Acai Bowl
Downstate, Readers: 302 Acai
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Green Box Kitchen
Wilmington
Alfresco Dining
Downstate, Readers: Paradise Grill
Long Neck
Upstate, Readers: Grain H20
Bear
Serving up made-from-scratch fare for all culinary lifestyles
American Restaurant
Downstate, Readers: Salt Air Kitchen + Bar
Rehoboth Beach
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Upstate, Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Wilmington
Appetizers
Downstate, Readers: Bethany Blues
Bethany Beach, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Two Stones Pub
Multiple locations
Artful Plates
Editors: One Coastal
Chef Matt Kern is a culinary artist in more ways than one. While the James Beard Award finalist is celebrated for his food, he’s also known for his artistic presentations. The farm-to-table aficionado lets nature be his guide—fresh ingredients at the peak of flavor add to the presentation. Little goes to waste. Edible garnishes include red-veined sorrel, nasturtiums, and carrot chips. Fenwick Island
Bakery
Downstate, Readers: My Sister’s Fault
Milford
Upstate, Readers: Bing’s Bakery
Newark
Barbecue
Downstate, Readers: Bethany Blues
Bethany Beach, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Limestone BBQ & Bourbon
Wilmington
Bethany Beach/Ocean View Restaurant
Readers: Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar Bethany
Bethany Beach
Breakfast Spot
Downstate, Readers: Surf Bagel
Multiple locations
Upstate, Readers: Urban Kitchen
Wilmington
Brunch
Downstate, Readers: The Starboard
Dewey Beach
Upstate, Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Wilmington
Burgers
Downstate, Readers: SmashMouth Burgers
Location varies
Upstate, Readers: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Wilmington
Butcher Shop
Downstate, Readers: Hickman’s Meat Market
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Bachetti Bros. Meats, Market & Catering
Wilmington
Candy/Chocolate Shop
Downstate, Readers: Candy Kitchen
Multiple locations
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Upstate, Readers: Candy for All Occasions
Wilmington
Catering
Downstate, Readers: SoDel Concepts
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Bachetti Bros. Meats, Market & Catering
Wilmington
Centreville/Greenville Restaurant
Readers: Pizza by Elizabeths
Greenville
Cheesesteaks
Downstate, Readers: Casapulla’s Subs
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Claymont Steak Shop
Claymont, Newark, Wilmington
Chef
Downstate, Readers: Ryan Cunningham, SoDel Concepts
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Robbie Jester, In Jest Events/Pizzeria Mariana
Newark
Chinese
Downstate, Readers: Confucius Chinese Cuisine
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Great Wall
Wilmington
Classic Diner
Downstate, Readers: Crystal Restaurant
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Crossroads Restaurant
Wilmington
Coffee Shop
Downstate, Readers: Rise Up Coffee Roasters
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Brew HaHa!
Multiple locations
Community-Minded Café
Editors: kaffé KARMA
It’s a coffee shop by day, but at night, kaffé KARMA offers free pop-up yoga and meditation—with workshops and wellness events, such as walking and running clubs, on the weekends. Serving health-conscious breakfast and brunch fare, Katie Kutler opened the shop in Greenville in 2022 with a belief in the power of balance, nourishing both body and mind. With home as your first place and work as your second place, kaffé KARMA looks to be your third place, creating a space for people to grow, connect, and support each other. Greenville
Cozy Korean Fare
Editors: Kalbi Asian Bistro
Kalbi was dishing out Korean flavors long before trendsetters discovered Korean fried chicken and kimchi. The 25-plus-year-old family-owned restaurant prides itself on its warm environment and modern approach to Korean fare. The menu includes rice cake dishes with gochujang sauce; family-sized stews; and bibimbap, a rice dish with vegetables, meat, or both. Wilmington
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Crabbiest Crabcakes
Editors: Courtyard by Marriott at the University of Delaware
Delaware has no shortage of restaurants serving crabcakes, which some consider the state dish. (Don’t tell Marylanders.) However, the Courtyard by Marriott stands out in the crowd. The hotel’s restaurant has received more than 10 Best Of awards for its patties packed with sweet lumps. Although Mark Chopko, who popularized the recipe, has retired, the current chef, Jeff Brittingham, carries on the tradition. Newark
Crabcakes
Downstate, Readers: Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill
Dewey Beach
Upstate, Readers: Feby’s Fishery
Wilmington
Craft Cocktails
Downstate, Readers: Lewes Oyster House
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: The Quoin/Simmer Down
Wilmington
Date Night Restaurant
Downstate, Readers: Lewes Oyster House
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
Wilmington
Dewey Beach Restaurant
Readers: Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill
Dewey Beach

Dining for a Cause
Editors: BBC Tavern & Grill
Looking for a delicious meal and a good way to help others? Through its Guest Bartender Program events, BBC Tavern & Grill in Greenville helps support charities, teams, schools, animal shelters, and many other causes. Guest bartenders spread the word about the event to their friends, families, and co-workers. They then serve drinks and collect donations on behalf of the charity, which has included groups such as Faithful Friends Animal Society, Meals on Wheels Delaware, and The Music School of Delaware. BBC provides reporting and analytics tools to ensure transparency in tracking donations. Greenville
Dinner Rescue
Editors: Janssen’s Market
When you don’t have time to cook, count on Janssen’s Market in the Greenville area. Whether you’re craving a quiche, ribs, or rice pudding, this community landmark has you covered. The gourmet du jour menu might include fresh poached salmon, roasted tenderloin, cheese lasagna, and crabcakes with all the sides. Tip: Stock up on the housemade items in the freezer case. Greenville
Dover Restaurant
Readers: McGlynns Pub
Dover
Espresso Martini at the Beach
Editors: Somewhere
At Somewhere, the espresso martini is a staple that keeps diners coming back for more. It starts with the perfect espresso—expertly pulled from a fully manual espresso machine. Add Somewhere’s house-infused vodka, and you get an espresso martini that’s velvety, subtly sweet, and the perfect complement for a day at the beach. The Oasis—Somewhere’s tropical outdoor patio—is an ideal destination to sip a martini and wind down. Rehoboth Beach
Fairfax/Brandywine Hundred Restaurant
Readers: Charcoal Pit
Wilmington
Family-Friendly Restaurant
Downstate, Readers: Crooked Hammock Brewery
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: Urban Kitchen
Wilmington
Farmers Market
Downstate, Readers: Historic Lewes Farmers Market
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: New Castle Farmers Market
New Castle
Fenwick Island/West Fenwick Restaurant
Readers: Catch 54
Selbyville
Filipino Comfort Food
Editors: Manila Street Treats
Given Filipino fare is not as prevalent as Japanese or Chinese cuisine, the menu at this gem will sound exotic. However, the flavors are soothing yet vibrant. Silog, for instance, is a breakfast item with fried rice and fried egg. Batangas bulalo is a soup made from beef shanks and bone marrow, with cabbage and corn. A special might include stew with peanut sauce. Elkton; 443-350-6547
Fine Dining
Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
Rehoboth
Upstate, Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Wilmington
Food Truck
Downstate, Readers: Taco Reho
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Mojo Loco
Location varies
French
Downstate, Readers: La Fable
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Brandywine Brasserie
Wilmington
Fried Chicken
Downstate, Readers: Jimmy’s Grille
Dewey Beach
Upstate, Readers: Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken
Wilmington
Gastropub
Downstate, Readers: Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
Newark, Wilmington
Gluten-Free Fare
Downstate, Readers: Kristina’s Kitchen
Millville
Upstate, Readers: Home Grown Cafe
Newark

Serving up made-from-scratch fare for all culinary lifestyles
Greek/Mediterranean
Downstate, Readers: Cafe Azafran
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Opa! Opa!
Wilmington
Happy Hour
Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Kelly’s Logan House
Wilmington
Hard Cider
Statewide, Readers: Wilmington Brew Works
Wilmington
Health Food Market
Downstate, Readers: Good Earth Market
Ocean View
Upstate, Readers: Newark Natural Foods
Newark
Hockessin/Pike Creek Restaurant
Readers: The House of William & Merry
Hockessin
Hot Dog
Downstate, Readers: Gus and Gus Place
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: The Dog House
New Castle

Ice Cream
Downstate, Readers: Hopkins Farm Creamery
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: Woodside Farm Creamery
Hockessin

Indian
Downstate, Readers: Raas
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: Curry and Cocktails
Middletown
International Award Winner
Editors: Nassau Valley Vineyards
In 1987, Peg Raley and her father, Bob Raley, established what was to become Nassau Valley on a family farm just outside of Lewes. But at the time, Delaware’s laws prohibited farm wineries, so Peg drafted legislation and lobbied the Delaware General Assembly to create a law, which passed in 1991. The Raleys officially opened Nassau Valley Vineyards in October 1993. The vineyards comprise grape varieties such as chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. Awards started coming in 1993, and they haven’t stopped since, including a gold for their pinot grigio from the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and a gold for their Delaware White from the Indy International Wine Competition. Lewes
Italian (Neighborhood)
Downstate, Readers: Touch of Italy
Lewes, Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Mrs. Robino’s Restaurant
Wilmington
Italian (Upscale)
Downstate, Readers: DiFebo’s
Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Capers & Lemons
Wilmington
Italian Culinary Experience
Editors: Benvenuto
With a décor focusing on a tour through Tuscany, Benvenuto (Italian for “welcome”) offers more than just enticing Italian dishes. Sure, you’ll find linguine and mussels, baked gnocchi alla rosa, and classic chicken Parmesan, but there are also cooking classes taught every second Wednesday of the month. The class has limited seating, and it’s no wonder. Your teacher is Benvenuto’s head chef, Jesus “Zeus” Gordiany, a onetime contestant on the cooking competition show “Hell’s Kitchen.” A graduate of The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, he has worked in the city’s finest restaurants, including the venerable Le Bec-Fin. Milford
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Jamaican/Caribbean
Statewide, Readers: D&H Jamaican Cuisine
Newark
Japanese
Downstate, Readers: The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Mikimotos
Wilmington
Juiciest Juice
Editors: The Juice Joint 2.0
At The Juice Joint 2.0, they use a two-step process to create true cold-pressed beverages. Hydraulic pressure fuels their equipment’s motor, ensuring the juice stays cold during the entire process—as opposed to heat, which kills nutrients. They make all their juices inhouse, ensuring they are always fresh, with seven-day expirations instead of the usual two months. They believe in cultivating relations, not transactions. Their juices, superfood-enhanced beverages, acai bowls, gluten-free waffles, and more are clean, plant-based goodness. Wilmington
Late-Night Menu
Downstate, Readers: Bethany Blues
Bethany Beach, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: McGlynns Pub
Greenville, Newark
Lewes Restaurant
Readers: Lewes Oyster House
Lewes
Lunch on the Fairway
Editors: At the Rail Wine Bar & Grill
Even nongolfers appreciate the view from At the Rail’s second-floor terrace, which overlooks White Clay Creek Country Club’s well-manicured links and lush trees. If you don’t want to sit outside, enjoy the scenery from a seat at the clubby bar. Try one of the smash burgers, a cheesesteak wrap, or a crabcake sandwich. Wilmington
Lunch Spot
Downstate, Readers: Arena’s Deli & Bar
Multiple locations
Upstate, Readers: Urban Kitchen
Wilmington
Mead
Editors: Brimming Horn Meadery
Not all wine comes from grapes, which surprises some visitors at Brimming Horn Meadery. The company makes alcoholic beverages by fermenting honey, water, yeast, and other flavors. Some are sweet, while others are dry. They can be fruity or spicy. Since mead was a Northern European drink of choice, expect an ambience worthy of the Norse gods. Milton, Seaford
Mexican
Downstate, Readers: Agave
Lewes, Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: La Tolteca
Greenville, Wilmington
Microbrewery
Downstate, Readers: Dewey Beer Co. (Harbeson)
Milton
Upstate, Readers: Wilmington Brew Works
Wilmington

Middletown/Odessa/Townsend Restaurant
Readers: Cantwell’s Tavern
Odessa
Milford Restaurant
Readers: Big Oyster Brewery
Milford
Movie Night
Editors: Bar Reverie
In the mood to catch a flick and nothing interests you at the theater? Bar Reverie offers CineMondays every month. While taking in the movie, you can sip a glass of sparkling wine, munch on popcorn, take advantage of a large grazing board, and enjoy dessert. You’ll also get a take-home sweet treat and a voucher for a free coffee and pastry. Additional cocktails are available for purchase—just wave your “Another Drink Please!” fan. To celebrate the start of the baseball season, Bar Reverie recently showed the Tom Hanks-Geena Davis comedy “A League of Their Own.” There’s no crying on CineMondays. Greenville
New Castle/Old New Castle Restaurant
Readers: Jessop’s Tavern
New Castle
New Restaurant
Readers: Jackson House
Middletown
Downstate, Readers: Shorebreak Lodge
Rehoboth Beach
Newark Restaurant
Readers: Taverna
Newark
North Wilmington Restaurant
Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Wilmington

Over the State Line—Maryland Restaurant
Readers: Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina
Chesapeake City
Over the State Line Pennsylvania Restaurant
Readers: Terrain Cafe
Glen Mills
Oysters
Downstate, Readers: FINS Ale House & Raw Bar
Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Selbyville
Upstate, Readers: Trolley Square Oyster House
Wilmington
Pizza (Gourmet)
Downstate, Readers: Crust & Craft
Rehoboth
Upstate, Readers: Pizza by Elizabeths
Greenville

Fresh gourmet pizza in a glamourous old Hollywood setting
Pizza (Traditional)
Downstate, Readers: Nicola Pizza
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: Nick’s Pizza Parlor & Bar
Wilmington

Reminiscent of pizza parlors from the ’70S and ’80S
Place for a Business Lunch in the City
Editors: Tonic Seafood & Steak
Situated in the heart of the city’s business district, Tonic is the archetype setting for dealmaking. Impress your clients by sharing the Thor Hammer, a braised 7-pound beef shank with sides for $300. However, you can also dine affordably on a burger, steak frites, seafood salad, or fried fish sandwich. Networking isn’t limited to lunch. The bar is happening for happy hour. Wilmington
Place for Brunch With the Girls
Editors: Park Café
With dishes such as strawberry-and-cream French toast, Spanish-influenced omelets, and smoked salmon and avocado Benedict, it’s easy to see why Park Café is a popular brunch place. At this time of year, the attractive patio is another reason ladies like to meet at the Wawaset Park-area café. Wilmington
Place to Linger With Friends
Editors: Our Harvest
The slow-food movement is alive and well at Our Harvest, which opened in 2017 to feature local cuisine served simply so that the flavors shine. The restaurant encourages guests to reconnect over small plates or platters of food. (Vegan options are available.) The atmosphere reinforces the theme; it’s a little farmhouse, a little Old World, and a lot of fun. Fenwick Island
Place to See and Be Seen
Editors: Piccolina Toscana
When Griglia Toscana opened in 1991, the social set rejoiced. At last, an Italian restaurant dared to serve food without blankets of red sauce and gooey cheese. Toscana added a lounge and patio, and owner Dan Butler tweaked the name, but the Trolley Square eatery remains a hot spot. The open dining room and kitchen are perfect for people-watching, and running into old friends—or a former president, senator, or mayor—is common. For the best view, ask for table 53. Wilmington
Place to Watch the Sun Go Down
Editors: The Lighthouse
On Dickinson Street in Dewey Beach, adjacent to Rehoboth Bay, The Lighthouse offers the perfect chance to bid adieu to another summer day with a dazzling view of the sun as it sets on the water. Heavily damaged by a fire in April 2020, The Lighthouse came back to life in July 2021, continuing a 40-year tradition. From Thai-glazed salmon to ale-braised short rib to Parmesan-encrusted rockfish, The Lighthouse has a full menu—not to mention their famous Taco Toss Friday happy hours. Dewey Beach
Poke Bowl
Downstate, Readers: Nalu Surf Bar & Grill
Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Al Chu’s Sushi
Wilmington

Rehoboth Beach Restaurant
Readers: Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach
Restaurant Desserts
Downstate, Readers: Touch of Italy
Lewes, Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Bardea Food & Drink
Wilmington
Restaurant Wine List
Downstate, Readers: Salt Air Kitchen + Bar
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
Wilmington
Salads
Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Home Grown Café
Newark
Sandwiches
Downstate, Readers: Arena’s Deli & Bar
Multiple locations

Upstate, Readers: Ioannoni’s Specialty Sandwiches
New Castle
Seafood Market
Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Market
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Feby’s Fishery
Wilmington
Seafood Restaurant
Downstate, Readers: Big Fish Grill Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Feby’s Fishery
Wilmington
Service
Editors: Eclipse Bistro
Eclipse set the standard for service when it opened in 1996. Back then, the restaurant was more formal. However, attentive service remained even after the ambience relaxed and the bistro concept emerged. Without white linen, the dining room possesses a warmth that makes staff seem like family. Whether you’re a regular customer or not, you’ll be greeted like one. Wilmington
Small Plates/Tapas
Downstate, Readers: Café Azafran
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Bardea Food & Drink
Wilmington
Special-Occasion Restaurant
Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
Wilmington
Sports Bar
Downstate, Readers: Nicola Pizza
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: McGlynns Pub
Greenville, Newark
Steakhouse
Downstate, Readers: 1776 Steakhouse
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Wilmington
Steamed Crabs
Downstate, Readers: The Surfing Crab Restaurant & Bar
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: Gus’ Crab Shack
Port Penn
Subs/Hoagies
Downstate, Readers: Casapulla’s Subs
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Multiple locations
Sushi
Downstate, Readers: The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Rehoboth Beach
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Upstate, Readers: Mikimotos
Wilmington
Sweet Escape
Editors: Sweet Melissa Bakery & Coffee Shop
People with a sweet tooth can always get their fix at Sweet Melissa, which boasts fully stocked cases seven days a week. Cupcakes, cake pops, mini cheesecakes, brownies, baklava—you’ll find it all. Nothing goes better with a dessert than the shop’s hot, fragrant coffee. Founder Melissa Marchione also features protein shakes, bubble teas, frozen coffee, and cold brews. Plus, there’s ice cream! Middletown
Tacos
Downstate, Readers: Taco Reho
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Del Pez Mexican Gastropub
Wilmington
Thai
Downstate, Readers: Bodhi Kitchen
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Soybean Asian Grille
Wilmington
Tearoom
Editors: Wee Fancy Tea
Several places serve afternoon tea as a special feature, and many coffeehouses also brew tea. But Wee Fancy Tea is devoted to the British culinary art form. Credit owner Elizabeth Parker’s English ancestry for the authentic attention to detail. Don’t miss the scone flavors that change with the seasons or Parker’s chicken salad on raisin-cinnamon bread. Newark
Tipsy Treats
Editors: V&M Bistro
While the menu celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Puglia, Italy, with recipes passed down through generations, V&M Bistro also delights in decadent drinks and desserts. The eatery’s Limoncello Ice Martini contains limoncello and lemon water ice made in-house. Owners and sisters Margherita and Vincenza Carrieri-Russo see a spike in the sales of the icy drink during summer. The family also owns nearby Ice Cream Delight, which helps stock the restaurant’s boozy Barlour menu—which includes spiked ice cream with premium liquor. Flavors include Chocolate Jameson Cold Brew and Bourbon Cherry Vanilla, served in a martini glass. Wilmington
Turkish Fusion
Editors: Aroma Mediterranean Cuisine
Aroma’s menu celebrates the best of the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, ranging from traditional, homemade from scratch, hot and cold mezes to kebabs, stews, and seafood. Aroma also has a vast selection of delicious wines from various parts of the world, along with specially crafted cocktails. Small plates include octopus, olives, and feta, while dinners feature dishes such as lamb kofte, baked salmon, and shrimp casserole. It’s all served with complimentary homemade pita bread with dip. Rehoboth Beach
Vegan/Vegetarian
Downstate, Readers: Good Earth Market
Ocean View
Upstate, Readers: Home Grown Café
Newark
Water-View Dining
Downstate, Readers: Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant
Lewes
Upstate, Readers: Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar
Wilmington
Wilmington/Center City Restaurant
Readers: Bardea Food & Drink
Wilmington
Wilmington/Little Italy Restaurant
Readers: Mrs. Robino’s Restaurant
Wilmington
Wilmington/Riverfront Restaurant
Readers: Iron Hill Brewery
Wilmington
Wilmington/Trolley Square/Highlands/Rockford Park Restaurant
Readers: Scalessa’s Old School Italian Kitchen
Wilmington
Wine Store
Downstate, Readers: Atlantic Liquors
Rehoboth Beach
Upstate, Readers: Kreston Wine & Spirits
Middletown, Wilmington
Winery
Statewide, Readers: Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery
Frankford