There's A Culinary Trail In Delaware And It's Everything You've Ever Dreamed Of
By Kim Magaraci|Published October 01, 2016
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
I’ve always defended Delaware as a foodie state. From Delmarva-specific delicacies to Delaware Bay seafood and everything in between – our tiny state has some amazing restaurants hidden in both the large and small towns. Luckily, Visit Delaware has taken note of the huge “foodie” scene in the First State and has created an incredible Delaware Culinary Trail. Twenty four iconic Delaware locations made the list for their significance and great food. In order to start your adventure, you need to download your Delaware Culinary Trail Passport. Once you have your passport, you’ll need to collect 15 codes from the listed restaurants – that means visiting 5 restaurants in each region. Once you’ve visited your selected restaurants, submit your passport to the Delaware Tourism Office and they’ll send you the First State Plates Cookbook, featuring Iconic Delaware Restaurants and Recipes. The cookbook will teach you local restaurant tricks like how to prepare a Walter’s Steakhouse Bone-In Rib-Eye, make your very own Crab Cake using the recipe from Abbott’s Grill, or create the famous Cioppino soup from Big Fish Grill!
With 24 restaurants to choose from, it was hard to narrow it down to our list of 15, but we gave it a shot. Here are our Culinary Trail picks.
The Green Room is one of the most elegant restaurants in Delaware. If you're doing the Delaware culinary trail, you shouldn't miss this historic gourmet restaurant, even though it's definitely a splurge.
Sambo's in Leipsic is our pick for Delaware Culinary Tour participants over 21. This is the best place to get fresh seafood in Delaware. You've GOT to try one of their crabcakes.
Of course at least ONE Grotto's has to be on this list! Remember, this is a culinary trail featuring iconic Delaware locations. And if "Grotto's" doesn't just scream "Delaware," then I don't know what else does.
Cool Spring Fish Bar might have the best seafood in Dover. This was one of our "Central" selections because of the atmosphere, too. A night out at Cool Springs is always a good time.
Normally, I write about Abbott's Grill in Laurel, because I love the waterfront views of Broad Creek. But the original Milford location is the one on the culinary trail. The food here is always amazing - truly, Abbott's is one of my favorite restaurants in Delaware.
Visit the original Georgia House for incredible food and a wonderful atmosphere. We chose Georgia House because of its location, too - you can walk around downtown Milford and explore the town a bit before dinner.
Striper Bites in Lewes is one of the best restaurants on the coast. The casual atmosphere is very beachy, and the seafood dishes are fresh and creative. They do make some great mixed drinks, too - this place is perfect for happy hour.
What can I say about Big Fish Grill that hasn't been said before? Not much. They're so well known because they're that good. The seafood bisques and soups are out of this world.
DiFebo's is a favorite of nearly everyone around Bethany Beach, and for good reason. Fresh pasta dishes and flavorful italian entrees mean DiFebo's is a winner again and again.