12 Coastal Delaware Restaurants With Atlantic Views That Make Every Meal Better
Delaware’s shoreline isn’t only about sunbathing and wave-watching – it’s also home to dining spots that turn a simple meal into a full-on seaside experience.
Imagine enjoying freshly caught seafood with the ocean sparkling in the background, from laid-back boardwalk joints to refined hotel restaurants.
These coastal favorites prove that the view can be just as satisfying as the plate, making every bite feel like part of the vacation.
1. Above the Dunes: Soaring Views from Second-Story Perch
Floating above the bustling Rehoboth boardwalk, this aptly-named restaurant delivers exactly what its moniker promises – dining elevated above the dunes with sweeping Atlantic panoramas. The seafood-forward menu showcases the ocean’s bounty while you gaze upon its source.
The raw bar selections arrive impressively arranged, perfect companions to their signature breezy cocktails. Finding the entrance at 101 S.
Boardwalk requires a quick climb to the second floor, but the reward of those unobstructed sightlines makes every step worthwhile.
2. Victoria’s Restaurant: Three-Tiered Elegance on the Waves
Perched inside the Victorian-styled Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, Victoria’s Restaurant delivers refined coastal cuisine from a unique three-tier dining space.
The gentle soundtrack of ocean waves accompanies every bite of their famous afternoon tea service and seafood specialties.
My grandmother celebrated her 80th birthday here last summer, and even after eight decades of dining experiences, she declared the crab cakes with that magnificent ocean backdrop ‘simply transcendent.’
Every table offers Atlantic views, making reservations a must during peak season.
3. Obie’s by the Sea: Boardwalk Bliss at Wave Level
Sand practically dusts the threshold of Obie’s, placing diners at eye level with the rhythmic Atlantic surf. Colorful frozen concoctions arrive in frosty glasses, the perfect foil to hot summer days and crispy seafood baskets.
Families with sandy feet and sun-kissed shoulders gather here for post-beach refueling. The casual vibe matches the unhurried pace of vacation days, with the boardwalk’s energy flowing past while the ocean stretches endlessly beyond your table.
4. Sandcrab Beach Bar: Open-Air Sipping with Salty Breezes
The Sandcrab embraces its beachfront identity with an unfussy open-air setup where drinks take center stage against a backdrop of rolling waves. Bartenders mix refreshing cocktails while the Atlantic provides both the view and the cooling breeze.
Attached to the Atlantic Sands Hotel’s oceanfront deck, this seasonal spot captures summer in liquid form. Casual bites complement the beverages, but most patrons come for the unbeatable combination of cold drinks and hot sunshine with their toes just steps from the sand.
5. Kiwi’s Kove: Grab-and-Go Goodness with Ocean Soundtrack
Boardwalk hunger pangs meet their match at Kiwi’s Kove, where quick service doesn’t compromise the stunning Atlantic backdrop. Part of the Atlantic Sands complex, this casual spot specializes in convenient fare for beach-goers not wanting to sacrifice ocean time for mealtime.
The straightforward menu delivers satisfying options perfect for sandy hands and salty appetites. Grab your selection and choose between returning to your beach blanket or claiming a boardwalk-side perch to enjoy your meal with uninterrupted wave-watching.
6. Grotto Pizza South Boardwalk: Iconic Swirl Pies with Sea Views
The legendary swirl of sauce and cheese that defines Grotto’s signature pies tastes even better when paired with Atlantic Ocean panoramas.
This South Boardwalk location of the beloved Delaware institution offers the familiar comfort of their pizzas with the added bonus of beach views.
Traveling to Rehoboth without sampling Grotto’s would be like visiting without seeing the ocean. My family has maintained a vacation tradition of first-night Grotto’s dinner since 1982 – the taste instantly signals that beach vacation mode has officially begun.
7. The Plaza Pub: Sophisticated Sips in Oceanfront Comfort
Tucked inside the Victorian elegance of the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, The Plaza Pub offers a refined drinking experience with uncompromised ocean views.
Sink into leather chairs while craft cocktails arrive alongside lighter fare options, all framed by Atlantic panoramas. The pub’s sophisticated atmosphere provides a welcome contrast to more boisterous boardwalk venues.
On a stormy evening last fall, I watched lightning dance across the dark ocean horizon from this cozy perch – nature’s dramatic display paired perfectly with their expertly mixed Old Fashioned.
8. Mango’s: Caribbean Flair on Bethany’s Beachfront
Mango’s brings tropical island vibes to Bethany Beach with its second-level perch delivering prime ocean views alongside Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
Colorful drinks topped with paper umbrellas complement seafood dishes infused with island spices, all served with a side of Atlantic breezes. Sunset tables here are coveted real estate, as the fading light transforms the ocean canvas before you.
The restaurant captures that magical vacation feeling where time slows down and every sip and bite feels more meaningful against the backdrop of rolling waves.
9. Ocean 99: Contemporary Coastal Elegance at Bethany’s Edge
The Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Marriott houses this refined dining destination where modern coastal cuisine meets direct beach outlooks.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Atlantic like a living artwork, complementing a menu that showcases the region’s seafood bounty with contemporary flair. The polished resort setting elevates casual beach dining without sacrificing relaxed coastal charm.
Year-round service makes Ocean 99 a reliable choice even during quieter shoulder seasons, though reservations through OpenTable become essential during summer months when every table with those coveted ocean views fills quickly.
10. Big Chill Beach Club: Panoramic Inlet Views from Elevated Deck
Perched where Delaware Seashore State Park meets the Indian River Inlet, Big Chill lives up to its name with a laid-back vibe and spectacular 360-degree water views.
The elevated deck positions diners between the ocean and inlet, creating a unique dining perspective unlike any other coastal Delaware spot.
Crushes (Delaware’s signature boozy drinks) flow freely here, paired with casual beach fare. My brother-in-law proposed on this very deck last summer – the bride-to-be was so mesmerized by the sweeping water views that she nearly missed seeing him drop to one knee!
11. Dockside Marina Bar + Grill: Inlet Energy with Ocean Horizons
Situated at Indian River Marina’s north side, Dockside combines bustling marina activity with distant ocean views where the inlet meets the Atlantic.
Fishing boats come and go as diners enjoy all-day service from breakfast through dinner in this working waterfront setting. The menu caters to hearty appetites with generous portions served in a no-frills atmosphere.
Located within Delaware Seashore State Park, the restaurant offers a genuine coastal experience where salt air enhances every bite and the ever-changing parade of boats provides constant entertainment beyond your plate.
12. Gus & Gus Place: Nostalgic Boardwalk Bites with Beach Views
This Rehoboth institution has been serving up no-frills comfort food with ocean views since long before waterfront dining became fashionable.
The compact counter-service spot offers window-side stools where you can devour their legendary fried chicken and cheesesteaks while watching beachgoers parade past. The vintage atmosphere adds a layer of nostalgia to every meal.
Generations of beach visitors have made Gus & Gus their tradition, with grandparents introducing grandchildren to the same greasy-good specialties they enjoyed in their own youth – all with that timeless Atlantic backdrop that never goes out of style.