Situated along the picturesque Appoquinimink River in central Delaware, Middletown is a quaint little town. Middletown, which has a population of slightly over 20,000, features a charming downtown district with stores, cafes, and dining options. Middletown provides a wide range of delectable dining alternatives to suit every palate, from sophisticated fine dining to laid-back bars and grills.
Middletown boasts 13 top restaurants, all of which are listed in this article. A number of criteria, including overall diner reviews, value, atmosphere, meal quality, and service, went into choosing the eateries on this list. One of Middletown’s best restaurants is likely to provide an excellent dinner, whether you’re a visitor exploring Delaware’s dining scene or a local eager to try somewhere new.
13 Best Restaurants in Middletown, Delaware
Home Grown Cafe
Home Grown Cafe offers classic diner meals in a nostalgic environment, complete with all the greasy spoon classics from decades past. Patty melts, fluffy pancakes, smothered hashes, and milkshakes are just a few of the mainstays that bring loyal customers back time and time again.
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Food
Home Grown effectively executes diner favorites. The perfect way to start the day is with fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with lots of syrup and melting butter. Use napkins for sizzling burgers and patty melts with gushing Swiss cheese. Diners fall in love with Southern staples like freshly baked biscuits covered in gravy and hand-breaded fried chicken served with mashed potatoes for dinner.
Sawmill Brewery
The Sawmill Brewery is a short drive outside of town, but the picturesque waterfront setting, delicious wood-fired pizzas, and excellent craft beer make it well worth the trip. Sawmill Brewery is nestled along the banks of Silver Lake.
Atmosphere
On sunny days, Sawmill’s outside beer garden, complete with picnic tables and cornhole boards, fills up quickly. Winters are as welcoming in the tasting area, where a big stone fireplace is surrounded by mix-matched couches and chairs. The exposed wood beam ceilings are adorned with antique skis, snowshoes, and saws, adding to the rustic appeal.
Food
Initially marketed as a craft brewery, their wood-fired pizzas are the highlight of the establishment. Pies like the fig with prosciutto, arugula, lemon ricotta, and balsamic glaze are a delight—they’re crispy and liberally covered. For a more casual meal, the house-made potato chips and beer cheese pretzel dip go well with Sawmill’s excellent beers.
Brews
Craft beer enthusiasts
go to Sawmill because it always has up to twelve diverse beers on tap, ranging from wheats to porters to assertive IPAs. Additionally, there are often limited small batch brews available, which gives beer enthusiasts even more motivation to visit often.
Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar
Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar offers mouthwatering sushi rolls, hearty ramen bowls, and Pan-Asian small plates that will make little town Middletown feel like a metropolis. Mikimotos is a popular Japanese restaurant because of its inventive flavors, stunning presentation, and lively atmosphere.
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Atmosphere
Modern light fixtures, sleek black booths, and vibrant paintings turn the bi-level restaurant into a chic dining area. The well-known sushi bar at the front seats patrons who prefer to see the talented chefs prepare their meal in front of them. Positive background music maintains an upbeat atmosphere.
Food
Though their specialty is sushi, Mikimoto’s menu also includes Japanese donburi bowls and udon noodle dishes, as well as Thai curry, pad Thai, Korean bulgogi, and bibimbap. Sushi lovers will be delighted by their vibrant explosion bowl, which combines salmon, hamachi, and tuna. Diners will be astonished by their famous volcano roll, which features shrimp tempura and hot lava sauce.
Service
For those who are unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine, the educated staff makes excellent recommendations. As they quickly transport beautifully set food throughout the crowded dining room floors, servers operate with accuracy. Mikimoto’s excellent service is commensurate with their excellent cuisine.
Catherine Rooney’s
Catherine Rooney’s provides excellent food, music, and a great atmosphere in plenty when it comes to Irish cuisine, artisan brews, and live entertainment. This vibrant downtown bar attracts a laid-back clientele seeking to unwind with traditional pub fare and beverages.
Atmosphere
Catherine Rooney’s true Irish charm is enhanced by her use of green and gold furnishings, subdued lighting, and old-world touches. Lights crisscross above the patio, which is crowded with picnic tables occupied by people sipping drinks on balmy evenings. Inside, residents watch sports teams play on multiple TVs that line the bar area while they applaud at high top tables.
Food
Irish twists on classic pub fare include Scotch eggs served with whole grain mustard and Guinness burgers topped with Irish cheddar and jam made with Jameson bacon and onion. The meal is completed with shepherd’s pie, bangers & mash, and fish and chips. Enjoy freshly fried potato pancakes at Sunday brunch on the weekends.
Entertainment
Every Saturday night, live local musicians perform. During St. Patrick’s Day, fiddlers and Irish dancers also make special appearances. It feels like the neighborhood pub of your dreams at Catherine Rooney’s, with great cuisine, music, and a friendly vibe.
Pizza By Elizabeths
Pizza by Elizabeth’s is a highly recommended place for artisanal brick oven pizzas served in a sleek and contemporary environment. The combination of freshly prepared dough, freshly grated mozzarella, and seasonal toppings makes Elizabeth’s downtown pizzeria a popular place to eat.
Atmosphere
Pizza by Elizabeths has a distinct aesthetic thanks to its exposed brick walls, string lights bordering the rear patio, and fresh flowers adorning wood tables. Whether you dine inside or outside, the modest space is filled with families, friend groups, and couples, providing a bustling yet cozy atmosphere.
Food
Elizabeth’s is known for its crispy thin crust pizzas, but they also serve house focaccia, garlic knots, and freshly crafted salads like the citrus fennel with arugula, shaved parmesan, and lemon vinaigrette. Bigger eaters enjoy pizzas like the MEATZA, which is piled high with prosciutto, bacon, pepperoni, and sausage. Sweet tooths are satiated with Nutella and banana or mixed berry pizzas.
Drinks
To go with the brick oven pies, a lengthy beer list mostly includes beers from local and regional breweries. In addition to offering inventive customized alternatives, its tap cocktail menu features drinks like the ginger whiskey smash with peach schnapps and ginger ale.
Buckley’s Tavern
Buckley’s Tavern offers hearty comfort meals in a historic setting. This neighborhood mainstay, which has been family owned for three generations and 60 years, serves up comfort food staples in a welcoming neighborhood pub setting that’s ideal for casual get-togethers and game day watch parties.
Atmosphere
The interior is cozy and lived in, with exposed brick walls and a warm, wood-filled atmosphere. Buckley’s rich tradition is further showcased via images tracing the company’s history over the years, wood plank ceilings, and an antique bar back mural. Newcomers are instantly made to feel at home by the quick banter between the servers and the close-knit regulars.casual dinners with dear ones.
Food
The cooking is excellent and created from scratch, despite the retro aesthetic. Their hand-pattied burgers are deserving of the moniker “best burger in town.” Other crowd favorites are their distinctive Alaskan cod fish sandwich served on a buttered hoagie roll, a country fried steak topped with silky sawmill gravy, and a flaky pot pie filled with chicken and vegetables.
Value
Buckley’s hearty servings make it simple to leave happy without going over budget. Everyday lunch specials, such as housemade meatloaf sandwiches, provide a substantial meal for less than $10.
Two Stones Pub
Stop into Two Stones Pub, which is located next to the Delaware & Chesapeake Canal, for a great meal and views of the waterfront. Remarkable food, beverages, and service elevate every dining experience.
Atmosphere
Views of the canal from the panoramic windows include passing boats, sailboat masts bobbing, and seagulls taking to the sky. The serene waterfront setting is further enhanced by the patio furniture and nautical-themed décor. The cozy, inviting atmosphere is appreciated by families, couples, and friend groups alike.
Food
According to Tripadvisor, Two Stones is the restaurant with the highest rating in Middletown. Highlights of the menu include the truffle parmesan fries, which are a must-try for guests, and pickle-brined fried chicken topped with honey spicy sauce. Their dedication to using seasonal foods is evident in their daily specials, which include braised short rib risotto, shrimp and andouille spaghetti, and fresh rockfish tacos. A popular dessert option is the warm apple crostata served with vanilla gelato.
Service
Every dinner is made even better by the attentive and kind waitresses. Even though Two Stones is busy on the weekends, the servers put in a lot of effort to precisely and quickly fulfill orders. Their steadfast friendliness entices clients to return.
Jessop’s Tavern
Jessop’s pub is a great place to enjoy sophisticated pub meals in a historical setting. A dependable option for a night out, this downtown gastropub offers hearty meals, artisan drinks, and excellent service.
Atmosphere
The renovated colonial structure by Jessop, with its enormous fireplaces, brick walls, wood beams, and candle lighting, creates an elegant tavern atmosphere. All year long, seasonal accents enliven the intimate dining rooms and window-lined bar area. Despite its appeal, the atmosphere is upbeat and relaxed.
Food
Classic recipes are elevated using inventive cooking techniques and locally sourced produce. Customers are wowed by their beer-battered Atlantic cod fish and chips, and their trademark Jessop burger, which is served on a brioche bun and topped with applewood smoked bacon and Vermont cheddar. Regulars are kept coming back by weekly supper specials like roasted lamb shank over mashed potatoes.
Drinks
With sixteen rotating draft lines, local and domestic breweries are highlighted on a comprehensive craft beer selection. Instead of buying bottled beer, consider a flight to experience several flavors. In addition, Jessop’s creates seasonal drink mixes and provides a selection of wines by the glass or bottle to go with your dinner.
Scalessa’s Old School Italian Kitchen
Scalessa’s Old School Italian Kitchen is a great place to get hearty, homemade Italian food that is presented in large servings. This relaxed restaurant draws a lot of locals with its hearty, savory food and relaxed trattoria atmosphere.
Atmosphere
The rustic ambiance of the trattoria is enhanced by the red and white checkered tablecloths and the grapevine strings. The walls are covered in black-and-white images of Sicily, and the smell of tomatoes and garlic rises from the active kitchen. Anticipate large groups of people, a lot of conversation, and regular greetings between servers and patrons.
Food
Italian comfort cuisine, just like nonna used to make, is served at Scalessa’s. Sausage and peppers over polenta and baked clams casino are two crowd-pleasing appetizer options. The succulent New York Strip steak, along with Scalessa’s famous red sauce and soft gnocchi with pesto cream sauce, is highly praised by patrons.
Service
Although the restaurant might get busy on weekends, the helpful and efficient waitstaff nevertheless makes an effort to serve customers promptly. Newcomers are regarded from the beginning as regulars. If you’re having problems choosing, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations—the staff are very knowledgeable about the menu.
Ever Grain Brewing Company
Located off Main Street in a beautifully renovated colonial house, Ever Grain Brewing Company offers delicious gastropub meals and excellent craft beer. It’s a Middletown favorite for delicious food and brews.
Atmosphere
A relaxed gastropub with all the comforts of home is housed in an elegant old property. Ever Grain exudes vintage appeal with its enormous stone fireplace, mix-matched furnishings, and local artwork adorning the walls. On warm days, the outdoor patio is ideal for sipping on a pint.
Food
Though the beer takes center stage, Ever Grain’s locally sourced food is equally deserving of praise. A favorite is the kale power salad with lemon vinaigrette, feta, and chickpeas. Daily specials include hearty sandwiches like the Cuban press with pulled pork, smoked ham, and cider-brined pork chops. Don’t miss the dessert; patrons particularly enjoy the salted caramel budino.
Brews
Ever Grain makes excellent craft beers, ranging from crisp West Coast IPAs to robust, roasted stouts and seasonal offerings. It’s a great place for beer enthusiasts, with up to 10 house-brewed beers on tap at any given time in a laid-back atmosphere.
Limoncello Ristorante
In a sophisticated trattoria-style setting, Limoncello Ristorante serves you delectable traditional Italian fare. Remaining a local favorite for great dining in Middletown, Limoncello Ristorante is renowned for its superb traditional meals and outstanding service.
Atmosphere
Limoncello is a well-liked location for date nights and anniversary dinners because of its enchanting atmosphere. The ambiance is elegant but cozy, with white tablecloths, low lighting, and fresh flowers at each table. The large windows let in plenty of natural light.
Food
The lunch is properly kicked off with authentic appetizers like bruschetta, fried calamari, and handmade meatballs. Among the standout dishes are veal marsala with mushrooms, seafood linguine served in red or white wine sauce, and chicken parmesan with fresh mozzarella and marinara. After your dinner, save room for spumoni ice cream or tiramisu.
Service
The committed employees offer first-rate customer service in a sophisticated but relaxed setting. Mediterranean cuisine created from scratch is a wonderful complement to the extensive wine and drink selection.
Capers & Lemons
The #1 finest restaurant in Middletown, Capers & Lemons, serves up modern American food that is freshly made in an open kitchen in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere
This restaurant is perfect for a special event or romantic date night because of its warm, rich decor, which features exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and lighted tables. The walls are decorated with works of local art, which adds to the unique eating experience at Capers & Lemons.
Food
The goal of chef-inspired cuisine is to combine premium ingredients with inventive flavors. Favorite dishes include their pan-roasted Amish chicken covered with goat cheese, spinach, and red grapes, as well as seared scallops served over sweet corn purée and smoked bacon succotash. The menu has a wide range of selections, including vegetarian, beef, and seafood.A really memorable experience was had at Capers & Lemons.