Whether you're spending the day hiking or fishing, visiting museums or indulging in some tax-free shopping, you're bound to work up an appetite.
Luckily, downtown Dover has some great restaurants. Whether you've got a craving for a burger and fries, tacos or curry, you'll find some of the best restaurants in Delaware right here in Kent County.
Top 8 Restaurants in Dover, Delaware
When picking out a place to eat, your appetite will be your guide. Also, pay attention to the time of day and your budget when choosing a restaurant. Here are some of the most highly rated spots in Dover.
1. Roma Italian Restaurant
Roma Italian Restaurant has come a long way over the years. The spot initially opened as a casual pizzeria. Today, it's an in-demand, special occasion eatery specializing in upscale Italian cuisine.
Although Roma first opened in 1973, the restaurant welcomed a new addition in 2015. The owners, Kristin and Joseph S. Garramone Jr., decided to add a cocktail lounge to the eatery. Called Sul Tempo Cocktail Lounge, it was the first in Dover. If you're looking for a relaxed spot to sip a cocktail and enjoy a few snacks before dinner, drop in and visit Sul Tempo.
Both Roma and its sister cocktail lounge are open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner service only.
2. McGlynn's Pub & Restaurant
If you want a place to kick back and relax after a long day of outdoor adventures or museum hopping, McGlynn's Pub is the place to be. It's got cozy, wood-framed booths and a long wrap-around bar that makes it easy to order a meal and chat with the bartender.
The menu includes the bar food classics you've come to love, such as artichoke dip, nachos and chicken fingers. There are also homemade soups, burgers and a wide selection of sandwiches. If you're visiting on the weekend, make sure to check out McGlynn's brunch specials.
You know it's not a pub if there aren't any specials. McGlynn's has a variety of special offers throughout the week, such as all-you-can-eat wings on Wednesdays and a beef-and-beer special on Sundays.
3. Restaurant 55
Want something fresh and local? Head to Restaurant 55. Owned by a father-daughter team, Restaurant 55 offers food and drink from local purveyors. The beef comes from Witt Bros. Market and the turkey is from T.A. Farms. Fifer's Farm Store supplies the vegetables. Using local ingredients means the restaurant can serve up fresh and in-season dishes.
The focus on local doesn't stop with the food, either. You'll also find drinks from local breweries behind the bar. Some of the beers on tap are from local craft breweries such as DogFish Head and Evolution. Even if you don't want a local brew, Restaurant 55 will likely have something to please your palate. The bar has 12 rotating taps and bottled beers from more than 30 brands.
4. Grey Fox Grille and Public House
The Grey Fox Grille and Public House is situated in a restored Victorian house constructed in the late 19th century. Currently open for dinner service from Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays, the restaurant's menu ranges from a relaxed selection of pub favorites to steaks and seafood. The meat and dairy products come from local sources, too.
If you want something lighter, you can opt for the restaurant's pub menu, which is available on late afternoons on Wednesday and Thursday or after 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
5. Flavor of India
Flavor of India serves flavor-packed, authentic Indian dishes in the heart of downtown Dover. The restaurant is committed to using only the finest and freshest ingredients in its menu items. Naans and other breads are baked fresh daily and in-house.
If you're vegan or vegetarian, you'll be pleased with the menu options at Flavor of India. Many of the appetizers and dishes are vegetarian, and vegan options are also plentiful.
The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you're indecisive and prefer having a range of things to try from, a lunch buffet is offered until 3 p.m. daily.
6. Cool Springs Restaurant
Craving top-quality, fresh seafood? Pay a visit to Cool Springs restaurant. For more than 20 years, Cool Springs has been serving Delaware residents and visitors standout but simple seafood dishes. Options range from Maryland-style crab cakes to honey bourbon salmon and swordfish au poivre to fire-roasted shrimp.
If seafood doesn't float your boat, Cool Springs has a few land-based options, too. Order the grilled filet mignon, the center cut pork chops or the linguini alfredo instead.
Cool Springs is open for dinner service from 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
7. Vincenzo's Pizzeria and Gelato
Sometimes, you want something more relaxed. Vincenzo's Pizzeria and Gelato delivers on that front. The restaurant's pizza menu is extensive and includes classic cheese as well as 16-inch square Sicilian pies. There's also a selection of gourmet pizzas, including La Ortolana, a white pie with broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions, and the Fisherman's Deluxe, with crab meat, clams and shrimp.
Not in the mood for pizza? Vincenzo's has you covered. The restaurant has a wide selection of pasta, wraps, cheesesteaks, calzones and subs.
Of course, since the restaurant has gelato in its name, you know you have to save room for dessert. In addition to a choice of gelato flavors, Vincenzo's serves desserts such as Smith Island cake, made of nine delicate layers, and cannolis and cream puffs.
8. La Hacienda
La Hacienda serves all your favorite Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, burritos and tacos. The restaurant takes pride in using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. It produces Mexican dishes that are more flavorful while being healthier and lighter.
The restaurant has two locations in Dover, with the second location recently opened on West Loockerman street in the downtown area. La Hacienda is open seven days a week starting at 11 a.m.
Learn More About the Dover Area — Download Our Visitor's Guide
Beyond delicious food and drink, Delaware's Quaint Villages have a lot to offer visitors. Download our Visitor's Guide today and get ready to plan your trip to the Quaint Villages.
