10 Coastal Delaware Dishes Worth Trying

Delaware’s coastline stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, bringing fresh seafood and unique flavors to local tables. Food lovers from all over visit this small state to taste dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

From creamy crab creations to sweet boardwalk treats, coastal Delaware offers something delicious for everyone who stops by.

1. Crab Cakes

Nothing says Delaware summer quite like biting into a perfectly seasoned crab cake. Local restaurants use blue crab meat caught right off the coast, mixing it with just enough breading to hold everything together.

You’ll find these golden beauties served with a side of tartar sauce or Old Bay seasoning. Most places pan-fry them until the outside gets crispy while keeping the inside tender and flaky. I always ask for extra lemon because it brings out the sweet crab flavor.

Watch for restaurants advertising “jumbo lump” crab cakes since they contain the biggest, most prized pieces of meat.

2. Steamed Crabs

Cracking open steamed crabs is practically a sport along the Delaware coast. Restaurants pile them high on tables covered with brown paper, giving you a wooden mallet to get at the sweet meat inside.

The crabs get coated in Old Bay and other secret spice blends before steaming. Your hands will get messy, but that’s part of the fun and tradition. Locals have their own techniques for opening the shells quickly.

Most seafood shacks sell them by the dozen, and eating them takes time, so plan for a long, relaxing meal with friends or family.

3. Grotto Pizza

Ask any Delaware local about their favorite pizza, and most will mention Grotto. This regional chain started in Rehoboth Beach back in 1960 and has become part of the state’s food identity.

Their signature swirl of sauce on top of the cheese makes it instantly recognizable. The crust strikes a balance between thin and thick, giving you something to hold onto without feeling too heavy. People debate whether the plain cheese or specialty pies taste better.

Grabbing a slice after a beach day has become a summer ritual for countless families visiting the Delaware shore.

4. Fisher’s Popcorn

Walking down the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, you’ll smell the sweet caramel scent of Fisher’s Popcorn from blocks away. This iconic snack has been a Delaware beach staple since 1937, and people line up daily for their famous buckets.

The original caramel flavor remains the most popular, with a buttery coating that isn’t too sticky. They also offer plain and cheese varieties, but locals swear by the caramel. Each kernel gets evenly coated, creating the perfect sweet and salty combination.

Many families buy extra buckets to take home as edible souvenirs.

5. Thrasher’s French Fries

These aren’t your average fast-food fries. Thrasher’s has been serving hot, fresh-cut fries on the Delaware and Maryland beaches since 1929, using the same simple recipe.

The boardwalk stands only offer fries – no burgers, no drinks, just perfectly cooked potatoes. Most people order them with salt and vinegar, which is the traditional way to eat them. The vinegar soaks into the hot fries, creating a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness.

Expect to see seagulls hovering nearby, hoping you’ll drop a few. The lines get long, but they move quickly.

6. Scrapple

Scrapple divides people into two camps – those who love it and those who won’t try it. Made from pork scraps mixed with cornmeal and spices, this breakfast meat has Pennsylvania Dutch roots but became a Delaware morning staple.

Restaurants slice it thick, then fry it until the outside turns crispy while the inside stays soft. The texture resembles a firm sausage patty with a slightly grainy feel. Some folks eat it with syrup like you would with pancakes.

If you’re adventurous with food, give it a chance at least once during your Delaware visit.

7. Stuffed Quahogs

Quahogs are large, hard-shell clams that get stuffed with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and chopped clam meat. Portuguese and Italian communities brought this dish to Delaware’s coastal towns, where it became a local favorite.

The stuffing usually includes onions, peppers, and sometimes spicy sausage or linguica. Restaurants bake them until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crispy. Each bite gives you both the chewy clam and the savory stuffing together.

They make a great appetizer to share, though some people order them as a main course.

8. Peach Pie

Southern Delaware grows some of the juiciest peaches on the East Coast, and local bakers turn them into incredible pies. Farm stands and bakeries sell these treats throughout the summer when peaches reach peak ripeness.

The best versions use fresh-picked fruit with just enough sugar to enhance the natural sweetness. A flaky, buttery crust holds everything together, and some places add a lattice top that looks beautiful. Eating a warm slice with vanilla ice cream melting on top creates the ultimate summer dessert.

Many orchards let you pick your own peaches if you want to try making one yourself.

9. Clam Chowder

Coastal restaurants serve steaming bowls of clam chowder that warm you up on cool beach evenings. Delaware versions typically follow the creamy New England style rather than the tomato-based Manhattan kind.

Fresh clams get combined with potatoes, onions, and celery in a rich, creamy base. Some places serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl, which soaks up all that delicious broth. The clams should taste briny and fresh, not rubbery or overcooked.

Order a cup as an appetizer or get a full bowl as your main meal paired with oyster crackers.

10. Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich

When blue crabs molt their hard shells in late spring and summer, they become soft-shell crabs that you can eat whole. Delaware restaurants fry them up and serve them on soft rolls with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

The entire crab becomes edible after molting, including the legs and body. Biting into one gives you a satisfying crunch followed by sweet crab flavor. The breading should be light and crispy, not too thick or greasy.

This seasonal delicacy only appears on menus for a few months, so grab one when you see it available.