Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Delaware

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Delaware? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bahama Breeze - Newark - Christiana Mall

4.8

4.8 (533)

$30 and under

Caribbean

Newark

About the restaurant

When you're at Bahama Breeze Island Grille, life's one big party. It's an escape from the ordinary and a much-needed excuse for you to let loose. Famous since 1996 for tropical cocktails, live music, and more, the vibe here is always as amazing as that Caribbean-inspired food we're known for. Bahama Breeze offers your favorites: seafood, salads, chicken--all with island flair. From Jerk Chicken Pasta to Seafood Paella, you can enjoy the islands one taste at a time, discovering new flavors along the way. Naturally, we're the perfect spot for all the sunniest moments in life: happy hours with friends, anniversaries, birthdays, date nights and unique culinary experiences. So, when you're ready to raise your glass and move your feet, the party's in full swing and the islands are waiting for you or if you'd rather bring the Island party home, online ordering is a Breeze too!

Top review

Melissa

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Our waiter was wonderful and so personable! He really made the experience.

Crow Bar - Trolley Square

4.8

4.8 (61)

$30 and under

Global, International

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Global menu of chef inspired small plates, entrees and pizza. Inspired and creative cocktails, 12 beers on draught and a lively dining room in the Trolley Square neighborhood!

Top review

ann

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Crow Bar! Our server was excellent and the food and drinks were delicious! We will be excited to return soon.

Bardea Steak

4.8

4.8 (910)

$31 to $50

Italian

Wilmington

About the restaurant

A restaurant and bar by James Beard-nominated chef Antimo DiMeo. We're serious about snacks and steak. Our collaboration with artisanal farmers brings you exceptional cuts from both familiar and rare breeds. Though, Chef Antimo DiMeo extends his creativity beyond meat. Indulge in snacks from both land and sea and embark on a captivating journey with our chef's tasting menu-an exploration of Chef DiMeo's globetrotting inspirations and childhood memories. Join us at the crossroads of tradition and innovation for a distinctive dining experience.

Top review

Madison

Dined 6 days ago

Always have an excellent experience here. Ambience and service are consistent. Food is excellent. Great for any occasion.

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Del Pez Mexican Gastropub-Wilmington

4.7

4.7 (738)

$30 and under

Mexican

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Del Pez is a Mexican gastropub that celebrates the power of food to feed friendship. By fusing the lightheartedness of a traditional pub with the heartiness of a robust food menu, we serve enticing Latin flavors while fanning the flames of both old and new connections. Our focus is local communities—the young professionals who work hard in the area. We are here for them from lunch through late-night
munch with craft drinks, gourmet comfort food, and an ambiance as warm as our welcome. We also host private events worth attending.
We offer standout seating—both indoors and out—where diners can experience the full range of magic that Del Pez has to offer! We hope to see you soon.

Top review

Sean

Dined 7 days ago

Salmon Ceaser was good perfectly cooked. wings were great too. ran out of sushi rice but all good

The Bellefonte Cafe

4.7

4.7 (275)

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Wilmington

About the restaurant

The Bellefonte Cafe: Great Food, Great Atmosphere, Great Music, since 2002!

Top review

Ken

Dined on May 22, 2025

What a great experience! The service was quick and friendly with multiple check points throughout the evening. The food came out relatively fast and it was fresh. Overall a great experience! Would love to see a kids menu in the future to cater to the younger clientele.

Bardea Food & Drink

4.6

4.6 (2509)

$30 and under

Italian

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Bardea, pronounced: bar-DAY-ah, is the Italian term for "the goddess of food and drink." The stunning, 120-seat restaurant utilizes ingredients from local Delaware Valley farms and purveyors, and features modern interpretations of traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes. In 2019, Bardea Food & Drink received a semifinalist nomination in the James Beard Foundation's "Best New Restaurant" category.

Top review

Tim

Dined 4 days ago

Easy to find with ample surrounding street parking. The menu is mostly tapas style and everything we tried was delicious. We commented several times how it was a terrific spot, especially considering we don't have to travel to Philadelphia for it. We'll definitely return with family and friends.

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Tonic Seafood and Steak

4.5

4.5 (1325)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Delaware, Tonic Seafood & Steak offers four distinct dining areas, each with its unique ambiance and design. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by a vibrant atmosphere with stunning light fixtures, metallic gold accents, and a glass-enclosed room. The entrance area features the Bar and Lounge, where live music plays on Friday and Saturday nights.

Top review

Tricia

Dined 4 days ago

Service and food were amazing. I will definitely return when I am in the area.

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Popular dish

Steak Salad

Iron Hill Brewery - Wilmington

4.5

4.5 (2165)

$30 and under

American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Welcome to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, where you'll find fine handcrafted beers, creative yet informal cuisine, and friendly, attentive service in a casual, upscale atmosphere. We're passionate about producing distinctive, full-flavored handcrafted beers, accompanied by fresh–from–scratch New American cuisine in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Our goal has always been to provide food and beer that is inspired, consistently crafted and presented by a knowledgeable and courteous service staff.

Top review

barbara

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

Excellent food, outstanding service, fun atmosphere! Our server, Ciani, was fantastic! Highly recommend!

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Wilmington

4.5

4.5 (3314)

$30 and under

American

Newark

About the restaurant

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is your destination for bold flavors and warm hospitality. From expertly crafted wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood to signature cocktails, mocktails, and curated wines, every detail is designed to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're gathering with family, hosting a client, or toasting to a special occasion, Firebirds offers elevated cuisine at an approachable price. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio and let us show you what extraordinary dining feels like. Reserve your table today — we can’t wait to serve you.

Top review

loriVIP

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

Food was very good, Amanda the server was good too!

Lore

4.5

4.5 (130)

$31 to $50

Italian

Middletown

About the restaurant

Newly renovated restaurant is NOW OPEN! Stunning, (soon to be) award-winning, artisan Woodfire restaurant nestled within the St. Anne’s Club in Middletown, Delaware.
Italian and Modern American fusion wood fire-kitchen with craft cocktail bar that combines locally-inspired, fresh, and creative food with refined artisan cocktails derived from only the highest quality ingredients.
Expect high-quality food in a comfortable atmosphere, ambiance, and polished staff, striving to create a sense of ‘place’ and provide a great experience to all of our guests.

Top review

Ann Marie

Dined on May 23, 2025

Unbelievably flavorful meals. Excellent service. Convenient location

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