This Delaware couple is no stranger to the date night dilemma. Whether you’ve just moved somewhere new or you’re hometown sweethearts, the mundane date night routine can bring anyone down. In order to motivate themselves to explore new experiences—and share them with others—Stef Star and her husband started their Instagram account.
Now, First State Dates (@firststatedates) is thriving and filled with engaging content showcasing a variety of experiences around Delaware. From romantic dates to family-friendly outings, Stef works hard to curate content to help couples spruce up their nights out.
For Valentine’s Day, Stef shared the couple’s favorite date night restaurants to indulge in high-class cuisine, top-notch cocktails and romantic ambiance. Here are First State Dates’ top five date night restaurants in Delaware.
1. Hamilton’s on Main
With the Moulin Rouge-themed pop-up bar, which is ideal for Valentine’s Day, it’s no surprise that this Newark hotspot takes first place. Hamilton’s is known for an upscale chef-inspired menu, creative cocktails and incredible ambiance. The couple behind First State Dates is celebrating 18 years together, and a night out at this Moulin Rouge pop-up bar was a no-brainer for February.
“This experience was the perfect way to honor our love story,” Stef adds.
102 East Main Street, Newark
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2. Le Cavalier
Next on the list is Hotel Du Pont’s elegant and modern French-inspired neo-brasserie. Le Cavalier is a local favorite for date night all year round, but February means exclusive Valentine’s dinners, new seasonal menu items and plenty of romance.
42 West 11th Street, Wilmington
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3. The Quoin
The Quoin offers a variety of Valentine’s Day specials through February 18. The Quoin provides a variety of possibilities with a fine-dining restaurant, boutique hotel, rooftop bar and lounge and basement speakeasy. Enjoy high-class cocktails on the rooftop or at the Simmer Down lounge downstairs after a high-class Valentine’s Day dinner at the restaurant. For a full staycation experience, book a room any night through February 17 and receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly and a $50 food and beverage credit to use during your stay.
First State Dates recommends the downstairs cocktail lounge for a romantic evening. Simmer Down at The Quoin is the perfect place to snuggle up with your date with comfortable seating, upscale cocktails and the perfect romantic ambiance.
519 North Market Street
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4. Fondue.
Going further downstate for number four on the list, Fondue. provides a great date night experience. Nothing says “romance” like artisanal cheeses, chocolate and cocktails, after all. Fondue., a concept by the couple behind Easy Speak spirits, is a date night hotspot in Milford. With specialty seasonal cocktails, mouthwatering food and dessert dippers complete with plenty of chocolate, Fondue. is a great option for Valentine’s Day in Delaware.
39 North Walnut Street, Milford
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5. Chesapeake Inn
Chesapeake Inn is another perfect date night restaurant for Valentine’s Day. With spectacular seafood and stunning cocktails, Stef recommends this restaurant for the ambiance as much as the food.
“We love the scenic view of the Chesapeake River,” she notes.
Just over the line in Chesapeake City, Chesapeake Inn offers upscale American fare with an emphasis on seafood including oysters, crab and lobster ravioli, scallops, salmon and much more.
605 2nd Street, Chesapeake City, MD
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For more date night ideas, fun experiences and more, follow @firststatedates on Instagram.
