The true measure of a seafood restaurant: Is the calamari rubbery? Never at Deep Blue Bar & Grill, which has been doing seafood perfectly for more than 15 years now. The five-spice tuna is a classic. The raw bar, with its wide variety of oysters, is unparalleled. (111 W. 11th St., Wilmington, 777-2040, www.deepbluebarandgrill.com)
Henlopen City Oyster House is the real deal: fried soft shells, jerked grouper, local rockfish, rich bouillabaisse and more, including a couple dozen varieties of oysters from around the country and an equally impressive selection of cold brews. Delish. (50 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 260-9193, www.hcoysterhouse.com)
Big Fish Grill
720 Justison St., Wilmington, 652-3474
4117 Hwy. One, Rehoboth Beach, 227-3474
www.bigfishriverfront.com; www.bigfishgrill.com