Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the country, but it has a lot of wonderful food choices. You can discover a combination of local restaurants and pleasant eating places that present the state’s history, coastal lifestyle, and agricultural heritage through friends, internet or find them through restaurant blogs.
Whether you like new seafood, old comfort foods, or something different, there is something for everyone. If you are a first-time visitor, looking at the top restaurants is a great way to sample what Delaware has to offer.
A Taste of Delaware-Some Local Restaurants to Visit
Brandywine Brasserie
In the year 2024, the Wilmington restaurant underwent some major changes since its opening in 2023 of November. Now operated by Robert Lhulier the chef, previously employed at the restaurant of Snuff Mill, the location on the 2000 of Pennsylvania Ave. has a new appearance and a new menu. Lhulier has introduced a range of dishes, where the The menu now features dishes like a savory mushroom and comté tart, oysters served raw or baked, tender heritage chicken breast, and the flavorful Brandywine burger.
Market Street Bread & Bagel (Bakery & Cafe)
This lunch place is incredible. They have fresh grilled cheese sandwiches and soups, and with a combination of homemade bread and delicious desserts. The customer service is exceptional, which actually makes you feel so welcome. It’s wonderful to discover these hidden gems in the food scene.
Heirloom
Meghan Lee’s Lewes restaurant is now very well-received since its opening on December 2015. It’s located in a hip old Victorian house that dates back to 1899, and the combination of modern decor and period charm works very well. This evening-only restaurant was even up for some James Beard awards in the year 2019 and also on 2020. They rotate their menu seasonally, with menus such as seared foie gras, smoky char-grilled octopus, freshly prepared house-made pasta, flavorful Chesapeake blue catfish, and tender braised short ribs. You can book tables in the dining room and at the bar.
Tonic Grille
The vibe here is chill, making it a great spot for lunch. People love the big burgers and the drink options. In the fall, their apple cider sangria is a popular pick. While lunch is pretty laid-back, but you should not be discouraged as it gets lively during late-night hours.
Earnest and Scott
This restaurant has delicious meals including steak and salmon. It has been mentioned that steak and salmon has really left a good impression and people said that, this restaurant is definitely a place to come back to. On Saturday nights, the place gets lively, with DJ. And along with that there is a bar, which might make the night even better.
The Restaurant of House of William and Merry
Bill Hoffman and his wife Merry Catanuto have owned The Restaurant of House of William and Merry in Hockessin for many years, operating it out of a picturesque 1922 farmhouse. Hoffman was named a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Middle-Atlantic, along with Wilmington’s restaurant of Bardea Food & Drink’s Antimo DiMeo in the year 2022. The 60-seat restaurant has various dining spaces, charming front porch and a bar serving creative starters like flavorful roasted pork belly and crispy confit fried duck wings. The main dishes feature veal bolognese served with freshly made pappardelle and prime rib accompanied by rich, duck-fat roasted potatoes for a hearty and flavorful meal.
The Restaurant of La Fia Bistro
Chef Bryan Sikora’s restaurant, La Fia, along with wife Andrea, is downtown Wilmington’s darling for well more than ten years. Moreover, during the year 2020 they hired Dwain Kalup the Executive Chef, who earned acclaim for his cooking at Domaine Hudson that lead to him to earn a James Beard semi-finalist nomination in 2017. La Fia offers a Wednesday menu for $56 that features such dishes as creamy chicken liver mousse, crispy eggplant Milanese, flavorful coriander-crusted black cod, and indulgent roasted banana ice cream, demonstrating Kalup’s skill.
Harry Seafood Grill
There are reviews that the grilled oysters are tasty, and the cocktails are also well-made. Service is also said to be top-notch, with the waitress giving personal recommendations based on what we liked. While the food isn’t cheap, it’s worth it, and you won’t be disappointed with the desserts.
Le Cavalier
Le Cavalier at Hotel du Pont is led by chef Tyler Akin and has a nice blend of North African and Provençal flavors mixed with classic French dishes. They offers brunch, including breakfast, along with lunch, and dinner, along with an array of drinks at the bar. For lunch, you can find hearty French onion soup, classic steak frites, delicate branzino amandine, and rich dark chocolate mousse for a truly satisfying meal experience. When it comes to dinner, options include savoring dishes like silky foie gras mousse, succulent lobster tails, flavorful steak tartare, tender roasted chicken, and aromatic lamb tagine for a delightful culinary experience.
DiMeo’s Pizza
In downtown Wilmington, there’s a well-loved Italian restaurant known for its big portions, especially their lasagna. While it might not be the fanciest Italian spot around, the food is cozy and filling. The staff are really friendly and often chat with customers. The restaurant has a rich history in Wilmington which brings a warm, family vibe.
The Restaurant of Lewes Oyster House
The Lewes Oyster House, opened in 2022 by Timothy Bartley, Tom Little, and Sean Corea which quickly became a favorite in downtown of Lewes. They honor the 18th century along with the 19th-century oyster scene with dishes like highlights from the menu which include smoky grilled octopus, crispy coconut shrimp, the flavorful Delaware lobster roll, and tender butter-poached Atlantic halibut. Don’t miss out on the spicy Mure Margarita made with ghost pepper tincture and their big seafood towers.
Evelyn’s Soul Food
A hidden gem on the quieter side of North Market Street near a church, this soul food restaurant is a must-try. It’s popular with locals, showing how good the food is. Though some dishes may be a bit salty, they’re perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the yams. The portions are quite large, often enough for two meals, making for an enjoyable experience.
One Coastal
One Coastal in Sussex County, the restaurant owned by Chef Matt Kern, gained notice in 2024 when he became nominated for the awards like James Beard Best Chef award for Mid-Atlantic. Previously, he had gained a reputation working at Heirloom in Lewes, where he had two Beard nominations. Though One Coastal occupies a strip mall and only has dinner service, it’s well worth a visit. A few popular dishes that can be found there include fresh Ocean City tuna crudo, perfectly seared Cast Iron Bavette Steak, and crispy, flavorful corn-fried Chesapeake Blue Catfish, offering a delightful blend of tastes and textures.
Restaurant of Snuff Mill & Wine Bar
Snuff Mill which was opened in the year 2021, has kept diners coming back. Bill Irvin became the only owner in the year 2024, and the menu features dishes like caviar linguini, ch and flavorful dry-aged New York strip and their iconic signature beef burger, crafted to perfection.
Sovana Bistro
Over in Kennett Square of Pennsylvania, you’ll find Sovana Bistro, which is popular for its wood-fired pizzas, especially the Brussels Sprouts pie. They are open for Lunch and brunch, along with dinner, focusing on fresh, local ingredients with dishes like duck confit, homemade pasta, and creamy, decadent black truffle mac with cheese, a perfect blend of rich flavors and luxurious texture.
The Restaurant of Quoin
The restaurant of Quoin, located in a renovated building from 1885 in downtown Wilmington, serves up Italian dishes with a modern, wood-fired twist. Favorites include creamy burrata piadina, fresh and flavorful hamachi crudo, rich lasagnetta with artichoke ragu, and indulgent sticky toffee pudding. Plus, it has a rooftop bar and a cozy cocktail lounge in the basement.
La Fia Bistro
For those who like sharing a variety of dishes with friends, this fine dining place is perfect. Standouts on the menu include the tellicherry peppercorn filet mignon, caramelized Brussels sprouts with applewood smoked bacon, and bugati ricati pasta. Don’t forget the bread pudding dessert; it’s absolutely delicious. Their cocktails are also top-notch, with the Red Samurai being a favorite that’s worth trying more than once.
Other Local Restaurants
As some reddit users point out, Delaware has plenty of good foods to try. There are local wines and beers, such as Nassau Valley Vineyards and Dogfish Head Brewery, which are quite well-known. The subs from Capriotti’s and Casapulla’s cannot be beat, particularly the Bobbie, which is like Thanksgiving in a sandwich. If soup is what you’re in the mood for, The Back Burner’s pumpkin mushroom soup is a must.
Be sure to sample scrapple, a breakfast staple. Other local treats include fresh blue crabs, Nic-O-Boli stuffed pizza, Bennett peaches, McGee strawberries, and Dolly’s saltwater taffy. And if comfort food is what you’re looking for, chicken and dumplings and Lewes Dairy eggnog are a must-try.
Conclusion
Delaware has a tasty mix of traditional and new foods made with fresh local ingredients, making it a great place for food lovers. Whether you enjoy fancy dining, casual spots, or famous local dishes, there’s something for everyone.
From Lewes to Wilmington, each restaurant shows off Delaware’s special character and history. As you enjoy the fresh seafood, comforting soul food, and meals made from local farms, you’ll see why Delaware is memorable for its visitors. Enjoy your meal!
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