The Great Debate: Delaware’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In the heart of Wilmington, just a quick hop from Philadelphia’s urban sprawl, you’ll find Blue Moon Barbecue, a beloved spot that’s earned a loyal following for its expertly smoked meats. Nestled in Delaware’s largest city, this restaurant blends Southern pitmaster traditions with a Mid-Atlantic twist. The standout here is their slow-smoked brisket, tender and infused with a proprietary wood blend that sets it apart from other BBQ joints in the state. The atmosphere inside reflects Wilmington’s eclectic arts scene, with local photography adorning the walls and live music on weekends. Visiting in the cooler months enhances the experience, as the rich, smoky aroma mingling with the crisp air makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
Travel about 30 minutes south to Dover, Delaware’s capital city, and you’ll come across Stella’s Pizza & Italian, a beacon for pizza aficionados seeking that perfect blend of chewy crust and fresh toppings. Stella’s is famed for its coal-fired oven, which imparts a characteristic char and airy texture absent from typical pizzerias. The “Dover Classic,” topped with locally sourced sausage and fresh basil, showcases how regional ingredients elevate traditional Italian recipes. Sitting near the historic Green, diners can stroll the surrounding colonial-era streets before or after their meal, soaking up the city’s quaint charm. Prime times to visit here are during spring and fall when the weather invites outdoor dining under strings of twinkling lights.
Further east, near Lewes, a town roughly 20 miles north of Rehoboth Beach, you’ll find the iconic Big Fish Grill. This seafood restaurant captures the essence of Delaware’s coastal bounty with an emphasis on fresh, sustainable catches from the nearby Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The setting, just off the bustling Pilottown Road, offers visitors easy access to Cape Henlopen State Park, where you can walk the Gordons Pond Trail. After a scenic 3.2-mile loop featuring salt marsh views and migratory bird sightings, there’s nothing like settling in at Big Fish for a plate of their signature crab cakes, known for their delicate lump crab meat and light seasoning that highlights the bay’s flavors. Summer evenings here bring a lively seaside vibe, perfect for enjoying seafood while watching the sunset over the water.
In the quaint town of Milton, about 45 minutes south of Dover, you’ll discover The Roosevelt Inn, a historic venue that doubles as a top spot for casual pizza lovers. Their thin-crust offerings are baked in a wood-fired oven, delivering a crispy base that provides a perfect contrast to their inventive toppings. Located in a restored 1920s building, the Inn’s ambiance is steeped in Delaware’s small-town history, with exposed brick and vintage decor. The nearby Milton Theatre and the scenic Broadkill River offer cultural and outdoor diversions to complement a pizza night. Autumn is a particularly magical time here, as the surrounding woods burst into color, making a post-dinner stroll along Milton’s charming Main Street especially memorable.
Heading to the coastal town of Rehoboth Beach, you’ll find Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, part of the renowned Dogfish Head craft brewery known for its innovative brews and commitment to local ingredients. Their kitchen turns out barbecue dishes that reflect the brewery’s inventive spirit, specifically their smoked pork ribs glazed with a house-made chipotle and cherry BBQ sauce, marrying sweetness and heat in a way that echoes Delaware’s fusion of northern and southern flavors. The outdoor patio overlooks the bustling brewery grounds, making it a prime spot during summer festivals and warm evenings. Dogfish Head’s proximity to Rehoboth’s boardwalk means you can combine a day at the beach with a memorable BBQ meal.
In Newark, home to the University of Delaware and about 12 miles southwest of Wilmington, Pizza by Elizabeth offers a distinctive take on pizza, blending New York-style dough with a Delawarean reverence for quality local produce. This restaurant’s signature pies feature seasonal vegetables from nearby farms, like the roasted beet and goat cheese pizza, which reflects the fertile farmland that surrounds the city. The cozy setting, often buzzing with students and locals, creates a lively scene that comes alive on weekends. Visiting during the university’s fall semester gives you a chance to experience Newark’s youthful energy alongside some of the state’s best pizza-crafted creativity.
For a quintessential seafood experience near the Delaware beaches, Head to The Crab House at Lewes, located mere minutes from downtown Lewes and about 25 miles east of Dover. This spot is famous for its steamed blue crabs, harvested fresh from the Delaware Bay. The Crab House offers an authentic Chesapeake Bay crab experience, where picking crabs is a social ritual as much as a meal. Its rustic, nautical-themed interior and outdoor seating overlooking the Lewes Yacht Club make for a relaxed, immersive visit. Timing your trip in late summer or early fall aligns perfectly with crab season, when the crustaceans are at their plumpest and most flavorful.
Lastly, a visit to the historic district of New Castle, around 15 minutes north of Wilmington, provides a charming backdrop for a surprising BBQ find at Coal Fired on the Green. This spot uses traditional coal-fired ovens to smoke meats, a rarity in Delaware, imparting a distinctive deep smoky flavor. The New Castle Green, a historic park surrounded by colonial architecture, invites visitors to explore after indulging in their signature smoked ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. The interplay of history, food, and architecture here makes every meal feel like a step back in time, especially during spring festivals and holiday markets when the area is festooned with decorations and alive with community spirit.