Lewes, Delaware, is a Dining Destination.

 

Founded in 1631, Lewes, Delaware, is rich with history. On any given day, you'll spot visitors touring the Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House, the Lewes History Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum. But lately, the city has gained fame for its culinary scene, which will soon include the new Lewes Oyster House. 

The Lewes Oyster House in Lewes.

Many successful restaurants are in familiar landmarks. For instance, the oyster house is in the old Walsh Building on Second Street, the main drag. This location was once home to the Rose & Crown, which is now in the Hotel Rodney, and the original woodwork and exposed brick remain. Partners Tom Little and Sean Corea felt the site was the perfect gathering spot, and coastal public houses traditionally offered oysters.

The new restaurant is near Bramble & Brine at The Buttery, which is in the old Trader Mansion, a landmark Victorian at the corner 

The Pink Pony Lounge in Bramble & Brine at the Buttery.

of Savannah Road and Second Street. Meghan Kee pays tribute to the past in the newly renovated building. Kee once owned Bramble & Brine in Rehoboth Beach but lost it in a divorce. Things have a way of coming full circle, and a few years later, she bought the building and opened Houston-White. Now Kee has resurrected Bramble & Brine and brought back the name of the Victorian's most famous resident, The Buttery. 

The restaurant has several dining spaces, including a bar and lounge called the “Pink Pony” for the old Rehoboth Boardwalk nightclub. The area is punctuated by a trump l’oeil of a blush pink carnival tent on the ceiling. From the center hangs a regal chandelier.

A seasoned veteran of the Southern Delaware dining scene, Chef Paul Gallo honed his skills at Nage, Abbott’s Grill and Brick Works Brewings and Eats, all started by visionary restaurateur Kevin Reading. In winter, Gallo offered a chicken-and-dumplings dish that fans of the other restaurants might recognize. Instead of shredded chicken, it features a European-cut roasted chicken breast.

The Wellington also bucks the norm. It’s made with meatloaf and served with a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes. This is no ordinary meatloaf; it contains the same high-quality meat that Houston-White uses. A cherry demiglace is the bright finishing touch. Scallops have been a hit since B&B at The Buttery opened. 

Raas is an Indian restaurant in Lewes.

Next door is Raas, an Indian-Asian restaurant in another picturesque Victorian. The setting isn’t a stretch. The British Raj ruled India from 1858 to 1947. Moreover, the old house personifies Lewes, says Dr. Vinay R. Hosmane, managing partner of Masala Hospitality Group, who grew up in the city.

Chef Gyanendra Gupta, who has worked in restaurants in the Caribbean and India, has a deft hand with seafood, chicken and duck. 

There are three Victorians on this block of Savannah Road, including the award-winning Heirloom, Meghan Lee's beautiful restaurant, which has a wraparound patio facing the Zwaanendael Museum.

The food at Heirloom in Lewes is beautiful.

Since opening, the restaurant has had two amazing chefs, including Matt Kern, who now owns One Coastal in Fenwick Island. Currently, Lee is taking an all-for-one-approach, making the kitchen staff collaborators. The restaurant hasn't missed a beat, and Heirloom offers some of the most creative cuisine at the beach. 

However, Harbour at Canal Square is equally charming and has a gorgeous view of the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal. Tip: Get a seat at the back bar facing the water. 

The restaurant is owned by Gary and Lorraine Papp, who were the opening chefs at The Buttery. (Yes, the chefs and restaurants play a lot of musical chairs.) They also had Palate on Route 1, but that space is now home to Hammy's, a burger-and-shake joint. 

Harbour features some exceptional seafood items, craft cocktails and, of course, Lorraine's coconut cake.  And everything tastes better with that view.

The view from the back bar in Harbour is lovely at night
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For more information, see my article at https://townsquaredelaware.com/dining-in-lewes-10-reasons-to-eat-downtown/?fbclid=IwAR0nhlkGzXO28BSVUiUhgIccF_x2X_Qvcvd7MnOiezU7fKX0MT8PEE_eK78