The winter season is a time to unwind, take a break, and reconnect with those you love. One way to do this is a romantic evening for two at one of the many amazing restaurants found right here in Wilmington, Delaware. Here are five sure-fire Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley restaurants that will spice up your winter months. 

1. Harry's Savoy Grill 

For a classy and casual dining experience, look to Harry’s Savoy Grill & Ballroom located in North Wilmington, minutes from the Pennsylvania state line. From prime rib and fresh seafood entrées to the creamy crème brulee dessert, this award-winning restaurant will surely impress for a grand night out.  

Pro Tip: If you are looking for a romantic night with a less formal atmosphere, grab a quiet booth in the bar room where the drinks are top-shelf, and the full menu is always available!  

2. Bardea Food and Drink

Bardea Food and Drink, conceptualized by co-owners Scott Stein and Antimo DiMeo, has become a fan favorite stop while in Wilmington and now, so has its counterpart Bardea Steak.  The Italian restaurant captures the energy of the city, and Bardea Steak entered the scene as a traditional steakhouse with an incredible flare for presentation. Both restaurants bring community together through amazing food and drink.  These downtown Wilmington restaurants were both given some love by the press. Bardea Food and Drink was named 2019 James Beard Award semifinalist for “Best New Restaurant,” and has continued to make a name for itself since. Bardea Steak was voted as one of America’s most anticipated openings of 2022 by Vogue Magazine.  

Pro Tip: Reservations are only open for a month at a time.  

 

3. House of William & Merry

One of the most interesting dining experiences in Greater Wilmington is The House of William & Merry. This Hockessin based restaurant is housed inside a farmhouse originally built in 1922. Dinner here feels like you are heading over to a friend’s home, except the food is exquisite and you don’t have help clean when you’re done.  

Pro tip: The best way to order at The House of William and Merry is to simply ask Chef William what he recommends on that day as his menu is ever-changing and the recipes are prepared from the freshest seasonal ingredients procured from local farms.   

4. The Quoin Restaurant

New to downtown Wilmington this year is The Quoin (pronounced “coin”) Restaurant located inside the new boutique hotel by the same name.  Bringing the borders of Southern France and Northern Italy together in a modern wood-fired fare, the menu puts a contemporary spin on Riviera to Rivera style. Not only will you dine with 5-star service, but you can also grab a drink before and after your delicious meal on top of the world... well, city. The rooftop bar inside the hotel is a first for Wilmington. With four season access there’s no stopping the gorgeous views of the historic district from shining all year.  

Pro Tip: The night doesn’t have to end there... be sure to check out the hotel’s cocktail lounge!  

 

5. Jessop's Tavern 

Our last romantic dining experience for the winter season is Historic New Castle’s, Jessop’s Tavern. Jessop’s has been a staple of Historic New Castle since 1996, but its building dates to 1674. The menu at Jessop’s has a distinctly American comfort food flare, with its roots in English, Dutch, Belgian and Swedish. It’s Colonial authenticity at its finest, with house made sauces, dressings and breads. A warm welcome and a colonial experience await.  

Pro Tip: Jessop’s features 18 beers on draft and holds the largest collection of Belgian Beers in Delaware (over 200 choices!) 

 

Bonus! (Because why should we name just five?) 

Inside the award winning HOTEL DU PONT lies, Le Cavalier at the Green Room, a reimagination of the HOTEL's original and iconic Green Room. With its French inspiration and craft cocktail list, a date night at "Le Cav" (as the locals call it) is calling your name. 

Pro Tip: We suggest booking your stay at the HOTEL and heading to Le Cavalier again in the morning for brunch! 

Whatever your preference, Wilmington, Delaware’s culinary experiences are not to be missed. To make the night last, turn your date night into a weekend getaway to Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley and explore the wonder of a city close to home, yet worlds away.