. Meats, Market and Catering
4723B Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington; 994-4467; bachettis.com

Downstate, Readers: Bethany Blues
18385 Coastal Hwy., Lewes; 644-2500; bethanyblues.com

Cheesesteaks

Upstate, Readers: Claymont Steak Shop
3526 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, 798-0013; 57 S. Main St., Newark, 453-9500; 2720 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 478-1500; claymontsteakshop.com

Downstate, Readers: Casapulla’s
19331 Lighthouse Plaza, Rehoboth Beach; 227-7827; casapullassubs.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dru Tevis (@pastrychefdru)

Chef

Upstate, Readers: Christa Carlton
Platinum Dining Group; platinumdininggroup.com

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

Chinese

Upstate, Readers: Potstickers Asian Grill
1247 Churchmans Rd., Newark; 731-0188; potstickersasiangrill.com

Downstate, Readers: Confucius Chinese Cuisine
57 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-3848; confuciusrb.com

Classic Diner

Upstate, Readers: Hollywood Grill
1811 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 655-1348; hollywoodgrilldelaware.com

Downstate, Readers: Rehoboth Diner
9219 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 227-0908; rehobothdiner.com

At Newark’s Eggspectation, pancakes with powdered sugar and fresh blueberries are a popular breakfast craving./Photo courtesy of Eggspectation

Cocktails to Go

Upstate, Readers: Santa Fe Mexican Grill
109 E. Main St., Newark; 369-2500; santafemexicangrill.com

Downstate, Readers: Agave
137 2nd St., Lewes; 645-1232; agavelewes.com

Coffee Shop

Upstate, Readers: Brew HaHa!
3838 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 658-6336; 45 E. Main St., Newark, 369-2600; Christiana Hospital, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd., Newark, 733-2739; 1812 Marsh Rd., Wilmington, 529-1125; 3636 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 478-7227; 222 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, 777-5137; 5329 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, 234-9600; 1400 N. Dupont St., Wilmington, 384-6344; brewhaha.com

Downstate, Readers: Rise Up
502 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 567-2588; riseupcoffee.com

Crab Cakes

Upstate, Readers: Stanley’s Tavern
2038 Foulk Rd., Wilmington; 475-1887; stanleys-tavern.com

Downstate, Readers: Woody’s Dewey Beach
1904 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach; 260-9945; deweybeachbar.com

Crafting cocktails even through COVID-19, Fork + Flask features signature specials such as the Cucumber Gimlet, Ruby Red and a Daily Special. You’ll even find a cocktail flight, including a Fishhouse Punch and Red Wine Sangria./Photo courtesy of Fork + Flask

Craft Cocktails

Upstate, Readers: Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen Newark
270 E. Main St., Newark; 444-8646; meetatgrain.com

Downstate, Readers: Fork + Flask
19730 Coastal Hwy., DE-1 South, Rehoboth Beach; 226-2037; forkandflask.com

Curbside Takeout

Upstate, Readers: Stanley’s Tavern
2038 Foulk Rd., Wilmington; 475-1887; stanleys-tavern.com

Downstate, Readers: Bethany Blues
18385 Coastal Hwy., Lewes; 644-2500; bethanyblues.com

Date-Night Restaurant

Upstate, Readers: La Banca
1 W. Main St., Middletown; 464-3005; labancamiddletown.com

Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
18585 Coastal Hwy., #6, Rehoboth Beach; 645-9355; 1776steakhouse.com

Desserts

Upstate, Readers: Sweet Melissa’s
5407 Peterson Rd., Middletown; 376-5049; sweetmelissade.com

Downstate, Readers: My Sister’s Fault
10 Front St., Milford; 503-7446; mysistersfault-milford.com

Dover Restaurant

Readers: Roma Italian Ristorante
3 President Dr., Dover; 678-1041; romadover.com

Fairfax/Brandywine Hundred Restaurant

Readers: El Camino Mexican Kitchen
3559 Silverside Rd., Wilmington; 543-4245; elcaminokitchen.com

Family-Friendly

Upstate, Readers: Crooked Hammock Brewery
316 Auto Park Dr., Middletown; 601-7837; crookedhammockbrewery.com

Downstate, Readers: Nicola Pizza
71 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-6211; nicolapizza.com

Farmers Market

Upstate, Readers: New Castle Farmers Market
110 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle; newcastlefarmersmarket.com

Downstate, Readers: Historic Lewes Farmers Market
Dupont and Johnson Aves., Lewes; 644-1436; historiclewesfarmersmarket.org

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Claymont Steak Shop (@claymontsteaks)

Fast-Casual Chain

Upstate, Readers: Claymont Steak Shop
3526 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, 798-0013; 57 S. Main St., Newark, 453-9500; 2720 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 478-1500; claymontsteakshop.com

Downstate, Readers: Arena’s Deli and Bar
149 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-1272; arenasdeliandbar.com

Fine Dining

Upstate, Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
2020 Naamans Rd., Wilmington; 475-3000; harryshospitalitygroup.com

Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
18585 Coastal Hwy., #6, Rehoboth Beach; 645-9355; 1776steakhouse.com

Food Truck

Upstate, Readers: Uncle John’s BBQ Stand
2509 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont; 743-9737; facebook.com/unclejohnsbbqstand

Downstate, Readers: Taco Reho
19406 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 226-8226; tacoreho.com

French

Upstate, Readers: Corner Bistro
3604 Silverside Rd., Wilmington; 477-1778; mybistro.com

Downstate, Readers: La Fable
26 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-8510; bonjourfable.com

Fried Chicken

Upstate, Readers: Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken Express
103 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington; 429-2587; 2601 Carpenter Station Rd., #50, Wilmington; 439-3452; 3612 Miller Rd., Wilmington; 658-1803

Downstate, Readers: Kick n’ Chicken
1551 Savannah Rd., Lewes; 644-4151; kicknchickende.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Opa! Opa! Gyros (@opaopagyros)

Greek

Upstate, Readers: Opa! Opa!
7A Trolley Square, Wilmington; 654-4500; opaopagyros.com

Downstate, Readers: Café Azafran
18 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-8100; cafeazafran.com

Happy Hour

Upstate, Readers: Stanley’s Tavern
2038 Foulk Rd., Wilmington; 475-1887; stanleys-tavern.com

Downstate, Readers: Fins Ale House & Raw Bar
19269 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 227-3467; finsrawbar.com

Hockessin/Pike Creek Restaurant

Readers: Back Burner Restaurant and Tavern
425 Hockessin Corner, Suite 9586, Hockessin; 239-2314; backburner.com

Hot Dogs

Upstate, Readers: The Dog House
1200 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle; 328-5380

Downstate, Readers: Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen
18949 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 645-1700; rosenfeldsjewishdeli.com

Ice Cream

Upstate, Readers: Woodside Farm Creamery
1310 Little Baltimore Rd., Hockessin; 239-9847; woodsidefarmcreamery.com

Downstate, Readers: Hopkin’s Farm Creamery
18186 Dairy Farm Rd., Lewes; 645-7163; hopkinsfarmcreamery.com

Indian

Upstate, Readers: Curry and Cocktails
422 E. Main St., Middletown; 524-4308; 524-4309; curryandcocktails.com

Downstate, Readers: Raas
210 Savannah Rd., Lewes; 644-1747; raaslewes.com

Raas in Lewes celebrates authentic Indian flavors with small plates and large. Enjoy dishes like Gobhi Musallam and Praw Tikka Masala, and new to the menu: weekend brunch!/Photo courtesy of Raas.

Italian

Upstate, Readers: Taverna Rustic Italian
3549 Silverside Rd., Wilmington; 384-8552; 121 E. Main St., Newark; 444-4334; tavernapdg.com

Downstate, Readers: Touch of Italy
19724 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 227-3900; touchofitaly.com

Japanese

Upstate, Readers: Mikimotos
1212 Washington St., Wilmington; 656-8638; mikimotos.com

Downstate, Readers: The Cultured Pearl
301 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-8493; culturedpearl.us

Late-Night Menu

Upstate, Readers: Two Stones Pub
840 Kohl Ave., Middletown; 378-8199; 300 Lantana Dr., Hockessin; 239-2200; 1203 Christiana Rd., Newark; 294-1890; 2502 Foulk Rd., Wilmington; 439-3231; twostonespub.com

Downstate, Readers: Stingray Sushi Bar + Asian Grill
59 Lake Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-6476; stingrayrestaurant.com

Lunch Spot

Upstate, Readers: Two Stones Pub
840 Kohl Ave., Middletown; 378-8199; 300 Lantana Dr., Hockessin; 239-2200; 1203 Christiana Rd., Newark; 294-1890; 2502 Foulk Rd., Wilmington; 439-3231; twostonespub.com

Downstate, Readers: Grain on the Rocks
43 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes; 291-3900; meetatgrain.com

Mexican

Upstate, Readers: La Tolteca
4147 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 778-4646; tolteca.co

Downstate, Readers: Agave
137 2nd St., Lewes; 645-1232; agavelewes.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dogfish Head (@dogfishhead)

Microbrewery

Upstate, Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
620 Justison St., Wilmington; 472-2739; 147 E. Main St., Newark; 266-9000; ironhillbrewery.com

Downstate, Readers: Dogfish Head Brewery
320 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 226-2739; dogfish.com

New Castle/Old New Castle Restaurant

Readers: Jessop’s Tavern
114 Delaware St., New Castle; 322-6111; jessops-tavern.com

New Restaurant

Upstate, Readers: Dorcea
1314 N. Washington St., Wilmington; 691-7447; dorcea.com

Downstate, Readers: Kristina’s Kitchen
35581 Atlantic Ave., Millville; 500-2249; kristinaskitchen19.com

Newark Restaurant

Readers: Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen
Newark, 270 E. Main St., Newark; 444-8646; meetatgrain.com

North Wilmington Restaurant

Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
2020 Naamans Rd., Wilmington; 475-3000; harryshospitalitygroup.com/harrys-savoy-grill/

Over the State Line Restaurant/Pennsylvania

Readers: Harvest Seasonal Grill
549 Wilmington Pike, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; (610) 358-1005; harvestseasonal.com

Pizza (Gourmet)

Upstate, Readers: Pizza by Elizabeths
3801 Kennett Pike, Suite E220, Greenville; 654-4478; pizzabyelizabeths.com

Downstate, Readers: Crust & Craft
18701 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 313-5029; crustandcraftrehoboth.com

Pizza (Traditional)

Upstate, Readers: Grotto Pizza
1819 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington; 777-3278; 2015 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 888-2222; 45 E. Main St., Newark; 369-0600; grottopizza.com

Downstate, Readers: Nicola Pizza
71 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-6211; nicolapizza.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Home Grown Cafe (@homegrowncafede)

Salads

Upstate, Readers: Home Grown Café
126 E. Main St., Newark; 266-6993; homegrowncafe.com

Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill Rehoboth
20298 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 227-3474; bigfishgrill.com

Sandwiches

Upstate, Readers: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
430 Eden Circle, Bear; 832-8132; 1835 Pulaski Hwy., Bear; 838-8898; 120 Lantana Dr., Hockessin; 257-5222; 743 N. Broad St., Middletown; 376-7827; 614 Newark Shopping Center, Newark; 454-0200; 4132 Ogletown Stanton Rd., Newark; 533-5132; 4522 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington; 998-0096; 510 N. Union St., Wilmington; 571-8929; 2124 Silverside Rd., Wilmington; 479-9818; 708 W. Basin Rd., Wilmington; 322-6797, capriottis.com

Downstate, Readers: Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen
18949 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 645-1700; rosenfeldsjewishdeli.com

Seafood Market

Upstate, Readers: George & Sons Seafood Market
1216 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin; 239-7204; georgeandsonsseafood.com

Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Seafood Market
20312 Coastal Hwy., Unit 1, Rehoboth Beach; 227-3665; bigfishgrillmarket.com

Seafood Restaurant

Upstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
720 Justison St., Wilmington; 652-3474; bigfishriverfront.com

Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill Rehoboth
20298 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; 227-3474; bigfishgrill.com

Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront is beloved for its flavorful American Cuisine (including an array of seafood, from ceviche starters to crispy Atlantic cod) and cool, coastal atmosphere./Photo courtesy of Big Fish Grill

Small Plates

Upstate, Readers: Home Grown Café
126 E. Main St., Newark; 266-6993; homegrowncafe.com

Downstate, Readers: Fork + Flask
19730 Coastal Hwy., DE-1 South, Rehoboth Beach; 226-2037; forkandflask.com

Smoothies

Upstate, Readers: The Juice Joint
323 Justison St., Wilmington; 803-6886; thejuicejoint.de

Downstate, Readers: Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar
111 Neils Alley, Lewes; 645-5842; cafenectar.com

Sports Bar

Upstate, Readers: Two Stones Pub
840 Kohl Ave., Middletown; 378-8199; 300 Lantana Dr., Hockessin; 239-2200; 1203 Christiana Rd., Newark; 294-1890; 2502 Foulk Rd., Wilmington; 439-3231; twostonespub.com

Downstate, Readers: Lefty’s Alley & Eats
36450 Plaza Dr., Lewes; 864-6000; iloveleftys.com

Steakhouse

Upstate, Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
2020 Naamans Rd., Wilmington; 475-3000; harryshospitalitygroup.com/harrys-savoy-grill/

Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
18585 Coastal Hwy., #6, Rehoboth Beach; 645-9355; 1776steakhouse.com

Steamed Crabs

Upstate, Readers: Feby’s Fishery
3701 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington; 998-9501; febysfishery.com

Downstate, Readers: The Surfing Crab Restaurant
16723 Coastal Hwy., Lewes; 644-4448; thesurfingcrab.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop (@capriottis)

Subs/Hoagies

Upstate, Readers: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
430 Eden Circle, Bear; 832-8132; 1835 Pulaski Hwy., Bear; 838-8898; 120 Lantana Dr., Hockessin; 257-5222; 743 N. Broad St., Middletown; 376-7827; 614 Newark Shopping Center, Newark; 454-0200; 4132 Ogletown Stanton Rd., Newark; 533-5132; 4522 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington; 998-0096; 510 N. Union St., Wilmington; 571-8929; 2124 Silverside Rd., Wilmington; 479-9818; 708 W. Basin Rd., Wilmington; 322-6797, capriottis.com

Downstate, Readers: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
130 Gateway South Blvd., Dover; 698-3090; 321 Independence Blvd., Dover; 678-2808; 1604 Savannah Rd., Lewes; 644-8998; 684 N. Dupont Hwy., Milford; 424-3309; 456 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna; 659-1388, capriottis.com

Sushi

Upstate, Readers: Mikimotos
1212 Washington St., Wilmington; 656-8638; mikimotos.com

Downstate, Readers: The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar
301 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-8493; culturedpearl.us

Thai

Upstate, Readers: Ubon Thai Kitchen and Bar
936 Justison St., Wilmington; 656-1706; ubonthaicuisine.squarespace.com

Downstate, Readers: Sticky Rice Thai Style Tapas
1604 Savannah Rd., Lewes; 703-2673; stickyricede.com

Vegan/Vegetarian

Upstate, Readers: Home Grown Café
126 E. Main St., Newark; 266-6993; homegrowncafe.com

Downstate, Readers: SEED Eatery
18979 Coastal Hwy., Unit 105, Rehoboth Beach; 313-5981; seedeatery.com

Water-View Dining

Upstate, Readers: Grain H2O
3006 Summit Harbour Place, Bear; 440-4404; meetatgrain.com

Downstate, Readers: Big Chill Beach Club
27099 Coastal Hwy., Bethany Beach; 278-0100; bigchillbeachclub.com

Wilmington/Center City Restaurant

Readers: Chelsea Tavern
821 N. Market St., Wilmington; 482-3333; chelseatavern.com

Wilmington/Little Italy Restaurant

Readers: Mrs. Robino’s
520 N. Union St., Wilmington; 652-9223; mrsrobinos.com

Wilmington/Riverfront Restaurant

Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
620 Justison St., Wilmington; 472-2739; ironhillbrewery.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kid Shelleen’s (@kidshelleens)

Wilmington/Trolley Square/Highlands/Rockford Restaurant

Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House and Saloon
1801 W. 14th St., Wilmington; 658-4600

Wine List

Upstate, Readers: Columbus Inn
2216 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington; 571-1492; columbusinn.net

Downstate, Readers: Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar
30115 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach; 278-7395; bluecoastrehoboth.com

Wine Store

Upstate, Readers: Kreston Wine and Spirits
448 E. Main St., Middletown; 376-6123; 904 Concord Ave., Wilmington; 652-3792; krestonwines.com

Downstate, Readers: Atlantic Liquors
19108 Coastal Hwy., #1, Rehoboth Beach; 645-5229; atlanticliquors.net

Winery

Statewide, Readers: Nassau Valley Vineyards & Winery
32165 Winery Way, Lewes; 645-9463; nassauvalley.com