These Foods [And Drinks] Are Quintessential Wilmington

There are so many ways to experience a destination, but tasting your way through some favorite local dishes is undoubtedly one of the best (and most delicious). To get you started, here’s our shortlist of just a few must-sample foods and drinks in Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley.

Tomato Pie

Serpe & Sons Bakery
1411 Kirkwood Hwy., Elsmere, Delaware

One of the crown jewels of Wilmington cuisine is tomato pie, a Roman-style crust covered with tomato sauce and sprinkled with oregano. It is served most famously at Serpe & Sons, a legendary Italian bakery that has been a local staple since 1952.

Pumpkin Mushroom Soup

The Back Burner
425 Hockessin Cor., Hockessin, Delaware

This country-style tavern serves up several hearty favorites, including a pumpkin mushroom soup that’s to die for. Served with croutons, crème fraiche and chives, it is legendary. We also love the Better Cheddar, a cheesy starter featuring roasted walnuts, flatbread, fig jam, and pear marmalade.

Scrapple

The Peach Blossom Eatery
76 E. Main St., Newark, Delaware

Admittedly, scrapple may not be for everyone, as it is made from cooked pork scraps and trimmings (combined with corn meal and spices). For those who have an appreciation for this Delaware classic (and there are many), we recommend trying Peach Blossom’s version — made in house.

Nonna's Meatballs

Bardea Food & Drink
620 N. Market St., Wilmington, Delaware

The original Bardea flagship is rightfully one of Wilmington’s best-known restaurants. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, but you definitely shouldn’t miss Nonna’s Meatballs — an appetizer of meatballs married with scamorza, a pear-shaped cheese with a flavor profile that resembles mozzarella.

Spicy Thai Noodle Soup

Buckley’s Tavern
5812 Kennett Pk, Centreville, Delaware

Buckley’s American comfort food and excellent Sunday brunch are served in a variety of distinguished surroundings, including a Colonial-era dining room, a pub dining room and a large outdoor patio. One of our favorites on the menu is the spicy Thai noodle soup, whose crispy soba noodles pair intriguingly with a yellow curry and coconut milk broth.

I Love... Signature Beef Burger

Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar
1601 Concord Pk, Wilmington, Delaware

Farm-fresh meats are a specialty at this restaurant and butcher shop, and they’re displayed to great advantage in Snuff Mill’s signature beef burger with million-dollar bacon, sauteed Vidalia onions, quick-pickled red onions, American cheese, dill pickles, and a secret sauce.

Poutine

The Brandywine Brasserie
2000 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, Delaware

The original Bardea flagship is rightfully one of Wilmington’s best-known restaurants. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, but you definitely shouldn’t miss Nonna’s Meatballs — an appetizer of meatballs married with scamorza, a pear-shaped cheese with a flavor profile that resembles mozzarella.

Steak Frites

Le Cavalier
42 W. 11th St., Wilmington, Delaware

This modern French brasserie set in the opulent atmosphere of the HOTEL DUPONT serves unforgettable, melt-in-your-mouth steak frites. For dessert, try some of HOTEL DUPONT’s famous macaroons. Their recipe is a well-guarded secret that results in intense flavors and a perfectly soft interior.

The Bobbie

Capriotti’s
510 N Union St, Wilmington, Delaware

Also known as “The Greatest Sandwich in America” — and rightfully so — the Bobbie is Thanksgiving on a sub roll, with its filling of slow-roasted pulled turkey, cranberry sauce, homemade stuffing, and just a dab of mayonnaise. Have one at the original Capriotti’s location on Union Street in Wilmington.

French(ish) 75 Cocktail

Bar Reverie
4017 Kennett Pk., Greenville, Delaware

The French 75 is traditionally a gin and champagne cocktail with lemon juice and sugar. Bar Reverie’s version includes herbal spirit, lavender and club soda along with citrus flavors. You can also add your choice of vodka, gin or tequila.

Orange Crush

Deer Park Tavern
108 W. Main St., Newark, Delaware

Delaware’s official state cocktail is a refreshing mix of orange juice, triple sec, vodka, and lemon-lime soda. Enjoyed on a warm Sunday morning on the patio outside this historic brick structure, it’s sheer perfection.

          
French(ish) 75                                                                       Orange Crush