Each year, Delaware Today reaches out to its readers to hear which businesses, people, and places they think are the best of the best in our State. From top restaurants to one-of-a-kind shops, these Best of Delaware winners make the First State a wonderful area to visit. There’s so much to enjoy... so, plan your next getaway around the places locals wish we’d keep secret.
Best of Delaware: Food and Drink in 2024
After-Work Takeout: Piccolina Toscana
Alfresco Dining: Banks Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar
Appetizers: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
Barbecue: Limestone BBQ & Bourbon
Brewpub: Iron Hill Brewery
Brunch: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Catering: Cantwell’s Tavern
Chef: Antimo Dimeo, Bardea Food & Drink and Bardea Steak
Chef’s Table Experience: Park Café
Classic Film & Dining Experience: Bar Reverie
Craft Cocktails: Torbert Street Social
Looking for the perfect happy hour? Wilmington, Delaware, boasts an impressive culinary and craft beverage scene, but it truly shines during those special hours after lunch and before dinner. Happy hour in this city transforms ordinary afternoons into something extraordinary, offering enticing menu items that are sure to delight. From cozy taverns to trendy eateries, these spots promise delicious bites and refreshing drinks that will leave you more than satisfied. Read more...
The Ultimate Guide to Happy Hour in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley
- 1 minute read
Wilmington, Delaware, boasts an impressive culinary and craft beverage scene, but it truly shines during those special hours after lunch and before dinner. Happy hour in this city transforms…
Date Night Restaurant: Bardea Steak
Fairfax/Brandywine Hundred Restaurant: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
Family-Friendly Restaurant: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Fine Dining: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Guest Bartender Nights: BBC Tavern & Grill
Ice Cream: Woodside Farm Creamery
Italian (Upscale): Bardea Food & Drink
Japanese: Mikimotos
Lunch Spot: Cantwell’s Tavern
Microbrewery: Wilmington Brew Works
Middletown/Odessa/Townsend Restaurant: Cantwell’s Tavern
New Castle/Old New Castle Restaurant: Jessop’s Tavern
North Wilmington Restaurant: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Oysters: Trolley Square Oyster House
Place to Get on the Wait List: The Brandywine Restaurant
Place to Have Honey Wine with Your Honey: Liquid Alchemy Beverages
Restaurant Desserts: Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
Restaurant Wine List: Bardea Food & Drink
If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, have you tried these award winning restaurants? Wilmington, Delaware, is home to an incredible culinary scene that has been steadily gaining national recognition. Among its standout establishments, five restaurants have earned a prestigious award from Wine Spectator: Bar Reverie , Bardea Food & Drink , Bardea Steak , Caffé Gelato and CS Brazilian Steakhouse . These award-winning venues offer not only exceptional dining experiences but also world-class wine selections that elevate every meal. Whether you're local or planning a visit, these restaurants are a must-visit for any food and wine enthusiast. Read more...
Savoring Excellence: Wine Spectator’s Award-Winning Wilmington Restaurants
- 1 minute read
Wilmington, Delaware, is home to an incredible culinary scene that has been steadily gaining national recognition. Among its standout establishments, five restaurants have earned a prestigious…
Salads: Big Fish Grill Rehoboth
Seafood Restaurant: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
Sidewalk Dining in the City: Tonic Seafood & Steak
Special-Occasion Restaurant: Harry’s Savoy Grill
Sports Bar: McGlynns Pub
Steakhouse: Walter’s Steakhouse
Sushi: Mikimotos
Tacos: Del Pez
Water-View Dining: Iron Hill Brewery on the Riverfront
Wilmington, Center City Restaurant: Bardea Food & Drink
Wilmington, Riverfront Restaurant: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
Wilmington, Trolley Square/Highlands/Rockford Park Restaurant: Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Best of Delaware: Shopping and Services in 2024
Bed & Breakfast: The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa
Day Spa (Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Etc.): Currie Hair, Skin & Nails
Gourmet To-Go: Janssen’s Market
Tattoo Artist/Shop: Poppycock Tattoo
Wedding Venue: HOTEL DU PONT
Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa
- 528 Montchanin Rd.
Rise above the ordinary and discover the natural beauty and gracious hospitality of The Inn at…
Currie Hair, Skin and Nails at the Riverfront
- 317 South Justison St.
We are a salon and spa of distinctive design, staffed by professionals with an unwavering commitment…
Currie Hair, Skin and Nails at the DuPont Building
- 111 West 10th St
Guests will experience the ultimate salon journey with digital elements incorporated throughout the…
Janssen's Fine Foods
- 3801 Kennett Pike
"Everyday gourmet!" We provide a pleasant shopping experience with superb customer service. Our…
Poppycock Tattoo
- 1712 Marsh Rd.
Poppycock has a new place to roost! We are thrilled to announce we have officially moved to a new…
HOTEL DU PONT
- 42 West 11th St.
Located in the downtown landmark du Pont building, across the street from Rodney Square, the “grande…
Best of Delaware: Fun and Leisure in 2024
Activities for Summer Nights: Hagley Museum & Library
Community Theater: The Candlelight Theatre
Cycling Route: Jack A. Markell Trail
Golf Course (Public): Deerfield Country Club
Hiking Spot: White Clay Creek State Park
Hotel: HOTEL DU PONT
Karaoke: Trolley Tap House
Kayaking/Canoeing/Paddleboarding: Lums Pond State Park
Live Music Venue: The Queen
Mountain Bike Trail: Brandywine Creek State Park
Place for a Picnic: New Castle Battery Park
Place to Talk to Ghosts: Rockwood Park and Museum
Sports Venue: Frawley Stadium
Trivia Night: Timothy’s Riverfront Grill