Delaware’s Top 5 Seafood Havens That Will Hook Your Palate

Discover Delaware’s coastal culinary delights with our top five must-try seafood restaurants, where Atlantic wealth meets culinary excellence. From modest seaside shacks to upmarket eating establishments, each place offers a feast for seafood lovers.

Enjoy exquisite crab cakes brimming with flavor, buttery lobster rolls, and freshly shucked oysters collected from local seas. Whether you enjoy seafood or are a culinary explorer, these places take you on a culinary trip through Delaware’s rich marine past.

At these iconic seafood hotspots, embark on a delightful excursion and treat your taste buds to the freshest catch of the day.

1. Big Fish Grill – Rehoboth Beach

Big Fish Grill, located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, is a seafood heaven that has delighted guests for years. This popular restaurant has a casual yet classy setting and has an extensive menu with a range of fresh seafood dishes. From classic crab cakes to seafood spaghetti stuffed with shrimp, scallops, and clams, Big Fish Grill has something for everyone’s appetite.

One of the features of Big Fish Grill is the raw bar, which serves freshly shucked oysters and clams from surrounding waterways. When you combine your meal with a cool cocktail from the bar, you have the perfect combination for an unforgettable dining experience. Big Fish Grill, with its dedication to quality and flavor, is a must-see for seafood enthusiasts in Delaware.

2. Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill – Dewey Beach

Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill provides a relaxed oceanfront dining experience. This bright café, located just feet from the shore, is popular with both locals and visitors. Woody’s, known for its laid-back environment and wonderful seafood meals, is the ideal place to relax after a day of sun and surf.

Woody’s menu offers a variety of seafood meals, including crispy fried shrimp and hefty seafood platters heaped high with crab legs, shrimp, and more. Don’t miss the famed fish tacos, which come with fresh salsa and guacamole, or the seafood steam pots, which are filled with clams, mussels, and crab legs. Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill encapsulates the essence of coastal eating in Delaware with its laid-back atmosphere and excellent cuisine.

3. Henlopen City Oyster House – Rehoboth Beach

Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth Beach serves sophisticated coastal food. This beautiful seafood restaurant mixes classic flavors with cutting-edge culinary techniques to deliver an exceptional dining experience. Henlopen City Oyster House is located in a historic structure from the nineteenth century and emanates elegance and sophistication.

The menu at Henlopen City Oyster House features the best of Delaware’s seafood wealth, with a focus on freshly shucked oysters and other raw bar options. In addition to oysters, diners may savor meals like lobster mac & cheese, pan-seared scallops, and grilled fish with seasonal vegetables. Henlopen City Oyster House, with its superb service and attention to detail, has established the standard for fine dining in Delaware.

4. Sambo’s Tavern – Leipsic

Sambo’s Tavern in the picturesque village of Leipsic serves classic Delaware seafood. This historic seaside tavern has been serving fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails for over 60 years, garnering a reputation as one of the top seafood restaurants in the state. With its inconspicuous facade and intimate interior, Sambo’s Tavern oozes old-world charm and kindness.

Sambo’s Tavern serves all the staples, including steamed blue crabs, crab cakes, and shrimp cocktails. Pair your meal with a refreshing beer or a classic cocktail, and take in the relaxed ambiance while watching the boats pass by on Delaware Bay. Sambo’s Tavern is a true Delaware tradition, known for its rustic charm and delicious seafood meals.

5. Go fish! – Rehoboth Beach

Our list concludes with Go Fish!, a lovely fish market and restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. This family-owned restaurant is committed to providing diners with the freshest seafood available, purchased directly from local fishermen and suppliers. Go Fish! has you covered, whether you want to eat on-site or buy seafood to cook at home.

Go Fish! serves a range of seafood meals produced with the best ingredients, including crab cakes, fish tacos, lobster rolls, and shrimp po’boys. In addition to its exquisite prepared dishes, the market provides a diverse selection of fresh fish and shellfish, as well as house-made sauces and seasonings. Go Fish!, with its dedication to quality and sustainability, is a must-see for seafood fans in Delaware.

Summary

In summary, Delaware’s coastal culinary scene provides a fascinating assortment of possibilities for seafood connoisseurs. From the informal appeal of beachside shacks to the sophisticated elegance of upmarket restaurants, each of these five must-visit seafood eateries guarantees an unforgettable dining experience.

Whether you’re eating iconic crab cakes, buttery lobster rolls, or freshly shucked oysters, these restaurants highlight the finest of Delaware’s maritime heritage. At these legendary seafood places, take a delicious culinary trip and treat your taste buds to the freshest catch of the day.