Wilmington, Delaware may not seem like a tourist destination, but it’s a surprisingly cool city.  We went for a weekend and enjoyed our trip immensely.  We were only there for 48 hours so we didn’t get to try as much food as we would’ve liked, but we were impressed with everything we had.

With that said, we’re excited to tell you guys as much as we can about their food scene.  So without further ado, let’s kick things off with DE.CO, a fabulous food hall located in the heart of downtown Wilmington.

1.  DE.CO

If you’re looking to grab a quick bite, DE.CO is a delicious option.  Run by the same people who own R. House in Baltimore, they have 8 unique vendors along with a beautiful atrium bar.  The space has a fun, upbeat vibe, and there’s a wide variety to choose from.  We tried Pizzeria Bardea and Spark’d.

The Pizzeria’s a concept from Scott Stein and Antimo DiMeo – their other restaurant, Bardea Food & Drink was a James Beard semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant this year – and they offer salads and pies that’ll leave your stomach happily satisfied.

Both stalls were solid, but my favorite was Spark’d.  This is Leah Steinberger’s, the executive pastry chef at HOTEL DU PONT, food child, and it’s something you need to experience before you leave Wilmington.

You can custom order cakes and all sorts of yummy goodies, but I recommend their filled croissants, cake truffles, and almond macaroons.  They’re also the only joint in the city where you can get La Colombe coffee so make sure to get a cup of joe as well!

2.  Southeast Kitchen

This guide wouldn’t be complete without an Asian food recommendation so here goes!  If you’re in the mood for some solid Thai or Vietnamese food, make sure to stop by Southeast Kitchen.  Located on 1901 Delaware Avenue, this BYOB joint offers favorites like pho and pad kar prow.

We got the beef sautéed lemongrass and the chicken drunken noodles and enjoyed both.  The noodles were spicier than expected, but we enjoy heat so that was a welcomed surprise.  The pricing’s really affordable as well so you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck!

3.  Le Cavalier

Located inside the historic Hotel Du Pont, expect to enjoy the flavors of North Africa and Provençe – think French classics, both traditional and reimagined.  Their dinner menu’s divided into two sections:  petits plats and grand plats, and must try dishes include their soupe a l’oignon, hen of the woods mushroom and lobster tails.

As for mains, their branzino’s the move.  Seasoned with blistered herbs, calabrian chili and pistachio dukkah, this head-on fish came with a small side of sautéed pea shoots.

And no meal’s complete without dessert, especially when a restaurant does it so well.  Whether you have room or not, you’ll definitely want to indulge.  If available, the chocolate-rye cake’s a beautiful option.

4.  Bardea

Bardea’s crazzzzzzy delicious!  Co-owners Scott Stein and chef Antimo DiMeo use local ingredients from farms and purveyors to offer traditional staples with an inventive spin, and it’s truly a destination spot that’s worth the drive.

Start your meal off with an order of freshly baked bread before enjoying their avocado (preserved in yuzu butter, pineapple mostarda and chicharron).

Then move onto some pasta – we recommend their mezze penne – before treating yourself to their oakwood tart, made with  mushroom xo and whipped goat cheese.

Alright Nomsters, we hope you enjoyed our latest food guide to Wilmington, Delaware.  Let us know what looked yummiest to you by leaving a message below, and stay tuned for more travel content.  Don’t forget to give us a follow on instagram and tiktok to stay in the know.  Until next time!