New on the Dining Scene: Homestyle Love; Haute French; Burgers-and-Bourbon

A precious few times in life, you’ll find a restaurant that gives almost everyone the warm-and-fuzzies. Usually, it’s the kind of place that makes itself easy to love, a place with chill vibes, homey authenticity, and rock-steady execution. Hank’s Place is exactly that restaurant – a welcoming space where generations have wriggled into the super-snug tables, soaking in the sounds of chit-chat (and the smells of bacon fat) as they devoured piles of pancakes.  

Hank’s fans are fans for life: They rallied around the Chadds Ford landmark when it closed indefinitely after a 2021 hurricane and flood. They were first in the doors in July 2025 when Hanks reopened in a brand new building – one that seems big enough to finally cope with the unrelenting demand, and tall enough to outlast floods. 

If you find yourself hoping for simple satisfaction during a trip to Longwood Gardens, or Winterthur, or anywhere in the Brandywine Valley, Hank’s is your place. And if you’re wondering whether anything else is cooking in the local restaurant scene, you’re gonna love fall 2025.  

There’s a new haute-French experience, fresh brewpub energy, and yet another yummy offshoot of the Bardea empire. There’s Indian food, and a new home for the city’s best burgers and bourbon. Here’s a look, from north to south: 

NEW RESTAURANTS IN AND AROUND WILMINGTON 

Hank’s Place, 1625 Creek Rd, Chadds Ford, PA. Iconic horse-country diner serves homestyle love just the way everyone likes it. A must-try when visiting Longwood/Winterthur/etc. 

Sangam Fine Indian Cuisine, 307 Rocky Run Parkway, Talleyville, DE. Veggie options on Concord Pike/202 have just gotten much better with the arrival of this South Indian restaurant. Spice lovers rejoice. 

La Fête, 2530 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. The rich Philadelphia food scene is thankfully rich enough to continually enhance Wilmington’s food scene, as it does with this new haute-French destination, led by Chef Max Kaklins, formerly of Philly-based Marc Vetri's Fiorella restaurant. The French accent and Philly credentials make this the hottest ticket in town right now. 

Angelo's Wilmington, DE.CO Food Hall, 111 W 10th St, Wilmington, DE. The Philly invasion continues with the long-awaited opening of the first Delaware location of this beyond-legendary cheesesteak master. The food hall location ensures a happy outing for any cheesesteak-averse diners in your crew. 

Apothecary Brewing Co. 2703 Philadelphia Pike. The former Hangman Brewing has given way to a new brew-house contender, this one with lively live events and a great lineup of locally-themed brews. No dining options here, but the arrival of some tasty local food trucks seems inevitable. 

Farmer and the Cow, 801 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE. This is another one that’s not quite new, but this newer, roomier location on Market Street is certainly welcome for this top-notch burgers-and-bourbon-and-shakes spot. 

Founding Brothers Restaurant & Pub. 168 E. Main St., Newark. The state’s best college town gets a new gastropub, one with a distinctive Southern accent: There’s shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and a whole lineup of down-home brunch goodies like pecan-and-praline French toast.