Best Italian Restaurants in Delaware
Italian food and this small coastal state are a better match than many people expect. The best Italian restaurants in Delaware blend neighborhood warmth with serious culinary ambition, from red-sauce classics to chef-driven tasting menus that draw national attention.
In this guide to the best Italian restaurants in Delaware, we’ll look at the standout spots in Wilmington, Newark, the beaches, and beyond, plus what to order, how to plan your visit, and how the scene is evolving over the next few years.
The Italian Dining Scene in Delaware: Why It Punches Above Its Weight
For a relatively small state, the Italian dining scene is surprisingly deep. Historic immigration from Italy to the Mid-Atlantic created a strong foundation of bakeries, pizzerias, and family-run trattorias.
Over time, that foundation attracted chefs who wanted the freedom to experiment without the sky-high rents of bigger cities. Today, when people search for the best Italian restaurants in Delaware, they find everything from old-school red-sauce joints in Wilmington’s Little Italy to modern tasting-menu destinations that regularly appear on national lists.
Bardea Food & Drink, for example, has received multiple accolades and was recently named one of USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year, putting Wilmington firmly on the culinary map.
Another reason the best Italian restaurants in Delaware stand out is proximity to high-quality ingredients. Chefs have easy access to local produce from nearby farms, fresh seafood from the Atlantic, and artisan products from regional purveyors.
This lets them riff on Italian tradition with seasonal menus rather than relying on imported ingredients alone. Diners see more house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and coastal Italian-inspired dishes than ever.
Looking ahead, expect even more hybrid concepts where Italian flavors meet Mediterranean, New American, or plant-focused cooking. As remote workers and new residents move in from major cities, they bring expectations for high-end dining and wine programs.
That demand will likely push the best Italian restaurants in Delaware to expand tasting menus, offer chef’s counters, and lean harder into sustainable sourcing and creative cocktails over the next three to five years.
Wilmington: Flagship Italian Restaurants Leading the Way
Wilmington is the powerhouse city when people compile lists of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware. The downtown and Trolley Square neighborhoods in particular are packed with Italian spots, from upscale destinations to cozy neighborhood staples.
Bardea Food & Drink: Modern Italian With National Recognition
Bardea Food & Drink in downtown Wilmington is often the first name mentioned in any conversation about the best Italian restaurants in Delaware. Co-owner and chef Antimo DiMeo draws on Italian roots but treats the cuisine through a modern, playful lens, combining seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients with global techniques.
The restaurant has been James Beard–nominated and was named one of USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year, a rare national spotlight for a local Italian-inspired restaurant.
The menu at Bardea shifts frequently, but you can expect inventive small plates like grilled avocado with tomatillo broth, burrata “pop tarts,” and delicate pastas that change with the season. Pizzas come wood-fired with creative toppings rather than just standard margherita or pepperoni.
Large format dishes might feature whole fish, roasted chicken, or slow-cooked meats presented family-style. Cocktails lean sophisticated, with Italian amaros and vermouths worked into modern recipes, and the wine list is curated to showcase both classic Italian regions and interesting natural producers.
If you’re planning a visit, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. The dress is stylish casual; jeans are fine, but many guests treat it as a night-out destination.
Over the next few years, Bardea is likely to keep evolving with new concepts and collaborations—the team has already added a steakhouse next door and continues to refresh their menus. Given its momentum, Bardea will almost certainly stay on any serious list of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware well into the future.
Scalessa’s “My Way” Old School Italian Kitchen: Classic Red-Sauce Comfort
For pure nostalgia and heaping plates of Italian-American comfort food, Scalessa’s “My Way” Old School Italian Kitchen is a Wilmington staple.
Located on N Lincoln Street, this cozy spot leans fully into red-sauce culture: think rigatoni with Grandma’s Sunday gravy, meatballs the size of your fist, gnocchi in four-cheese sauce, and chicken parmigiana layered with fresh mozzarella and basil.
Scalessa’s reflects the heart of what many locals mean when they talk about the best Italian restaurants in Delaware—big flavors, generous portions, and a dining room where everyone feels like family.
The décor is simple and warm, service is famously friendly, and the vibe stays lively without being pretentious. Expect to leave with leftovers; dishes are built for sharing, and the menu heavily favors classics over experimentation.
Because Scalessa’s is popular with both locals and families in town for sporting events or weekend getaways, it can get packed, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are a smart move, and carryout is also a strong option if you want the experience at home.
In the coming years, places like Scalessa’s will likely double down on takeout-friendly family trays and catering, as guests increasingly look for ways to bring the feel of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware into home gatherings and parties.
Piccolina Toscana and Other Wilmington Favorites
Another major player among the best Italian restaurants in Delaware is Piccolina Toscana. Located in Wilmington’s nightlife hub, this restaurant has spent over three decades serving small plates, house-made pasta, and an impressive wine list in a space that blends rustic and contemporary design.
Guests praise the late-night hours, which make it a go-to spot after shows or events, and the menu typically balances pizza, antipasti, and seasonal pasta specials.
Beyond Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington offers several additional Italian-leaning restaurants that regularly appear on local “best of” lists. The Quoin Restaurant, housed inside a historic bank-turned-hotel, combines Italian inspiration with modern American dishes in an airy dining room.
Bardea-related concepts and other new openings are gradually transforming downtown into a destination neighborhood for people who love Italian flavors but want variety.
Looking forward, Wilmington is likely to see more chef-driven Italian concepts, especially as the national press continues to spotlight Bardea and its neighboring restaurants. That rising tide should encourage new talent to open bistros, wine bars, and hybrid Italian-Mediterranean spots, expanding the list of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware even more.
Newark: College-Town Vibes With Serious Italian Food
Newark may be known primarily as a university town, but it quietly hosts some of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware along its busy Main Street. The combination of student crowds, visiting families, and long-time residents has created a market for Italian restaurants that can serve everything from special-occasion dinners to casual gelato dates.
Caffe Gelato: Northern Italian Cuisine and Award-Winning Wine
Caffe Gelato stands out as one of Newark’s signature Italian destinations. Located on East Main Street, it offers a blend of northern Italian cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere, and a serious wine program recognized by outlets like Wine Spectator.
The restaurant makes its own artisan gelato and pasta in-house, and it also runs a robust catering arm for events and business functions, which helps keep standards high.
On the plate, guests can expect dishes like lump crab and shrimp capellini, lobster and shrimp gnocchi, crispy calamari, and thoughtful pizza options. The menu has a wide enough range to accommodate date nights, business dinners, and families with varied tastes.
Because Caffe Gelato is a Main Street fixture, it’s wise to reserve, especially during graduation season or university events when out-of-town visitors flock to what they see as one of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware.
Caffe Gelato’s future is likely to revolve around deeper wine education and upscale events—think wine dinners, pairing menus, and themed tastings.
With more diners seeking experiences rather than just meals, restaurants like Caffe Gelato are well-positioned to offer classes or special evenings that pair multiple courses with curated wines, further solidifying their role among the best Italian restaurants in Delaware.
Taverna Rustic Italian: Casual, Lively, and Consistently Delicious
Just down the street, Taverna Rustic Italian provides another pillar of Newark’s Italian scene. Taverna emphasizes a rustic, home-style approach to Italian cooking, with décor that evokes a village eatery and a menu built around fresh, robust flavors.
Reviewers highlight consistently delicious food, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere that works for both casual dinners and special occasions.
The menu typically features wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and shareable starters like arancini, meatballs, or charcuterie boards. Taverna’s bar program also leans into Italian classics such as Negronis, Aperol Spritzes, and wine from key Italian regions.
For many locals, this blend of energy, quality, and value earns Taverna a spot on their personal list of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware—especially if they want something a bit livelier than a formal fine-dining setting.
As Newark continues to grow with new residents and university-affiliated professionals, Taverna is likely to maintain its position by expanding happy-hour offerings, adding seasonal specials, and perhaps integrating more takeout-friendly family meals.
Italian restaurants that can serve both dine-in and at-home occasions will have an edge, ensuring that Taverna remains top of mind in the conversation about the best Italian restaurants in Delaware.
Rehoboth Beach and the Coastal Italian Experience
Along the coast, Italian food takes on a breezy, seaside personality. Beach-town visitors might think seafood shacks dominate the scene, but some of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware sit just a few blocks from the boardwalk, pairing house-made pasta with fresh local seafood and laid-back dining rooms.
Lupo Italian Kitchen: House-Made Pasta and Coastal Flair
Lupo Italian Kitchen, located in downtown Rehoboth Beach at Hotel Rehoboth, is widely regarded as the area’s premier Italian spot. It focuses on fresh, homemade pasta, locally sourced seafood, and produce, creating a menu that marries authentic Italian techniques with coastal flair.
Signature dishes include lobster bucatini, rigatoni Bolognese, chicken parmesan, and classic spaghetti and meatballs, alongside rotating seasonal specials.
The atmosphere at Lupo Italian Kitchen balances elegance with beach casual. Guests often arrive in resort-wear after a day at the ocean, yet the white-space décor, warm service, and thoughtful plating make dinner feel like an occasion.
The wine list highlights Italian regions and seafood-friendly whites, and there’s usually a strong emphasis on cocktails and aperitifs. Because Lupo is attached to a hotel and popular with both tourists and locals, reservations are essential during summer weekends and holidays.
In terms of future trends, coastal Italian spots like Lupo are likely to lean even more into sustainability. Expect increasing emphasis on traceable seafood, partnerships with local fishermen, and menus that change with the tides.
As more visitors search online for “best Italian restaurants in Delaware near the beach,” places like Lupo will continue to dominate search results, especially if they maintain strong reviews and an active presence on reservation platforms.
Other Coastal Italian Gems and Hidden Spots
While Lupo Italian Kitchen is the marquee name, the Rehoboth and broader coastal region hosts several smaller Italian restaurants that locals quietly recommend. Guides to hidden Italian gems in the state highlight a mix of strip-mall surprises and neighborhood trattorias that focus on pizza, simple pasta, and comforting baked dishes.
These lesser-known coastal spots may not have national press, but they play an important role in the ecosystem of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware.
Many are family-owned, with recipes passed down over generations, and they often provide better value than more touristy boardwalk venues. Diners who care less about décor and more about a perfect plate of baked ziti or a giant calzone will find plenty to love.
As Rehoboth and nearby beach towns continue to grow as year-round communities rather than purely seasonal destinations, expect some of these smaller Italian restaurants to upgrade their interiors and online visibility.
Enhanced outdoor seating, improved websites, and online ordering platforms will help them compete, ensuring they earn a mention any time people put together a fresh list of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware.
Beyond the Big Hubs: Hidden Italian Restaurants Worth the Drive
Wilmington, Newark, and Rehoboth anchor most lists of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware, but smaller towns host noteworthy Italian kitchens as well. These spots often fly under the radar, yet locals swear by them for birthdays, anniversaries, and cozy nights out.
Recent guides to hidden Italian restaurants in the state point to suburban strip centers and small downtowns where family-run restaurants quietly turn out excellent pizza, handmade ravioli, and slow-simmered sauces.
These places may lack glossy websites or national awards, but they make up for it with loyal regulars and long menus of comforting classics.
One advantage of exploring beyond the main cities is ease of access. Parking is usually simple, reservations may be less necessary, and prices tend to be friendlier than in high-rent urban cores.
Diners willing to drive 20–30 minutes can often find a spot where the owner greets them personally, recommends nightly specials, and sends out complimentary dessert for special occasions—hallmarks of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware in the eyes of many residents.
Looking ahead, rising rents in larger cities and the continued popularity of suburban living will likely encourage even more Italian chefs to open in smaller towns.
Expect to see destination-worthy spots pop up in places that previously had only takeout pizza, further distributing the map of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware across the entire state.
How to Choose the Right Italian Restaurant in Delaware for Your Occasion
Because there are so many contenders for the best Italian restaurants in Delaware, choosing where to eat can feel overwhelming. A few simple criteria can help you match the restaurant to your occasion and style.
First, decide whether you want modern or traditional. If you’re excited by chef-driven menus, tasting courses, and inventive small plates, options like Bardea and some newer Wilmington concepts are strong bets.
These spots shine for date nights, celebrations, and food-focused outings where guests are open to trying something new. On the other hand, if your group craves familiar flavors—chicken parm, lasagna, baked shells—then Scalessa’s, Caffe Gelato, Taverna, and many hidden gems may fit better.
Second, consider the atmosphere and noise level. Families with children may prioritize casual dining rooms and flexible menus. University groups might gravitate toward the lively energy of Newark’s Main Street, while couples seeking a quieter evening could choose a coastal restaurant on a weekday or a more intimate bistro in Wilmington.
Review platforms such as OpenTable, TripAdvisor, and Restaurantji often include comments on ambiance and volume, helping you narrow down which of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware align with your preference.
Finally, factor in logistics: parking, reservations, and dietary needs. Some Italian restaurants excel at vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-friendly options; others are more traditional. Checking the menu beforehand ensures everyone finds something they love.
Over time, expect more of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware to adapt with clearly labeled dietary symbols and online booking tools as diners increasingly organize nights out via mobile search.
Future Trends Shaping the Best Italian Restaurants in Delaware
The restaurant industry changes quickly, and the best Italian restaurants in Delaware are evolving right along with it. Several trends are likely to shape what these restaurants look like over the next three to five years.
One major shift is toward sustainability and local sourcing. Diners increasingly ask where ingredients come from, and Italian cuisine is well-suited to showcase local produce, dairy, and seafood.
Expect more menus to call out nearby farms, seasonal vegetables, and regionally milled flour for pasta and pizza dough. Wine lists may also tilt toward small producers and environmentally conscious vineyards.
Another trend involves technology and convenience. Online reservations, QR-code menus, and integrated delivery/takeout platforms became standard across much of the industry.
The best Italian restaurants in Delaware will continue refining this digital infrastructure, offering pre-order options for family-style trays, holiday packages, and special events. Hybrid fast-casual concepts may appear, blending high-quality pasta or pizza with counter service and mobile ordering.
Finally, there is a growing interest in Italian regionality and global fusion. Instead of generic “Italian” dishes, more chefs are spotlighting specific regions—Sicilian seafood, Roman pastas, Tuscan steaks—or combining Italian techniques with influences from Asia, North Africa, or Latin America.
This creative cross-pollination is already visible at places like Bardea and will likely spread, inspiring new contenders for the title of best Italian restaurants in Delaware as diners seek both authenticity and novelty.
FAQs
Q.1: What is the dress code at the best Italian restaurants in Delaware?
Answer: Dress codes vary, but most of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware fall into the “smart casual” category. Upscale places like Bardea Food & Drink and Lupo Italian Kitchen welcome guests in nice jeans, dresses, button-downs, or stylish tops; formal wear isn’t required, but athletic gear or beachwear may feel out of place at dinner.
More relaxed spots such as Scalessa’s, Taverna, and many hidden neighborhood restaurants are comfortable with casual clothing, especially earlier in the evening or at lunch.
As the dining scene evolves, expect dress norms to stay flexible, especially with more visitors pairing dinner with other activities like sightseeing or campus events. When in doubt, business-casual attire works almost everywhere.
Websites and reservation platforms sometimes note suggested attire, so a quick check before you go can help you feel confident and comfortable.
Q.2: Do I need reservations for Italian restaurants in Wilmington, Newark, or Rehoboth?
Answer: For the most popular best Italian restaurants in Delaware, reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends, holidays, and during beach season. Bardea, Lupo Italian Kitchen, and Caffe Gelato regularly book up, and OpenTable listings show high demand on peak nights.
Newark’s Taverna and other Main Street favorites also benefit from advance booking, especially when the university hosts big events.
That said, many Italian restaurants hold some bar or patio seating for walk-ins, and neighborhood spots outside major hubs may have more flexibility.
As online booking tools become even more widely used, the best Italian restaurants in Delaware will likely continue shifting toward a mixed model—some reservable tables and some held for spontaneous visits.
Q.3: Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options at the best Italian restaurants in Delaware?
Answer: Yes. Italian cuisine naturally lends itself to vegetarian dishes, and more restaurants are adding gluten-free and vegan-friendly options every year. Many of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware offer vegetable-forward antipasti, salads, and pasta dishes where meat is optional.
Lupo Italian Kitchen, for instance, notes vegetarian choices and wine-friendly dishes on its menu, while Caffe Gelato and Taverna frequently feature seasonal vegetable pastas and risottos.
Gluten-free diners will find an increasing number of gluten-free pasta substitutes, risotto options, and naturally gluten-free mains like roasted fish or meat dishes.
However, if cross-contamination is a concern, it’s important to call ahead, as kitchens vary in their ability to isolate gluten-free preparation areas. As demand grows, expect more of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware to highlight allergen-friendly dishes directly on their menus and websites.
Q.4: How much should I expect to spend at the best Italian restaurants in Delaware?
Answer: Prices vary depending on the style of restaurant and city. Upscale destinations like Bardea and certain Wilmington or Rehoboth spots typically fall into the $$–$$$$ range on review platforms, with pastas often in the mid-teens to twenties and larger entrées higher. Coastal locations can be slightly pricier due to seafood costs and seasonal demand.
Mid-range restaurants such as Caffe Gelato or Taverna usually offer pastas and pizzas in the mid-teens and entrées in the high teens to low twenties, making them approachable for regular nights out.
Hidden neighborhood trattorias and pizzerias may offer even more budget-friendly prices, especially for takeout. Overall, most of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware deliver strong value by combining generous portions, quality ingredients, and welcoming service.
Conclusion
The best Italian restaurants in Delaware prove that you don’t need a giant city to enjoy world-class pasta, pizza, and modern Italian cooking. Wilmington delivers national-level dining at places like Bardea and long-loved red-sauce institutions like Scalessa’s and Piccolina Toscana.
Newark offers college-town energy with polished restaurants such as Caffe Gelato and Taverna Rustic Italian. Along the coast, Lupo Italian Kitchen and other hidden spots pair handmade pasta with sea breezes and fresh seafood. Across smaller towns and suburbs, family-run trattorias keep traditions alive with recipes passed down through generations.
As dining trends shift toward sustainability, regional Italian specialties, and tech-enabled convenience, the best Italian restaurants in Delaware are poised to become even more exciting. You can look forward to more seasonal menus, inventive cocktails, and chef collaborations that bring fresh energy to classic dishes.
Whether you’re a local planning a date night, a visitor exploring the beaches, or a foodie building a weekend itinerary, there has never been a better time to explore Italian cuisine across the state.
If you want to customize your own tour, start with one or two top-rated Wilmington restaurants, add a Newark dinner on Main Street, and finish with a coastal evening at Lupo Italian Kitchen. Along the way, keep an eye out for small neighborhood gems—because some of the best Italian restaurants in Delaware are still the ones locals quietly recommend to friends rather than shout about online.