The 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.

by the Editors Published January 13, 2010 at 12:27 PM

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Captain Pete’s Mediterranean Cove

If you’re looking for good Greek food, Captain Pete’s is one of the few places to offer it. Start with a sampler of dolmades, spanakopita, olives, meatballs, sausages, good feta and more. Since you’re at the beach, go native by ordering the catch of the day. Grilled on an open flame, it’s always perfect. Yes, there are Greek wines. 700 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, 537-5900

Casablanca

A softly lit dining room with cushy seats and rugs is the backdrop to one of the most fun dining experiences around. The roasted lemon chicken falls off the bone. The flaky bastilla of cinnamon-dusted phyllo dough and ground chicken is a revelation. From places unseen emerge bellydancers and Moroccan waiters bearing seven tempting courses. At $25 a head, it’s the best value at a place without a drive-through. 4010 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle, 652-5344

Catch 54

Pick your view of Assawoman Bay: from above, via the dining room, or from sea level on the deck. Either enhances the menu of creative seafood. Where else would anyone find so local a catch as bluefish? Menus change, but there’s usually a seafood pasta dish and a seafood stew. Now is the time for special off-season prices on food and wine. Del. 54, Fenwick Island, 436-8600

Chops Grille

The signatures as the restaurant of the Sheraton Dover? Chops, of course: the pork chops with grilled apple-fennel slaw and amaretto reduction, as well as grilled rack of lamb with black cherry-mint sauce. There is prime rib and grilled steaks (combined with shrimp or crab, if you wish). Seafood gets touches of Asia, Italy and France. 1570 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover, 678-8500

Cloud 9

This bistro offers a bit of everything: a lively bar, live entertainment, dancing and good food. The menu changes frequently, but often includes fun items such as lobster tempura and scallop-lobster risotto. Blueberry martinis win raves. 234 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 226-1999

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