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FeedThe Restaurant Issue: 96 Favorites
In our tiny state, 96 restaurants may seem like a lot, so let’s put this in perspective: The Delaware Restaurant Association counts 1,900 members, everything from pizza joints to Zagat-listed classics. How do we choose 96? Editors considered the atmosphere, novelty, quality of cuisine, reputation, longevity, wine program, service and value at 200 top-tier restaurants (plus a few just over the state line), including past Best of Delaware winners. We didn’t include every neighborhood tavern—we’ll get to them in another issue—nor every neighborhood Italian place. (Find them at www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/February-2008/Dining-Guide-World-Class/.) Left standing: a diverse roster of places you simply must visit—if you haven’t already.
(page 16 of 26)
Lamberti’s Cucina
Soft colors create a mellow vibe where you can enjoy home-cooked food that will warm you through and through. There are no surprises, just the classics: grilled chicken and veal, Marsalas, saltimboccos and Parmagianas, lots of shellfish in zesty sauces over pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. 1300 Centerville Road, Wilmington, 995-6955; 514 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 762-9094
Lupo Di Mare Cucina Italiano
Super chef Matt Haley’s foray into coastal Italian hits the right notes by leaning on fresh herbs, lemons and good olive oil as the backbone for many of its dishes. TV screens in this restaurant (in Hotel Rehoboth) may show classic Italian cinema, but you’ll be too engrossed in seared tuna or eggplant capanata—or too busy watching the doings on Rehoboth Avenue. Go coastal with starters such as octopus stewed with white beans in garlicky tomato sauce. Warm, beachy colors set the tone in the intimate dining room. There’s a fine selection of wines from California and Italy, as well as a couple of choice grappas. 247 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 226-2240
The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot defines romantic dining, as well as fun dining. Whether you’re dipping with a small group or with a special someone, The Melting Pot is contemporary and cozy and dripping with warmth. Cheese, chocolate and specially seasoned boullions provide an endless variety of ways for you to cook beef, poultry, fish, fruit and more. A fun wine list means even more variety. 1601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 652-6358
Michele’s Steak and Seafood
With floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the hotel lobby, Michele’s is the pinnacle of dining at Dover Downs, which now features several great restaurants. It ditched a globetrotting menu that mixed East Asian and Tuscan with Maryland seashore and Southwestern. The new menu is back-to-basics steak and seafood. Michele’s upscale Sunday brunch is considered one of the best in town, and Thursday nights are packed for ladies night, when entrées are half-price. The chef’s table is a lost art, but Michele’s behind-glass chef’s room is undeniably cool, as is its private wine room. Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, 1131 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover, 674-4600
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Reader Comments:
There are some restaurants on here that are very average at best in quality. And the only Restaurant in Hockessin is Back Burner? What about places like Six Paupers atmosphere is great and always run into someone you know. And 2FatGuys American Grill it may be small but the food is outstanding and what a value and they are expanding to Wilmington in this economy must be doing something right.
The COVE isn't on the list??? Rehoboth's best new restaurant... which happens to be in Dewey Beach... is a must stop for everyone this summer!!! Que Pasa or the Lighthouse for drinks, then dinner at the COVE...ahhhh I can't wait for this Summer!!!
DT is sorry to have excluded Six Paupers and 2 Fat Guys, which are undeniably great places, but, as it was explained in the introduction to the story, we couldn't include every good neighborhood place in the state. No magazine is big enough. We will do a separate feature on them later on. In Hockessin, we're big fans of Palcio Maya as well. And though Palacio, 2 Fat Guys and others are good (or great) places, no one has the longevity of Back Burner. Look for a guide to great taverns and neighborhood places this summer. —Ed
Shucker's in Dover is not on your list, nor Betsy Ross Pizza, two of the longest running restaurants in the state with great food and value. Thirty years and counting. John.
OK - don't know when this went to press but Pan Tai closed their doors over a month ago after over 20 years
Let's Try again- Pan Tai closed their doors over a month ago although It is a fitting tribute to the 20 plus years of great Tai food including Jimmy's fried rice - you might want to update your info and WHERE on earh was Aqua SOL??