13 Delaware Restaurants That Locals Swear Are Worth Visiting For One Perfect Bite
Delaware might be small, but its food scene packs a serious punch that keeps locals coming back for more. From the beaches to the cities, this state hides some of the most memorable dining experiences you will ever encounter.
Whether you crave fresh seafood, perfectly charred steaks, or wood-fired pizza, these spots deliver dishes so good that one bite will have you planning your return visit before you even leave the parking lot.
1. Henlopen City Oyster House
Raw oysters glisten on beds of crushed ice at this Rehoboth Beach gem, where the ocean practically delivers dinner to your table. The menu changes with the tides, featuring whatever swam in that morning.
Locals know the secret is arriving early for happy hour when the oyster selection is at its peak. The lobster roll gets whispered about in grocery store aisles across Sussex County.
Every bite tastes like summer vacation, even when snow blankets the boardwalk outside. The casual yet refined atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular, whether it is your first or fiftieth visit.
2. Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Charcoal smoke billows from the kitchen at this Wilmington institution where burgers reign supreme and portion sizes challenge even the hungriest appetites. The atmosphere buzzes with energy from sports fans and families alike.
Their signature burger comes stacked so high you might need an engineering degree to figure out the best angle of attack. Juicy beef meets perfectly toasted buns in a marriage that has lasted decades.
My cousin swears he once saw someone finish the entire platter without help, though I suspect that story grows taller each Thanksgiving. The fries arrive hot and crispy, seasoned just right.
3. Big Fish Grill On The Riverfront
Windows frame the Christina River at this Wilmington hotspot where seafood gets treated with the respect it deserves. Grilled fish arrives at your table still sizzling, with char marks that prove someone back there knows their way around open flames.
The crab cakes contain actual crab instead of filler, a rarity that locals appreciate with every forkful. Fresh catches rotate daily based on what boats brought in.
Sunset dining here turns an ordinary Tuesday into something worth remembering. The riverfront location provides views that compete with the food for your attention, though both usually win.
4. Nicola Pizza
Beach sand still clings to your feet as you slide into a booth at this Rehoboth Beach legend that has been slinging pies since 1971. The aroma of baking dough and bubbling cheese greets you before you even open the door.
Thin crust crackles under your teeth while tangy sauce and stretchy mozzarella create the kind of flavor combination that defines summer memories. Locals time their beach days around getting here before the dinner rush.
The walls display decades of photos showing how hairstyles changed but the pizza recipe stayed perfectly the same. One slice never feels like enough.
5. 1776 Steakhouse
Aged beef meets scorching heat at this Wilmington steakhouse where carnivores find their happy place. The menu reads like a love letter to protein, with cuts ranging from familiar favorites to adventurous options.
Each steak arrives cooked to exact specifications, with a crust that shatters under your knife and an interior so tender it barely needs chewing. The drink list could keep a sommelier busy for hours.
Last summer, I watched my uncle nearly cry over his ribeye, which says more about the quality than any review ever could. Side dishes complement rather than compete, letting the beef take center stage where it belongs.
6. Bardea Food & Drink
Fresh pasta gets rolled by hand daily at this Wilmington stunner where Italian traditions meet modern creativity. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs work their magic, turning simple ingredients into edible art.
Flavors pop with brightness and depth, proving that Italian food can be both comforting and sophisticated. Every dish arrives beautifully plated yet approachable, fancy enough for celebrations but welcoming enough for random Wednesdays.
The drinks program deserves its own standing ovation. Locals make reservations weeks in advance because tables disappear faster than garlic bread at Sunday dinner.
7. Urban Kitchen
Newark discovered its culinary soul when this farm-to-table spot opened its doors and started sourcing ingredients from nearby farms. Menus shift with the seasons because vegetables taste better when they come from down the road instead of across the country.
The chef treats local produce like treasure, letting natural flavors shine without drowning them in unnecessary complications. Roasted vegetables arrive caramelized and sweet, meat gets seasoned just right.
College students and professors share tables here, united by their appreciation for food that actually tastes like something. The atmosphere stays relaxed despite the impressive quality.
8. Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats
Drinks flow freely at this Rehoboth Beach brewery, and the food holds its own against the famous brews. The kitchen knows that great drinks deserve equally great grub to soak them up.
Burgers come topped with creative combinations that somehow work perfectly, while the fish tacos feature a crisp, flavorful coating that stays crunchy. Everything pairs thoughtfully with something from the tap list.
My brother once tried every option on the menu over multiple visits, taking careful notes he lost somewhere between the bar and his car. The laid-back vibe makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a drink enthusiast or just thirsty.
9. The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Raw fish reaches perfection at this Rehoboth Beach sushi spot where the ocean is close enough to guarantee freshness. Skilled chefs slice with precision, creating rolls that look too pretty to eat but taste too good not to.
Traditional nigiri sits alongside creative specialty rolls, offering something for purists and adventurers alike. The fish melts on your tongue with clean, delicate flavors.
Reservations become gold during summer weekends when beach crowds discover their craving for wasabi and ginger. The sleek interior provides cool refuge from boardwalk chaos while delivering an experience worth planning your day around.
10. Shorebreak Lodge
Salt air drifts through this Rehoboth Beach lodge where breakfast runs all day because who decided morning food should have a curfew anyway. The menu embraces comfort without apology, serving dishes that feel like hugs on plates.
Pancakes arrive fluffy and golden, while lunch options satisfy post-beach hunger with generous portions. The casual vibe encourages showing up in your swimsuit cover-up without judgment.
Families pack the tables on weekend mornings, creating a cheerful din that somehow adds to the charm. Coffee flows freely and refills come without asking, which any caffeine enthusiast will appreciate deeply.
11. Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar
Ocean treasures shine at this Bethany Beach destination where the raw bar sparkles with pristine shellfish and the kitchen knows exactly how long to cook fish. Sophistication meets beach town charm in a combination that feels both special and comfortable.
Scallops arrive seared to golden perfection with edges that crunch while centers stay tender. The drink selection complements seafood beautifully, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide your choices.
Locals celebrate special occasions here but also sneak in for random Tuesday treats when life feels like it needs elevating. Every detail gets attention, from plating to service.
12. Pizza By Elizabeths
Wood-fired flames kiss dough at this Greenville gem where pizza transcends its humble origins and becomes something worth discussing. Creative topping combinations push boundaries while respecting the fundamentals that make pizza work.
The crust achieves that magical balance between crispy and chewy, with slight char adding smoky depth. Fresh ingredients get sourced thoughtfully, resulting in flavors that taste vibrant and alive.
My neighbor drives thirty minutes just for their margherita pizza, which tells you everything about the quality when someone bypasses closer options. The cozy space fills quickly because word spreads fast about food this good.
13. La Fia Bistro
Tucked away in Wilmington’s vibrant Trolley Square, La Fia Bistro charms with its rustic elegance. Imagine savoring duck confit so tender it melts with each bite, complementing the earthy richness of lentils and tangy cherry gastrique.
This cozy spot, with its exposed brick and ambient lighting, offers an intimate dining experience that’s both relaxed and refined. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh, local ingredients take center stage.
Known for its artisanal approach, La Fia melds European flair with American comfort. It’s a dining experience that’s both heartwarming and unforgettable.