Over the summer, my family took a trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We spent almost two weeks enjoying all that the area had to offer, often traveling to neighboring towns to try out new eateries and treats.
If you are heading to Bethany Beach, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, or any other neighboring boardwalk towns, here’s a rundown of all the great places we visited and enjoyed.
Best Restaurants In Or Near Rehoboth Beach
This list will include fine dining, quick boardwalk stops, and everything in between. Some nights the family just wanted pizza and ice cream. On other evenings, we wanted to get dressed up and spend hours indulging. That’s what a vacation is all about, right?
Capriottis
Capriottis (1604 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958) is a sandwich shop you absolutely need to visit. I live on Long Island and they just announced that they are opening up a few locations near my house. When I tell you that I squealed after reading the announcement, please believe me! It is that good!
I had this Thanksgiving sandwich (you have to ask for it warm), and it was mouth-watering. The kids had chicken parm and meatball subs. Worth the trip!
If you live on Long Island, Capriottis is opening in Hauppauge! I also heard they have a location in Astoria, Queens. I need to look that one up because my entire family lives there and I often head back home. BONUS!
Harvest Tide
We found Harvest Tide (410 E Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958) by chance. It was the first night we arrived in the area and walked into the steakhouse wearing ripped jeans and oversized sweatshirts. Thankfully, they let us sit. The meal was incredible! From start to finish.
If you are in the mood for steak, make a reservation and thank me later. Personally, I would make sure to get their chocolate cake because … look at it.
Kohr Bros Ice Cream
I don’t have to give you an address for Kohr Bros ice cream because they are literally everywhere. I mean – everywhere. If you head to one of the Delaware boardwalk towns, you will find two or three of them on the same block.
To be honest, I didn’t really understand why so many of one brand needed to take up so much space. They were everywhere! And this wasn’t the only chain on repeat. I will talk more about this in a bit.
But the Kohr Bros ice cream was delicious, creamy, and worth a try. When on the boardwalk – you must get a cone.
Nalu Hawaiian Surf Bar
When we finished our meal at Nalu Hawaiian Surf Bar (1308 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971) I started to look up the prices of condos in Dewey Beach. That was the turning point for me. It was THAT good. I just loved the vibe of all the little boardwalk towns, and the food at Nalu was divine!
In case you are wondering, condo prices are HIGH. I was ready to throw down a dollar and a dream and call it a day. L-O-L. My idea of having a summer home in Delaware was shattered pretty quickly, especially if you want to walk on the beach without having to get into my car. So, shake it off.
Anyway, back to the food. GO HERE! The atmosphere is super fun and the food is tasty.
Above The Dunes
We didn’t think we would be able to get into Above The Dunes (101 S Boardwalk Fl 2, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971) because of how prime its location is on the boardwalk. But we lucked out – without a reservation! My advice to you is to MAKE a RESERVATION because it was such a beautiful view of the beach and I would hate for you to miss out on this one.
If you aren’t with your family, you can get a table for two on the balcony that faces the water. We were too large of a party to sit outside. But honestly, I prefer controlled temperatures. LOL! That’s just me.
Everyone was able to get something they liked here. Try to time your reservation with the sunset.
Hooked
I have no idea why we stopped at Hooked. We were starving and just pulled in, but I am so glad we did. The man who was behind the bar was the KING of beer tastings. My husband was in his glory. He had all these special brews. My husband was devouring craft beers he’s never heard about.
If you are a beer guy, go here. They have a STASH! My husband is on this app for beer lovers, and he was “checking in” super RARE things. It’s like Pokemon for beer lovers. And that’s the spot if you want to try unique drinks.
Unfortunately, I cannot find the address for this place. When I search for Hooked, I get results for “Off the Hook,” and the restaurant does not look like the one I went into. If anyone knows where this exact location is, please email me, and I will update this post. I believe we were driving down to Ocean City on this day.
Nicola Pizza, Grotto Pizza, Crust and Craft Pizza
- Nicola Pizza – 17323 Ocean One Plz, Lewes, DE 19958
- Grotto Pizza – everywhere OMG
- Crust and Craft Pizza – 18701 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
HOT TAKE! Nicola Pizza is better than Grotto Pizza. But neither one of them are the best. Come fight me. As a New Yorker, I think I have a say in this, and my opinion matters. So, let’s really talk about the pizza situation in Delaware.
My GOD! What is going on with all of the Grotto Pizza restaurants? In a three-block radius, you might find 6 Grotto Pizzas near a boardwalk. This isn’t an exaggeration. Naturally, we had to try it because HOW COULD YOU NOT TRY IT?!
I mean, it was fine. I enjoyed it. It was pizza. The woman who sat us had the logo of the Grotto Pizza restaurant tattooed on her arm. I prayed to Jesus that she was the owner. She was in her early twenties though? Is that possible? I still think about her and that tattoo. Why did she get that tattoo? WHY DID SHE GET THAT TATTOOOOOOOO?
Then we came across Nicola Pizza and read up about its history. We decided to give it a chance and it was exponentially better than Grotto. Why is no one talking about Nicola Pizza in Delaware? I’m confused.
On one of the last days, we drove by Crust and Craft Pizza and had to give that one a go because WHY NOT? We were on vacation for nearly two weeks. Don’t judge us. MY GOD – that place was AMAZING! Crust and Craft was far superior to any other pie we had ordered while away.
Final answer – Crust and Craft Pizza!! Forget the other places. The other chains(?) just have more money for real estate or have better leases from 50 years ago. It’s like Mcdonald’s. Just because you see more of them doesn’t mean they are better.
Lupo – BEST MEAL WE HAD ON OUR TRIP
Lupo (247 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971) was IT. I am telling you. We DEVOURED our entire meal and came back for seconds. I got literally BOMBED on their drinks because they were so fancy. The place felt very New York, and the atmosphere was perfect for a night of laughs and fun with the family.
I cannot even show you pictures of me because I am under the table. That’s how much fun I had at this place. Their menu was right up my alley! A nice night out that you won’t forget. Worth every penny.
Dogfish Head Brewery
I wish we went earlier to Dogfish Head Brewery (6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968) because I loved it there. Super chill and laid back. They had mixed drinks (or was it cider? I don’t remember anymore) which was a bonus considering I don’t drink beer. My husband was in his GLORY. He bought CASES to bring back for his friends. We were very happy we made this trip a road trip for this reason.
The kids played games outdoors while we enjoyed what we could with the 45 minutes we had until Dogfish Head closed. Even though we only had a little bit of time, I’m glad we went! Be better planners than us.
Candy Kitchen
OMG – another money front for mob bosses. Why are there so many Candy Kitchens in Delaware? Can anyone really tell me the answer? Four all looking at one another. I can throw a rock at one Candy Kitchen while I am standing in front of another. It’s so confusing.
Hey, there’s candy inside Candy Kitchen. If you need candy, you will never be without it because these stores are everywhere – along any major highway or in every boardwalk town. No matter where you go it’s the same formula.
Candy Kitchen + Grotto Pizza + Kohr Ice Cream = Delaware boardwalk town. It’s amazing. But either way, you have to go inside for the taffy. You just have to because how can you pass 75 of them without looking?
Fisher Popcorn
If you are looking for a snack while walking around Rehoboth Beach or Bethany Beach, give Fisher Popcorn a try. We love to snack on popcorn and there were plenty of flavors to choose from – even some that will surprise you, like OLD BAY!
Thrasher’s French Fries
On the day we were leaving, we actually drove back to the boardwalk so I could get a photo of Thrasher’s French Fries. I love fries that have a little vinegar on them. Call me European… what can I say?
There are several locations of Thrasher’s Fries but the lines are super long at each one. So, I can almost justify this move. Every time you passed one of these spots, you’d find at least 15 people in line. They are THAT popular. And yes, we had them once … or twice. Watch out for the birds because they come swooping down trying to steal your fries! This is REAL. It was like a combat field. LOL!
Best Food In Delaware
That’s it! That’s the list! Pretty much everything we ate while visiting Delaware and traveling all around town. We spent some time outside of this region while on vacation. I won’t include those meals on this list because I think Willmington, Arlington, Ocean City, and Cape May are a bit far to place in this particular round-up.
Nevertheless, I hope this list is enough to get you started on your reservations. Plenty to do and eat while in Delaware!