Unearth The Voyage
Delaware’s coastline stretches from Fenwick Island to Lewes, and every mile is packed with restaurants serving up some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere on the Atlantic. Whether you’re craving steamed blue crabs, oysters on the half shell, or a buttery lobster roll, these coastal spots know how to do it right. Many have been family favorites for decades, while others bring modern twists to classic dishes. Get ready to explore the best places where the ocean meets your plate.
1. Big Fish Grill (Rehoboth Beach)
Since opening its doors in 1997, this Rehoboth Beach landmark has been feeding locals and tourists alike with a menu that celebrates everything the ocean has to offer. The raw bar alone is worth the visit, stocked daily with oysters, clams, and shrimp that taste like they just jumped out of the bay. Families love the relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids and nobody minds a little sand on your flip-flops.
The sprawling menu means everyone finds something they love, from simple fish and chips to more adventurous preparations. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the staff knows their stuff when it comes to making recommendations. Whether you’re a seafood rookie or a seasoned shellfish expert, Big Fish Grill delivers consistent quality meal after meal, year after year.
2. Henlopen City Oyster House (Rehoboth Beach)
Oyster lovers, this is your headquarters. Henlopen City Oyster House takes its raw bar seriously, offering a rotating selection of bivalves from up and down the coast, each with its own flavor profile and story. The clams are equally impressive, served ice-cold and ready to slurp. Beyond the shellfish, the kitchen turns out seasonal fish dishes that change with what’s swimming offshore.
Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, the restaurant fills up fast during peak summer months, so plan accordingly. The vibe leans more serious foodie than beach-casual, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuffy or pretentious. Staff members are happy to guide you through the oyster menu if you’re not sure where to start. It’s the kind of place that rewards adventurous eaters willing to try something new.
3. Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar (Bethany Beach)
Picture this: you’re sitting on the deck, marsh views stretching out in front of you, a cold drink in hand, and a plate of the freshest mid-Atlantic seafood money can buy. That’s Bluecoast in a nutshell. The daily happy hour brings in crowds looking for good deals on oysters and appetizers, but the real star is the dinner menu built around what’s in season and caught locally.
The kitchen doesn’t try to overcomplicate things, letting the quality of the seafood speak for itself. Simple preparations with smart seasoning let you taste the ocean in every bite. Service is friendly without hovering, and the atmosphere strikes a nice balance between polished and laid-back. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just hungry after a beach day, Bluecoast fits the bill perfectly.
4. Matt’s Fish Camp (Lewes)
New England comes to Delaware at Matt’s Fish Camp, where lobster rolls reign supreme and Ipswich clams transport you straight to the Massachusetts coast. Open daily for both lunch and dinner, this Lewes favorite has built a loyal following thanks to consistent quality and portions that don’t disappoint. The oyster bar showcases local and regional varieties, giving you a taste tour without leaving your seat.
The casual, nautical-themed interior feels authentic rather than gimmicky, with just enough maritime decor to set the mood without overdoing it. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and freshness of what lands on your plate. The staff clearly knows their menu inside and out, offering helpful suggestions based on what’s especially good that day. Matt’s proves you don’t need white tablecloths to serve exceptional seafood in a welcoming environment.
5. Fins Fish House & Raw Bar (Rehoboth Beach)
Right in the heart of downtown Rehoboth, Fins brings the raw bar experience to street level with big windows that let you watch the beach town bustle while you slurp oysters. The oyster selection rotates regularly, showcasing different growing regions and flavor profiles that keep repeat customers coming back to try something new. Daily happy-hour windows offer smart pricing on both drinks and seafood, making it easier to sample more varieties.
Coastal plates beyond the raw bar deliver solid execution, from perfectly seared scallops to flaky fish preparations that respect the ingredient. The downtown location means it’s easy to walk over after a day on the sand or before hitting the boardwalk. Service stays efficient even when the dining room fills up, which happens often during summer weekends. Fins has earned its spot as a Rehoboth staple through consistency and quality.
6. Fish On (Lewes)
Part of the respected SoDel Concepts family, Fish On has built its reputation on doing coastal cuisine right without unnecessary fuss. Oysters arrive cold and fresh, scallops get the sear they deserve, and the shrimp and grits have become the stuff of local legend. The menu stays focused rather than trying to be everything to everyone, which means the kitchen can perfect each dish instead of spreading itself too thin.
The Lewes location offers a comfortable setting that works equally well for a casual Tuesday dinner or a weekend celebration. Ingredients are sourced thoughtfully, with an emphasis on local and sustainable options whenever possible. Servers know the menu well and can guide you toward dishes that match your mood and appetite. Fish On proves that simple, well-executed coastal food never goes out of style, especially when it’s this consistently delicious.
7. Just Hooked (Fenwick Island)
When a restaurant emphasizes local catch and local produce, you know they’re taking the farm-to-table (or boat-to-table) concept seriously. Just Hooked focuses on dinner service, showcasing whatever’s freshest that day in preparations that let quality ingredients shine. Because hours can vary day to day depending on season and availability, checking their current schedule before making the drive saves disappointment.
The commitment to sourcing locally means the menu changes with what’s actually available rather than relying on frozen backups or imports. This approach keeps things interesting for repeat visitors who appreciate seasonal variety. The atmosphere leans intimate rather than boisterous, making it a solid choice for date nights or small group celebrations. Just Hooked’s dedication to freshness and local sourcing sets it apart in a crowded coastal dining scene where not everyone walks the walk.
8. Woody’s Dewey Beach (Dewey Beach)
Home to an award-winning crab cake that locals rave about year-round, Woody’s is the kind of place that keeps Dewey Beach fed from lunch through late night, no matter the season. While beach towns often close up shop after Labor Day, Woody’s stays open, becoming the living room for the local community when tourists head home. The crab cake earns its reputation with generous lumps of meat and just enough binder to hold it together without drowning the star ingredient.
Beyond the famous crab cake, the menu covers all the coastal bases with fried seafood, steamed options, and creative preparations that go beyond the expected. The late-night menu means you can satisfy seafood cravings even after other kitchens have closed. The atmosphere is pure beach bar, relaxed and unpretentious, where everyone’s welcome and nobody’s judging your sandy feet or sun-kissed nose.
9. Harpoon Hanna’s (Fenwick Island)
Open every single day of the year, Harpoon Hanna’s has become a bayside institution where reliability meets quality. The raw bar keeps oyster and clam lovers happy, while the stuffed rockfish has achieved legendary status among regulars who order it visit after visit. Big outdoor decks mean you can enjoy your meal with bay breezes and water views, weather permitting.
The 365-day operation means locals depend on Harpoon Hanna’s when other seasonal spots are shuttered for winter. That year-round commitment has built deep community loyalty and a staff that knows many customers by name. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming, covering everything from simple steamed seafood to more elaborate preparations. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need your seafood fix on a random Tuesday in February, Harpoon Hanna’s delivers with the consistency that only comes from decades of practice.
10. The Crab House (Rehoboth Beach)
Steamed blue crabs are the main event here, served the traditional way with mallets and Old Bay seasoning that perfumes the entire dining room. The raw bar adds variety for those who want oysters or clams alongside their crabs, and the Crabby Hour brings deals that make sampling multiple items easier on the wallet. Families appreciate the casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere where messy eating is not just accepted but expected.
Paper-covered tables and bibs signal that this is hands-on dining at its finest, where picking crabs becomes a social activity as much as a meal. The staff is patient with first-timers who need guidance on proper crab-cracking technique. Beyond crabs, the menu includes other seafood options for anyone in your group who doesn’t want to work quite that hard for their dinner. The Crab House understands its mission and executes it well, keeping both locals and visitors happy.
11. The Surfing Crab (Lewes)
Crabhouse vibes meet cooked-to-order freshness at The Surfing Crab, where classic sides complement perfectly steamed crustaceans. The approach is straightforward: take quality crabs, cook them right, and serve them with the traditional accompaniments that let the sweet meat shine. Hours can vary seasonally, so checking their posted schedule before planning your visit saves you from showing up to locked doors.
The laid-back atmosphere encourages lingering over your meal, picking crabs at your own pace while conversation flows as freely as the melted butter. Classic sides like corn on the cob and coleslaw round out the experience without trying to steal the spotlight from the main attraction. Staff members clearly care about getting orders right and timing everything so your food arrives at peak freshness. The Surfing Crab keeps things simple and does them well, which is exactly what you want from a dedicated crabhouse.
12. Wheelhouse (Lewes)
Canal-front dining reaches new heights at Wheelhouse, where the deck offers front-row seats to boat traffic and sunset shows. The raw bar delivers the goods with fresh oysters and clams, while fish tacos have developed their own devoted following among regulars. Daily seafood plates change based on what’s available, keeping the menu dynamic and seasonal rather than static and predictable.
Year-round operation means you can enjoy that canal view in every season, from summer’s peak energy to winter’s quiet beauty. The kitchen balances approachable favorites like tacos with more refined seafood preparations, giving you options whether you’re in shorts and flip-flops or slightly more dressed up. Service strikes the right tone, attentive without being intrusive, letting you enjoy your meal and the scenery at your own pace. Wheelhouse has become a Lewes go-to for good reason, combining location, quality, and consistency.
13. Starboard Raw (Dewey Beach)
The Starboard’s sleek raw bar spinoff brings a more refined focus to Dewey Beach’s dining scene, specializing in rotating oyster varietals that showcase different growing regions and flavor profiles. Steamers arrive piping hot with drawn butter, while seafood small plates encourage sharing and sampling multiple items. The atmosphere leans more upscale than its parent restaurant, though it maintains that essential Dewey Beach friendliness.
Oyster enthusiasts appreciate the knowledgeable staff who can explain the nuances between different varieties and help you discover new favorites. The small plates format works perfectly for groups who want to try a little bit of everything rather than committing to full entrees. Presentation is thoughtful without being fussy, letting the quality of the seafood take center stage. Starboard Raw proves that Dewey Beach can do sophisticated coastal dining while keeping things fun and approachable.
