The First State is home to impressive forests, meandering rivers, and beautiful bays and beaches. All of this stunning scenery allows for the perfect outdoor dining in Delaware! Whether you want to be by the beach, on the riverfront, or just have an amazing rooftop view, there’s a delicious restaurant that will make your night out extraordinary. Plan to have a meal at each of these 12 restaurants before the summer’s over – you’ll find yourself all over the state and full of delicious, fresh food.
1. Hammerheads Dockside, Rehoboth Beach
Hammerheads Dockside is a fun and lively spot right on the Indian River Inlet! You can paddle up and dock your boat before enjoying some of the state's best crabcakes. Check them out this summer when you're on the bay! 39415 Inlet Rd
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, DE 19971
2. Firestone Roasting House, Wilmington
Firestone Roasting House is one of many must-try spots along Wilmington's riverfront. Their brick oven pizzas pair perfectly with their wines, and you should stop by for their happy hour and enjoy both along with a gorgeous view of the river. 110 S. West St., Wilmington
3. McGlynn's Pub, Dover
McGlynn's is a unique pub right on state street! It overlooks Silver Lake and is a wonderful spot to celebrate a holiday or to just dive into some great pub grub. Be sure to visit on a nice day and sit outside - the fresh air is just perfect. 800 N. State St., Dover
4. Ubon Thai Cuisine
Udon Thai Cuisine serves up some of the best Thai food in Delaware, and their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy it. Catch some live music here every Wednesday and Sunday, and their Happy Hour Tuesday through Sunday is the talk of the town! The desserts are out of this world, as well. Wilmington's riverfront is really turning into an amazing place to shop and dine! 936 Justison St.
5. Serendipity Restaurant, Oak Orchard
This quirky restaurant in Millsboro / Oak Orchard features stunning waterfront views and perhaps the most unique decor in the state! Don't let the bright colors and decorations distract you from the fact that they serve up delicious chicken parmesan and other classic italian dishes. They're also a great spot to stop for breakfast! 32580 River Rd
Oak Orchard, DE 19966
6. Big Fish Grill - Riverfront, Wilmington
Big Fish Grill is a classic Delaware dining establishment, and their riverfront location is no exception. Bring a crowd out to down as many oysters as you can possibly order, or make this your next romantic date night location. The seafood is out of this world, and you can tell it's local and fresh. 720 Justison St
7. Crabby Dicks, Delaware City
Crabby Dick's is the local goofy bar in Delaware City. With plenty of humor on the menu, you might expect that the food wouldn't live up to the novelty, but you'd be dead wrong! Order the crabcakes (which come in pairs) or a big mixed seafood platter and chow down while you enjoy the views of the mighty Delaware river on their outdoor patio. 30 Clinton St
Delaware City, DE 19706
8. Timothy's Riverfront Grill, Wilmington
Timothy's is another great Wilmington Riverfront restaurant, where pub food is met with a fresh and modern twist. Their burgers (topped with avocado!) are some of my favorite in the city, and you can't beat the patio's atmosphere during dinnertime. 930 Justison Street, Wilmington
9. Catch 54, Fenwick Island
38931 Madison Ave
Fenwick Island, DE 19975
Catch 54 might just be my happy place. I love the serenity of Fenwick Island, even in the busy summer months, and to dig into the amazing crabcakes at Catch 54 while watching the sun set over the marsh is my ideal friday night. The food and service here is outstanding, and nearly everyone who visits raves about this restaurant. Don't miss out the next time you're at the beach! 38931 Madison Ave
Fenwick Island, DE 19975
10. Que Pasa, Dewey Beach
Que Pasa is a fun, beachy taco joint in Dewey! If you wanna dine with sand beneath your feet, this is where you oughta go. Their fresh incredigents really take the mahi tacos up to a whole new level. 124 Dickenson St
Dewey Beach, DE 19971
11. The Cultured Pearl, Rehoboth Beach
The view at the Cultured Pearl us unbeatable - you can see most of Rehoboth Avenue from their rooftop deck! You'll also enjoy a veiw of the 15,000 gallon koi pond. This magical little garden also happens to serve up some of the best, and most creative, sushi in Delaware. 301 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
12. JPs Wharf, Bowers Beach
JP's Wharf is one of the best kept secrets in Delaware. Visit the charming town of Bowers and then dine outside with JP's deck cat! Be sure to try the fresh oysters that come in right from the bay, and the famous strawberry pie. 201 Hubbard Ave
Frederica, DE 19946
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