Unearth The Voyage
Delaware’s waterfront dining scene is one of the state’s best-kept secrets, offering everything from riverside patios in Wilmington to boardwalk decks overlooking the Atlantic. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood with a view or just want a relaxed spot to unwind between errands or beach time, these restaurants deliver casual vibes and scenic settings. Here are fourteen waterfront spots where you can enjoy a stress-free lunch and soak in Delaware’s beautiful water views.
1. Docklands Riverfront (Wilmington)
Perched along the Christina River, Docklands serves up the kind of easy-going lunch that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a workday. The riverside deck is open seasonally, and the restaurant’s location on the Wilmington Riverfront means you’re steps away from walking trails, shops, and summer events.
Menu highlights lean toward American pub favorites with plenty of seafood options. Whether you grab a crab cake sandwich or a burger, everything tastes better with a river breeze. The atmosphere is lively without being loud, making it ideal for solo diners, coworkers, or families.
Parking is convenient, and the surrounding Riverfront district offers plenty to explore after your meal. You can easily turn lunch into an afternoon outing.
2. Banks’ Seafood Kitchen (Wilmington Riverfront)
Banks’ strikes the perfect balance between polished and approachable, which is exactly what you want when you’re treating yourself to a waterfront lunch but don’t want to overthink your outfit. Located right on the Riverwalk, it’s designed with lunch crowds in mind. The dining room is bright, modern, and welcoming.
Seafood is the star here, from oysters and clam chowder to grilled fish and lobster rolls. Everything is prepared with care, and the portions are generous. The bar also pours solid cocktails if you’re in the mood to extend your break a little longer.
Service is friendly and efficient, so you won’t feel rushed even during busy hours. It’s a great spot for business lunches, date days, or catching up with friends.
3. Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront (Wilmington)
Big Fish Grill has become a Riverfront fixture, and for good reason. The restaurant overlooks the scenic Christina River, and during warmer months, the outdoor patio is the place to be. Lunch service runs daily, so it’s reliable whether you’re stopping by on a Tuesday or a Saturday.
The menu focuses on fresh seafood with a creative twist. Think fish tacos, crab mac and cheese, and daily catch specials. There are also options for non-seafood lovers, including salads, sandwiches, and steaks. Portions are hearty, and the kitchen doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Families appreciate the relaxed vibe, and the staff is used to handling groups of all sizes. After eating, you can walk along the Riverwalk or check out nearby shops and attractions.
4. Timothy’s Riverfront Grill (Wilmington)
Timothy’s keeps things simple and satisfying, which is exactly what a laid-back lunch should be. Situated along the Riverfront, it’s an easy stop before or after a stroll on the Riverwalk. The setting is casual, the staff is welcoming, and the menu covers all the bases without being overwhelming.
You’ll find classic American fare here: burgers, wraps, salads, and a solid selection of seafood. The crab bisque is a local favorite, and the fish and chips are consistently crispy and fresh. Prices are reasonable, making it a go-to for regulars and first-timers alike.
The outdoor seating area offers nice river views during pleasant weather. It’s a low-key spot that delivers exactly what it promises, no fuss required.
5. Crabby Dick’s (Delaware City)
Crabby Dick’s doesn’t pretend to be fancy, and that’s part of its charm. This Delaware City staple is all about casual seafood served with a side of water views. Indoor and outdoor seating options mean you can enjoy the scenery year-round, though the deck is especially popular in summer.
The menu is heavy on crabs, naturally, but you’ll also find shrimp, clams, fish sandwiches, and plenty of fried favorites. Portions are generous, and the prices won’t make you wince. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in flip-flops and feel right at home.
Families and groups love the laid-back vibe, and the location along the water makes it feel like a mini vacation even on a regular weekday. Bring your appetite and your sunglasses.
6. River Lights Cafe (Milford)
River Lights Cafe is a daytime gem tucked along the Mispillion River in Milford. Open for breakfast and lunch, it’s the kind of cozy, welcoming spot where locals become regulars fast. The cafe-style setting is warm and unpretentious, and the riverside patio is a peaceful retreat when the weather cooperates.
Menu offerings include fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, wraps, and daily specials that change with the seasons. Everything is made to order, and the quality shines through in every bite. The coffee is excellent, and the baked goods are worth saving room for.
Service is friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Whether you’re meeting a friend or enjoying a solo lunch with a book, River Lights delivers a calm, satisfying experience by the water.
7. Harbour (Lewes)
Harbour brings a touch of sophistication to waterfront dining without losing the relaxed Delaware vibe. Perched along the harbor in Lewes, the restaurant boasts panoramic water views from both its dining room and open-air deck. Lunch here feels like a mini escape, even if you’re just squeezing it in between errands.
The menu leans coastal and contemporary, featuring fresh seafood, inventive salads, and seasonal dishes that change regularly. The raw bar is a standout, and the cocktails are crafted with care. Presentation is polished, but the atmosphere remains approachable and welcoming.
It’s a popular spot, especially during peak season, so reservations are a smart move. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself, Harbour delivers memorable waterfront dining in Lewes.
8. Wheelhouse Raw Bar ‘n’ Grill (Lewes)
Wheelhouse fully embraces the vacation-lunch energy that makes Delaware’s coast so appealing. Located in Lewes with waterfront seating open year-round, it’s designed for diners who want to feel the breeze, watch the boats, and enjoy good food without any pretense. The deck is the main attraction, offering unobstructed water views.
Raw bar selections are fresh and plentiful, and the grill menu covers everything from fish tacos to burgers and steamed seafood platters. Portions are satisfying, and the kitchen knows how to handle seafood right. The drink menu is equally fun, with local brews and tropical-inspired cocktails.
Families, couples, and groups all fit in comfortably here. The vibe is easygoing, the staff is friendly, and the setting makes every meal feel like a mini getaway.
9. Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant (Lewes)
Irish Eyes blends pub charm with waterfront dining, creating a casual spot that’s perfect for a midday meal in Lewes. Open daily starting at 11:00 AM, it’s a reliable choice whether you’re craving comfort food or fresh seafood. The waterfront location adds scenic appeal, and the indoor space is cozy and inviting.
Menu highlights include fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, crab cakes, and a variety of sandwiches and salads. Portions are generous, and the kitchen delivers consistent quality. The pub also pours a solid selection of beers, including Irish imports and local Delaware brews.
Service is warm and efficient, and the atmosphere strikes a nice balance between lively and laid-back. It’s a great spot for families, friends, or anyone looking for a satisfying waterfront lunch with a bit of Irish hospitality.
10. Dockside Marina Bar + Grill (Indian River Inlet / Delaware Seashore State Park)
Dockside sits right inside Delaware Seashore State Park on the Indian River Inlet, which means you’re dining with some of the best natural scenery Delaware has to offer. The restaurant markets itself around sunset views, but lunch is equally stunning. Watching boats cruise by while you eat is part of the experience.
The menu features seafood-forward options like crab cakes, shrimp baskets, and fish sandwiches, plus burgers and salads for variety. Everything is casual and satisfying, designed to fuel up beachgoers and boaters alike. Outdoor seating is prime real estate, especially on sunny days.
The location inside the state park makes it easy to combine lunch with a beach visit or nature walk. It’s a laid-back, scenic spot that captures the best of Delaware’s coastal charm.
11. Harpoon Hanna’s (Fenwick Island)
Harpoon Hanna’s invites you to sit outdoors and on the water, and that invitation is hard to refuse. Located in Fenwick Island, this waterfront favorite is all about casual coastal dining with views that make you want to linger. The outdoor deck is spacious and breezy, perfect for a leisurely lunch.
Seafood dominates the menu, with everything from steamed crabs and oysters to fish tacos and shrimp platters. The kitchen knows how to handle fresh catch, and the portions are generous. There are also non-seafood options like burgers and chicken for picky eaters or landlubbers.
The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with a vibe that feels equal parts beach bar and neighborhood gathering spot. It’s a great place to refuel after a morning on the sand or boat.
12. Catch 54 (Selbyville / Fenwick-area)
Catch 54 elevates the waterfront lunch experience with a dining setting that overlooks the bay and a menu that goes beyond the usual beach fare. Located in the Selbyville and Fenwick area, it’s a strong pick when you want water views paired with slightly more refined dishes. The interior is modern and comfortable, and the outdoor seating offers lovely bay vistas.
The menu features creative seafood preparations, fresh salads, and seasonal specials that showcase local ingredients. Think seared tuna, lobster bisque, and inventive fish entrees. The presentation is polished, but the atmosphere remains welcoming and unpretentious.
Service is attentive, and the restaurant strikes a nice balance between upscale and approachable. It’s ideal for a special lunch or when you simply want to enjoy great food with a view.
13. Victoria’s Restaurant (Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk)
Victoria’s is an oceanfront staple on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, where you can dine with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out in front of you. The oceanfront patio is the star attraction, offering front-row seats to beach life and crashing waves. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s a reliable stop whether you’re spending the day at the beach or exploring the boardwalk.
The menu is classic coastal, with seafood, salads, sandwiches, and a few heartier entrees. The crab cake sandwich and lobster roll are perennial favorites. Portions are solid, and the kitchen delivers consistent quality.
The setting is unbeatable, and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Families, couples, and solo diners all feel at home here, making it a boardwalk dining essential.
14. Above the Dunes (Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk)
Above the Dunes offers a modern beachfront experience right on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, with ocean views that make every lunch feel like a celebration. The restaurant’s name says it all, positioned to give you sweeping views of the beach and water. Daytime hours make it easy to stop in for a casual midday meal.
The menu is contemporary coastal, featuring fresh seafood, creative salads, sandwiches, and shareable plates. Ingredients are fresh, and the kitchen puts thoughtful touches into every dish. The drink menu includes local beers, wines, and refreshing cocktails perfect for a beach day.
The atmosphere is stylish but approachable, and the service is friendly and efficient. It’s a great spot for anyone seeking a front-row water view paired with quality food and a relaxed vibe.
