You know the old saying, “Appearances can be deceiving?” Well, when it comes to the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Delaware, that’s the truth! These hidden gem restaurants are worth tracking down, and you’ll be talking about these mouthwatering meals for a long time. Though they may not be much to look at, or sometimes hard to find, you’ll want to come back again and again for the food.

1. Helen's Sausage House, Smyrna
schwa021 / Flickr
Pretty much any local you talk to will tell you that Helen's serves some of the best food in Delaware. A Delaware landmark, this roadside pit-stop is a favorite with everyone, thanks to their secret seasoning recipe and housemade sausage.
2. El Pique, Wilmington
El Pique / Facebook
El Pique serves up authentic street-style tacos in Wilmington. For years, people have been praising this as one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Delaware. Choose from more than 10 different meats for your tacos, or burritos, and don't leave without ordering some of their famous Consome.
3. Angelo's Luncheonette, Wilmington
Angelo's Luncheonette / Facebook
Stepping into Angelo's is stepping back in time to a place where the waitresses know your order and the cook knows how you like your eggs. This little gem is a favorite for breakfast, and their pancakes are some of the best you'll ever try.
4. Crystal Restaurant, Rehoboth Beach
Rev. Robert D. / Yelp
The faded facade of Crystal has been the same for years, and beach-goers fuel up for a long day on their breakfast and brunch classics. Fill up on cream chip beef, Belgian waffles, scrapple or a crab omelet. There's a reason that people come back to Crystal again and again - this kitchen serves up some of the best food in Delaware.

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5. Sambo's Tavern, Leipsic
Sambo's Tavern / Facebook
Be sure to bring your ID; Sambo's Tavern is a no-go for those under 21. Crab cakes and steamed crabs draw people from all over the globe, and you can check out where on the bulletin board map hung on the wood paneling. This lively crab shack offers waterfront views and a lively crowd that's sure to give you the true crab-picking experience that defines dining in our state and makes this one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Delaware.
6. Fat Daddys BBQ, Georgetown
Fat Daddys BBQ / Facebook
Like so many great barbeque places, Fat Daddy's is a stop along the side of the road on the outskirts of town. They have all the classics; the brisket is to die for. The homemade sides like mac and cheese and collards make this a one-stop shop for anyone craving a homestyle, slow-smoked meal. Most of their food is here 'til it sells out, so if you're looking for ribs, brisket, or chicken on a busy weekend, you might be out of luck if you don't get there early.
7. Po' Boys Creole and Fresh Catch, Milton
Po' Boys Creole & Fresh Catch / Facebook
We swear, some of the best food in Delaware is served at places in little strip malls and this is no different. Yes, po' boys are on the menu but so are a slew of other Cajun and creole dishes. This tiny hole in the wall is a great place for an unforgettable meal, and you'll always be impressed with how well they make these flavorful dishes.
8. 301 Plaza Restaurant, Middletown
301 Plaza Restaurant / Facebook
Hidden in a truck stop along a busy highway, the 301 Plaza Restaurant is one that you might zoom right by without a second glance. It had a face lift in 2015. Breakfast is served all day, but other homestyle dishes are served up later in the day.
9. Louie's Pizza, Rehoboth
Louie's Pizza / Facebook
Louie's is often overlooked in this beach town by people eating at Delaware classics like Grotto's and Nicola's. The locals swear by this center-of-town pizzeria, and if you're a fan of sandwiches, you'll find the best grinder in town being made right here.

Are you willing to share what you believe to be the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Delaware? We’d love to hear about them in the comments.

And if you love tracking down the best hidden gem restaurants in Delaware, be sure to take a look at our list of 9 more amazing spots.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Delaware

Kim Magaraci | January 08, 2020

What is the most well-known restaurant in Delaware?

Delaware is best known for their seafood restaurants, like Big Fish Grill, Woody's Dewey Beach, Kathy's Crabhouse and Harpoon Hannah's. However, you'll find that people talk about cantinas like Border Cafe and Papa Grande just as frequently, and the state is probably best known for the local chain, Grotto Pizza, that got its start in the First State.

What is the best restaurant in Delaware?

If you're looking for an elegant Italian meal, it's hard to beat DiFebo's in Bethany Beach. For a great steak dinner, head to Harry Savoy's, or Walter's Steakhouse. If you're trying to track down the best crabcake in Delaware, Woody's Dewey Beach is the place to be.

Where can I find the best food in Delaware?

Track down the best food in Delaware along the coast. Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island are packed with incredible and famous restaurants. However, if you know where to look, you can find hidden gem restaurants in Delaware's small towns. Wilmington, New Castle, and Newark offer excellent fine dining and casual options as well. Luckily, we're in such a small state that you can try them all and decide on which restaurant you'll hold close to your heart.

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Explore Delaware

Featured Addresses
Helen's Sausage House, 4866 N Dupont Hwy, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA
805 N Dupont Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804, USA
Angelo's Luncheonette, 1722 N Scott St, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
37300 Rehoboth Ave Ext # 1, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
Sambo's Tavern, 283 Front St, Leipsic, DE 19901, USA
Fat Daddy's BBQ, 13203 Seashore Hwy, Georgetown, DE 19947, USA
900 Palmer St, Milton, DE 19968, USA
921 Middletown Warwick Rd, Middletown, DE 19709, USA
11 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA