A lot of people are surprised to hear that there are so many spectacular restaurants in Delaware. Whether you’re craving seafood or an Italian meal is more your style, our small state has plenty of eateries to tempt your taste buds.
To create this list of most highly rated restaurants, I analyzed over 200 establishments and scored them by ranking and number of reviews from several crowdsourced restaurant-review websites. The following restaurants had the highest scores, but they are listed in no particular order.
- Border Café (Newark)
John W. / Yelp
Bill M. / Yelp You might recognize this restaurant by the giant “EAT” sign displayed along the road. Border Café serves a scruptious mix of Tex-Mex and cajun food. Try a margarita while you’re there!
- Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (Rehoboth Beach)
Caitlin P. / Yelp
Jim Z. / Yelp If high-quality grub near the beach is what you’re seeking, look no further than Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats. Try a few of their beers that aren’t available on tap anywhere else. And save room for their desserts, like bacon chocolate cheesecake!
- Harry’s Seafood Grill (Wilmington)
Sarah L. / Yelp
Harry’s Seafood Grill / Facebook Please note, Harry’s Seafood Grill now operates as Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar. They have a tower of seafood! The Harry’s name has become an institution in Delaware, and the Seafood Grill ranks especially high.
- Harpoon Hanna’s Restaurant (Fenwick Island)
Lisa S. / Yelp
Harpoon Hanna’s / Yelp A great vibe, with live music and delicious seafood. Definitley check this place out if you’re headed to the beach this summer.
- Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (Wilmington and Newark)
David H. / Yelp
Traveler127121 / TripAdvisor A perennial favorite with multiple locations throughout Delaware. Whether you’re looking for unique burger, an interesting twist on classic bar food, or even upscale dining, Iron Hill Brewery has you covered. And don’t forget to sample a beer from their own microbrewery.
- Henlopen City Oyster House (Rehoboth Beach)
Andrew L. / Yelp
Rick K. / Yelp A wide variety of oysters plus a delicious menu that includes lobster mac and cheese!
- Restaurant 55 (Dover)
Robert V. / Yelp
Christian M. / TripAdvisor Keep it casual at THE burger joint in Dover.
- Off the Hook (Bethany Beach)
Off the Hook / Facebook
Jason B. / Yelp Off The Hook is an elevated alternative to boardwalk food in Bethany Beach. There’s only so many times you can have crab fries, right? Maybe? Their fried calimari is crispy but not greasy at all. It’s so delicious you won’t want to share with anyone else at the table!
- Rice (Dover)
Francis Mangubat post to Rice / Facebook Rice serves a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines.
- Touch of Italy (Lewes and Rehoboth Beach)
Touch of Italy / Facebook
Touch of Italy / Facebook Mama mia! Stuff your face with meatballs or a bowl of ziti but be sure to leave room for dessert! This place smells amazing and tastes even better.
- Big Fish Grill (Rehoboth Beach & Wilmington)
Stella H. / Yelp
Big Fish Grill Rehoboth / Yelp Both of Big Fish Grill’s locations in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach are very highly rated and popular. The fresh seafood and fun nautical decor make this a great place to grab a bite with the whole family.
- Agave Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar (Lewes)
Rsiesta / Trip Advisor There seems to always be a wait for this downtown Lewes restaurant, but it sure is worth it! Get there right before it opens so you’re seated early before the lunch crowd arrives.
It looks like Delaware’s residents and visitors love seafood and Mexican restaurants especially. How many of these restaurants have you tried? We would love to hear about your favorites in the comments!
John W. / Yelp
Bill M. / Yelp
You might recognize this restaurant by the giant “EAT” sign displayed along the road. Border Café serves a scruptious mix of Tex-Mex and cajun food. Try a margarita while you’re there!
Caitlin P. / Yelp
Jim Z. / Yelp
If high-quality grub near the beach is what you’re seeking, look no further than Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats. Try a few of their beers that aren’t available on tap anywhere else. And save room for their desserts, like bacon chocolate cheesecake!
Sarah L. / Yelp
Harry’s Seafood Grill / Facebook
Please note, Harry’s Seafood Grill now operates as Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar. They have a tower of seafood! The Harry’s name has become an institution in Delaware, and the Seafood Grill ranks especially high.
Lisa S. / Yelp
Harpoon Hanna’s / Yelp
A great vibe, with live music and delicious seafood. Definitley check this place out if you’re headed to the beach this summer.
David H. / Yelp
Traveler127121 / TripAdvisor
A perennial favorite with multiple locations throughout Delaware. Whether you’re looking for unique burger, an interesting twist on classic bar food, or even upscale dining, Iron Hill Brewery has you covered. And don’t forget to sample a beer from their own microbrewery.
Andrew L. / Yelp
Rick K. / Yelp
A wide variety of oysters plus a delicious menu that includes lobster mac and cheese!
Robert V. / Yelp
Christian M. / TripAdvisor
Keep it casual at THE burger joint in Dover.
Off the Hook / Facebook
Jason B. / Yelp
Off The Hook is an elevated alternative to boardwalk food in Bethany Beach. There’s only so many times you can have crab fries, right? Maybe? Their fried calimari is crispy but not greasy at all. It’s so delicious you won’t want to share with anyone else at the table!
Francis Mangubat post to Rice / Facebook
Rice serves a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines.
Touch of Italy / Facebook
Mama mia! Stuff your face with meatballs or a bowl of ziti but be sure to leave room for dessert! This place smells amazing and tastes even better.
Stella H. / Yelp
Big Fish Grill Rehoboth / Yelp
Both of Big Fish Grill’s locations in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach are very highly rated and popular. The fresh seafood and fun nautical decor make this a great place to grab a bite with the whole family.
Rsiesta / Trip Advisor
There seems to always be a wait for this downtown Lewes restaurant, but it sure is worth it! Get there right before it opens so you’re seated early before the lunch crowd arrives.
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