Delaware’s dining scene is top notch, and it’s no longer our best kept secret. People flock from all over to visit our restaurants in Rehoboth Beach, Dover, and New Castle County. These 11 spots are some of the most popular Delaware restaurants, where you’ll probably have to wait for a table. If you’re looking for fresh, flavorful food that will have you reminiscing for weeks, though, you can’t beat them, and the wait is SO worth it.
- Taverna Rustica, Newark
Facebook / Taverna Rustica
Yelp / Peggy R. This Main Street spot in Newark is consistently at the top of the area’s “best of” lists, and it draws a crowd. The brick oven pizza is just about the best you’ll have in the state.121 E Main St Newark, DE 1971
- Sambo’s Tavern, Leipsic
Facebook / Sambo’s Tavern
Facebook / Sambo’s Tavern It’s normally pretty easy to get a table at Sambo’s, but you’ll want to wait for a spot with a waterfront view, and that can take a while. However, it’s so worth it - there’s nothing like picking crabs while you watch the sunset on the river.283 Front St, Leipsic, DE
- Restaurant 55, Dover
Yelp / Robert V.
Photo Credit Restaurant 55 is the poorest kept secret in Delaware. Their over the top burgers draw a crowd to this Dover landmark nearly every night, and you might have to wait for a table before you stuff your face with the biggest burgers in the state.2461 S State St, Dover, DE
- Oddfellows Cafe, Smyrna
Yelp / Denaire J.
Yelp / Allison S. Please note, The Oddfellows Café has permanently closed. Oddfellows Cafe has certainly made a name for itself in Smyrna, and you won’t ever be disappointed in a meal that Chef Willie cooks up for you. While the restaruant usually had a wait, now it’s even harder to track down their meals! Oddfellows Cafe closed at the end of July and is moving to 47 East Comemrce Street, opening soon! In the meantime, you can catch Chef Willie cooking locally, food truck style, by watching their Facebook for updates. Any line you wait in for one of his dishes is worth it!
- Border Cafe, Newark
Yelp / John W.
Yelp / AK It kills me to put a chain on any of these lists, but Border Cafe is one exception. There’s a reason that this restaurant is always packed - it’s just that good! You’ll enjoy some great Mexican food, a fun environment, and delicious margaritas any time you visit.483 Stanton Christiana Rd Newark, DE 19713
- Caffe Gelato, Newark
Yelp / Caffe Gelato
Yelp / Kiran W. Caffe Gelato is always busy, but their fresh take on Italian dishes and their unbelievable namesake dessert make any wait here worth it.90 E Main St Newark, DE 19711
- Egg, Rehoboth Beach
Yelp / Dominick S.
Photo Credit You aren’t going to find a better breakfast in the state of Delaware than at Egg, in Rehoboth Beach.. but everyone seems to know that. Prepare for a wait, and then prepare for one of the best meals of your life. 510 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Claws Seafood House, Rehoboth Beach
Yelp / Danyang W.
Yelp / Ainsley A. Claws Seafood House is popular in the summer time, but their famous crab cake and delicious lobster bakes draw crowds here all the time. It’s a lively place, and you’ll understand why it’s worth the wait as soon as you walk in. 167 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth Beach
Yelp / Big Fish Grill
Yelp / Big Fish Grill Big Fish Grill is always busy, because everyone knows that some of the best seafood in the state can be found here. Even in the winter, you’ll wait for a table here - and you’ll love every bite of the meal that makes it so worth it.20298 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Henlopen City Oyster House, Rehoboth Beach
Yelp / Lee N.
Yelp / Rick K. Everyone seems to love Henlopen City Oyster House, and that’s probably because Delaware oysters are the best oysters around. Henlopen City knows how to serve them right - try a sampler and find your favorite. 50 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Catch 54, Fenwick Island
Facebook / Catch 54
Facebook / Catch 54 Catch 54 is an elegant restaurant that overlooks a breathtaking marsh in Fenwick Island, and you’ll love your meal, regardless of what you order. They make unbelievable crab cakes, delicious fresh fish, and their appetizers are out of this world. No wonder you’ll usually find a crowd here, and you’ll have to wait a little for a table to open up.38394 Madison Ave Selbyville, DE
On the other hand, if you can’t stand a wait, these little hole in the walls are quick with service and rarely crowded – because we keep them to ourselves! There are so many dining options in Delaware. We are one lucky state!
Facebook / Taverna Rustica
Yelp / Peggy R.
This Main Street spot in Newark is consistently at the top of the area’s “best of” lists, and it draws a crowd. The brick oven pizza is just about the best you’ll have in the state.121 E Main St Newark, DE 1971
Facebook / Sambo’s Tavern
It’s normally pretty easy to get a table at Sambo’s, but you’ll want to wait for a spot with a waterfront view, and that can take a while. However, it’s so worth it - there’s nothing like picking crabs while you watch the sunset on the river.283 Front St, Leipsic, DE
Yelp / Robert V.
Photo Credit
Restaurant 55 is the poorest kept secret in Delaware. Their over the top burgers draw a crowd to this Dover landmark nearly every night, and you might have to wait for a table before you stuff your face with the biggest burgers in the state.2461 S State St, Dover, DE
Yelp / Denaire J.
Yelp / Allison S.
Please note, The Oddfellows Café has permanently closed. Oddfellows Cafe has certainly made a name for itself in Smyrna, and you won’t ever be disappointed in a meal that Chef Willie cooks up for you. While the restaruant usually had a wait, now it’s even harder to track down their meals! Oddfellows Cafe closed at the end of July and is moving to 47 East Comemrce Street, opening soon! In the meantime, you can catch Chef Willie cooking locally, food truck style, by watching their Facebook for updates. Any line you wait in for one of his dishes is worth it!
Yelp / John W.
Yelp / AK
It kills me to put a chain on any of these lists, but Border Cafe is one exception. There’s a reason that this restaurant is always packed - it’s just that good! You’ll enjoy some great Mexican food, a fun environment, and delicious margaritas any time you visit.483 Stanton Christiana Rd Newark, DE 19713
Yelp / Caffe Gelato
Yelp / Kiran W.
Caffe Gelato is always busy, but their fresh take on Italian dishes and their unbelievable namesake dessert make any wait here worth it.90 E Main St Newark, DE 19711
Yelp / Dominick S.
You aren’t going to find a better breakfast in the state of Delaware than at Egg, in Rehoboth Beach.. but everyone seems to know that. Prepare for a wait, and then prepare for one of the best meals of your life. 510 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Yelp / Danyang W.
Yelp / Ainsley A.
Claws Seafood House is popular in the summer time, but their famous crab cake and delicious lobster bakes draw crowds here all the time. It’s a lively place, and you’ll understand why it’s worth the wait as soon as you walk in. 167 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Yelp / Big Fish Grill
Big Fish Grill is always busy, because everyone knows that some of the best seafood in the state can be found here. Even in the winter, you’ll wait for a table here - and you’ll love every bite of the meal that makes it so worth it.20298 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Yelp / Lee N.
Yelp / Rick K.
Everyone seems to love Henlopen City Oyster House, and that’s probably because Delaware oysters are the best oysters around. Henlopen City knows how to serve them right - try a sampler and find your favorite. 50 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Facebook / Catch 54
Catch 54 is an elegant restaurant that overlooks a breathtaking marsh in Fenwick Island, and you’ll love your meal, regardless of what you order. They make unbelievable crab cakes, delicious fresh fish, and their appetizers are out of this world. No wonder you’ll usually find a crowd here, and you’ll have to wait a little for a table to open up.38394 Madison Ave Selbyville, DE
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