Delaware is a state with a LOT of water and a LOT of rivers. Of course, that means there are a lot of riverfront restaurants in Delaware, particularly in Wilmington along the Riverwalk. How do you know which ones are the best? Well, you try them all, of course! Or, you can use our handy guide to find the best riverfront restaurant in Delaware. We’ve picked 7 that stand out above the rest to share with you today.

Which one has your vote?

  1. Big Fish Grill Riverfront, Wilmington

Yelp / Gavin S.

Facebook / Big Fish Grill Riverfront Big Fish Grill in Wilmington sits on the Christiana River and lets you eat with beautiful views when the patio is open. They serve some of the best seafood in the state, and the location can’t be beat. Try them out next time you’re looking for a great riverfront restaurant in Delaware. 720 Justison St Wilmington, DE 19801

  1. Timothy’s Riverfront Grill, Wilmington

Facebook / Timothy’s Riverfront Grill

Facebook / Timothy’s Riverfront Grill Timothy’s is a classic American grill with my favorite riverfront views in Delaware. You can see the Christiana River from their outdoor patio, and it’s one of the rare places in Wilmington where you get a full view of nature, without all of the area’s industry creeping in. Their food is great, too - love their jumbo lump crab cakes and boneless buffalo wings. 930 Justison St Wilmington, DE 19801

  1. JP’s on the Wharf, Frederica

Yelp / Amy P

Yelp / Angela L JP’s takes “waterfront” literally, and they are right on the Murderkill River. They serve seafood that comes in fresh daily - it doesn’t get any better than that. 201 Hubbard Ave, Frederica, DE 19946

  1. Abbott’s on Broad Creek, Laurel

Facebook / Abbott’s on Broad Creek

Facebook / Abbott’s on Broad Creek Abbott’s waterfront location in Laurel is one of my favorite restaurants in Delaware. I’ve written about it several times, so it should be no surprise that it ended up on this list.300 Delaware Ave Laurel, DE 19956

  1. Serendipity, Millsboro

Facebook / Serendipity Restaurant

Facebook / Serendipity Restaurant Sitting on the Indian river in Millsboro is this unique Italian place, possibly the most unique riverfront restaurant in Delaware. Inside, the decor is bright and colorful - outside, you’ve got a great view on the well decorated dock. 32580 River Rd Millsboro, DE 19966

  1. Irish Eyes, Lewes

Facebook / Irish Eyes Pub

Facebook / Irish Eyes Pub Okay, so maybe it’s a canalfront rather than a riverfront restaurant in Delaware, but Irish Eyes is a Lewes landmark. If you haven’t been there yet, cancel your weekend plans and get out there before the weather gets too cold for their outside decks. The food speaks for itself - I’ve never had a bad meal there, and it’s always busy. The above photo is a view from their second floor deck, one of the best views in Delaware.213 Anglers Rd Lewes, DE 19958

  1. Gilligan’s Waterfront Restaurant, Lewes

Facebook / Gilligan’s Waterfront

Facebook / Gilligan’s Waterfront Guilty - another “canalfront” - but I think it’s close enough to riverfront. I wanted to mention Gilligan’s because it has always been one of my favorite spots in Lewes - and they’re completely redoing it this winter! As of last week, Gilligan’s no longer stands as it always has. I can’t wait to see what amazing views and amazing food the new place has to offer!

If you really love waterfront dining, check out our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Delaware, too.

Yelp / Gavin S.

Facebook / Big Fish Grill Riverfront

Big Fish Grill in Wilmington sits on the Christiana River and lets you eat with beautiful views when the patio is open. They serve some of the best seafood in the state, and the location can’t be beat. Try them out next time you’re looking for a great riverfront restaurant in Delaware. 720 Justison St Wilmington, DE 19801

Facebook / Timothy’s Riverfront Grill

Timothy’s is a classic American grill with my favorite riverfront views in Delaware. You can see the Christiana River from their outdoor patio, and it’s one of the rare places in Wilmington where you get a full view of nature, without all of the area’s industry creeping in. Their food is great, too - love their jumbo lump crab cakes and boneless buffalo wings. 930 Justison St Wilmington, DE 19801

Yelp / Amy P

Yelp / Angela L

JP’s takes “waterfront” literally, and they are right on the Murderkill River. They serve seafood that comes in fresh daily - it doesn’t get any better than that. 201 Hubbard Ave, Frederica, DE 19946

Facebook / Abbott’s on Broad Creek

Abbott’s waterfront location in Laurel is one of my favorite restaurants in Delaware. I’ve written about it several times, so it should be no surprise that it ended up on this list.300 Delaware Ave Laurel, DE 19956

Facebook / Serendipity Restaurant

Sitting on the Indian river in Millsboro is this unique Italian place, possibly the most unique riverfront restaurant in Delaware. Inside, the decor is bright and colorful - outside, you’ve got a great view on the well decorated dock. 32580 River Rd Millsboro, DE 19966

Facebook / Irish Eyes Pub

Okay, so maybe it’s a canalfront rather than a riverfront restaurant in Delaware, but Irish Eyes is a Lewes landmark. If you haven’t been there yet, cancel your weekend plans and get out there before the weather gets too cold for their outside decks. The food speaks for itself - I’ve never had a bad meal there, and it’s always busy. The above photo is a view from their second floor deck, one of the best views in Delaware.213 Anglers Rd Lewes, DE 19958

Facebook / Gilligan’s Waterfront

Guilty - another “canalfront” - but I think it’s close enough to riverfront. I wanted to mention Gilligan’s because it has always been one of my favorite spots in Lewes - and they’re completely redoing it this winter! As of last week, Gilligan’s no longer stands as it always has. I can’t wait to see what amazing views and amazing food the new place has to offer!

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