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... 

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 SpectatorBar 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...

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 

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