You’ve booked the beach house, packed the swimsuits, and planned the perfect coastal getaway. Now comes the real challenge: finding restaurants that match Bethany Beach’s relaxed elegance without sacrificing flavor or creativity. Whether you crave fresh-off-the-boat seafood with ocean views or inventive cocktails in a cozy courtyard, these 19 spots deliver the taste of Delaware’s shore.
Big Chill Beach Club
$$ | (302) 402-5300 | WEBSITE
Like itsBethany Beach sisterBurrata, thisbeachside spot just offthe boardwalkexcels in huge portions of island-inspired bowls. But even if your friend isn’t interested in the mango chicken bowl, there are lots of other delicious, reasonably priced back-ups. On Friday and Saturday nights, Big Chill can get lively, thanks to both the sunset views and the groups who toted in a cooler per car. So if you’re looking for something more low-key, head there earlier in the week.
Ropewalk Bethany Beach
$$ | (302) 537-1330 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, you want seafood and a relaxed vibe to happen in one spot. This is the Ropewalk specialty. The Bethany Beach restaurant has a varied menu with things like crab-stuffed flounder, seafood mac and cheese, and rockfish tacos. Come here to settle into casual booths, admire the beachy decor and the way it brings out the laughter in your friends’ conversations, and eat while attentive staff offer helpful recommendations. Also, it’s kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly.
Sunshine Crepes
$ | (302) 537-1765 | WEBSITE
For delightful and satisfying French-style crepes in a warm and inviting package, look no further than Sunshine Crepes. The Bethany Beach restaurant’s cozy space includes a small dining area with comfortable seating, perfect for sharing large, filling crepes with family and friends. But the intimate environment also has plenty of charm for enjoying sweet options with fresh fruit, savory crepes made to perfection, and one of the authentic French-style dishes.
Sunshine Crepes is an experience unlike anywhere else in town, so it can still get quite busy during peak hours. But the friendly and kind staff provide good service while you relax over freshly squeezed orange juice and at least one of the creative crepe options.
China Express
$ | (302) 537-9956 | WEBSITE
This takeout-only spot in Bethany Beach is so popular, you’ll have to plan ahead for potentially long wait times, especially on busy holidays. But the effort is worth the great, authentic Chinese food—especially the General Tso’s chicken considered the best in years, the amazing steamed pork dumplings, or lo mein with bright vegetables and tender meat. Plus, the family-run service makes ordering here feel personal.
It’s almost like it’s just you, your takeout bag, and, you know, the chef accommodating your dietary requests.
El Gordo Taco MX
$ | (302) 662-1655 | WEBSITE
This authentic Mexican spot in a gas station off Coastal Highway is bright and casual. They only have a handful of shaded picnic tables out back, including some that are perfect for walk-ins, and the only atmosphere to speak of comes from the sizzle of fresh tortillas on the grill. The compact menu of tacos and tortas is full of flavor, and the birria tacos are not to be missed.
Bonus: almost every dish costs less than $15 and it’s a quick-service setup, so it’s reasonably priced for a fantastic bite on the go. What a find.
14 Global
$$$ | (302) 616-1035 | WEBSITE
Most of Bethany Beach’s (delicious) restaurants fall into the casual category. What we lack are creative and sophisticated options for a closer-to-upscale night on the town, with that same quality food. Until 14 Global, that is. The lively local stunner is perfect for a special family dinner, when drinks and small plates are the name of the game. Don’t miss the tuna tartar, the beet salad, and brown butter basted swordfish with micro cilantro in the carrot tahini hummus.
Matt’s Fish Camp Bethany
$$ | (302) 539-2267 | WEBSITE
We’d eat the lobster roll at Matt’s Fish Camp Bethany in a sandstorm if we had to. But thankfully, this friendly seafood spot is located right near the beach with plenty of parking. If seafood is your love language, try the excellent crab cake sandwich and shrimp creole. And if not, there’s always the calamari or oysters—both of which are just as satisfying to look at as they are to eat.
If it’s nice outside, try to get a seat on their outdoor patio, or take a mid-meal stroll out there with your drink. The service is attentive, with servers like Davis making you feel well taken care of. It’s a hidden gem worth visiting, especially with their Monday discount.
Mickey’s Family Crab House
$$ | (302) 539-5384 | WEBSITE
You can find crab, clams, and fried chicken on lots of menus in Bethany Beach. But Mickey’s Family Crab House isn’t your average seafood shack. The dishes—some classic, some special—are more memorable than the casual shack-like feel suggests, like the stunning all-you-can-eat snow crab and shrimp. But you still won’t have to go all out with a fancy place that takes itself too seriously. Bring the family early on in the vacation to find out if they have great taste in seafood and outdoor seating.
Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar Bethany
$$ | (302) 539-7111 | WEBSITE
Fresh seafood and a relaxed vibe are a classic beach-town combination. But the great news is that if you’re not in the mood for fish, you can still have a delicious meal at Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar in Bethany. The standout restaurant has an arsenal of excellent seafood dishes, but a few of our favorite non-seafood ones, too (the filet mignon is a must), along with a vegetarian curry and a good kids menu.
You won’t need a reservation to secure a table, but the comfortable seating out front with a cocktail from the bar is pretty alluring while you wait.
The Parkway Restaurant
$$$ | (302) 537-7500 | WEBSITE
The Parkway Restaurant has long been a favorite—after all, it’s known for its consistently excellent meals and warm atmosphere. By day, this spot shines thanks to its fantastic fresh menu and impressive wine list. But come evening, the lights soften in the rear dining area, the noise level can get lively depending on seating, and it turns into a cozy spot for groups or a relaxed dinner.
Skip any hesitation and dive into the starters: the shrimp & crab cocktail is fresh, the grilled octopus is prepared to perfection, and you’ll savor every bite of the grilled peach, tomato, and burrata salad—just watch for the occasional underripe star player. The cocktails made with real fruit are a bright spot, and while the timing between courses can be slow, the attentive service and overall experience make it worth returning to, even if the ambiance feels a bit dated in parts.
Ledo Pizza
$ | (302) 402-5220 | WEBSITE
You already know that Ledo Pizza is a legendary choice for a classic Delmarva pizza fix. But our preference for something a bit more casual—but no less delicious—is grabbing one of the six small tables for dine-in. The cozy, walk-in only space serves some of the best thin-crust pies in town, and it has a straightforward menu with many of our favorites from the original location (if the Ledo salad is available, it’s a must). It’s friendly, it’s clean, and you’ll have to be there early for a table.
But if you come later and have to wait around with one of those Italian subs, it’s well worth it.
The Blue Crab
$$ | (302) 537-4700 | WEBSITE
The Blue Crab is a cozy seafood spot in Bethany Beach that has a wonderful hometown feel. It’s flowing with friendly service, which families seem to appreciate in the context of casual dining. Also, the crab dip, steamer platter, and all you can eat crabs are all good, especially their creamy crab dip filled with giant chunks of crab meat and served with soft bread. Try to keep it together while you eat and not get too messy with the shell bucket and cracking tools.
Bethany Boathouse
$$ | (302) 616-2593 | WEBSITE
You might not find a fancy tasting menu here, but honestly, that’s the whole point. This Bethany Beach spot is even better for a casual, fun night out. Grab a seat at the gazebo bar or snag one of the outdoor tables, sip on their signature orange crush (it’s a beach classic for good reason), and share plates like the ahi tuna appetizer and shrimp tacos like you’re on vacation together.
The vibe is clear and breezy, the music keeps things lively, and you can easily linger for hours enjoying the atmosphere while the friendly bartenders keep the drinks coming.
Three Blonde Bakers
$ | (302) 539-7502 | WEBSITE
Three Blonde Bakers in Bethany Beach is a bakery and ice cream shop, so you’ll be enjoying both a scoop of coffee ice cream and a slice of rich chocolate peanut butter good ice cream. There’s always a friendly buzz among the staff, which helps to create a welcoming atmosphere and provides a good reason to linger over your treats. Go for the fudge—it’s some of the best in town—and find the same delight in a cup of their praised coffee that you do when they tell you that the prices are decent.
Harvest Tide Steakhouse, Bethany Beach, DE
$$$ | (302) 581-0448 | WEBSITE
Harvest Tide Steakhouse is a two-story spot in Bethany Beach, and it’s one of our go-to places when we want a fun evening that starts with great cocktails and even better steaks. Everything here is served with friendly attention—from the perfectly cooked Tomahawk that appears on many tables to the spaghetti with clams that forms the base of their popular seafood options. Just remember it’s best to arrive early for their elevated happy hour, especially on the patio for prime people watching.
Five Guys
$ | (302) 539-7830 | WEBSITE
Between the crispy fries and a menu of burger classics, Five Guys may incite a craving for comfort food after one bacon cheeseburger. The casual beachside spot works as well for a quick lunch with coworkers as it does for a hearty meal with family after a day at the beach. They have consistently tasty burgers—after all, they use quality ingredients, and the generous portion sizes make it worth the slightly higher price point.
Patsy’s Restaurant
$$ | (302) 537-2433 | WEBSITE
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like battling the summer crowds to snag a reservation at this Bethany Beach gem (worth every effort, of course). Patsy’s is that charming, cozy spot you keep returning to—been around for over 15 years—and this Key West-inspired haven, with its focus on fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and a warm, inviting vibe, has all the magic to turn a simple dinner into a memorable escape.
Flirt with the evening over a tangy passion fruit margarita, a plate of perfectly grilled asparagus, and jumbo scallops in that addictive red curry sauce. They’re all generously portioned to share, which you’ll happily do—to savor every bite together, even if you’d rather keep it all to yourself.
Pie
$ | (302) 539-2600 | WEBSITE
Pie is a cozy spot that feels like a throwback to simpler beach days. Step inside this place in Bethany Beach, and you’ll see retro decor that gives a homey feel, families sharing pizzas, and groups of regulars who’ve been coming for the Summertime pizza since they first tried it. The menu offers a variety of select options that make it hard to choose, including their standout (and genuinely delicious) Caesar salad with actual anchovy slices.
Share the Luna Special on a gluten-free crust and a few appetizers, or get something pizza-based for your perfect beach meal moment.
DB’s Seafood Co
$$ | (302) 616-2996 | WEBSITE
This seafood spot has two standout options: the hot lobster roll served with fries and coleslaw, and the cold lobster roll packed with lobster and crispy fries. Tables are traded for cozy booths, and your meal comes on a plate with a base of fresh fries and topped with different seafood, like mahi fish tacos, soft shell crab sandwiches, and fried oysters.
Sort through the flavorful sauces on the table to customize each bite, and don’t be surprised if you need a to-go bag for your leftovers—the portions are generous, and the service is quick and kind. It’s a great spot for a casual dinner, with both outdoor seating and indoor tables that feel just right.
