Maryland claims fame as the "home" of crab cakes, but we know that Delaware has its fair share of restaurants where you can snag one of these East Coast delicacies. I'm pretty sure this topic is going to start an all out comment battle. People are pretty loyal about their favorite place to get crab cakes, how they like them prepared, and the ambiance they like when they dine. Here are just a handful of restaurants with the best crab cakes in Delaware, and they're not ranked in any particular order. Did we find your favorite spot to pick up the best seafood in Delaware?
1. Woody's Dewey Beach, Dewey Beach
This unassuming little place in Dewey is consistently ranked as having the best crab cakes in the state. Their recipe is a closely guarded secret, and they're packed in the summertime.Read more about Woody's right here.
2. Sambo's Tavern, Leipsic
Watch the crab boats pull up to the docks and unload their fresh catch, including bushels of blue crabs picked for crab cakes. This 21+ tavern is one of Delaware's most iconic dining rooms. Read more about Sambo's Tavern right here.
3. Courtyard by Marriott at the University of Delaware, Newark
It seems a little odd that some of the best crab cakes in Delaware are served at a hotel restaurant, but one bite of these and you'll quickly understand why! These legendary crab cakes are packed with flavor, not filler.
4. Nantuckets Restaurant, Fenwick Island
Don't cross the southern border of Delaware and cross into (gasp) Maryland for crab cakes; stop here for these simply amazing ones. Nantucket's is a bit of a hidden gem.
5. Big Fish Grill, Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach
Upstate or downstate--regardless of location, you can order these crabby cakes as a platter, on a sandwich or atop a salad. Both spots are must-try restaurants in Delaware! Big Fish Grill is known for serving up more than just crabs, though - their lobster specials and cioppino are the best you'll find.Read more about the amazing seafood at Big Fish Grill right here.
6. Feby's Fishery, Wilmington
Since 1974, Feby's has been serving up some of the state's freshest seafood, like their crab cakes--served blackened, fried or pan seared. No wonder so many consider them to be one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware! Read more about Feby's Fishery right here.
7. Crab Cake Factory Bayside, Selbyville
If you want amazing crab cakes with a view, this is your place! Crabcake Factory Bayside also makes an incredible bloody mary for their seafood brunch.
Read more about Crabcake Factory right here.
8. Old Mill Crab House, Delmar
Look for the giant crab on the outside of this restaurant; it guards delicious food inside, including mouth watering crab cakes. They're also known for all-you-can-eat crab feasts. Read more about Old Mill Crab House right here.
9. Meding's Seafood, Milford
If you don't want to sit down and eat at the restaurant, buy a few fresh and flavorful uncooked crab cakes from the seafood counter and take them home to cook up. Read more about Meding & Son's right here.
10. Boondocks Restaurant, Smyrna
If you've never been to this 'dive' in the middle of nowhere, check them out and try a crab cake, washed down with a "Swamp Water" mixed drink.
Read more about Boondocks right here.
11. Jerry's Seafood, Lewes
Order a 'crab bomb' if you dine here. It's 10 ounces of lightly seasoned crab meat; order a spicy version with added seasoning for a little kick with your crab.
12. Crabby Dick's, Rehoboth Beach and Delaware City
Order a single, a double or a "fluff"--a crab cake dipped in beer batter and then fried! Crabby Dick's is a quirky spot that serves up tasty crab cakes you're sure to love.
13. The Starboard Restaurant, Dewey Beach
If you're in a partying mood and still have a craving for crab cakes, stop by this Dewey landmark. Why not order a burger served with a crab cake on it? They're also know for a crabby brunch and delicious bloody marys. Read more about brunch at the Starboard right here.
14. Valle Cucina Italiana, Wilmington
An Italian restaurant doesn't usually make people think about order crab cakes, but this place won for "Best of Delaware" crab cakes three years in a row from 2007-2009 and we hear they're still great.
15. Surfing Crab, Lewes
Most people go to Surfing Crab for the steamed crabs, but don't over look their crab cakes. And we hear the cole slaw is delicious as a side with them.
Read more about the Surfing Crab right here.
16. Rigatoni's Famous Crab Cakes, Claymont and Middletown
There are two locations in Delaware, one in Pennsylania and even a traveling food truck where you can snag these succulent crab cakes. You can eat on site at the locations or take some home!
There you have it - a pretty definitive list of the restaurants with the best crab cakes in Delaware. Did we find your favorite place for one of our signature foods? If not, be sure to share with us in the comments!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!