Unearth The Voyage
If fresh-caught flavor meets breezy river views on your wish list, you will feel right at home at Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront. Tucked along Wilmington’s scenic Riverwalk, this local favorite pairs dock-to-dish seafood with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. You get generous portions, fair prices, and hospitality that remembers your name. Come hungry, stay for the view, and leave planning your next visit.
This is the kind of starter you order once and then dream about later. The crab dip is creamy, rich, and generously studded with sweet lumps, balanced by a gentle Old Bay whisper. Scoop it up with warm pretzel bread that is soft inside, slightly salty outside, and perfect for sharing.
You will notice how the dip stays hot and velvety, never greasy, even as you linger over conversation. It is a great pairing with a crisp white or a light beer. Sit near the windows, watch the river drift by, and let this appetizer set an easy, coastal tone.
If you love comfort food, this checks every box without feeling heavy. The portions are friendly, the price is fair, and the service is quick. It is the bite that makes you say, yes, we picked the right place.
The raw bar here is a flex, and the sampler proves it. Picture briny oysters, sweet shrimp, and chilled clams piled on crushed ice that sparkles in the afternoon light. Lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and a punchy horseradish sit ready, so you can customize every slurp.
You get freshness that tastes like the dock without leaving Wilmington. The staff will happily talk you through oyster varieties and salinity, which is both helpful and fun. Pair with bubbles for an instant riverfront celebration.
This is a great way to set the tone for a seafood feast without getting too full. It is light, bright, and perfect for sharing with friends or a date. Order it as soon as you sit down, then watch the platters turn heads as they pass your table.
Some days call for a spoonful of comfort, and this gumbo answers. It is loaded with shrimp, fish, and andouille, simmered in a savory, slightly smoky roux that warms you from the inside out. The broth is deep and layered, with rice soaking up just enough to keep every bite hearty.
You will taste peppers, onions, and a polite kick that builds without overpowering the seafood. It is the kind of bowl that makes rainy evenings feel cozy. Add hot sauce if you like a little extra spark.
Grab a cup to start or go all in with a bowl as your main. The portion is generous and the price stays friendly, which fits the Big Fish vibe. Sit by the windows, watch the river ripple, and let this Louisiana classic cruise you into dinner.
If decisions are hard, this platter makes life easy. You get a golden parade of shrimp, scallops, and flounder, fried crisp with a light, seasoned batter that stays crunchy from first bite to last. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything, and the house tartar brings tangy balance.
The textures are spot on, never oily, and the portion feeds big appetites without breaking the bank. Coleslaw and fries keep the classic fish shack energy alive, which just feels right by the water. It is the taste of a boardwalk memory, minus the sand.
Share it or keep it all yours, no judgment. This is the order you make when you want comfort and a guaranteed win. The river outside, the sizzle inside, and a basket you will remember on the ride home.
When you want something lighter but still satisfying, grilled salmon hits the spot. The kitchen cooks it just to medium, with a blush in the center and char-kissed edges that smell amazing. It arrives with seasonal sides that rotate, often bright vegetables and a starch that soaks up the juices.
A light glaze or herb butter sometimes shows up, but the fish remains the star. You will taste clean, balanced flavors that pair perfectly with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The river glints outside, and your fork keeps finding its way back for one more bite.
It is a dish you can count on, weeknight or celebration. Portions are generous without feeling heavy, and pricing stays approachable. If you want seafood that feels both wholesome and indulgent, this plate delivers beautifully every time.
Warm butter, sweet lobster, and a toasted split-top bun make this an instant favorite. The meat is plentiful and tender, lightly dressed so the natural flavor shines. Each bite is soft, buttery, and just salty enough to keep you chasing the next.
You can add fries or a simple salad, depending on your mood. It pairs well with a crisp lager and a sunny seat by the windows. The roll feels like a mini vacation along the Riverwalk, no road trip required.
If you treasure classic New England style, this keeps faith with tradition. No heavy mayo, no fuss, just clean lobster comfort. It is the sandwich that convinces you to linger for dessert because the meal already feels like a win.
These tacos bring a lively kick without stealing the show. The mahi mahi is blackened to a smoky crust, flaky inside, and tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw. A drizzle of chipotle crema cools the heat while citrus lifts each bite.
You can taste the balance of spice, texture, and freshness that makes taco night feel special. Order them with a side of rice and beans or keep it simple with chips. A margarita or light ale matches the mood perfectly.
They are easy to share, but you might not want to. Great for lunch, great for dinner, and perfect for that post-walk hunger along the Riverwalk. You will finish the last taco wondering why you did not order one more set.
Comfort meets coastal in a bowl you will scrape clean. Plump shrimp rest on creamy stone-ground grits, with a savory gravy that carries bacon and scallion notes. It is rich, it is balanced, and it tastes like a weekend treat even on a Tuesday.
The portion is generous, so you might plan to share or just lean in. Spice stays gentle, but you can nudge the heat with extra hot sauce. A squeeze of lemon brightens the shrimp and keeps the dish lively.
Grab a window seat and settle in while the river rolls by. This plate slows you down in the best way. If you want something soulful without feeling heavy, this is the pick that will keep you smiling through the last spoonful.
Asking about the fish of the day is like getting a friendly secret from the kitchen. Options rotate based on what is freshest, often prepared grilled, broiled, or blackened. You pick your sides, your sauce, and the mood for the meal.
The joy is in trusting a place that cares about seafood. You taste clean, bright flavors that remind you why simple techniques win. Talk to your server for pairing ideas, because they know what sings with each preparation.
It is a smart order if you are craving variety without risk. Portions are hearty and prices fair for the quality. You leave feeling like you ate exactly what the river breeze made you crave, even if it traveled from another coast.
These crab cakes lean on lump meat and light binding, which means every forkful is sweet and briny. The outside sears to a delicate crust while the inside stays tender. A little remoulade adds zip without overshadowing the star ingredient.
If you judge a seafood spot by crab cakes, this will make you a regular. Order two if you are hungry or pair one with a salad for a lighter route. The flavor reads pure crab, not filler, which is the dream.
Enjoy them with a squeeze of lemon and a seat that faces the water. You get classic Mid-Atlantic comfort in a polished, family-friendly space. It is a dish that tells you Big Fish takes pride in doing the fundamentals exactly right.
If you arrive between lunch and dinner, happy hour feels like a hidden perk. Think discounted raw bar bites, bar snacks, and drink specials that stretch your dollar. The bar staff keeps things upbeat without rushing you, and the river view does the rest.
You can graze on oysters, sliders, or crispy shrimp while deciding whether to stay for dinner. It is the ideal pause after work or a relaxed meet-up with friends. You never feel pressured to hurry.
Ask about the daily features, because they rotate and sell out fast. Slide into a high-top, order something bubbly, and let the afternoon drift. It is a Wilmington ritual that turns an ordinary weekday into a mini celebration.
Families breathe easy here because the kids menu actually delivers. Think crispy fish bites, buttered noodles, and grilled chicken for those not ready for seafood yet. Portions are sensible, sides are simple, and the staff is patient in all the right ways.
Your little ones can try shrimp or a tiny burger without fuss. High chairs, crayons, and friendly smiles make meals go smoother. You get to enjoy your plate while they find something they really like.
It is nice to have a river view that entertains between bites. Prices are fair, and the pace never feels rushed. If you are introducing kids to seafood, this is a comfortable, low-pressure place to start.
The drink list keeps pace with the menu, leaning fresh and approachable. Seasonal cocktails bring citrus, herbs, and just enough sweetness to flatter seafood. You will find local Delaware and regional brews that match fried platters and raw bar picks.
Ask for a pairing suggestion, because the team nails it without pretension. A crisp pilsner with oysters, a zesty margarita with tacos, or a bright white sangria on a sunny day. Sipping while the water moves outside is part of the experience.
There is something for every palate and every budget. Rotating taps keep regulars curious, and mocktail options are not an afterthought. It is the kind of bar you settle into, then realize how good the timing feels.
Brunch here has that easy, river-slow rhythm. Expect seafood spins on classics, like crab benedict, shrimp omelets, and fresh fruit that actually tastes ripe. Coffee is hot, refills are quick, and the natural light through the windows does all the decorating.
You can go sweet with pancakes or keep it coastal with a smoked salmon plate. Mimosas and Bloody Marys round things out without getting fussy. It is casual enough for families and charming enough for a date.
Reservations help on busy weekends, especially when the weather is perfect. Grab an outdoor-leaning seat if available and let the morning unfold. You will leave full, relaxed, and ready to wander the Riverwalk.
What seals the deal is how comfortable this place feels. You are greeted quickly, seated promptly, and checked on without hovering. Staff know the menu and offer honest tips that match your appetite and budget.
The vibe is casual coastal, with booths, fish art, and big windows framing the water. It works for date night, work lunches, and family dinners. Laughter carries from the bar to the dining room in a good way.
Come for the seafood, stay for the rhythm of the river just outside. Parking is straightforward, the website is handy, and the hours cover lunch through dinner. It is the kind of neighborhood spot that still feels worth a drive.
Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront sits at 720 Justison St, near the Riverwalk’s heart. Hours typically run from late morning into the evening, with later nights on weekends. Check the website for today’s opening time and seasonal specials before you go.
Parking is close and simple, and the host stand moves quickly. Call ahead for larger groups or popular brunch windows. If you like raw bar items, arrive early so you do not miss what sells fast.
Prices land in the friendly middle, portions are generous, and service is steady. Save room for dessert or that last plate you kept eyeing. You will head back to the car feeling like Wilmington just handed you a new favorite.
