Al Fresco Dining
Downstate, Readers: Paradise Grill
Long Neck; paradisegrillde.com
Upstate, Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
Newark, Wilmington; ironhillbrewery.com
American Restaurant
Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill
Rehoboth Beach; bigfishgrill.com
Ocean View; bigfishoceanview.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Indian
Downstate, Readers: Raas
Lewes; raaslewes.com
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
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
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
