10 Best Delaware Restaurants

The food Delaware is famous for includes scrapple, blue crabs, and Capriotti’s Bobbie sandwich. The state's food identity is heavily influenced by its position on the Mid-Atlantic coast, making fresh seafood, especially blue crabs and oysters, central to its cuisine. What sets Delaware apart is its creation of specific, iconic foods like scrapple, a loaf made from pork scraps and cornmeal that is sliced and pan-fried. The state is also the birthplace of the Capriotti's Sandwich Shop chain, whose signature Bobbie sandwich, made with Thanksgiving leftovers, is a nationally recognized item.

The average cost of a meal in Delaware at an inexpensive restaurant is between $15 and $25 for one person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs between $75 and $120. Meals at high-end or fine dining establishments like The House of William and Merry start at $75 per person and can exceed $150, depending on the menu and selections.

Delaware is home to several popular fast-food and fast-casual chains, with a strong local loyalty to brands that originated in the state. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop and Grotto Pizza are Delaware institutions with a statewide presence. These chains, along with major national brands, are some of the most popular fast-food restaurants in the state.

• Capriotti's Sandwich Shop: Founded in Wilmington, this chain is famous for its sub sandwiches, especially "The Bobbie," made with in-house roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
• Grotto Pizza: Started in Rehoboth Beach, this pizzeria is a Delaware icon known for its unique pizza with a swirled sauce and cheese blend.
• Wawa: A beloved convenience store chain with a massive following for its built-to-order hoagies, coffee, and snacks.
• Pat's Pizzeria: A regional chain with deep roots in Delaware, popular for its pizza, cheesesteaks, and sandwiches.
• Charleys Cheesesteaks: A national chain with a strong presence, known for its Philly-style cheesesteaks and gourmet fries.
• Chick-fil-A: A national favorite in Delaware for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
• McDonald's: The global chain is a staple for its Big Macs, fries, and breakfast menu.
• Taco Bell: Known for its Mexican-inspired fast food and late-night hours.

The Delaware dining scene continues to expand with new restaurants, particularly in Wilmington and the coastal towns. Recent openings include Bardea Steak, the sibling restaurant to the acclaimed Bardea Food and Drink, and The Quoin, a restaurant inside a new boutique hotel. These new establishments bring fresh energy to the state.

• Bardea Steak: A modern steakhouse on Market Street in Wilmington, offering a creative, chef-driven take on classic steakhouse fare. Located at 608 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801.
• The Quoin Restaurant: Located in The Quoin hotel in downtown Wilmington, this restaurant features a wood-fired oven and a menu of American classics with European influences. Located at 519 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801.
• Taco Reho: Originating as a popular food truck, this restaurant now has a brick-and-mortar location in Rehoboth Beach, serving creative tacos and cocktails. Located at 18784 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
• Drift: A seafood-centric restaurant in Rehoboth Beach focusing on local sourcing and wood-fired cooking. Located at 42.5 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Downtown Wilmington is the primary hub for Delaware's best restaurants, featuring a concentration of the state's most acclaimed and innovative dining establishments. The best restaurants in this area are listed below.

• Bardea Food and Drink: A James Beard-nominated restaurant serving modern, inventive Italian cuisine.
• Bardea Steak: A contemporary steakhouse offering high-quality cuts and creative dishes.
• The Quoin Restaurant: A stylish hotel restaurant with a wood-fired menu of American and European-inspired dishes.
• Le Cavalier at the Green Room: A grand brasserie located in the historic Hotel Du Pont, serving French classics.
• Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar: A premier seafood restaurant with waterfront views on the Christina River.
• La Fia Bistro: A cozy bistro on Market Street known for its seasonal menu of European-inspired dishes.

Yes, there are lunch spots in Delaware worth trying such as Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, and Capriotti's Sandwich Shop. The Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is a must-try for its famous subs, especially "The Bobbie." The Bellefonte Cafe provides a quirky setting for eclectic, globally inspired lunch dishes. For a quick and fresh option, several local delis and cafes offer custom-made sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Yes, there are good places for dinner in Delaware including The House of William and Merry, Bardea, and Harry’s Savoy Grill. For an exceptional fine-dining dinner, The House of William and Merry in Hockessin offers a creative, seasonal tasting menu in a historic farmhouse. Bardea Food and Drink in Wilmington provides a high-energy, modern Italian dinner experience. For a more traditional choice, Harry’s Savoy Grill is a classic steakhouse perfect for a prime rib or seafood dinner.

Delaware has several restaurants that serve vegan food, such as Drop Squad Kitchen, a fully vegan spot in Wilmington, and Green Box Kitchen, which focuses on plant-based meals. Drop Squad Kitchen offers a menu of vegan comfort food, including cheesesteaks, burgers, and wraps. Green Box Kitchen provides healthy, quick-service options like smoothies, grain bowls, and salads. The Bellefonte Cafe also features a number of dedicated vegan dishes on its eclectic global menu.

Restaurants in Delaware that serve gluten-free food include dedicated spots and establishments with accommodating menus. For example, The Little Grocer in Wilmington offers many gluten-free products and made-to-order sandwiches on gluten-free bread. Upscale restaurants like The House of William and Merry and Bardea can cater to gluten-free diners with advance notice. Many Italian restaurants, such as Taverna, offer gluten-free pasta options.

Delaware's most famous cuisines are Mid-Atlantic Seafood and Italian-American. The state's food culture is shaped by its coastal geography and its history of immigration. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Delaware.

• Seafood: Given its location on the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, seafood is central to the state's diet. Blue crabs, oysters, and fresh fish are staples, especially in the coastal towns.
• Italian-American: Delaware, particularly Wilmington, has a strong Italian-American heritage. This is reflected in the numerous pizzerias, pasta houses, and traditional red-sauce restaurants.
• American (Traditional/Steakhouse): Classic American grills and steakhouses like Harry's Savoy Grill are long-standing institutions, serving prime rib, steaks, and traditional sides.
• Sandwiches (Subs/Hoagies): The state has a robust sandwich culture, led by the Wilmington-born Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, which has set a high standard for sub sandwiches.
• New American: A growing number of chef-driven restaurants focus on contemporary American cuisine, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to create inventive menus.