From blue crab houses and raw oyster bars to waterfront fish shacks and fresh-catch kitchens — discover the best locally owned seafood restaurants across Delaware.
16
Restaurants
3
Counties
0
Chain Restaurants
🏙️ New Castle County
SeafoodDate Night
Feby's Fishery
Family-owned since 1974 by the DiFebo family — full-service seafood restaurant, fresh fish market, and farm-to-table produce from their own 185-acre New Jersey farm. Famous for crab imperial, crab bisque, and catch-of-the-day.
Seafood
Lestardo's Crab House
Family-owned New Castle landmark since 1975 — Delaware Today's #1 rated crab house, famous for garlic-seasoned crabs, whole crabs in marinara sauce, and fresh homemade dishes. A true local institution.
Seafood
Kathy's Crab House
Locally owned seasonal crab house at the base of Reedy Point Bridge in Delaware City — family-friendly spot serving fresh crabs, seafood dishes, and comfort food with scenic waterfront surroundings.
SeafoodAmericanDate Night
Cantwell's Tavern
Elevated American fare plus a raw bar and housemade desserts served in a beautifully restored 19th-century tavern in Odessa.
🌾 Kent County
Seafood
Boondocks Restaurant
Casual, kitschy picnic-style crab house in Smyrna specializing in seafood, particularly fresh blue crab dishes — a quirky Delaware classic with a loyal local following.
Seafood
Sambo's Tavern
Family-owned since 1953 on the Leipsic River — 21+ only, cash only, no reservations. Locally sourced blue crabs when in season, river views, and a destination-worthy reputation known nationally among crab lovers.
SeafoodAmericanDate Night
Cool Springs Fish Bar & Restaurant
Modern seafood eatery in Dover with an open, exhibition-style kitchen — fresh flounder, Maryland crab, shrimp, and more served alongside a full bar. Dinner service Tuesday through Saturday.
SeafoodAmerican
JP's on the Wharf
Waterfront seafood staple in Frederica featuring outdoor seating and a seafood-centric menu overlooking the water — a classic Delaware seafood experience.
Seafood
Meding's Seafood
Family-owned fresh seafood restaurant and fish market on Rt. 1 in Milford — acclaimed crab cakes, steamed seafood platters, hush puppies, and daily specials using quality ingredients. A beach-bound staple since opening day.
Seafood
Pleasanton's Seafood
Locally owned seasonal seafood market and restaurant in Dover — fresh Delaware Blue Claw crabs, live crabs, fresh fish, steamed and fried to order, plus award-winning wings and cheesesteaks. Open spring through fall.
🌊 Sussex County
SeafoodAmerican
Lewes Oyster House
Oyster bar in the heart of downtown Lewes serving traditional burgers, lobster rolls, and steaks in an informal, welcoming setting.
Seafood
The Surfing Crab
Family-owned no-frills crab house just outside Lewes on Route 1 — freshly steamed blue crabs to order, a loyal local following, and the irresistible smell of Old Bay in the air. Call ahead to pre-order crabs.
SeafoodAmerican
Michy's Relaxed Dining
Chill, art-lined setting near Rehoboth Beach for fresh seafood, steaks, and American fare — craft cocktails, happy hour specials, and a laid-back vibe that keeps locals coming back.
Seafood
Mickey's Family Crab House
Family-owned Bethany Beach institution since 1990 — world-famous jumbo lump crab cakes, hot steamed crabs, fresh fish, and NY strip steaks in a casual, Caribbean-feeling crab house setting.
SeafoodDate Night
Henlopen City Oyster House
Locally co-owned by Chris Bisaha and Joe Baker — Delaware's SBA Small Business Persons of the Year. A beloved Rehoboth institution with a raw bar, rotating East Coast oysters, lobster rolls, and 75% locally sourced ingredients. Ranked #3 in Rehoboth Beach.
SeafoodAmerican
The Station
Coastal kitchen and bar in Fenwick Island serving fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and comforting classics in a relaxed, welcoming setting steps from the beach.
