If you're new to Delaware and want to dive into everything our state has to offer, you've got to check out Delaware Today https://delawaretoday.com/ magazine. Every month's issue is a goldmine of information, with gorgeous photos and engaging stories that cover our history, recreational activities, and entertainment.
Especially with summer in full swing, their recent article on waterside dining options https://delawaretoday.com/food/waterfront-restaurants/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Top%20Waterfront%20Restaurants%20for%20Meals%20With%20a%20View%20%F0%9F%8C%84%F0%9F%91%89&utm_campaign=DT-Editorial-Newsletter-07-14-25-Harmony%20Senior%20Services is a must-read. The best part? Many of the restaurants they highlight stay open through the fall and spring, so you can enjoy beautiful river, bay, and ocean views even when the weather cools down.
The article features more than two dozen places, so I've put together a quick list for you, organized by county.
New Castle County
Wilmington's newly developed riverfront is a prime spot for dining with a view.
- Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar (101 South Market Street) https://www.banksseafoodkitchen.com/ offers both casual pub fare and upscale seafood.
- Docklands Riverfront (110 West Street) https://docklandsriverfront.com/ is known for its great happy hour and post-work specials—perfect whether you're still working or reminiscing about your career days.
- In the same area, you'll find Big Fish Grill (720 Justison Street) https://www.bigfishriverfront.com/, a local favorite just like its Bethany Beach counterpart.
- Just down the street at 930 Justison, Timothy’s Riverfront Grill https://riverfrontde.mytimothysrestaurants.com/ is a beloved sports bar that also boasts waterside views.
For some more out-of-the-way gems, head to Grain H20 in Bear (3006 Summit Harbour Place) https://meetatgrain.com/grain-h2o-pan for pub-style food and live music, or Dolly Spankers https://www.dollyspankers.com/ in Delaware City (30 Clinton Street) for a beachy dining vibe.
Kent County
In Dover, you can catch views of Silver Lake while you eat at McGlynn’s Pub (800 North State Street) https://www.mcglynnspub.com/ and 9 East Taphouse (9 East Loockerman Street) https://www.9easttaphouse.com/ .
Over in Frederica, Bowers Beach is a lovely, quiet spot for a day of sun and swimming, which you can cap off at JP’s on the Wharf (201 Hubbard Avenue) https://www.jpswharf.com/ for seafood and cocktails.
Milford's historic downtown has become a great destination for shopping and dining. For waterside views, try Park Place Restaurant and Lounge (5 North Washington Street) https://www.parkplacemilford.net/, or for breakfast and lunch, visit the River Lights Café (340 Northeast Front Street). Another great casual spot is Arena’s (200 Northeast Front Street) https://www.arenasdeliandbar.com/, a longtime Delaware institution.
Sussex County
With restaurants on the canal and Delaware Bay, Lewes is another great place for dinner and sightseeing. Downtown, Harbour (134 West Front Street) https://www.harbourlewes.com/ offers elegant cuisine. On Angler's Road, right across the canal, Irish Eyes https://www.irisheyespub.com/ and The Wheelhouse https://www.wheelhousede.com/ provide casual fare and lively bars overlooking the marina. For beautiful Delaware Bay views, drive or bike down to the end of Savannah Road to find Grain On the Rocks https://grainontherocks.com/ inside the Cape May Ferry Terminal.
In Rehoboth, you can enjoy stunning ocean and Boardwalk views at Above the Dunes (101 South Boardwalk) https://abovethedunes.com/ or Obie’s by the Sea (1 Olive Avenue) https://obiesrehoboth.com/. For views of the Rehoboth Bay, head to Dockside Marina Bar & Grill (39413 Inlet Road) https://docksidede.com/.
While they're popular with a younger crowd, The Rusty Rudder https://rustyrudder.com/ and The Lighthouse in Dewey (124 Dickinson Avenue) https://lighthousedeweybeach.com/ are just as fun for anyone who loves great seafood, waterside dining, and live entertainment.
Farther south in Bethany, you can relax with wonderful bar food, live music, and great views at the Big Chill Beach Club (27099 Coastal Highway) https://www.bigchillbeachclub.com/. Not far from there, you'll find more ocean views at Mango’s (39 Garfield Parkway) https://mangosbethany.com/ and bay views at Bluecoast Seafood & Raw Bar (30904 Coastal Highway) https://www.bluecoastbethany.com/ .
Head west to Long Neck for peaceful bay views and seasonal dining at Seaside Bar & Grill (99 Sandpiper Road) https://www.facebook.com/SeasideGrillDE/. In Millsboro, Serendipity (32580 River Road) http://www.serendipityde.com/ offers Italian and Polish food, and Riverside Grill (31457 River Road) has a fun bar.
Finally, at the southern end of the state, you'll find Catch 54 in Selbyville (38931 Madison Avenue) https://www.catch54.com/location and Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick (39064 Harpoon Road) https://harpoonhannasrestaurant.com/, both with fantastic waterfront dining.
