Local guide for new residents
The best restaurants in Southern Delaware, area by area
From oyster bars in Lewes to steakhouses in Dover, these are the restaurants locals vote for year after year. Most of the coast stays busy into the fall, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey & Milton
Lewes Oyster House
Lewes · Seafood & raw bar
Best of Delaware 2026: Lewes restaurant, burgers, craft cocktails
Also Coastal Style's 2025 pick for atmosphere, cocktails and raw bar.
1776 Steakhouse
Rehoboth Beach · Steakhouse
Best of Delaware 2026: fine dining, steakhouse, special occasion
The go-to for anniversaries and celebrations.
Salt Air Kitchen + Bar
Rehoboth Beach · American
Best of Delaware 2026: American, date night, wine list
The Station on Kings
Lewes · Cafe & brunch
Best of Delaware 2026: vegan/vegetarian, desserts
Coastal Style's 2025 pick for brunch and lunch.
Big Fish Grill
Rehoboth Beach · Seafood
Coastal Style 2025: seafood
Its Big Fish Seafood Market next door is a readers' favorite too.
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
Rehoboth Beach · Brewpub
Best of Delaware 2026: gastropub
The brewery itself is in Milton, with tours and a tasting room.
Woody's Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach · Crab cakes
Best of Delaware 2026: crab cakes, Dewey Beach restaurant
Bethany, Ocean View, Fenwick & Selbyville
DiFebo's
Bethany Beach · Italian
Best of Delaware 2026: Bethany/Ocean View restaurant, Italian
Also a Rehoboth location and a market for take-home dinners.
Bethany Blues
Bethany Beach · Barbecue & bourbon
Best of Delaware 2026: barbecue, appetizers, catering
Also in Lewes.
FINS Ale House & Raw Bar
Bethany Beach · Seafood
Best of Delaware 2026: seafood restaurant
Also in Selbyville and Rehoboth.
One Coastal
Fenwick Island · Chef-driven
Editors' pick, Best of Delaware 2026
Chef Matt Kern was Coastal Style's 2025 chef of the year.
The Station, Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island · New restaurant
Best of Delaware 2026: new restaurant
Good Earth Market & Restaurant
Ocean View · Organic market & cafe
Best of Delaware 2026: health food market
Millsboro, Long Neck & Georgetown
Fewer award lists cover the inland towns, so these are long-standing local favorites.
Blue Water Grill
Millsboro · Seafood & grill
A Main Street favorite for crab balls, ribs and fried oyster po'boys.
Patty's
Georgetown · Carryout
Made-daily salads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and famous cookies.
Seaford, Laurel & Bridgeville
Bon Appetit
Seaford · French
A High Street special-occasion spot for more than two decades. Reserve ahead on weekends.
Dairy Bar Family Restaurant
Seaford · Family dining
A hometown classic on East King Street.
Milford, Dover & Kent County
My Sister's Fault
Milford · Bakery & cafe
Best of Delaware 2026: Milford restaurant
Also Coastal Style's 2025 best bakery.
Picks come from 2025 and 2026 readers' choice awards where noted, plus long-standing local favorites. No business paid to be listed and I'm not affiliated with any of them. Hours, locations and services change, so call ahead, and for home services confirm licensing and insurance and get more than one quote. Updated October 2026. Sources: Delaware Today Best of Delaware 2026, Coastal Style Best of 2025 (Sussex County), Delaware State Parks.
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