Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Ocean City / Delaware Shore

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Ocean City / Delaware Shore? 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!

Cafe Azafran

4.9

4.9 (1044)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

Cafe Azafran serves up an award-winning blend of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. Recently taking home the 2019 Top Chef of the Culinary Coast for the second year in a row was Café Azafran, their quality of food and freshness speaks for itself. Each dish from tapas to our large plates will leave you satisfied and looking forward to your next visit. Menu is subject to change at Chefs request! We have live entertainment every Thursday!!!!
Located on the ocean block of Baltimore Avenue, in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Cafe Azafran has a cozy dining area, with a spacious covered screened in back porch, in order to enjoy the ocean air while you eat fresh, delicious menu items.

Top review

GRANTVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Paella Night was a WONDERFUL experience!!! Billy Toner was phenomenal!!

Shorebreak Lodge

4.8

4.8 (1303)

$31 to $50

American

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

Shorebreak Lodge offers high quality fresh and seasonal menu items, hand crafted cocktails, an eclectic wine list, and exceptional service all in a comfortably chic and welcoming setting.

One of the elements that makes the Shorebreak menu unique is the option to order appetizer size or full size entrees. Ben, owner and creator of the cocktail menu, has been bartending in downtown Rehoboth since 2019 and has won several cocktail awards, most recently First Place at the War at the Shore. The cocktail program at Shorebreak presents carefully crafted cocktails based on classics with unique twists to challenge the guests with new experiences.

Shorebreak has a 12-seat bar, two dining rooms and a covered outdoor patio. Many seating options for a romantic date night, special celebrations, family gatherings and company dinners.

We are 133 steps to the Atlantic Ocean on Wilmington Ave Downtown Rehoboth Beach.

Winner of Traveler's Choice 2021 on Trip Advisor.

Top review

KarenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had the burrata salad, New Zealand lamb chops and seared scallops. Everything was perfectly prepared and delicious! We ate at the bar and enjoyed talking to Tavish (?) the bartender, and Ben the owner. One of the best restaurants in Rehoboth. Staff are always attentive and helpful.

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4.7

4.7 (895)

$30 and under

Indian

Lewes

About the restaurant

The Queen Anne Victorian at 210 Savannah Road in Lewes, DE has stood tall for over 100 years. Built in 1899, Captain W. “Diver” Johnston at the age of 52 collaborated with his business partner (William H. Virden) to build a beautiful new house for him and his wife, Isabella. Records indicate that he paid $400 for the entire lot, one of the most prominent sites in downtown Lewes.Over the next 100 years, the Victorian structure built in the style of Eastlake, an English architect, served as a home for many families, including longtime Lewes Mayor, Otis Smith.

The team at Raas is proud to continue the story of the Queen Anne Victorian. Each chapter of the building’s history has added to its charm and we at Raas are excited for its next chapter.

CELEBRATION OF FOOD & CULTURE

Our team’s interpretation of the word "Raas" is a celebration of food and culture while showcasing the medicinal value of Indian cuisine.

Top review

Steven

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

We got the whole fish Red Snapper, as usual, and it was excellent, as usual. Raas is our go to place when we want to celebrate an occasion.

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Theo's Steak, Sides & Spirits - Rehoboth Beach

4.7

4.7 (1269)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

Established in 2011, Theo's began in St. Michaels, Maryland as a traditional steakhouse. Being in a resort town, Theo's quickly became a casual hot spot offering elevated, high-quality dining for visitors as well as a beloved favorite among locals. Heavily influenced by New Orleans, our flagship property in St. Michaels features eclectic art, moody colors, and comfortable seating in the once-historic home it resides in. Our second location in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a well-lit vibrant space with a cozy outdoor patio nestled right downtown on Baltimore Avenue. No matter the location, you're sure to meet local town celebrities and unforgettable characters. We believe that great atmospheres are created by the people who enjoy them.

Top review

Kevin

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent service from Craig along with great food. One of the best places in Rehoboth

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Popular dish

FILET MIGNON 8 OZ GF

The Federal Rehoboth

4.7

4.7 (519)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

What started as a food truck concept in 2019 then became a beachside bistro in 2021. The Federal, located just a short block from the famed Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has become a full-service, beach casual, fine-dining bistro. The demure restaurant now hosts the two concepts in one space - you can enjoy fritters before dinner, for a happy hour snack, or go for a boardwalk stroll. Federal Fritter menu features a variety of crisp, poppable & snackable fritters, while The Federal menu expands on a way of eating that best defines Todd & Ellen's culinary style, the menu reads like a postcard from the Mid-Atlantic. Chef Gray pays careful attention to the seasons, honoring what the Delmarva region harvests.

Top review

Kim

Dined 1 day ago

This was my second time here and it did not disappoint! Oyster fritters were unbelievable and the scallops were delicious

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4.7

4.7 (1554)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Lewes

About the restaurant

Located in the historic district, Lewes Oyster House honors the rich heritage of ubiquitous and democratic oyster consumption in 18th and 19th century Middle Atlantic taverns and oyster houses. We serve inspired tavern fare, expertly prepared with fresh, regionally-sourced ingredients along with crisp lagers, interesting wines, and artisanal cocktails. All that, and a whole lot of love.

Please join us for lunch Tuesdays through Saturdays in the Tap Room, Oyster Bar or Main Bar. We do not accept reservations for lunch.

Walk-ins for dinner are always welcome first-come first-served at the Oyster and Main bar areas, all evening long beginning at 5 p.m.

Online reservations for dinner are VERY STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for the Walsh Room and Tap Room.

Top review

Susan

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent!!! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. Highly recommend.

The Parkway Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (264)

$31 to $50

American

Bethany Beach

About the restaurant

The Parkway Restaurant is family owned and operated.
We are located at 114 Garfield Parkway, in downtown Bethany Beach, Delaware.
We are open 5 days a week, at 5 pm. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
Memorial Day till Labor day - open 6 days a week. Closed Tuesdays.

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended!! We take reservations for the dining room and the bar!
If you would like to make a reservation at the bar, please make a note when making a reservation. We will call you back if the is a problem with your reservation.

Top review

Sandy

Dined 7 days ago

It’s always a 10 at Parkway! This is one of our favorite places to go, and yesterday’s visit didn’t disappoint. I brought my adult son, and he loved the lamb chops, while I had the chicken dish — both were absolutely outstanding. We started with the clams appetizer, which was delicious, and enjoyed a couple of perfectly made martinis. Our server, Sarah, was delightful and attentive throughout the evening, making the experience even more special. We will always return to Parkway — it never fails to impress!

Forgotten 50 Distilling

4.7

4.7 (18)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Berlin

About the restaurant

Plenty of free parking

Farm to table restaurant

Cocktail Bar, craft beer, wine, and other

Craft Distillery

Indoor/outdoor seating

Large hexagon Bar

Live entertainment

Next to the Army tank

Favorites: French Onion Soup, Tank Burger, Tandoori Wings, Crab Guacamole, Bread Pudding

Head Distiller Cody Miller

Vodka Awards:
San Francisco International Spirits Competition - Silver Medal
American Distilling Institute - Silver Medal
American Craft Spirits Competition - Silver Medal

Gin Awards:
San Francisco International Spirits Competition - Silver Medal
American Distilling Institute - Silver Medal
American Craft Spirits Competition - Bronze Medal

Top review

KrisVIP

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

The food was excellent! And thank goodness for Nicolette who wasn’t our server, but stepped in and helped out. She was great!

Starboard Claw

4.6

4.6 (91)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Rehoboth Beach

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Dewey Beach, Delaware, you'll find an upscale crab and seafood restaurant that exemplifies coastal elegance and culinary excellence. Upon entering Starboard Claw, you're greeted by a charming ambiance that combines contemporary design with coastal elements. We take pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients, with an emphasis on locally caught seafood. Whether you’re craving jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent lobster tails, steamed blue crabs, or a perfectly prepared whole grilled fish, Starboard Claw offers a diverse range of dishes to cater to every customer.

Top review

Justin

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Awesome and fresh food. Service was outstanding.

Agave Mexican Restaurant - Lewes

4.6

4.6 (217)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Lewes

About the restaurant

Agave Lewes is our original location, we opened in 2008. We offer a mix between authentic and modern Mexican cuisine.