Delaware is full of small restaurants that serve unbelievable food – the challenge is just to find them! Many of these spots are hidden in strip malls or off the beaten path, and they don’t show up in the top results when you search for restaurants in their town. Nonetheless, these little spots are hidden gems that you really need to add to you Delaware dining bucket list!
- Horace Shellhammer’s, Newark
Yelp / Steve C.
Yelp / Sherry I don’t think I would have ever found this place if it weren’t for a friend pointing it out. The atmosphere here is lively and friendly, and the bar bites have a twist that make Shellhammer’s a great alternative to the usual fried bar food.University Plaza, 9 University Dr, Newark, DE 19702
- Goat Kitchen & Bar
Facebook / GOAT Kitchen & Bar
Yelp / Mahogany D. The first time I went to Goat, I was blown away. This tiny strip mall restaurant serves up some of the best gourmet food in Delaware! Seriously, try the short rib, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.1845 Marsh Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810
- Grandpa Mac’s
Facebook / Grandpa Macs via IG: DanMan7488
Yelp / Mia C. Grandpa Macs is my favorite discovery at the beach. Whichever location you choose, you’ll love their creative mac and cheese options and the friendly atmosphere with staff that seem to light up the place. Try the Doritos topping, it makes even a lousy day seem perfect.18756 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Grandpa (MAC) 33 Baltimore Avenue Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Angel’s Restaurant, Wilmington
Yelp / Bruce K.
Yelp / Sarah S. Angel’s is a great little diner that’s easy to overlook if you don’t know where to find it! It’s one of my favorite diners in Delaware and the homemade desserts are mouthwatering, so save room! 2222 Silverside Rd Wilmington, DE 19810
- Kozy Korner, Wilmington
Facebook / Kozy Korner
Yelp / Brigit B. Kozy Korner is consistently one of the top-ranked breakfast spots in Delaware, and it was recently named one of the top Diners in the United States! See what all the fuss is about, and be sure to try their amazing home fried potatoes.906 N Union St Wilmington, DE 19805
- Po’ Boys Creole & Fresh Catch, Milton
Yelp / Bob H.
Facebook / Po Boy’s Creole and Fresh Catch When you want a taste of Louisiana, you can always drive the 17 hours from Newark) like I just did last week) or hop a flight out of BWI. Of course, the much easier way to enjoy fresh creole and cajun food is to head to Po’ Boys, in Milton. You’ll be stunned at how authentic everything on the menu tastes! Shrimp, oysters, and crawfish are staples of the menu.900 Palmer St Milton, DE 19968
- The Parkway, Bethany Beach
Facebook / The Parkway
Facebook / The Parkway The Parkway looks like a cute little bistro from the street, but when you walk inside, you’ll realize it’s more charming than you thought possible. And the food is unbelievable! The rack of lamb here rivals any other place around.114 Garfield Pkwy Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Top Dog Grill, Bethany Beach
Facebook / Top Dog Grill
Facebook / Top Dog Grill Right next to the Parkway is another hidden gem - Top Dog Grill. At first it seems like a standard hotdog joint, but when you see the menu offerings, you’ll be stunned. The Mexican street corn is the best in Delaware, and in a state where fish tacos are as common as potholes, these certainly stand out. Of course, you can also get an unforgettable chili dog or Chicago dog, too.115 Garfield Pkwy Unit 2. Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Tony’s Cafe, Newark
Yelp / Sarah L.
Yelp / Sarah L. Tony’s Cafe in Newark is just the best place for Italian comfort food, hands down. Homemade spaghetti and meatballs always hits the spot, and their salads are always fresh. The pizza selection is out of this world - if you can think of it, chances are that they make it.366 Possum Park Rd Newark, DE 19711
So there you go – another 9 restaurants to add to your Delaware dining bucket list! If you love these small hole in the walls, you might want to check our our series on restaurants like this: 10 Hole In The Wall Restaurants In Delaware That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away; 11 Under The Radar Restaurants In Delaware That Are Scrumdiddlyumptious and 11 Unsuspecting Restaurants In Delaware With Food So Good It Should Be Illegal
Yelp / Steve C.
Yelp / Sherry
I don’t think I would have ever found this place if it weren’t for a friend pointing it out. The atmosphere here is lively and friendly, and the bar bites have a twist that make Shellhammer’s a great alternative to the usual fried bar food.University Plaza, 9 University Dr, Newark, DE 19702
Facebook / GOAT Kitchen & Bar
Yelp / Mahogany D.
The first time I went to Goat, I was blown away. This tiny strip mall restaurant serves up some of the best gourmet food in Delaware! Seriously, try the short rib, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.1845 Marsh Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810
Facebook / Grandpa Macs via IG: DanMan7488
Yelp / Mia C.
Grandpa Macs is my favorite discovery at the beach. Whichever location you choose, you’ll love their creative mac and cheese options and the friendly atmosphere with staff that seem to light up the place. Try the Doritos topping, it makes even a lousy day seem perfect.18756 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Grandpa (MAC) 33 Baltimore Avenue Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Yelp / Bruce K.
Yelp / Sarah S.
Angel’s is a great little diner that’s easy to overlook if you don’t know where to find it! It’s one of my favorite diners in Delaware and the homemade desserts are mouthwatering, so save room! 2222 Silverside Rd Wilmington, DE 19810
Facebook / Kozy Korner
Yelp / Brigit B.
Kozy Korner is consistently one of the top-ranked breakfast spots in Delaware, and it was recently named one of the top Diners in the United States! See what all the fuss is about, and be sure to try their amazing home fried potatoes.906 N Union St Wilmington, DE 19805
Yelp / Bob H.
Facebook / Po Boy’s Creole and Fresh Catch
When you want a taste of Louisiana, you can always drive the 17 hours from Newark) like I just did last week) or hop a flight out of BWI. Of course, the much easier way to enjoy fresh creole and cajun food is to head to Po’ Boys, in Milton. You’ll be stunned at how authentic everything on the menu tastes! Shrimp, oysters, and crawfish are staples of the menu.900 Palmer St Milton, DE 19968
Facebook / The Parkway
The Parkway looks like a cute little bistro from the street, but when you walk inside, you’ll realize it’s more charming than you thought possible. And the food is unbelievable! The rack of lamb here rivals any other place around.114 Garfield Pkwy Bethany Beach, DE 19930
Facebook / Top Dog Grill
Right next to the Parkway is another hidden gem - Top Dog Grill. At first it seems like a standard hotdog joint, but when you see the menu offerings, you’ll be stunned. The Mexican street corn is the best in Delaware, and in a state where fish tacos are as common as potholes, these certainly stand out. Of course, you can also get an unforgettable chili dog or Chicago dog, too.115 Garfield Pkwy Unit 2. Bethany Beach, DE 19930
Yelp / Sarah L.
Tony’s Cafe in Newark is just the best place for Italian comfort food, hands down. Homemade spaghetti and meatballs always hits the spot, and their salads are always fresh. The pizza selection is out of this world - if you can think of it, chances are that they make it.366 Possum Park Rd Newark, DE 19711
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