An influx of new restaurants is as inevitable as the tides. If you haven’t visited the beach since Labor Day, you’re in for some surprises. Here’s a glimpse.
MILTON
When the new Pilot Town Fish Company in Paynter’s Mill closed suddenly, a Different Kitchen moved in. The concept is Asian fusion. | 16388 Samuel Paynter Blvd., 313-4014
The offbeat Cantina Ultima is not your usual Latin-inspired eatery. You might find a corned beef sandwich or Korean Buffalo wings. | 102 Federal St., 684-2555
LEWES
The Pig and Publican, in the Beacon Motel, brings a hip vibe to the historic town. The Pig and Publican is the sister restaurant to The Pickled Pig, so beer is the draw. The appetizer menu offers five different kinds of mussels. | 516 E. Savannah Road, 313-4487, www.pigandpublican.com
Wilson Gates and Chef Joe Churchman have infused The Buttery with new ideas. It got a cosmetic redo. And though the menu has been revamped, it maintains the elevated fare that made the restaurant an icon. | 102 Second St., 645-7755, www.butteryrestaurant.com
Heirloom has a new chef, Matt Kearn, formerly of Salt Air in Rehoboth, and a new patio. The restaurant is happy proof that epicurean dining can succeed in Historic Lewes. | 212 Savannah Road, 313-4065, www.heirloomdelaware.com
Patty’s is moving out of the space made famous by Half Full, and Olive & Oats by Azafran has moved into the old Patty’s, creating a full circle for owner Richard Steele. He started Café Azafran in what is now The Gatehouse of Lewes. | 113 W. Market St.
Agave has expanded. It now dominates the first floor of its building. | 137 Second St., 645-1232, www.agavemexicanrestaurant.net
The old Gilligan’s Waterfront Restaurant, cobbled around an old fishing boat, is no more. Gilligan’s now occupies a new building on the same site, but there is still a canal-front patio. | 134 W. Market St., 644-7230, www.gilligans.net
The second Kaisy’s Delight is larger than the original and has a drive-thru. Find lattes, breakfast items and the signature kaiserschmarrn, a caramelized shredded pancake with whipped cream, ice cream or marmalade and a side of bacon or sausage. | 1548 Savannah Road, 313-4241, www.kaisysdelights.com
Lefty’s Alley & Eats offers bowling, an arcade and laser tag and a menu for bowlers, as well as a restaurant menu of noshes, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and family friendly fare like fish and chips. | 36450 Plaza Drive, Lewes, 864-6000, www.iloveleftys.com
REHOBOTH BEACH
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen will thrill the host of Delawareans who lament the lack of Jewish delis. The menu includes latkes, herring in wine sauce, matzo ball soup and deli sandwiches that take two hands. | 18949 Coastal Hwy., 645-1700, www.rosenfeldsjewishdeli.co
SoDel Concepts is determined to open the new Bluecoast Seafood Grill by early June. The 250-seat restaurant has an outdoor area with firepits, bean bag games and an acoustic stage. Like Bluecoast in Bethany, the menu will highlight oysters, seafood, a selection of steaks and other favorites. | 30115 Veterans Way, www.bluecoastrehoboth.com
On the traffic circle in Rehoboth, Egg has hatched quite a fan base since opening in November. Owner Missi Moore has created a funky breakfast spot with a beachy cottage decor. Try the candied bacon and the lobster waffle. | 510 Rehoboth Ave., 227-EGGS, www.eggrehoboth.com
This spring there were several “coming soon” signs in storefront windows. One belonged to Fuego to Go, offshoot of a food truck. The menu includes tacos (flour, corn or crunchy), rice bowls and quesadillas. Like it hot? You’ve come to the right place. And it delivers. | 4 N. First St., 227-HEAT or 227-TACO, www.fuegofoodtrucks.com
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls features a menu focused on—what else? Get one on a hot dog roll with a dollop of mayo and lemon or dressed with warm butter. | 67 Rehoboth Ave., 727-0411, www.masonslobster.com
DiFebo’s Rehoboth has installed heat and air conditioning on the porch to extend its use. DiFebo’ second location—the first is in Bethany Beach—proved popular last year. | 12 N. First St., 226-4550, www.difebos.com
Karly Gamaitoni is on quest to introduce new flavors in an upscale environment. Hence G Cask & Kitchen. Formerly Lula Brazil, the building has received a makeover inside and out. | 234 Rehoboth Ave., www.grehoboth.com
The old Espuma needed extensive work to make way for The Vineyard Wine Bar & Bistro. The kitchen—and just about everything else—has undergone a remodeling. In spring, owner Joe Lertch was taking it day by day. | 28 Wilmington Ave.
Joe Baker and Chris Bisaha, the duo behind Henlopen City Oyster House, opened The Blue Hen in March. The American regional menu features heritage meats and locally sourced items, a contrast to seafood-oriented Henlopen City. Expect duck, steaks and pork dishes, though the restaurant will feature at least one type of oyster. | 33 Wilmington Ave., 278-7842,
www.thebluehenrehoboth.com
At El Azteca on the Forgotten Mile, sip a hibiscus margarita with your Hawaiian fajitas (chicken and shrimp with pineapple). You’ll also find the standards. | 20672 Coastal Hwy., 278-7507, www.aztecadelaware.com
Big Chill Beach Club is welcoming visitors to the Delaware Seashore State Park near Indian River Inlet Bridge. Big Chill, built on the concession stand, has a novel umbrella-like contraption that provides shade when needed. You must pay the park fee or have a park pass to use the parking lot. | 27099 Coastal Hwy., 402-5300, www.bigchillbeachclub.com
BETHANY-FENWICK
Veteran Kiyomi Yamanaka proved he has the goods at Misaka in Bethany and Flying Fish in Fenwick before opening Cocolo Sushi. Locals are celebrating chef Yama’s return. | 776 Garfield Pkwy., 829-8784
Many wondered what was going on in the old Magnolia’s location. The wait is over. Big Fish Grill opened earlier this year. | 30415 Cedar Neck Road, 829-8163, www.bigfishoceanview.com
Our Harvest was scheduled to take up residence in Fenwick in mid-May. The decor is reclaimed rustic and barnyard chic. The menu draws inspiration from local agriculture and aquaculture. There are little plates (a bite or two), small plates (shareable bites) and “feasts.” | 1106 Coastal Hwy., 581-0377, www.ourharvestde.com
