Unearth The Voyage
Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware, is more than just a place to grab dinner—it’s an experience that works whether you’re wrangling kids or trying to impress someone special. Sitting right on the water with views that change with the seasons, this seafood spot has earned its 4.4-star rating from over 4,600 reviews by being genuinely welcoming to everyone who walks through the door.
From hearty seafood platters to a relaxed vibe that doesn’t make you feel like you need to whisper, Big Fish Grill proves you don’t have to choose between a fun family meal and a memorable evening out.
Nothing says special occasion quite like watching the sun glint off the Christina River while you’re deciding between the crab cakes and the lobster roll. Big Fish Grill’s location at 720 Justison Street puts diners right on the water, offering views that make both first dates and family celebrations feel a little more magical.
The scenery changes throughout the day, from bright afternoon light to soft evening glow, giving you plenty of reasons to visit more than once.
Kids love spotting boats drifting by, which keeps them entertained while parents actually get to finish a conversation. Couples appreciate the romantic backdrop without the stuffy atmosphere that sometimes comes with waterfront dining.
The outdoor seating area becomes especially popular during warmer months, though the indoor tables still capture those river views through large windows.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just survived a long week of homework battles, the setting adds something extra to your meal. It’s the kind of place where you can take a family photo that doesn’t look forced, or steal a quiet moment with your partner while the kids are distracted by passing kayakers.
Walking into a seafood restaurant with picky eaters can feel like a gamble, but Big Fish Grill’s menu covers enough ground that nobody has to settle for plain bread and butter. Sure, the seafood specialties take center stage—this is their wheelhouse, after all—but you’ll also find options for the landlubbers in your group who think fish belongs in aquariums, not on plates.
Steaks, chicken dishes, and hearty salads give non-seafood fans something to genuinely look forward to rather than tolerate.
The portions lean generous, which matters when you’re feeding growing teenagers or splitting appetizers on a date. Families appreciate that kids can order something familiar while adults venture into more adventurous territory like the day’s fresh catch.
Date night diners enjoy the flexibility to share plates without feeling like they’re at a chain restaurant with a predictable lineup.
Prices sit comfortably in the moderate range with that double dollar sign rating, meaning you’re not breaking the bank but you’re also getting quality ingredients prepared with care. The variety keeps things interesting whether this is your first visit or your fifteenth, with seasonal specials adding new reasons to return throughout the year.
Some restaurants claim to be family-friendly but really mean they’ll tolerate your children with barely concealed annoyance. Big Fish Grill actually welcomes families without making the space feel like a playground, striking that tricky balance between relaxed and refined.
The décor keeps things comfortable and unpretentious—think nautical touches that don’t veer into theme restaurant territory—creating an environment where a toddler’s occasional outburst won’t earn you death glares from neighboring tables.
Date night couples benefit from this easygoing vibe too, since there’s no pressure to dress up or stress about using the right fork. You can focus on your conversation and your food without feeling like you’re being judged by a maitre d’ with impossibly high standards.
The noise level stays lively without becoming overwhelming, with enough ambient sound that you don’t feel like the whole restaurant is eavesdropping on your stories.
Staff members navigate between serving families with young children and couples celebrating anniversaries with equal grace, never making either group feel like they’re in the wrong place. It’s this versatility that keeps Big Fish Grill busy without feeling cramped or chaotic, even during peak hours.
Restaurants love to throw around words like “fresh” and “locally sourced,” but Big Fish Grill backs up the talk with seafood that tastes like it was swimming recently. Their daily specials often feature whatever’s best at the market that day, giving adventurous eaters a chance to try something beyond the usual suspects.
The kitchen doesn’t bury good fish under heavy sauces or excessive seasoning, letting the natural flavors come through in preparations that range from simple grills to more elaborate presentations.
For families introducing kids to seafood beyond frozen fish sticks, this quality matters enormously. Children who think they hate fish sometimes change their minds when they taste properly prepared fresh catch that doesn’t have that fishy smell or rubbery texture.
Adults rediscover why they fell in love with seafood in the first place, especially if they’ve been settling for subpar versions at other establishments.
The chefs clearly understand that fresh ingredients need less fussing, which also means dishes arrive at your table looking and tasting like they were made with care rather than assembly-line efficiency. Whether you’re ordering the catch of the day to impress your date or playing it safe with salmon for the kids, the quality stays consistent.
Starting a meal with appetizers can make or break the whole experience, and Big Fish Grill’s starters have earned their own loyal following. The crab cakes show up in reviews constantly, praised for having actual crab meat instead of being mostly filler held together with hope and breadcrumbs.
Shrimp cocktail arrives properly chilled with cocktail sauce that has some personality, while calamari manages to be tender instead of resembling rubber bands dipped in batter.
Families often order several appetizers to share, turning the beginning of the meal into a fun tasting experience that gets everyone involved. Kids who might be skeptical about trying new foods sometimes surprise their parents by reaching for a second helping of something they swore they wouldn’t touch.
Date night diners appreciate appetizers that encourage that comfortable intimacy of sharing plates and stealing bites from each other’s choices.
The portion sizes on starters strike a good balance—substantial enough to feel worthwhile but not so massive that you’re already full before the main course arrives. Prices remain reasonable, so ordering a couple of appetizers doesn’t require a second mortgage.
Some regulars admit to building entire meals around the appetizer menu, which tells you everything you need to know about their quality.
Children’s menus at restaurants often feel like afterthoughts—chicken fingers, plain pasta, maybe a sad hamburger—but Big Fish Grill puts actual thought into what younger diners might enjoy. The kids’ options include scaled-down versions of adult dishes alongside the familiar favorites, giving children a chance to feel grown-up by ordering “real” restaurant food.
Parents don’t have to bribe, threaten, or negotiate quite as much when the children’s menu offers something genuinely appealing.
The staff treats young diners with respect rather than talking down to them or ignoring them entirely in favor of the adults. Crayons and activity sheets appear without being requested, keeping little hands busy during those crucial minutes between ordering and food arrival.
High chairs and booster seats materialize quickly, and servers seem genuinely unfazed by spills, dropped utensils, and the general chaos that accompanies family dining.
What really sets the experience apart is that families never feel like they’re ruining the atmosphere for other diners. The restaurant’s layout and sound levels mean that a fussy toddler doesn’t become everyone’s problem, and parents can actually relax instead of spending the entire meal on high alert.
Multiple reviews mention how welcome families feel here, which isn’t something you can fake.
Finding a restaurant that feels special enough for date night but doesn’t require you to skip next month’s car payment can be surprisingly difficult. Big Fish Grill occupies that sweet spot where the atmosphere, food quality, and service create a memorable evening without the heart-attack-inducing bill at the end.
The waterfront setting provides natural romance, so the restaurant doesn’t need to rely on over-the-top décor or pretentious touches to set the mood.
Couples can split a bottle of wine, share some appetizers, enjoy well-prepared entrées, and maybe even squeeze in dessert without feeling like they’re being financially irresponsible. The moderate pricing means date night can happen more frequently than just anniversaries and apology dinners.
You’re paying for quality food and a pleasant experience, not for the privilege of being seen at some trendy hotspot that’ll be forgotten in six months.
The service strikes that ideal balance of being attentive without hovering, giving couples privacy to talk while still keeping water glasses filled and clearing finished plates promptly. Whether you’re on a first date trying to make a good impression or celebrating years together, the environment supports connection without distraction.
Many couples report making Big Fish Grill their regular date night spot precisely because it delivers consistently without drama or disappointment.
Restaurant hours can make or break your dining plans, especially when you’re coordinating family schedules or trying to squeeze in a date between work and bedtime. Big Fish Grill opens at 11:30 AM seven days a week, making lunch a legitimate option for those who prefer daytime dining or want to enjoy the waterfront views in full sunlight.
The kitchen stays open until 9 PM most nights, extending to 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays when people are more likely to be out later.
These hours accommodate families who eat on the earlier side—nobody wants to be the table with cranky, overtired children at 8:30 PM—while still serving couples who prefer a later, more leisurely dinner. Weekend hours provide flexibility for both lunch dates and evening celebrations, and being open every day means you don’t have to remember which day they’re closed.
Spontaneous dining decisions become possible when you know they’ll be open and ready to serve you.
The consistency matters too; nothing’s more frustrating than showing up to find unexpected closures or reduced hours. Big Fish Grill’s reliable schedule means you can plan around it confidently, whether you’re organizing a family gathering or surprising your partner with an impromptu dinner out.
Check their website or call ahead during holidays, but otherwise, you can count on them being there when you need them.
Sometimes you want to go big, and Big Fish Grill’s seafood platters deliver the kind of impressive spread that makes you feel like you’re really treating yourself. These aren’t sad little samplers with three shrimp and a crab leg—we’re talking generous portions of multiple seafood varieties arranged to look as good as they taste.
The combinations typically include favorites like shrimp, scallops, crab, and fish, giving you a chance to enjoy several different preparations in one meal.
For families, these platters can serve as shareable centerpieces that turn dinner into an event. Kids get excited about the variety, and everyone can pick their favorites without committing to a full entrée of something they might not love.
Date night diners find them impressive without being ostentatious, showing you put thought into ordering something special. The platters also solve that common restaurant dilemma of wanting to try multiple things but not wanting to over-order.
Presentation matters, and these platters arrive looking restaurant-worthy rather than thrown together at the last minute. Everything’s cooked properly—shrimp tender, scallops with that perfect sear, fish flaky and moist—demonstrating the kitchen’s ability to execute multiple techniques simultaneously.
It’s the kind of meal that photographs well, tastes better, and leaves you satisfied without feeling uncomfortably stuffed.
Great service isn’t about following a script—it’s about understanding what different tables need and adjusting accordingly. Big Fish Grill’s servers seem to genuinely grasp this concept, treating families differently than couples without making either group feel less important.
When you’re dining with children, servers move efficiently, bringing kids’ food out quickly and checking in regularly without being intrusive. They’ve mastered the art of reading when parents need help and when they’ve got things under control.
For couples, the approach shifts to more relaxed pacing, allowing time between courses for conversation and connection. Servers make recommendations without being pushy, answer questions knowledgeably, and disappear at the right moments so you’re not constantly interrupted during intimate conversations.
The staff clearly receives training on handling different dining situations, which shows in the consistently positive reviews about service quality.
Busy nights don’t seem to throw the team off their game, though like any restaurant, occasional delays can happen during peak times. What matters is how staff handles those situations—apologetically, honestly, and with genuine effort to make things right.
The 4.4-star rating across more than 4,600 reviews suggests that most diners leave feeling well cared for, which doesn’t happen accidentally. Good service elevates good food into a memorable experience worth repeating.
Getting to a restaurant shouldn’t require a treasure map and three wrong turns, and Big Fish Grill’s riverfront location at 720 Justison Street in Wilmington is refreshingly straightforward to find. The Riverfront area has become a destination in itself, with clear signage and parking options that don’t leave you circling blocks in frustration.
Whether you’re coming from nearby neighborhoods or driving in from surrounding areas, the restaurant’s visibility and accessible location remove one common source of dining-out stress.
Parking availability matters enormously when you’re wrangling kids or trying to arrive on time for a reservation, and the riverfront area generally offers adequate options during most times. The location also means you can extend your outing beyond just the meal—families might walk along the river before or after eating, while couples can stroll the waterfront and enjoy the scenery.
Being part of a developed area rather than isolated means there’s a sense of safety and activity that adds to the overall experience.
The address is easy to plug into GPS, and the restaurant’s visibility from the street means you’re not second-guessing whether you’ve arrived at the right place. For locals, it becomes a familiar landmark, while visitors find it accessible without needing insider knowledge of Wilmington’s layout.
Convenience might not sound exciting, but it matters when you’re choosing where to spend your time and money.
Ending a meal with dessert can transform a good dinner into a great one, and Big Fish Grill’s sweet offerings provide that satisfying conclusion. While seafood takes the spotlight on the menu, the dessert selection shows equal attention to quality and presentation.
Key lime pie often appears in reviews as a standout, offering that perfect balance of tart and sweet that cleanses your palate after a seafood-heavy meal. Chocolate lovers find their fix too, with rich options that don’t skimp on flavor or portion size.
For families, dessert can be the reward that motivates kids through the meal—finish your dinner, and we’ll share something sweet afterward. The portions are typically generous enough for sharing, which helps when you’re already full but can’t resist something sugary.
Date night diners find dessert provides a natural reason to linger over coffee, extending the evening without needing to order another round of drinks or awkwardly stalling.
The dessert menu changes seasonally, giving regulars new options to try throughout the year. Servers can guide you toward what’s particularly good that day, and they’re usually honest about portion sizes if you’re trying to decide whether one dessert or two makes sense for your table.
Skipping dessert is always an option, but why would you when you’re already there and the reviews consistently praise the sweet endings?
Arriving early for your reservation doesn’t have to mean sitting awkwardly in the waiting area checking your phone. Big Fish Grill’s bar provides a comfortable space to grab a drink before your table is ready or to wait for the rest of your party to arrive.
The bar menu includes craft beers, wines, and cocktails that go beyond the standard well drinks, giving you something interesting to sip while you settle in. The atmosphere stays relaxed rather than loud and clubby, making conversation possible even during busy times.
For date night couples, starting at the bar can ease any first-date nerves or provide a transition from work mode to evening-out mode. Families with older kids might occasionally use the bar for a quick drink while waiting for a table, though the main dining area remains the focus for those with children.
The bartenders generally know their stuff, making recommendations if you’re unsure what you want and mixing drinks competently without the theatrical flair that’s impressive once but annoying by the third visit.
Some regulars stop by just for drinks and appetizers, turning the bar into a casual gathering spot rather than only a pre-dinner holding area. The flexibility adds another dimension to how you can use the space, whether you’re planning a full meal or just want to catch up with friends over drinks and maybe some crab cakes.
Restaurants that never change their menus can become boring, no matter how good the food is initially. Big Fish Grill keeps things fresh with seasonal specials that reflect what’s best at different times of year.
Summer might bring lighter preparations and local catches, while fall and winter lean into heartier dishes and different seafood varieties. These rotating options give regulars reasons to keep coming back, knowing they’ll find something new alongside their old favorites.
The daily specials board showcases what the kitchen is excited about that day, often featuring fish or preparations that aren’t on the regular menu. Adventurous eaters appreciate these opportunities to try something different, while those who prefer consistency can always fall back on the standard menu.
Servers can usually describe the specials knowledgeably, helping you decide whether to venture into new territory or stick with what you know.
For families, specials might introduce kids to new foods in a low-pressure way—if they don’t love it, the regular menu is still there. Date night diners can impress their partners by ordering something unique and interesting, showing they’re paying attention to the details.
The seasonal approach also means the kitchen isn’t trying to serve summer produce in January or forcing ingredients that aren’t at their best, resulting in better-tasting dishes overall.
Numbers don’t lie, and Big Fish Grill’s 4.4-star rating across more than 4,600 reviews speaks volumes about their consistency. It’s relatively easy to impress a few dozen people, but maintaining quality across thousands of visits requires systems, training, and genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.
The review volume indicates this isn’t some hidden gem known only to locals—it’s a popular destination that manages to keep standards high despite serving large numbers of diners.
Reading through reviews reveals patterns that confirm what you’d hope to find: families praising the welcoming atmosphere, couples highlighting the romantic setting, seafood lovers raving about freshness and preparation. Sure, there are occasional negative reviews—show me a restaurant without any, and I’ll show you a place with three total customers—but the overwhelming majority reflect positive experiences.
Common themes include good service, quality food, pleasant location, and fair pricing, which covers pretty much everything that matters in a restaurant.
The consistency across reviews suggests that what you experience on your visit will likely match what others have described. First-time visitors can feel confident they’re not gambling on an unknown quantity, while the high rating provides reassurance when you’re trying to choose between multiple restaurant options.
Those 4,600-plus reviewers did the research for you, and their collective verdict points clearly toward Big Fish Grill being worth your time.
