Delaware is a seafood state even though neighboring Maryland gets all the credit for its Old Bay and crab cakes. True Delawareans know that there are plenty of places in the state that top many Maryland crab houses and oyster bars. We know that the best seafood restaurants in Delaware can hold their own against the best seafood anywhere. It’s no secret that Delaware Bay oysters are some of the best in the world! With so much of the state bordering Delaware Bay and the Chesapeake just on the other side of the state, it’s no surprise that Delaware is a great place to find some amazing seafood restaurants.

Before continuing onto our list, please keep in mind that this is in no way an exhaustive collection of seafood spots in Delaware. We know there are so many local gems, and we’ve even featured some of them in our Delaware hole-in-the-wall articles. We also know that the best crab cake in Delaware is a hotly debated topic, so we voiced our opinions in an article on that subject, as well. This list was meant to be a great resource for anyone looking for a seafood experience that is going to be one of the best they’ve had – and we tried to include some from all corners of the state. Let us know which ones you’ve tried, and which ones you’re going to add to your list, so you can try the best seafood in Delaware this summer!

  1. Skipjack, Newark

Mike Woodside/Google

Facebook / Skipjack Dine at Skipjack in Newark if you want to try something different. Order the Cubano Lobster Tail Chop - with BBQ pork, smoked ham, and a Myers’ Rum sauce. You’ve never had anything like this incredible fish! Everything else at Skipjack is fresh and so well prepared that you’ll be talking about your meal here for months. You’ll love the fresh Delaware seafood here! 401 Louviers Dr, Newark, DE 19711, USA

  1. Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar, Wilmington

Cheryl Clemens/Google

Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar/Google Formerly known as Harry’s Seafood Grill, Banks’ Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar has become one of the most well-reputed seafood restaurants in Wilmington, and it has certainly earned its reputation! Creative and classic dishes are featured every night. Banks’ Seafood is the place to go if you want fine seafood dining in Wilmington. It’s one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for surf ’n’ turf.

. Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar, 101 S Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

  1. Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth Beach

Facebook / Big Fish Grill Rehoboth

Facebook / Big Fish Grill Rehoboth Wednesday is Lobster night at Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach. Featured appetizers may include lobster pizza, lobster nachos, or lobster wontons while entrees could include lobster mac & cheese, lobster hollandaise, and of course, a whole Maine lobster! The Wilmington Location has similar specials, and serves incredible seafood as well. Some of the best Delaware seafood is found right here at Big fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach. 20298 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA

  1. Sambo’s Tavern, Leipsic

Facebook / Sambo’s Tavern

Facebook / Sambo’s Tavern Fresh caught crabs are on the menu at Sambo’s Tavern in Leipsic, and man, they are delicious! Whether you want them in a homemade bisque, freshly steamed, or in some of the best crab cakes in Delaware - Sambo’s will not disappoint. The waterfront dining is a plus, too. Sambo’s Tavern is certainly one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware, especially for crabs. 283 Front St, Leipsic, DE 19901, USA

  1. DiFebo’s, Bethany Beach

Facebook / DiFebo’s Bethany Beach

Facebook / DiFebo’s Bethany Beach Chef Lisa DiFebo gets it right at her Bethany Beach location, and we’ve heard amazing things about her restaurant in Rehoboth Beach as well. If you’re looking for scallops or shrimp over pasta, there’s no place better than this chic restaurant where nearly everything is completely homemade. Talk about fresh Delaware seafood at DiFebo’s Restaurant! 789 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, USA

  1. Catch 54, Fenwick Island

Facebook / Catch 54

Facebook / Catch 54 Catch 54 is a Fenwick Island hotspot for waterfront dining and delicious seafood. Sit out on the deck and enjoy their unbelievable seafood stew or seafood gumbo, or sample everything on the flawless raw bar. This is one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for waterfront dining. 38931 Madison Ave, Selbyville, DE 19975, USA

  1. Woody’s, Dewey Beach

Facebook / Woody’s This Dewey Beach establishment has been serving up arguably the best crab cakes in the state, and the rest of their seafood is delicious as well. If you catch them on a day when they are making Tuna Tacos, order up! They may be the best fish tacos you’ll ever have. Whatever you order, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best seafood in Delaware! 1904 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA

  1. Cool Springs Fish Bar, Dover

Facebook / Cool Springs Fish Bar

Facebook / Cool Springs Fish Bar The witty signs out front will catch your eye before the unassuming storefront - but be sure you don’t pass this place up. Famous for creative dishes like the Oyster Sashimi (pictured above), Cool Springs has been bringing new takes on traditional seafood dishes to Dover. Try this place if you’re looking for a unique Delaware seafood experience. 2463 S State St, Dover, DE 19901, USA

  1. Lestardo’s Crab House, New Castle

Facebook / Lestardo’s Crab House

Facebook / Lestardo’s Crab House Located in the Rambleton Acres Shopping Center, Lestardo’s is everything a crab house should be. From the brown paper on the tables to the crabs brought in from the Delaware bay just hours before you sit down to eat them, it really is the perfect crab house experience. It’s one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for blue claw crab. 135 Christiana Rd, New Castle, DE 19720, USA

  1. Feby’s Fishery, Wilmington

Facebook / Feby’s Fishery

Facebook / Feby’s Fishery Feby’s Fishery is a favorite bar and restaurant, and it’s also a seafood market featuring some of the absolute freshest seafood in Delaware. In fact you can find some of the state’s best crab legs here! 3701 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19805, USA

  1. Just Hooked, Fenwick Island

Yelp - Just Hooked, Carolee O

Facebook / Just Hooked Fresh and local Delaware seafood is the theme of Just Hooked which is a farm-or-ocean-to-table restaurant on Fenwick Island. There’s no shortage of seafood in town, but Just Hooked stands above the rest for its commitment to fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients, as well as the creativity they put into their dishes. Absolutely delicious, all around! 1500 Coastal Hwy #1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944, USA

  1. Alex’s Seafood Restaurant and Clam Bar, New Castle

Picasa / Chad Everett

Alex’s Seafood Restaurant & Retail Located in The New Castle Farmers Market/Google Alex’s Seafood is located in the New Castle Farmers Market, and like most Farmers Market finds, this one is a real hidden gem. Using fresh Delaware seafood and traditional recipes, they’ve made their own unique dishes to create mouthwatering, perfect seafood dishes. The portions are quite generous, too!

Mmm… now I’m hungry! What’s your favorite seafood dish and what are some of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

Mike Woodside/Google

Facebook / Skipjack

Dine at Skipjack in Newark if you want to try something different. Order the Cubano Lobster Tail Chop - with BBQ pork, smoked ham, and a Myers’ Rum sauce. You’ve never had anything like this incredible fish! Everything else at Skipjack is fresh and so well prepared that you’ll be talking about your meal here for months. You’ll love the fresh Delaware seafood here!

401 Louviers Dr, Newark, DE 19711, USA

Cheryl Clemens/Google

Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar/Google

Formerly known as Harry’s Seafood Grill, Banks’ Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar has become one of the most well-reputed seafood restaurants in Wilmington, and it has certainly earned its reputation! Creative and classic dishes are featured every night. Banks’ Seafood is the place to go if you want fine seafood dining in Wilmington. It’s one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for surf ’n’ turf.

.

Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar, 101 S Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

Facebook / Big Fish Grill Rehoboth

Wednesday is Lobster night at Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach. Featured appetizers may include lobster pizza, lobster nachos, or lobster wontons while entrees could include lobster mac & cheese, lobster hollandaise, and of course, a whole Maine lobster! The Wilmington Location has similar specials, and serves incredible seafood as well. Some of the best Delaware seafood is found right here at Big fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach.

20298 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA

Facebook / Sambo’s Tavern

Fresh caught crabs are on the menu at Sambo’s Tavern in Leipsic, and man, they are delicious! Whether you want them in a homemade bisque, freshly steamed, or in some of the best crab cakes in Delaware - Sambo’s will not disappoint. The waterfront dining is a plus, too. Sambo’s Tavern is certainly one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware, especially for crabs.

283 Front St, Leipsic, DE 19901, USA

Facebook / DiFebo’s Bethany Beach

Chef Lisa DiFebo gets it right at her Bethany Beach location, and we’ve heard amazing things about her restaurant in Rehoboth Beach as well. If you’re looking for scallops or shrimp over pasta, there’s no place better than this chic restaurant where nearly everything is completely homemade. Talk about fresh Delaware seafood at DiFebo’s Restaurant!

789 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, USA

Facebook / Catch 54

Catch 54 is a Fenwick Island hotspot for waterfront dining and delicious seafood. Sit out on the deck and enjoy their unbelievable seafood stew or seafood gumbo, or sample everything on the flawless raw bar. This is one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for waterfront dining.

38931 Madison Ave, Selbyville, DE 19975, USA

Facebook / Woody’s

This Dewey Beach establishment has been serving up arguably the best crab cakes in the state, and the rest of their seafood is delicious as well. If you catch them on a day when they are making Tuna Tacos, order up! They may be the best fish tacos you’ll ever have. Whatever you order, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best seafood in Delaware!

1904 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA

Facebook / Cool Springs Fish Bar

The witty signs out front will catch your eye before the unassuming storefront - but be sure you don’t pass this place up. Famous for creative dishes like the Oyster Sashimi (pictured above), Cool Springs has been bringing new takes on traditional seafood dishes to Dover. Try this place if you’re looking for a unique Delaware seafood experience.

2463 S State St, Dover, DE 19901, USA

Facebook / Lestardo’s Crab House

Located in the Rambleton Acres Shopping Center, Lestardo’s is everything a crab house should be. From the brown paper on the tables to the crabs brought in from the Delaware bay just hours before you sit down to eat them, it really is the perfect crab house experience. It’s one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for blue claw crab.

135 Christiana Rd, New Castle, DE 19720, USA

Facebook / Feby’s Fishery

Feby’s Fishery is a favorite bar and restaurant, and it’s also a seafood market featuring some of the absolute freshest seafood in Delaware. In fact you can find some of the state’s best crab legs here!

3701 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19805, USA

Yelp - Just Hooked, Carolee O

Facebook / Just Hooked

Fresh and local Delaware seafood is the theme of Just Hooked which is a farm-or-ocean-to-table restaurant on Fenwick Island. There’s no shortage of seafood in town, but Just Hooked stands above the rest for its commitment to fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients, as well as the creativity they put into their dishes. Absolutely delicious, all around!

1500 Coastal Hwy #1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944, USA

Picasa / Chad Everett

Alex’s Seafood Restaurant & Retail Located in The New Castle Farmers Market/Google

Alex’s Seafood is located in the New Castle Farmers Market, and like most Farmers Market finds, this one is a real hidden gem. Using fresh Delaware seafood and traditional recipes, they’ve made their own unique dishes to create mouthwatering, perfect seafood dishes. The portions are quite generous, too!

 

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Seafood Restaurants In Delaware July 08, 2022 Melissa M. What foods is Delaware known for? Every state has certain cuisine or food items it’s known for. Aside from seafood, the First State is known for famous boardwalk French fries, Thrasher’s Fries. One taste and it will remind you of trips to the Delaware beaches during summertime. Saltwater taffy is another popular food item that is reminiscent of summer, salty air, and days at the beach. You can read more about the iconic foods of Delaware in our previous article. Where can I go for fine dining in Delaware? If you’re planning a date night or a special occasion, not any ol’ restaurant will do, How about a fine dining restaurant instead like the Candlelight Theatre. Not only can you enjoy a delectable meal here but a show as well. It’s the perfect place for a night out on the town. What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Delaware? Head to Dover and you can discover the Grey Fox Grille and Public House, the very definition of a hidden gem restaurant. Occupying a historic building, enjoy dinner and drinks in a cozy atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for some Cajun cuisine, you may be surprised to find out that some of the best are hidden away in a middle-of-nowhere general store in Delaware. Saint Georges Country Store is the place to go for gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun favorites.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Seafood Restaurants In Delaware

July 08, 2022

Melissa M.

What foods is Delaware known for? Every state has certain cuisine or food items it’s known for. Aside from seafood, the First State is known for famous boardwalk French fries, Thrasher’s Fries. One taste and it will remind you of trips to the Delaware beaches during summertime. Saltwater taffy is another popular food item that is reminiscent of summer, salty air, and days at the beach. You can read more about the iconic foods of Delaware in our previous article. Where can I go for fine dining in Delaware? If you’re planning a date night or a special occasion, not any ol’ restaurant will do, How about a fine dining restaurant instead like the Candlelight Theatre. Not only can you enjoy a delectable meal here but a show as well. It’s the perfect place for a night out on the town. What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Delaware? Head to Dover and you can discover the Grey Fox Grille and Public House, the very definition of a hidden gem restaurant. Occupying a historic building, enjoy dinner and drinks in a cozy atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for some Cajun cuisine, you may be surprised to find out that some of the best are hidden away in a middle-of-nowhere general store in Delaware. Saint Georges Country Store is the place to go for gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun favorites.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Every state has certain cuisine or food items it’s known for. Aside from seafood, the First State is known for famous boardwalk French fries, Thrasher’s Fries. One taste and it will remind you of trips to the Delaware beaches during summertime. Saltwater taffy is another popular food item that is reminiscent of summer, salty air, and days at the beach. You can read more about the iconic foods of Delaware in our previous article.

Where can I go for fine dining in Delaware?

If you’re planning a date night or a special occasion, not any ol’ restaurant will do, How about a fine dining restaurant instead like the Candlelight Theatre. Not only can you enjoy a delectable meal here but a show as well. It’s the perfect place for a night out on the town.

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Delaware?

Head to Dover and you can discover the Grey Fox Grille and Public House, the very definition of a hidden gem restaurant. Occupying a historic building, enjoy dinner and drinks in a cozy atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for some Cajun cuisine, you may be surprised to find out that some of the best are hidden away in a middle-of-nowhere general store in Delaware. Saint Georges Country Store is the place to go for gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun favorites.