Most restaurants in the First State seem to fall into the "best-kept secret" category because many people pass up our great state for restaurants on the Eastern Shore of Maryland or the Philadelphia area. That's not a bad thing - it means we're able to put out list after list of great hole-in-the-wall restaurants. However, it does kind of mean that our best-known restaurants are often looked at by Delawareans as touristy or cliche. Below, you'll find a handful of our favorite famous Delaware restaurants, and they're really worth the hype.

1. DiFebo's, Bethany Beach

DiFebo's in Bethany Beach is one of the most recognizable Italian restaurants in Delaware, and it's one of the best restaurants on the coast. Their signature veal chop, shown above, is always seasoned perfectly and each bite is packed with flavor. Bethany Beach is a town that's full of fantastic restaurants, but there's a reason DiFebo's has been so popular for so long - check it out and find out for yourself.

2. Charcoal Pit, Wilmington

There's no better place in Delaware to grab a classic sandwich, a big plate of fries, and a milkshake in an old-fashioned diner setting. The Charcoal Pit makes amazing BLTs, burgers, and their ice cream sundaes are larger than life. These soda-fountain-style diners aren't so common anymore, and it's worth a visit to feel the nostalgia.

3. Border Cafe, Newark

The giant EAT sign that you see as you drive through Delaware is more than just a landmark - it's the sign for one of the highest-rated restaurants in Delaware. Border Cafe is part of a small family of restaurants that includes a pair of cantinas in both Massachusetts and New Jersey, but this is the only Delaware location. Order the swordfish tacos or a giant quesadilla and you'll leave Border Cafe full and happy. Be aware that their portions are pretty large - so big, in fact, that their burritos are just called burros

4. Caffe Gelato, Newark

Caffe Gelato, on Main Street in Newark, is famous throughout the state for homemade ice cream and gourmet Italian dishes. Everything that's served here is amazing - and yes, the gelato is worth a trip to Newark! Many people first become familiar with this Italian cafe when they're attending the University of Delaware and drag their visiting parents out for a great homestyle meal. This is one of the only places to get gelato in Delaware, and it offers more than a dozen flavors of Gelato at any given time.

5. Gus and Gus Place, Rehoboth Beach

Gus and Gus Place in Rehoboth Beach has been serving up burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks for decades. There's always a line here because everyone who steps onto the boardwalk knows they need to stop by and grab a bite to eat. It's no surprise that this boardwalk restaurant in Delaware is so wildly popular - we've all been dining here since before we could walk! It's so worth it, even if you're full of fries and salt water taffy before you get there.

6. Jessop's Tavern, New Castle

Jessop's is one of the only themed restaurants in Delaware, and the servers and staff here dress in colonial clothes and serve colonial fare in the heart of historic New Castle. The building dates back 300 years, so it's truly a piece of history. This tavern is more than just a tourist attraction, though, and the pot pies, oysters, and shepherd's pie they serve are mouthwateringly delicious.

We're lucky to live in such a foodie state, even if it's often overlooked by people who prefer the bigger cities. If you enjoy these restaurants and love the Delaware history and tradition of a landmark restaurant, you might want to tackle the Delaware Culinary Trail. Eat at enough iconic Delaware restaurants, and you'll earn a First State Cookbook. What a cool program and a great way to learn more about the culinary traditions and favorite foods of Delaware.

If you can't get enough of fine dining in the First State, read about 11 Delaware Restaurants You’ll Never Forgive Yourself For Not Trying and start making that dining bucket list!