Dining in Rehoboth, fine & casual
Sorry if this is a repeat but I searched and couldn't find a post newer than 2008. Chefs move, ownership changes, so this may deserve an update. During an upcoming visit to Rehoboth I will probably visit Nicola's for a Nic-o-boli because it's a tradition if no other reason, and probably stop at Grotto for a super-greasy slice, but when it comes to real food, I'd like some input. In the past, Eden has been my very favorite for fine dining and their top-notch wine program. Any changes to Eden that would have me avoiding it? Visits to Espuma and the Back Porch were so disappointing that I put them on the do-not-repeat list. (I usually give a place at least two chances to win me over, unless the experience is very bad). Basically, I'd like to know if there are any places for upscale dining that shouldn't be missed, and also recommendations for the absolute best crab dip. I am referring to places in town since once I park the car, I won't be driving again until the return trip home. I'll just be there for a weekend so I'm trying to maximize my dining opportunities! One casual dinner and one very nice dinner so unless I hear something to the contrary the "big evening" will be dinner at Eden, but the casual dinner is up in the air. Also feel free to pass along any miscellaneous food tips for Rehoboth. In return, here are a couple of mine: Cafe a Go Go on Rehoboth Avenue makes the best coffee in town, including but not limited to their spicy latin coffee w/chiles and cocoa in it. Wow! After you get your coffee, head to the creperie in Penny Lane for the best breakfast! Huge crepes stuffed with a long list of ingredient choices. My favorite is egg, cheese, ham, tomato & walnut! Approximate cost of a big fat crepe is around $6.50. I can hardly wait to see the ocean - Thanks!
-
Was there this weekend - for semi-casual seafood it's hard to beat Jake's; also the Cultured Pearl has good quality food but it's fairly casual for many. We had an early drink and some appetizers at Nage but it's out Route 1, so might not work without a car - the apps were excellent and the staff attentive; we've always had good luck there. Also heard great things from our neighbors about Eden but didn't have time this trip.
We had a late dinner at Stingray on Lake Ave (walkable from the main strip) which has sushi/asian/fusion - with the exception of a chicken and asparagus dish that was overcooked, all the food was very good. Main advice - GO EARLY! By 9 pm the noise was really bad - the waiter kept saying "what, what" when we spoke to him - some of it is the interior design as there's all hard surfaces and nothing to absorb sound. The manager turned it down but it was almost impossible to hear - would not return based on the experience, too bad!
Finally for donuts try Fractured Prune on Rt. 1 - worth the bike ride from downtown!!
-----
Nage
19730 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Fractured Prune
3073 Nutley St, Fairfax, VA 22031The Cultured Pearl
301 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 -
Take the jolly trolley to dewey beach and check out Two Seas. Great rooftop bar, dont think they have crab dip but their crabcakes are the best ever. Very nice with great atmosphere and the owners are wonderful people. Fins has the best oysters around, sushi at The Cultured Pearl is both affordable and delicious, Salt Aire comes highly recommended.
-
It might be a tourist place (we were tourists when we ate there), but we had crabs at Lazy Susan's on Coastal Highway. I'd never learned to eat a crab with a hammer and the waiter was very nice. I don't know if the newspaper and box tops is just an affectation, but it was fun.
-
Sensuous
Mar 22, 2010 05:50 PM
I love Cafe Papillon in Penny Lane too! The strawberry crepe is my favorite.
The best coffee I have found in Rehoboth is Oby Lee's but I will definitely give Cafe a Go Go a try soon.
We have not been to Eden so I cannot give you a comparison. We do like The Back Porch though and I am really sorry to hear you were disappointed with it. My family's favorite Rehoboth restaurant is The Cultured Pearl. We also like The Porcini House and Lupo.
Big Fish is a great seafood house but may be too much of a walk for you. I think a weekend at Rehoboth should include some time at Dogfish Head. The Happy Hour at Fins is very popular especially if you like oysters.
For pizza in Rehoboth, Casa DiLeo and Louie's are our favorites.
You might like this Rehoboth resource: http://www.localsonlyblog.com/
-----
Back Porch Cafe
59 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Cafe Papillon
42 Rehoboth Ave Ste 7, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971The Cultured Pearl
301 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Porcini House
210 2nd St, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971›1 Reply -
woodleyparkhound
Mar 22, 2010 12:47 PM
I love Lupo de Mare (don't miss the shaved brussels sprouts) and Green Man for breakfast/lunch.
