Unearth The Voyage
There’s something special about Delaware’s soul food scene – it’s humble, hidden, and hotter than a skillet on Sunday morning. Between corner-store kitchens and family-run fryers, locals know exactly where to find the best mac, wings, and gravy-smothered everything. Here are nine hush-hush gems you’ll have to earn your way into – and three soul sanctuaries that are just too good to stay secret.
1. Aunt Vonda’s Kitchen Table
Aunt Vonda’s Kitchen Table smells like love, butter, and turkey wings. This Newark gem is culinary school meets old-school R&B. Turkey wings in rich gravy, crackling fried whiting, and comforting cornbread populate the menu.
Everything’s cooked to order, so it’s a slow but rewarding experience. Seafood platters are a local favorite, kept hush-hush like a cherished family recipe. Aunt Vonda herself is often found in the kitchen, adding laughter and magic to every dish.
Once you savor a meal here, you’ll understand why the regulars speak in whispers about this delicious secret. It’s a soul food sanctuary that feels like home.
2. L&G Southern Soul Food
L&G Southern Soul Food is an unassuming treasure located in a New Castle strip mall. As you approach, the aroma of fried chicken invites you in. Their ribs are tender and collard greens taste like a Sunday potluck.
Cornbread here boasts a fluffy, cake-like texture. Without any frills, L&G focuses on delivering Southern comfort in foil trays. Regulars treat it like contraband, often ordering mac ‘n’ cheese for “later.”
The secret lies in the simplicity and authenticity of each dish. It’s a must-visit for those in the know, with lines out the door signaling its allure.
3. Tomeka’s HomeStyle Eatery
Tomeka’s HomeStyle Eatery in Dover feels like dining at your auntie’s house, where everyone is welcome. The space is cozy, with soul classics setting the mood for a comforting meal.
Fried pork chops, smothered turkey wings, and baked mac arrive steaming, made with care. The peach cobbler is the sweet finale to this soul-feeding experience. Locals cherish this spot for its homey vibe and delicious offerings.
It’s a place where love is served on every plate, making it a well-kept secret among those who crave authentic, heartwarming soul food.
4. Aunt Berta’s Kitchen
Aunt Berta’s Kitchen in New Castle is a testament to soul food tradition. This spot has seen generations return for its comforting dishes.
The fried fish Fridays draw crowds, but the real stars are the sides. Cabbage seasoned perfectly, sweet yams, and award-worthy mac ‘n’ cheese offer a taste of nostalgia. The atmosphere is casual, akin to a neighborhood hangout.
Locals keep returning for the love-laden dishes and the feeling of family. Outsiders might catch wind, but Aunt Berta’s remains a cherished corner of culinary delight.
5. Lena’s & Ant’Bumpy’s Eatery Soulfood
Lena’s & Ant’Bumpy’s Eatery in Wilmington offers a soul food journey through time. The warm welcome rivals even the freshest cornbread.
The menu is a delightful mixtape of Southern favorites like fried chicken, oxtails, and pork chops. Gravy here is an art form. Locals treat it like a cozy family kitchen, chaotic yet comforting.
With a name that piques curiosity and flavors that ensure loyalty, it’s Wilmington’s answer to soul food cravings. Locals keep this treasure close to home, savoring every flavorful bite.
6. Serena’s Soul Food
Serena’s Soul Food in downtown Wilmington is the city’s best-kept culinary secret. The collard greens could make anyone weep with joy, and the fried chicken’s golden crust is a masterpiece.
Mac ‘n’ cheese here is like a warm hug on a chilly day. There’s no flashy presentation, just genuine flavor, and patience in every dish. Regulars swing by for takeout that rarely makes it home.
Serena’s is a hidden gem that deserves to be shared, yet remains a closely guarded secret among its loyal patrons.
7. Q’s Kitchen
Q’s Kitchen in Wilmington is a hidden gem that locals quickly add to their “go-to” list. This little spot offers soulful plates that feel both homemade and elevated.
Fried wings, baked mac, and BBQ ribs are crafted with precision, each bite a testament to the chef’s skill. The seasoning is a mystery, likely passed down through generations.
Locals treasure this spot and guard it like gold. It’s where soul food thrives without any need for marketing, offering a genuine taste of Southern comfort.
8. Tasties Soul Food Restaurant
Tasties Soul Food Restaurant in Wilmington might be Delaware’s worst-kept “secret.” The soul food here has swagger, from the fried whiting to the business-like shrimp platters.
Yams are sweet enough to make you blush, and the atmosphere is electric. Laughter and gospel music fill the air, while the scent of home-cooked meals wraps you in comfort.
Though locals attempt to gatekeep it, Tasties’ charm is undeniable. Finding it is a culinary victory; every visit ends with a full belly and a satisfied smile.
9. Bash Soul Food & African Cuisine
Bash Soul Food & African Cuisine in Dover bridges Southern soul with West African spice. Here, jollof rice and fried chicken share the spotlight on a menu that feels like a family reunion.
The fusion of flavors dances together, creating bold and beautiful dishes. Bash’s plates are crafted to feed both body and spirit, offering a global twist on comfort food.
Locals love the unique culinary journey offered by Bash. It’s a place you stumble upon and crave repeatedly, keeping it in your heart and off your GPS.
10. Just To Serve You
If soul food had a hall of fame, Just To Serve You in Wilmington would be front and center. This place is all heart, offering huge portions and warm smiles.
Turkey wings are legendary, and the mac ‘n’ cheese is downright dangerous. Every plate carries the energy of a home-cooked meal, made with love and care.
Though the secret is out and lines form quickly, everyone agrees: this is soul food gold. Patience and stretchy pants are essential to enjoy this delightful eatery.
11. Keem’s Cuisine
Keem’s Cuisine in Wilmington is where soul food meets date night. With slick décor and smooth music, it’s an Instagram-ready spot with grandma-approved dishes.
Chicken and waffles headline the menu, wings follow closely, and cocktails complete the experience. This isn’t just a hole-in-the-wall; it’s an elevated dining adventure.
Despite locals pretending it’s a secret, Keem’s allure is spreading. If soul food had a glow-up, it would resemble Keem’s, offering ambiance alongside delicious bites.
