Beaches are not the only watery destination in Delaware. New Castle County boasts an expanse of great riverfront attractions, including some of the area’s most diverse and energized dining hot spots.
Dotted along the edge of the Christina River, dining choices range from novel ice cream to special events spots to requisite seafood. Here are our top picks for riverside dining:
FireStone
If patio dining and an electric bar scene are in order, FireStone is the vibrant entry in the riverfront offerings. Hearth-baked pizza, an impressive array of starters and big pasta dishes like chipotle cream laced Adobo pasta and seafood fettuccine make for solid dishes under the glow of the lights backlighting the nightly live music. Large bars and even bigger crowds are the spotlight attraction to this dining spot. Bar manager Ryan Davis is big on selecting a great craft beer list, which goes great with FireStone’s crab fries or Buffalo shrimp. 100 S. West St., (302) 658-6626
Big Fish Grill
One of the oldest spots on the waterfront, Big Fish Grill leads the way in casual, beach-inspired fare. Chef Michael McNutt delivers fresh interpretations of classics like pan-seared bourbon shrimp, swordfish scampi and blackened catfish. Of note, the venue also boasts an enormous raw bar stocked with oysters on the half-shell, clams and seafood towers. 720 Justison St., (302) 654-3474
Harry’s Seafood Grill
For a more eclectic offering, Harry’s Seafood Grill goes long on high-style seafood. Owner Xavier Teixido is well known around these parts as the captain of the Harry’s Hospitality Group ship, with Harry’s Savoy Grill and Kid Shelleen’s in the fleet. This water’s edge spot is the place to be after work and for special occasions. There’s no shortage of premium offerings, including grilled Alaskan king salmon, tempura soft shell crabs and an entire section of the menu dedicated to ceviche varietals. Executive chef David Banks is a notorious stickler for working with only the best ingredients, and that dedication to quality fare is evident throughout the menu. Attention to detail is de rigueur and the only expectation at this jam-packed seafood house. 101 S. Market St., (302) 777-1500
Ubon
Ubon does Thai in a very real way. Tucked behind the long-forgotten outlet mall, Ubon is a family practice with recipes shared through generations. Yai’s signature rolls are full of lobster, chicken, turkey and vegetables fried in an egg noodle. Classic Som Tam salad gets the Ubon treatment with shredded papaya, long beans, carrots, peanuts and Thai herbs. The Massaman curry bellows of craft cuisine with a broad stroke of lemongrass broth mingling with carrots, onions and potatoes. Ubon is very much a dining destination, rather than a “stumble upon.” 936 Justison St., (302) 656-1706
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
For brewpub adventurers, Iron Hill brings two floors of outdoor dining, a tome-like menu and growlers to the riverfront scene. Burgers, pizza, gluten-free choices, enormous salads, soups and shared plates all make for an engaging experience with the Christina River in the backdrop of the first and second floor outdoor spaces. Overlooking the riverwalk, the well-positioned upstairs patio provides a unique space to enjoy an Iron Hill Light Lager as rowers pass by the river’s shore. 620 Justison St., (302) 472-2739
River Rock Kitchen
Tucked into the ground floor of the newish Hyatt Hotel, River Rock Kitchen brings a polished bend to the casual riverfront scene. On the first floor of the hotel, River Rock is one of only a few spots to snag a breakfast along the river. The Wilmington waffle is studded with white chocolate chips and blackberries and drizzled with dark chocolate and creme anglaise. As the day progresses, the dinner menu is amply gilded with shareables like escargot, butternut squash gnocchi with bacon-cheddar cream and local mushroom ravioli. River Rock Kitchen’s use of local ingredients is unmistakable and genuinely suited for this downtown stop. 818 Shipyard Dr., (302) 397-5518
Timothy’s Riverfront Grille
With solid food in lively setting, Timothy’s Riverfront Grille goes long on approachable food for a spectrum of tastes. Pub classics like the crab cake sandwich, fish tacos and French dip are defining points of interest on Timothy’s menu. The banquet space at Timothy’s offers an opportunity to capitalize on the riverfront location for catered events up to 140 guests. 930 Justison St., (302) 429-7427
River Front Market
The River Front Market is an adventure all of its own. Tacos, deli, sushi, grab ‘n go cut fruits and coffee abound during the lunchtime hours. With plenty of made-to-order offerings as well as an abundant selection of to-go items, the market is a great stop for something quick or to take as a picnic stroll along the waterway. Make a long walk of it and head to Frawley Stadium from the market to take in a Blue Rocks game after supping on a great sandwich at the Water Street Deli or a paper-thin and crispy pizza slice from Bella Vista Trattoria. 3 S. Market St.
Molly’s Ice Cream
A stroll down to the DuPont Environmental Education Center at the foot of the river trail would be less than complete without a stop at Molly’s Ice Cream. Traditional flavors, a fun chocolate candy assortment and light/vegan fare are Molly’s highlights. Go for the ice cream, stay for the milkshake. With a classic feel just up the riverwalk from the popular miniature golf, Molly’s is a fun stop after a rousing game. 900 Justison St., (302) 984-2773
- Riverfront and FireStone photos: Henry Grace
- Iron Hill photo: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
- Ice cream photo: Tookapic
