The First State is home to a vibrant dining scene filled with unique chef-inspired concepts, charming roadside diners, and much more. In 2025, there are plenty of new spots to try. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion over dinner, winding down with an after-work happy hour, or grabbing a quick bite, these new (or coming soon) restaurants are must-visits in Delaware.
New Castle County
The Greenhouse Gastropub
In Newark’s constantly evolving dining scene, students and locals alike are always eager to welcome a new concept. The Greenhouse opened its doors in November, bringing its elevated gastropub menu to Main Street. Enjoy soups, salads, and sandwiches along with entrees like cast iron salmon, wild boar Bolognese, seared scallops, and much more. True to its name, The Greenhouse is also a haven for plant life. Co-owner Durrell Eastland made a name for himself as @theblackplantman on social media, and the passion for plants shines through in the atmosphere of the Main Street location. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch.
102 East Main Street, Newark
View this post on Instagram
New Shopping Center Hotspots
In the Newark Shopping Center, a few new eateries opened in 2024, including a restaurant specializing in noodles and dumplings and two new Mexican restaurants—one casual taco spot and one bar and grill with great cocktails.
The Grove Shopping Center in Newark is home to plenty of new dining, including Starbucks, First Watch, and Smoothie King—with a Cold Stone Creamery soon to follow. Two Delaware-based concepts are also taking advantage of the space to expand:
Del Pez Mexican Gastropub opened its doors in November 2024, to the delight of Newark diners. The Mexican gastropub features a full bar with plenty of signature cocktails and local brews and Mexican-inspired gastropub fare. Del Pez is a favorite on the Wilmington Riverfront and is sure to be equally popular in its Newark location at The Grove.
501 Grove Lane, Newark
View this post on Instagram
Lefty’s Alley and Eats—a Lewes concept offering food, drinks, bowling, axe throwing, an arcade, and more—is set to open in the fall of 2025. The new location in The Grove is sure to be a hotspot for students looking for food, cocktails, and recreation.
301 College Square, Newark
The Selfie Restaurant
This bold new concept in Wilmington encourages diners to let the phone eat first—and eat well. With a menu designed to delight the palate as well as the camera lens, this new restaurant is a modern diner’s dream. Enjoy brunch or dinner, specialty cocktails, and plenty of diverse photo backdrops to spruce up your Instagram feed at this one-of-a-kind spot in Wilmington.
504 Greenill Avenue, Wilmington
Philly Pretzel Factory
Get your Philly pretzel fix in Middletown! The Middletown location opened its doors in October 2024. If you’re hosting game day at home, grab a pretzel platter to enjoy along with a variety of sweet and savory dips like mustards, cream cheese, cheese sauce, and even cinnamon and brownie batter dips.
9 West Main Street, Middletown
View this post on Instagram
Kent County
Clean Eatz
This national chain focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients and diet-friendly meals. Along with grab-and-go and fast-casual dining options, Clean Eatz also offers a weekly meal plan program. With plenty of gluten-free, keto, and high-protein options, Clean Eatz is the perfect new restaurant for those focusing on fitness goals in 2025.
1128 Forrest Avenue, Dover
View this post on Instagram
Hangry Joe’s
The rapidly-expanding hot chicken chain opened in Dover in November. The menu emphasizes spicy chicken, but offers plenty of not-so-spicy options including plain, “no heat,” and “mild” options. The hottest option, “Angry Hot,” requires the diner to sign a waiver and draws spicy food enthusiasts curious about the heat level. The menu includes chicken wings, sandwiches, fingers, wraps, and bites. Side options include waffle fries, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and even waffles. (You can also get your spice fix at the recently opened Wilmington location at 1012 Kirkwood Highway).
50 North Dupont Highway, Dover
Sussex County
First State Brewing – Rehoboth
The Middletown favorite is opening its doors in Rehoboth Beach! A building in The Shops at Sea Coast shopping center has donned the First State Brewing signage, but no opening date has been announced yet. The Rehoboth Beach location does have its own Instagram account, where it will likely post updates as the opening date draws near.
19226 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
View this post on Instagram
