Delaware’s second-biggest city and capitol is Dover. Dover, one of the state’s oldest communities, is well-known for its rich history and for having a diverse food scene with many different cuisines to try. There are delectable options for every taste and budget in the city, ranging from farm-to-table New American cuisine to traditional Italian restaurants.
We’ve put together this list of the top 13 restaurants in Dover so you can find the best places to eat when you visit. Our choices were influenced by countless positive evaluations, honors and commendations, and suggestions from both residents and tourists. Continue reading to discover the most delicious establishments that perfectly embody Dover’s diverse culinary scene, from elegant fine dining to undiscovered ethnic gems.
13 Best Restaurants in Dover, Delaware
Milford Diner
Milford Diner offers scratch-prepared, homestyle comfort food at reasonable pricing, making it a must-visit place in Dover. Since the 1960s, this beloved landmark in downtown Dover has been keeping things simple. It has been the go-to greasy spoon for hearty, flavorful dishes that go well with endless coffee, providing fuel for residents, college students, and tourists alike.
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All of your favorites are available on the comprehensive breakfast menu, including tall stacks of buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, fluffy biscuits coated in sausage country gravy, and stacked three-egg omelets bursting with cheese and meats.
Try their signature patty melt on thick rye, covered in gooey Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, or their hand-battered onion rings, pot roast, or slow-braised chicken for lunch or dinner.
Additionally, the dessert case is always stocked with classic ice cream sundaes, towering layer cakes, and freshly baked fruit and nut pies. No visitor or college student visiting Dover would be complete without dining at this enduring mainstay of the city’s dining scene, replete with counter stool seating, nostalgic decor, and kind, hometown service.
The Starboard
Scoop up a patio table at The Starboard that overlooks the St. Jones River for breathtaking waterfront views while you dine. Nestled in the Waterford Marina, a short distance from the historic center of Dover across the river, The Starboard serves modern, informal cuisine that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, with a special emphasis on fresh seafood from the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays.
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Start with their trademark tuna nachos, which are topped with freshly diced ahi tuna, mango salsa, and wasabi drizzle over housemade tortilla chips, or their Eastern Shore crab and corn chowder, which is full of veggies and crab meat in a velvety cream base.
Seared diver scallops with a simple seasoning of lemon pepper and olive oil go well with whip potato puree and buttery asparagus stalks as your main course.
Additionally, their panko-crusted white fish, citrus slaw, cilantro-lime crema, and fresh pico all stack up nicely within three warm corn tortillas for their always-satisfying fish tacos.
Choose from 24 handcrafted draft beers on tap to go with your meal; many are from nearby Delaware breweries. Refined waterfront dining is brought to Dover’s historic harbor by The Starboard, which has breathtaking vistas and places a premium on locally sourced ingredients.
La Baguette Bakery & Cafe
Since 2001, La Baguette Bakery & Cafe has been a beloved sweet spot and cafe in the community for its freshly made French pastries, handcrafted cakes, specialty coffee drinks, and quick cafe lunches. Their ovens produce a variety of baked goods every morning, including savory scones flavored with cheese and herbs, rich chocolate banana bread, fluffy croissants, cookies, tarts, muffins, and more.
Enjoy your pastry with one of La Baguette’s specialty coffee beverages, such as the Dover mudslide, which is topped with chocolate sauce, caramel, and a dash of Irish cream liqueur, or the Vietnamese iced coffee, which is sweetened with condensed milk.
Build your own deli sandwich for lunch using freshly baked breads stuffed with cheeses and meats from Boar’s Head, or have one of their hot paninis, such as the popular Cubano, which is loaded with Swiss cheese, ham, pork, pickles, and mustard that has been pressed till crisp.
And their case is brimming with the most exquisite custom cakes—made especially for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and more—that are nearly too gorgeous to eat. No visit to downtown Dover would be complete without stopping at La Baguette Bakery & Cafe, which embodies the charm and flavors of Paris.
Golden Palace
Golden Palace is recommended by locals when you’re wanting real Chinese food prepared using premium ingredients. Family-run for more than 25 years, this beloved local spot offers the ideal atmosphere for enjoying appetisers like their famous salt and pepper calamari, which is fried to a crispy crisp and mixed with jalapenos, green onions, and chili flakes.
Try the wok-seared ginger scallion lobster, which is served with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and snap peas in a flavorful ginger soy sauce, as your main dish. The lobster is harvested live from the tank. The crispy honey walnut shrimp, which are coated in a thin tempura batter and wok-fried till golden brown, are another specialty. This creates a savory and sweet juxtaposition of flavors and textures.
Additionally, the fragrant basil eggplant claypot, which is served sizzling hot with a bowl of steaming rice and stuffed with Chinese eggplant braised with garlic sauce, sweet basil, and chili peppers, is highly praised by regulars.
Golden Palace is a popular choice for top-notch Chinese food in Dover because of its wide selection of Cantonese specialties, attentive, caring service, and high standards for ingredients.
Azure Restaurant
Reserve a table at Azure Restaurant for modern gourmet dining combined with stunning views of the St. Jones River. Situated within the opulent Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Azure’s stylish décor and large floor-to-ceiling windows offer an ideal environment for romantic date evenings or special occasion dinners.
Start your meal with their delectable raw bar, which includes half-shell oysters, chilled lobster, crab legs, Ahi tuna tartare, and large cocktail shrimp, all of which go well with house-made martinis or sparkling wines. The lobster bisque with Meyer lemon foam and the crispy veal sweetbreads with charred shishito peppers, pomegranate gastrique, and celery root remoulade are two examples of signature appetizers that really stand out.
Favorite entrees include the pan-roasted Icelandic cod with saffron couscous, roasted tomatoes, artichokes, and green olive tapenade, and the dry-aged bone-in ribeye topped with crispy shallots and red wine demi.
And indulge in rich sweets such as the Grand Marnier chocolate mousse with a toasted almond crust and berry coulis to round off your dinner. Azure offers an exceptional fine dining experience in the heart of Dover, complete with breathtaking views, flawless service, and expertly prepared food.
Sammy’s Kitchen
Head to Sammy’s Kitchen for some of the most delicious homestyle Mexican food in Dover, delivered up fresh and promptly. Due to its enormous popularity, this counter-serve restaurant began as a food truck before relocating to a brick and mortar facility.
As soon as you walk inside to make your order, the aromas of tantalizing proteins including perfectly marinated carne asada steak, crispy carnitas, spicy chicharrones, and smokey Mexican chorizo will overwhelm you.
Create your own combo platter by adding your preferred protein to charro beans, buttery elote corn salad, cilantro lime rice, or homemade red or green salsas. Try one of their specialty dishes, such as the Taco Palenque, which consists of two large homemade tortillas rolled with your choice of grilled chicken or steak, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, Mexican sour cream, and queso fresco.
Their vegetarian selections, such as the roasted poblano pepper filled with tomatillo salsa, chihuahua cheese, and sautéed veggies, are excellent as well. Sammy’s Kitchen offers hassle-free counter service and festive decor, making it convenient to grab a delicious yet quick Mexican lunch.
The Grey Fox Grille & Public House
Locals and tourists alike throng The Grey Fox Grille & Public House for sophisticated tavern dishes in a laid-back pub ambiance. This trendy downtown restaurant is housed in a remodeled 1930s bank building, and its high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and antique furnishings make it an interesting place to have a delicious meal.
Start with appetizing appetizers such as the famous potato cakes with bacon and leek, served with sour cream and crunchy scallions, or the enormous pretzel sticks with warm beer cheese fondue dip. The Low Country shrimp and grits, served with creamy grits and grilled shrimp, combine tastes of the South with andouille sausage, bell peppers, and sweet corn sauce.
The substantial Fox burger, which is served on a freshly made Kaiser bread and topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy onions, Vermont cheddar, and applewood-smoked bacon, is another fan favorite. A number of Delaware-based brewers offer over thirty craft and import beers on tap, so be sure to complement your meal with one of them. A chic urban dining and drinking experience is introduced to historic downtown Dover by The Grey Fox, which features exposed brick walls, recycled vintage furnishings, and delicious upmarket pub fare.
The Mad Hatter Restaurant
Put on a silly hat and indulge in delectably presented food at The Mad Hatter Restaurant for a magical dining experience reminiscent of a dinner party. Located inside the historic Hartly Mansion, this AAA Four Diamond restaurant astonishes with its modern American food that changes seasonally and its whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.
With a warm pot of tea, of course, start your meal with their trademark Mad Tea, which includes delicious blue crab fritters, smoked salmon, cremini mushroom bruschetta, and strawberry salad. Seared diver scallops with savory parsnip silk gnocchi, asparagus, sweet corn, baby carrots, peas, and mushrooms provide a vibrant springtime palate for your main course.
Or the crunchy Amish chicken breast, along with heirloom carrot ginger emulsion, oyster mushrooms, haricot vert, and purple potato mousseline, offers hearty flavors. A chocolate silk purse stuffed with chocolate mousse, fresh raspberries, and chocolate shavings is a bittersweet treat. Don’t forget to make room for their amazing desserts, which include their homemade marshmallows.
For your upcoming special event, reserve a table at The Mad Hatter, which features a unique atmosphere and delicious premium cuisine.
Agave Mexican Restaurant
Every time you visit Agave Mexican Restaurant, your taste buds are treated to freshly prepared Mexican cuisine made using ingredients that are obtained locally. Start with their freshly made guacamole, served warm with spicy salsa for dipping and freshly cut chips at your table. Alternatively, sample the expertly cooked and seasoned chicken wings served with a mango habanero glaze, mole sauce, or chili lime sauce.
Your main course favorites are the sizzling fajitas, which come with grilled beef, chicken, or shrimp and are piled high with onions and bell peppers. The Yucatan Cochinita Pibil, which consists of marinated pork shoulder with achiote and orange and baked till fork-tender, is also a great option. It is topped with their famous habanero onion relish.
and satiated your sweet desire with a decadent flan like their traditional Mexican vanilla custard, coconut, or chocolate. Agave offers delicious, authentic Mexican food in Dover. Its vibrant decor, first-rate tequila and mezcal cocktails, and outstanding service complete the experience.
Rosebud Lounge
Head to the seductive and trendy Rosebud Lounge inside the historic Reed House for creative bites and distinctive martinis paired with live jazz performances. Like the inebriated mussels cooked in beer, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, or the mixed green salad with candied walnuts, dried Michigan cherries, and luscious pears served in a cherry ginger vinaigrette, their varied small dishes really come to life.
Classics like Angus beef sliders piled high with smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and crispy fries, or linguine mixed with large shrimp, calamari, clams, and spicy tomato-herb brodino are among the heartier alternatives.
Drink your way through their vast martini selection, which includes thecherrypy martini with bourbon vanilla vodka, Door County Michigan Montmorency cherries, and tart cherry juice, to round off your evening of jazz lounging. You’ll want to look your best for an evening out at Rosebud because of the flawless service, nightly live entertainment, and chic setting.
The Golden Fleece Tavern
At The Golden Fleece Tavern, located inside the restored Johnson Victualing House from the Colonial era, take a step back in time to the 18th century in Delaware. Favorites like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and ploughman’s lunch with regional cheeses, hand-made sausages, and crusty bread are all expertly served tavern fare.
Try the slow-cooked over an open flame spit roast menu items, including the entire roast chicken and prime rib of beef, which are served with pan gravies, seasonal vegetables, and herb-roasted potatoes, for a truly unique dining experience.
Make sure to enjoy your dinner with a pint or two of their tap beer, which includes lagers, hard ciders, and British and domestic ales. The Golden Fleece takes you back to 18th-century Dover with its costumed servers, candles lighting the interior’s dark wood, and flickering hearth fires.
Fire & Ice Grill
Make a reservation at Fire & Ice Grill if you’re searching for a modern take on traditional American fare served with carefully made cocktails. Situated in a beautifully renovated 1930s house in the heart of Dover, Fire & Ice is a well-liked spot for special occasions because of its cozy, personal atmosphere and mouthwatering cuisine.
Start your dinner with their famous Fire & Ice Salad, which consists of goat cheese, spicy walnuts, mixed greens, and strawberries dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette. My favorites for your main course are the pan-seared scallops with mushroom risotto and truffle oil, as well as the herb-crusted rack of lamb served with grilled asparagus and rosemary mashed potatoes.
Make sure to save space for the homemade sweets, such as the warm chocolate lava cake and the crème brûlée cheesecake.
Conclusion
Dover has an excellent array of restaurants to suit all tastes and events, including locally owned bakeries, cafes, fine dining establishments, and ethnic treasures. Eat your way across downtown Dover and beyond on your next visit by trying as many of these highly recommended eateries as you can.
There is something for every taste and budget in Dover’s diverse and lively dining scene, from inventive cuisine with waterfront views to interactive teppanyaki performances and stick-to-your-ribs greasy spoon cafes, making it the perfect destination for foodies.