Big Fish Grill
(Readers, Upstate)
720 Justison St., Wilmington, 652-3474, www.bigfishriverfront.com
Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill
(Readers, Downstate)
1904 Del. 1, Dewey Beach, 260-9945, www.deweybeachbar.com
Courtyard Newark-University of Delaware
(Editors, Upstate)
Chef Mark Chopko of Courtyard Newark-University of Delaware continues his unparalleled dominance of the crab cake category, securing his sixth straight victory. He has yet to reveal his secret recipe.
400 David Hollowell Drive, Newark, 737-0900, www.marriott.com
Nantuckets
(Editors, Downstate)
This is not the first time we’ve raved about the crab cakes at Nantuckets, and we can’t foresee it being the last. Jumbo lump Maryland blue crabs get a secret blend of seasoning before they are broiled to golden perfection. A few others come close, but Nantuckets’ cakes are peerless. Order them on a sandwich with garlic aïoli, as a meal of two 5-ounce cakes with caper rémoulade, or as an addition to any dish. Even with the delicious blue cheese-herb crusted filet, the crab cake will steal the show.
601 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, 539-2607, www.nantucketsrestaurant.com