With rivers and wetlands aplenty throughout the First State and the Atlantic Ocean in the south, Delaware is home to some great waterfront restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a happy hour on the Wilmington riverfront, brunch with an ocean view, or anything in between, there are plenty of options for dining with water views in the First State.
New Castle County
Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar
When it comes to waterfront dining in Wilmington, Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar is a longtime favorite. Indulge in seafood staples, raw bar favorites, and upscale fare and cocktails right on the riverfront.
101 South Market Street, Wilmington
View this post on Instagram
Big Chill Beach Club
In Bethany Beach, there’s a summertime drinking and dining oasis right on the beach. Big Chill Beach Club offers panoramic views of the Atlantic with a seafood-centric bar bites, a roof deck and an umbrella bar.
27099 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach
View this post on Instagram
Docklands Riverfront
It’s right in the name! Docklands Riverfront is a great spot for drinking and dining on the Wilmington riverfront. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine with lunch and an afternoon beverage or meeting friends for an after-work happy hour, Docklands Riverfront is an ideal destination for waterfront dining.
110 West Street, Wilmington
Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
Nothing goes with waterfront views like seafood, and Big Fish Grill offers plenty of both! Chow down on favorites like seafood pasta, surf-and-turf specialties, and Big Fish jambalaya on the Wilmington riverfront.
720 Justison Street, Wilmington
Timothy’s Riverfront Grill
Seeking a waterfront restaurant in Delaware with great bar specials, TVs to watch your favorite team, and classic American fare? This Wilmington riverfront mainstay checks all the boxes with a fun sports bar atmosphere and river views.
930 Justison Street, Wilmington
View this post on Instagram
Grain H2O
Bear’s waterfront restaurant offers fun bar vibes, gastropub fare, a full bar, live entertainment, and fun events like trivia.
3006 Summit Harbour Place, Bear
Crabby Dick’s
If you’re looking for beach vibes in New Castle County, Crabby Dick’s is a hidden gem. With a patio right on the Delaware River, this crab house and seafood hotspot offers all the vibes of a casual beach bar in Delaware City.
30 Clinton Street, Delaware City
View this post on Instagram
Kent County
McGlynns Pub
In Dover, you can grab a pitcher of beer with Silver Lake views on the patio at McGlynns Pub.
800 North State Street, Dover
9 East TaphouseÂ
Enjoy casual American fare on a stone patio with lakefront views at this Dover eatery.
9 East Loockerman Street, Dover
JP’s on the Wharf
A patio with boardwalk vibes, a seafood-centric menu, delightful cocktails, and more await at this waterfront restaurant in Frederica.
201 Hubbard Avenue, Frederica
View this post on Instagram
Park Place Restaurant & Lounge
Chow down on seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and pub fare at this casual eatery in Milford.
5 North Washington Street, Milford
River Lights Cafe
For a breakfast fix at a waterfront restaurant, head to River Lights Cafe in Milford. The casual and cozy cafe offers breakfast and lunch with patio seating along the Mispillion River.
340 Northeast Front Street, Milford
Arena’s Milford
Milford’s Arena’s location is right on the river. Enjoy all your Arena’s favorites with a side of river views.
200 Northeast Front Street, Milford
Sussex County
Harbour Restaurant at Canal Square
Lewes is home to a scenic canal and marina. Harbour offers stunning views of the boats on the patio. Whether you’re stopping in for a few drinks or an upscale dinner, Harbour offers a scenic dining experience on the canal.
134 West Market Street, Lewes
View this post on Instagram
Wheelhouse
Across the bridge from Harbour Restaurant, Wheelhouse serves up oysters, seafood, and drinks in a family-friendly waterfront atmosphere. Whether you choose patio seating or a table indoors, you’ll be able to soak in the waterfront vibes.
7 Anglers Road, Lewes
Irish Eyes
Irish Eyes specializes in water views and Irish pub-inspired fare in Lewes.
213 Anglers Road, Lewes
Grain on the Rocks
At the Lewes Ferry Terminal, Grain serves up pub fare with a seafood focus right on the water. If you’re looking for bay views, Grain on the Rocks is hard to beat.
43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes
Above the Dunes
Above the Dunes is beloved by locals and tourists alike for both the food and the ambiance. Enjoy a diverse menu of seafood and classic American fare while taking in ocean views from the second floor of this boardwalk building.
101 South Boardwalk (Fl 2), Rehoboth Beach
View this post on Instagram
Obie’s by the Sea
A Rehoboth favorite for bites and drinks on the boardwalk, Obie’s by the Sea offers seafood, salads, burgers, and sandwiches in a casual and relaxed atmosphere overlooking the ocean.
1 Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Dockside Marina Bar & Grill
Starting in April, Dockside Marina Bar & Grill is an ideal spot to enjoy summer at the beach. The waterfront restaurant features boat views, plenty of outdoor seating, and great summer cocktails.
39413 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach
The Lighthouse Dewey Beach
The Lighthouse Restaurant serves plenty of local and coastal-inspired dishes along with cocktails, beer, and wine. Plus, enjoy live entertainment on the weekends and stunning sunset views.
124 Dickinson Avenue, Dewey Beach
View this post on Instagram
Seaside Bar & Grill
In Long Neck, this seasonal bar and grill serves up seafood and American fare with a side of waterfront views all summer long.
99 Sandpiper Road, Long Neck
Serendipity Restaurant
With eccentric decor, waterfront views, and a diverse menu including Italian and Polish-inspired fare, Serendipity is a great spot for a family meal by the water.
32580 River Road, Millsboro
The Riverside Grill
For those seeking a waterfront restaurant with a local small-town bar vibe, The Riverside Grill is a must-visit in Millsboro.
31457 River Road, Millsboro
Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar
The Bethany Beach eatery offers views of Salt Lake from the patio. Indulge in upscale seafood, thoughtful cocktails, and seaside vibes at this Bethany hotspot.
30904 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach
View this post on Instagram
Mango’s
For Caribbean fare with a side of Atlantic views, dine at Mango’s in Bethany Beach. Sip tropical cocktails and indulge in island-centric bites while listening to the sound of the waves. There’s no better way to conclude a day at the beach.
97 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach
Catch 54
Whether you choose a table indoors next to the window or dine outside on the patio, you’ll enjoy water views aplenty at Catch 54.
38931 Madison Avenue, Selbyville
Harpoon Hanna’s
Nestled right on Delaware’s southern border, Harpoon Hanna’s offers a bay view and seafood-centric menu.
39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick
Related: This Delaware Town Is a Top “Calm-Cation” Destination
