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In 2022, the First State will welcome new restaurants to its dining scene, with a few expansions of already beloved eateries.
Every year, Delaware’s expansive foodie scene continues to grow, and 2022 is no different. Be on the lookout as these eateries open their doors in the First State, offering unique coffee creations, specialty sandwiches, delicious Korean dishes and more.
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Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen
University of Delaware STAR Campus, Newark
1709 Delaware Ave., Wilmington
Expected Opening: Mid-2022 for both restaurants
OMG Hospitality’s Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen is already a beloved restaurant in the First State, but this year it will open its fifth and sixth locations in Newark and Wilmington. The fifth restaurant will be located on the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus, and the sixth will be on Delaware Avenue in Trolley Square. The latter eatery will take over the location where BarRoja and Scratch Magoo’s used to sit.
In every Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen, there is a wall of drawings featuring the restaurant’s favorite regulars, and that staple idea will continue in the new location. The Trolley Square location will offer an indoor bar, a rear dining room, a half-covered open-air patio with outdoor seating, and much more. While this location’s menu will be smaller, guests can still enjoy the restaurant brand’s staple dishes, craft beers and cocktails.
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K Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
40 Geoffrey Dr., Newark
Expected Opening: 2022
This traditional Korean barbecue restaurant brings a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat dining experience to the Newark foodie scene. K Pot opened its first location in 2018 and has since expanded, opening six locations across the country, with one in Delaware.
K Pot aims to open this year on 40 Geoffrey Drive in Newark in the old Fuddruckers restaurant next to Dunkin, First Watch Breakfast and Chipotle. Guests will enjoy traditional Asian hot pot with Korean barbecue flavors in a full bar and nightlife atmosphere.
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Hamilton’s on Main
102 East Main St., Newark
Expected Opening: Mid-January 2022
Opening in mid-January 2022, Hamilton’s on Main brings fine dining, craft cocktails and flavorful dishes to Newark. Hamilton’s on Main boasts a globally influenced and locally sourced experience that offers each guest an incredible culinary journey. The restaurant is decorated in a rustic-chic décor style and has an extensive list of wine and beer, perfect for any diner’s tastes.
Jeremiah Brooks and Anthony Brooks are both co-owners with more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and dining. Jeremiah is the chef and brings curated flavors and techniques from all over the world to his restaurant.
Make your reservation now for after its mid-January opening, then get ready to try its shared plates like the salmon tartare, crab and tomato terrine and tiger prawns. Entrees include dishes like the pork Wellington, porcini pappardelle and filet Oscar.
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Bardea Steak
608 North Market St., Wilmington
Expected Opening: Early 2022
Earlier this year, Bardea Food & Drink announced its plans to open Bardea Steak in Wilmington. Co-owners Scott Stein and Chef Antimo DiMeo decided to open this new location after hearing their customers rave about needing a downtown steakhouse. So, they gave in.
Bardea Steak aims to open its brand-new concept restaurant in early 2022 in a 5,000-square-foot space adjacent to Bardea Food & Drink. The restaurant will offer natural elements like fire, water and flora so customers experience a modern take on a steakhouse.
However, this steakhouse will break all the traditional rules as DiMeo and Stein plan to cook many of the dishes over a custom-made open hearth, with most steaks cooked using a Koji dry-aging process. Plus, guests can enjoy an extensive wine list and a tableside cocktail cart to accompany their dinner.
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Kaffeina at Thronson Café
2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington
Expected Opening: January 5, 2022
Looking for a new café to try? Kaffeina Café is in the Delaware Art Museum, and it brings more than just boutique looks. This café offers specialty coffee, loose-leaf tea, sandwiches and desserts to visitors while they spend the day touring the museum.
Try Kaffeina’s magical whipped coffee confection—dalgona coffee—as well as its color-changing galaxy lemonade. Plus, guests who visit during its January grand opening celebration can spin the prize wheel for a free dessert, drink or cookie.
Head on over to the Delaware Art Museum to try Kaffeina’s delicious menu items, including the turkey and brie sandwich, quinoa bowl or the matcha croffle for dessert.
*Do you know of any restaurants planning to open in Delaware this year? Send us an email at editorial@delawaretoday.com to let us know!