Sometimes overshadowed by nearby Philadelphia, Wilmington’s culinary scene rarely gets the attention and praise it deserves. Delaware’s largest city has restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the globe, and our Delaware adoption agents love a good evening out for a great meal with the family in downtown Wilmington. Some of our favorite choices in the area include:

Goat Kitchen and Bar

Goat Kitchen and Bar is a homey neighborhood restaurant and bar in the heart of Wilmington. Their extensive menu offers a litany of choices for people of all dietary preferences, including a healthy selection of vegetarian and vegan options, along plenty of options to appease the carnivores in your dining party. Additionally, they boast an impressive selection of craft beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails if you’re in the mood to drink.

Some of our favorite dishes at Goat include:

  • Korean BBQ wings
  • Parmesan calamari
  • Buffalo cauliflower
  • Thai chicken noodle soup
  • Jerk chicken caesar salad
  • Vegetarian cheesesteak

Domaine Hudson

Domaine Hudson is one of the more upscale restaurants in Wilmington, and in our opinion, one of the best restaurants in the tri-state area. They specialize in new American cuisine, along with an amazing dessert menu and some of the best cocktails in the city. This restaurant is always a great choice if you’re looking to celebrate something with a fancy dinner or for a date night.

We’re personally big fans of the following items on the Domaine Hudson menu:

  • Endive and Asian pear salad
  • Berkshire pork belly brisket
  • Duck liver mousse
  • Kabocha squash tortellini
  • Pan-seared red snapper
  • Aged Crescent Farms duck breast

The Copperhead Saloon

The Copperhead Saloon is a cozy, unassuming cocktail bar and restaurant that packs a big punch. The ambiance here is second-to-none, and the friendly staff will quickly make you feel at home. It’s a great choice for a night out with masterfully crafted cocktails, and the food menu offers a wide range of delectable new American dishes.

Some of our favorites from the food menu include:

  • Roasted veggie flatbread
  • BBQ chicken flatbread
  • Bacon wrapped dates
  • Pot roast sliders
  • Crab & shrimp dip
  • Balsamic braised short rib

And if you’re looking for a delicious cocktail, we highly recommend the following:

  • The Possibly Maybe – Made with Clyde Mayes Alabama whiskey, Patina saison, apple & coriander syrup, and lemon juice.
  • Cosmopolitan
  • Old-Fashioned
  • Brandy Daisy
  • Ole Smokie – Made with Old Overholt rye whiskey, Islay scotch rinse, Mexican brown sugar, orange, cherries, and Rosemary smoke.

Scalessa’s

Scalessa’s is a traditional Italian restaurant, and always makes a delicious choice for a family dinner. They offer all of your favorite comfort foods at affordable rates. You’re almost guaranteed to leave here feeling full, happy, and with new memories of a bonding experience with your family or friends.

When we visit Scalessa’s, we like to order the following items:

  • Four-cheese gnocchi
  • Porkette sandwich
  • Meatball parmesan
  • Butter cake
  • Seafood Pescatore
  • Italian sub sandwich

Southeast Kitchen

If you’re a fan of Thai or Vietnamese food, you will absolutely love the simple but incredibly delicious restaurant that is Southeast Kitchen. This small, family-owned joint serves up all of your Southeast Asian favorites seven days a week. The dishes are consistently packed with as much flavor as you would expect from the authentic restaurants in Thailand or Vietnam.

What you order is obviously a matter of personal preference, but some of our personal favorites at Southeast Kitchen include:

  • Crispy veggie spring rolls
  • Chicken satay
  • Southeast wings
  • Thai papaya salad
  • Pho (choice of flank steak, chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
  • Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles)