EDITORS’ PICK, UPSTATE
The country charm of Krazy Kat’s makes it a perfect place to impress guests who have come to see the Brandywine Valley. Your breakfast: short rib-smoked cheddar grits with jalapeños and smoked tomato jus or challah French toast with cinnamon butter and blueberry-Gran Marnier syrup. Your dinner: lump crab cakes with wasabi crème fraiche, sunchokes, spinach-bacon spanakopita and baby arugula. This may be fine dining, but it is not at all stuffy. 528 Montchanin Road, Montchanin, 888-4200, krazykatsrestaurant.com
EDITORS’ PICK, DOWNSTATE
The Back Porch Café redefined dining in Rehoboth and, we dare say, the state with a serious approach to a relaxed experience. You can wear flip-flops while enjoying food that has been cooked The Back Porch way since the beginning, spawning several waves of excellent restaurants in Rehoboth and beyond. Happy 40th, Back Porch. Many more. 59 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-3674, backporchcafe.com
EDITORS’ PICK, OVER THE LINE
In a word, classic. Dilworthtown Inn has existed in some form or another for 230 years. The romantic Colonial feeling draws serious foodies from far and wide. Entrées range from a timeless filet mignon Béarnaise to sea bass with rosemary Maltese and lentils. The wine cellar is unparalleled. The white-glove service seals it. 1390 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester, (610)399-1390, dilworthtown.com
READERS’ PICK, UPSTATE
Green Room 11th and Market streets, Wilmington, 594-3100, hoteldupont.com
READERS’ PICK, DOWNSTATE
Blue Moon 35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-6515, bluemoonrehoboth.com