16 Incredible Waterfront Restaurants in Delaware That Offer Scenic And Delicious Dining
By Katy|Updated on January 23, 2020(Originally published January 08, 2020)
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Katy
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Katy is a life-long Delaware resident who grew up on a small grain farm and spent her summers enjoying time at the beach. A full time public relations professional by day and a content specialist with OIYS at night, Katy loves sharing her love of her home state with fellow Delawareans and others. Loves: local food, dachshunds, horseshoe crabs, hiking, farmers markets, bourbon.
As soon as the weather starts to warm in Delaware, people flock to the waterfront to relax, to play, and best yet, to eat! With miles of coastline along rivers, bays, marshes, and the ocean, you don’t have to look too far to find scenic restaurants in Delaware. Some are open year round and others are seasonal, so it’s important to check before heading down to dine.
These establishments might have fine dining with fancy linens or might have plastic chairs and newspaper as a table covering. Either way, we think food tastes better with a great view! Visit any of these waterfront restaurants in Delaware for a memorable meal that shows off the beauty of your own backyard.
Banks' was known as Harry's Seafood Grill for years, until a recent rebranding. For years, Harry's was considered the best seafood restaurant in Delaware, and that's certainly still the case! This spot is consistently rated as one of the top places to eat in Delaware--for seafood, waterfront dining, and just in general. Enjoy views of the Christina River and Wilmington Riverfront from the patio.
Located in the very Victorian-era-inspired Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, Victoria's has ocean front views at one of the most charming beachfront restaurants in Delaware. Try their afternoon tea service or dinner with a view from the dining room or boardwalk patio. They're also known for serving up an amazing brunch that's a great way to kick off your beach day.
Most people think about the Rusty Rudder as a place to party in the summer overlooking Rehoboth Bay. And, while that's not untrue, what most miss is that they offer great food too. Our favorite is the 'land-and-sea buffet.' When you're looking for a tasty meal, it's hard to beat one of the most iconic waterfront restaurants in Delaware.
Another favorite along the Wilmington Riverfront is Big Fish Grill, a hit for fresh, delicious seafood. Its downstate sister restaurant (the original) is amazing too, but lacks the waterfront views.
There are several Irish Eyes restaurants in Sussex County, but none with a view quite like this. From the main dining room to the outdoor covered porch to the outdoor bar, watch the boats sailing along the canal or see the University of Delaware's wind turbine spinning along. Be sure to order the seafood shepherd's pie! This waterfront restaurant in Delaware is a casual spot that's sure to delight.
The palm trees and picnic tables on the sand at Paradise Grill make you feel like you're not in Delaware anymore! Known more for its live music and bar scene, the food is great too. Though this might be the most hidden of our favorite waterfront restaurants in Delaware, it's worth tracking down for a fun evening on the Inlet.
From the outside, bluecoast doesn't look like anything special, but step inside and be treated to sunset views of Salt Pond as you enjoy fresh, upscale seafood. Be sure to order a hand-crafted cocktail with your dinner, from the same restaurant group (SoDel Concepts) that brings you Catch 54.
If steamed crabs are what you're craving, head to Sambo's in the quiet fishing town of Leipsic. The restaurant sits on the water, next to the docks where the crab boats tie up.
Locals rave about the food and views at Serendipity, off the beaten path in Oak Orchard. Enjoy a full breakfast in the morning or come later for homemade pasta and breads with your view of Indian River Bay. This is one of the most scenic restaurants in Delaware, and you'll fall in love as soon as you walk inside.
When most people think of Laurel, they don't think about waterfront dining. Abbott's will soon change that when word of their sumptuous food starts to travel farther.
Drive down to Hammerheads Dockside, or better yet drive up in your boat and tie up at the Indian River Marina. Seating is limited but if you have to wait, you can roam around Delaware Seashore State Park or ogle the boats in the marina.
If you're looking for lobster and a view south of New England, check out this place on Assawoman Bay. Reviews tell us that they have binoculars for bird watching while you wait.
All year long, you can enjoy waterviews from Harpoon Hannah's which sits on the border of Delaware and Maryland. Waterviews are of what is know as "The Ditch" connecting Little Assawoman Bay in Delaware and Assawoman Bay in Maryland. The place is massive, with docks for boaters, stages for live music, bars and simple seating for enjoying seafood.
From the patio of this restaurant in a historic former hotel, you can see cargo ships motoring up and down the Delaware River, or the ferry going to and from Fort Delaware. Try one of their 'tongue-in-cheek' menu offerings like the Major Dick Steampot filled with mussels, shrimp, clams and snow crab clusters.
JP's Wharf may be the most welcoming waterfront restaurant in Delaware! We like JP's for fresh oysters, oyster fritters, and other local seafood specialties. Not to mention, the deck and outside dining are right on the Broadkill River where you can watch fishing boats come in and out from the bay. Don't forget to try their delicious strawberry pie.
Where are your favorite waterfront restaurants in Delaware? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll be sure to get out there for a scenic seafood meal.
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waterfront restaurants in Delaware
Kim Magaraci|January 23, 2020
Where can I find the best seafood in Delaware?
Since Delaware is located right along the Bay and the Ocean, it's easy to find great seafood in Delaware. Elegant steakhouses on the Wilmington River, like Banks', are legendary for dishes like lobster and fresh fish. More casual places, like Sambo's in Leipsic or Woody's in Dewey Beach, are known for serving up the best crabcakes around. If you're looking to pick crabs, head to the beach towns and wander in to any crab shack you see, because they're all absolutely amazing. Old Mill Crab House offers the best all-you-can-eat crab deal in the state.
Where can I eat right on the beach in Delaware?
Dewey Beach offers several beachfront restaurants that are lively and offer delicious dining with a view. If you're looking for something quieter, head to 99 Sea Level in Bethany Beach and you'll be just steps away from the sand. Paradise Grill also offers casual beachfront dining in Delaware.
Which restaurant in Delaware has the best view?
Big Chill Beach Club offers one of the best views in Delaware from high above Delaware Seashore State Park. You'll also find lovely views at Papa Grandes in Fenwick Island, Catch 54 in Fenwick Island, and Abbott's on Broad Creek in Laurel.
