Delaware is a seafood state even though neighboring Maryland gets all the credit for its Old Bay and crab cakes. True Delawareans know that there are plenty of places in the state that top many Maryland crab houses and oyster bars. We know that the best seafood restaurants in Delaware can hold their own against the best seafood anywhere. It's no secret that Delaware Bay oysters are some of the best in the world! With so much of the state bordering Delaware Bay and the Chesapeake just on the other side of the state, it's no surprise that Delaware is a great place to find some amazing seafood restaurants.

Before continuing onto our list, please keep in mind that this is in no way an exhaustive collection of seafood spots in Delaware. We know there are so many local gems, and we've even featured some of them in our Delaware hole-in-the-wall articles. We also know that the best crab cake in Delaware is a hotly debated topic, so we voiced our opinions in an article on that subject, as well. This list was meant to be a great resource for anyone looking for a seafood experience that is going to be one of the best they've had - and we tried to include some from all corners of the state. Let us know which ones you've tried, and which Delaware seafood restaurants you're going to add to your list, so you can try the best seafood in Delaware this summer!

1. Skipjack, Newark

Dine at Skipjack in Newark if you want to try something different. Order the Cubano Lobster Tail Chop - with BBQ pork, smoked ham, and a Myers' Rum sauce. You've never had anything like this incredible fish! Everything else at Skipjack is fresh and so well prepared that you'll be talking about your meal here for months. You'll love the fresh Delaware seafood here!

2. Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar, Wilmington

Formerly known as Harry's Seafood Grill, Banks' Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar has become one of the most well-reputed seafood restaurants in Wilmington, and it has certainly earned its reputation! Creative and classic dishes are featured every night. Banks' Seafood is the place to go if you want fine seafood dining in Wilmington. It's one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for surf 'n' turf.

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3. Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth Beach

Wednesday is Lobster night at Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach. Featured appetizers *may* include lobster pizza, lobster nachos, or lobster wontons while entrees could include lobster mac & cheese, lobster hollandaise, and of course, a whole Maine lobster! The Wilmington Location has similar specials, and serves incredible seafood as well. Some of the best Delaware seafood is found right here at Big fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach.

4. Sambo's Tavern, Leipsic

Fresh caught crabs are on the menu at Sambo's Tavern in Leipsic, and man, they are delicious! Whether you want them in a homemade bisque, freshly steamed, or in some of the best crab cakes in Delaware - Sambo's will not disappoint. The waterfront dining is a plus, too. Sambo's Tavern is certainly one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware, especially for crabs.

5. DiFebo's, Bethany Beach

Chef Lisa DiFebo gets it right at her Bethany Beach location, and we've heard amazing things about her restaurant in Rehoboth Beach as well. If you're looking for scallops or shrimp over pasta, there's no place better than this chic restaurant where nearly everything is completely homemade. Talk about fresh Delaware seafood at DiFebo's Restaurant!

6. Catch 54, Fenwick Island

Catch 54 is a Fenwick Island hotspot for waterfront dining and delicious seafood. Sit out on the deck and enjoy their unbelievable seafood stew or seafood gumbo, or sample everything on the flawless raw bar. This is one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for waterfront dining.

7. Woody's, Dewey Beach

This Dewey Beach establishment has been serving up arguably the best crab cakes in the state, and the rest of their seafood is delicious as well. If you catch them on a day when they are making Tuna Tacos, order up! They may be the best fish tacos you'll ever have. Whatever you order, you're sure to enjoy some of the best seafood in Delaware!

8. Cool Springs Fish Bar, Dover

The witty signs out front will catch your eye before the unassuming storefront - but be sure you don't pass this place up. Famous for creative dishes like the Oyster Sashimi (pictured above), Cool Springs has been bringing new takes on traditional seafood dishes to Dover. Try this place if you're looking for a unique Delaware seafood experience.

9. Lestardo's Crab House, New Castle

Located in the Rambleton Acres Shopping Center, Lestardo's is everything a crab house should be. From the brown paper on the tables to the crabs brought in from the Delaware bay just hours before you sit down to eat them, it really is the perfect crab house experience. It's one of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware for blue claw crab.

10. Feby's Fishery, Wilmington

Feby's Fishery is a favorite bar and restaurant, and it's also a seafood market featuring some of the absolute freshest seafood in Delaware. In fact you can find some of the state's best crab legs here!

11. Just Hooked, Fenwick Island

Fresh and local Delaware seafood is the theme of Just Hooked which is a farm-or-ocean-to-table restaurant on Fenwick Island. There's no shortage of seafood in town, but Just Hooked stands above the rest for its commitment to fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients, as well as the creativity they put into their dishes. Absolutely delicious, all around!

Editor's Note: Unfortunately Just Hooked has permanently closed.

12. Alex's Seafood Restaurant and Clam Bar, New Castle

Alex's Seafood is located in the New Castle Farmers Market, and like most Farmers Market finds, this one is a real hidden gem. Using fresh Delaware seafood and traditional recipes, they've made their own unique dishes to create mouthwatering, perfect seafood dishes. The portions are quite generous, too!

Mmm... now I'm hungry! What's your favorite seafood dish and what are some of the best seafood restaurants in Delaware that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!