The boardwalk classics
Start with the foods that define a Rehoboth day. Thrasher's french fries, served in paper buckets and eaten with salt and vinegar, are a ritual. Dolle's makes saltwater taffy and caramel corn near the boardwalk, and the sweet smell drifts down the boards. Grotto Pizza began in Rehoboth in 1960 and remains the default family dinner, and the boardwalk also has custard, funnel cake and lemonade. Eat these as snacks rather than meals, and save appetite for dinner.
Seafood
Delaware is a seafood state, and the beach towns serve crab cakes, steamed crabs, clams, oysters, flounder, rockfish and fried shrimp. Look for crab cakes that are mostly crab with little filler, and in summer try a steamed crab feast at a casual spot. Many restaurants buy local fish when it is available. Raw bars and oyster specials appear at several downtown places, and dockside restaurants in Lewes and along the bays offer water views.
Downtown dining
Rehoboth Avenue and the side streets hold restaurants for every budget, from sandwich counters to fine dining. The scene has a reputation for creativity, with farm-to-table kitchens, global menus and inventive cocktails. Reserve in July and August, especially for weekends, and consider an early or late seating to avoid waits. Some of the best meals are in unassuming rooms off the main drag, so ask locals for recommendations.
Craft beer
Dogfish Head began as a brewpub in Rehoboth in 1995 and grew into one of America's best-known craft breweries. The downtown brewpub is lively and casual, and the Milton brewery has tours and tastings. Order a flight if you want to sample a range of styles. Other breweries and taprooms have appeared across Sussex County, so ask for local recommendations.
Wine and spirits
Nassau Valley Vineyards near Lewes offers tastings in a quiet vineyard setting and is often described as Delaware's first winery. Several distilleries and cideries have also opened in the area. Remember that Delaware strictly enforces drink-driving laws, so plan a designated driver or ride-share for any tasting day.
Breakfast and coffee
Good breakfast spots fill early, especially on weekends, so go before eight or after ten. Many bakeries and cafes serve pastries, egg dishes and strong coffee, and the boardwalk has quick options. In Lewes, small cafes near the canal and the historic district make a pleasant start to a walking day.
Dewey Beach and casual bites
Dewey is known for beach bars, bay-side decks and live music. Expect casual menus of burgers, tacos, wings and seafood, with the main attraction being the setting and the sunset. Late evenings can be noisy, and some kitchens close early in the off-season.
Budget tips
Eat the big meal at lunch, when prices are lower, and treat dinner as a snack or a shared plate. Look for early-bird specials and happy hours, pack a picnic for the beach and use a hotel with a kitchenette. Tipping is expected, and Delaware has no sales tax, so the menu price is nearly the final price.
Reservations and timing
Book dinner ahead from June to August, reserve for larger groups, and be ready for waits at walk-in places. Many restaurants reduce hours or close on weekdays in winter, so check before you go. A flexible approach, with a snack on the boardwalk and an unhurried late dinner, usually works best.
Dietary needs
Most restaurants handle vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy requests well, especially downtown, but tell the server when you order and call ahead for busy evenings. Boardwalk stands are fast food, so options are limited, and a bakery or cafe is a better source of lighter meals. Farm stands in the countryside inland sell peaches, corn, tomatoes and melons in summer, which are worth buying for a beach picnic.
Where to eat with a view
For water views, look at the canal and harbor in Lewes, the bay-side decks in Dewey Beach and the oceanfront rooms along the boardwalk. For quiet dinners, choose a small restaurant downtown away from the avenue. For breakfast with locals, walk a few blocks inland from the sea, where cafes serve the same coffee at lower prices and with shorter waits.
A simple eating plan
Have coffee and a pastry on the way to the beach, fries or pizza for a quick lunch, a late-afternoon ice cream, and one proper dinner a day. Save the brewery for a rainy afternoon and the vineyard for a quiet one.