Delaware, USA
Rehoboth Beach cuisine maintains strong influences from its coastal geography and history as a summer vacation destination. Fresh seafood from the Atlantic and nearby bays forms a cornerstone of the diet.
A casual atmosphere means casual dining, boardwalk fare, and family-friendly restaurants are prevalent. Over the years, a fine dining scene has developed, offering more refined culinary experiences.
The boardwalk area is an epicenter for casual snacks and quick bites, featuring iconic French fries, pizza, ice cream, and taffy.
Downtown Rehoboth offers a wider mix of dining experiences, from casual family restaurants to mid-range eateries and fine dining establishments with diverse cuisines.
Just south of Rehoboth, Dewey Beach has a more casual and livelier dining scene, with beach-bar style food and a focus on nightlife.
Experience steamed hard crabs, often generously seasoned with Old Bay. Many seafood restaurants offer these.
Find them at: Claws Seafood House
These famous boardwalk fries are a must-try. Cut fresh and fried in peanut oil, served with vinegar.
Find them at: Thrasher's locations on Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.
Classic chewy candy and delicious caramel popcorn. Their sweet aromas fill the air.
Find them at: Various candy shops and Fisher's Popcorn locations along the boardwalk.
The area features a thriving craft beer scene. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in nearby Milton offers tours and tastings.
A popular mixed drink, especially in Dewey Beach, made with orange juice, vodka, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda.
For an upscale dining experience, Rehoboth Beach features several distinguished choices.
A wide array of mid-range restaurants delivers quality meals in a relaxed setting.
Affordable options range from quick bites to grocery savings.
Beyond American and seafood, Rehoboth Beach features a variety of international cuisines.
These options mainly concentrate in the downtown area.
Italian, Mexican, Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Thai), Indian, and Mediterranean.
Explore the downtown area for these varied culinary selections.
Increasingly available at many restaurants.
Many establishments accommodate requests. Communicate needs clearly.
Dedicated restaurants are limited. Plan ahead or prepare own meals.
Review online menus or call restaurants in advance.
Rehoboth Beach hosts several food-focused events: Autumn Jazz Festival (food vendors), Chocolate Festival (March).
Check local calendars for exact dates.
Enjoying steamed blue crabs at a dedicated crab house, often with mallets and brown paper, presents a hands-on culinary adventure.
This experience is distinctly local.
Many restaurants feature outdoor seating with direct views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lively boardwalk.
Beyond crab houses, many local restaurants pride themselves on serving the freshest catches from the Atlantic, including rockfish, flounder, scallops, and oysters.
Vegetarian and vegan options appear increasingly available at many Rehoboth Beach restaurants, specifically those with fresh, local ingredients.
Dedicated Halal or Kosher restaurants remain limited in Rehoboth Beach.
Many restaurants typically accommodate gluten-free requests and other common allergens.
Always inform your server about any allergies or dietary restrictions to secure a safe and enjoyable meal.
Confirm ingredients, especially if your allergy is severe.
For very strict dietary requirements, preparing some of your own meals from grocery store purchases is often the best strategy.
This allows for full control over ingredients.
The Rehoboth Beach Farmer's Market operates seasonally, offering fresh local produce directly from producers.
Visitors can find a selection of delicious baked goods and artisan crafts at the local farmer's market.
The market provides a valuable opportunity to support local vendors and acquire unique handmade items.
For a grasp of local food culture, explore beyond the main boardwalk strip into downtown Rehoboth, where diverse dining experiences await.
