Outdoor Dining Spots in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley

Between the tranquil flow of the Brandywine River and the lush landscapes that frame the region, outdoor dining in Greater Wilmington is a paradise for food enthusiasts. As golden sunlight filters through restaurant patios and gentle breezes carry the aromas of seasonal fare, there's something undeniably special about enjoying a meal al fresco in this picturesque corner of Delaware.

Discover a handful of Greater Wilmington restaurants below—organized by riverside dining and those with city views—where exceptional cuisine meets an atmosphere as inviting as the menu. Many patios are pet-friendly, but be sure to check with the restaurant in advance.

River View Dining

Banks' Seafood Kitchen

Banks’ Seafood Kitchen bills itself as the place for lunch, dinner, cocktails, and late-night dining. This premier restaurant is an iconic institution for seafood lovers, with options including ricotta cavatelli pasta with gulf shrimp and pan-roasted barramundi with sweet potato in a coconut broth with plum tomato curry. Outdoor dining is available during warmer months to ensure a comfortable dining experience. 

Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront

A Best of Delaware 2024 winner, Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront is a laid-back spot offering fresh seafood, juicy hand-cut steaks, inventive sushi, savory pastas and delicious salads. Most notable are the award-winning jumbo lump crab cakes. Enjoy patio dining with gorgeous views year-round while sampling from a menu featuring happy hour specials like drunken mussels and buffalo shrimp. Its dinner menu has something for every seafood lover.  

Del Pez Mexican Gastropub

Del Pez blends bold Mexican flavors with a lively bar scene and creative culinary twists. Its all-day menu features fresh guacamole, a raw bar, street tacos, and craveable Mexican sides, while weekends bring a standout brunch with breakfast tacos, classic morning plates, and juicy burgers. Known for unexpected cocktails, elevated comfort food, and seafood surprises, this vibrant Riverfront hotspot offers indoor and outdoor seating in a stylish, welcoming space.

Timothy's Riverfront Grill 

Timothy’s Riverfront Grill delivers regional American comfort food and a robust selection of beer and wine. This longtime favorite is known for its Baltimore-style crab cakes, award-winning wings and signature burgers. Whether you're catching the game on one of the many TVs or relaxing on the outdoor patio overlooking the Christina River, it’s a go-to spot for casual dining. Outdoor seating is available seasonally, making it a prime choice for waterfront dining in the warmer months.

City View & Neighborhood Dining

BBC Tavern & Grill

Step into BBC Tavern & Grill, where good food, great company, and a lively atmosphere come together. Whether you're craving classic American comfort food or a fresh salad, there’s something for everyone. Savor a plate of the signature Jamjoe’s Nachos paired with an expertly crafted cocktail on the covered outdoor patio.

Buckley's Tavern

Buckley’s Tavern is the go-to outdoor dining spot in Centreville. It has a long history, dating back to 1817, when it was originally a private residence. Outdoor dining is available year-round, with the front porch enclosed and heated during the colder months. They also have a deck upstairs that opens in the warmer months, offering a great spot to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Sample crispy Rhode Island calamari with cilantro aioli, the Wild Game Burger, sesame-crusted Ahi tuna, and everything in between.

Centreville Place: Cafe + Market

Centreville Place offers a charming blend of café and market in a cozy French country-inspired setting. Enjoy fresh salads, hearty bowls, artisan sandwiches, and house-baked pastries—all best savored on their relaxing outdoor patio - a little oasis in the center of Centreville, Delaware.

Park Cafe

Hidden in the outskirts of the city, meet for a quick lunch or weekend brunch at Park Cafe. Enjoy seasonal dishes, including soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch or sweet and savory brunch options (think fruit topped French Toast and The Waffle Sandwich), locally roasted coffee, and craft cocktails on the patio.

Piccolina Toscana

Is there anything better than a fresh bowl of pasta enjoyed al fresco? If this image conjures up memories of sun-drenched Italian piazzas, then you're in for a treat at Piccolina Toscana. This casual yet contemporary Italian restaurant in Wilmington's Trolley Square serves hand-rolled pasta, grilled meats and fish, plus creative pizzettes that have garnered a reputation around town. Outdoor seating is available seasonally. If you go, don’t forget to order the mezze rigate pasta tossed in "braised all day" short rib with sauteed mushrooms and ricotta. 

Tonic Seafood & Steak

Tonic Seafood & Steak provides guests with a variety of seating options, including an outdoor patio, a bar and lounge with live music on weekends, an elegant main dining room, and the secluded Bordeaux Room for a more intimate atmosphere. Curated by Executive Chef Patrick Bradley, the menu features fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, and renowned steaks.

Trolley Square Oyster House

This quaint Trolley Square hotspot is known for—you guessed it—oysters, with a menu featuring everything from classic baked oyster Rockefeller to oyster shooters with various accouterments, like jalapeño tequila, cocktail and lemon. You’ll also find plenty of other seafood delights, all complemented by a cocktail menu that’s anything but basic. Enjoy bar seating outside year-round, while the patio is open during the spring and summer months.

No matter where you find yourself in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley, outdoor restaurants beckon with natural beauty and flavors worth savoring—whether you’re dining with friends, your partner, or family. Be sure to call ahead for seasonal availability and reservations to make the most of the region’s signature al fresco dining experiences.