Best of the Best: Wilmington & Northern Delaware

Morning: Kozy Korner

906 N. Union St., Wilmington
302-658-0812 / KozyKorner-Restaurant.com

A local hot spot, dating back over a century, Kozy Korner was founded by John Vouras and continued as a breakfast destination through Wilmington’s golden years. Torn down in 1984 to make room for a high rise hotel, Kozy Korner was resurrected in 2002 by the original owner’s grandson John, who helmed the eatery when it won the “Best Breakfast in Delaware” award, which it won six times! The menu is straightforward: eggs, pancakes, omelets, breakfast sandwiches. Known for hearty portions, the place can attract a crowd, but it continues as a local favorite, proudly offering the restaurant’s original quality, value and friendly service.

Noon: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront

720 Justison St., Wilmington
302-652-3474 / BigFishRiverfront.com

No need to drive to Rehoboth for great seafood. Big Fish Grill at Wilmington’s riverfront features fresh seafood, steak dishes and a large covered patio with views of the Christina River. For a small lunch, try the sandwiches: crab cake or fried catfish, shrimp or fish tacos. For larger appetites, order fish and chips, seafood gumbo, Chesapeake crab cakes or fresh Scottish salmon, caramelized with shaved Parmesan or grilled with Dijon cream. The casual, contemporary and nautical-themed interior is spacious, with fiberglass and carved wooden fish models suspended from the high ceilings throughout the restaurant to complete the vibe.

Night: La Fia

421 N. Market St., Wilmington
302-543-5574 / LaFiaWilmington.com

Owned by James Beard semifinalist Chef Bryan Sikora, La Fia is an intimate bistro and bakery. Executive Chef Dwain Kalup readies inventive, seasonal meals with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. The menu features French and American influences with globally inspired small plates, house-made pastas and rustic entrees. Popular dishes include Moroccan spiced short rib, crispy duck leg confit and an artisanal cheese plate. The restaurant has over 20 wines by the glass, craft beer and seasonally inspired craft cocktails. Everything is made in house at La Fia from the breads in the bread basket to the desserts. More reasons to visit.

Night: Bardea Food & Drink

620 N. Market St., Wilmington
302-426-2069 / BardeaFoodAndDrink.com

To bring the community together, Bardea co-founders Scott Stein and Chef Antimo DiMeo, imagined a restaurant that would capture the energy of downtown and offer modern interpretations of traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Pastas include ravioli with duck, foie gras and sweet onions. Other mains include a picanha steak with maitake mushrooms, beef cheek and a sunchoke citrus soy sauce. The restaurant’s interior features rustic touches that allude to its Italian heritage. Its chic yet lively atmosphere and open kitchen showcasing the busy chefs add to the vibrant energy. Great patio space adjoining Bardea Steaks, another part of this growing restaurant group.

Happy Hour: Merchant Bar

1426 N. Market St., Wilmington
MerchantBarWilmington.com

Wilmington after work? An elevated gastrobar, the Merchant Bar is what you want. Sip $10 cocktails, $10 wines and $5 Mexican beers in cans. For food, order a taco for $3, guacamole and salsa for $5, and various plates for $10. Sit at the marble-topped bar, individual tables, communal high tops or counter seating along its large storefront windows for people-watching. High ceilings and exposed ductwork, honey-blond hardwood floors and brass pendant light fixtures contribute to its trendy ambience. Nautical imagery — framed prints of lighthouses, paintings of old sailors — adds a “slightly salty” touch.

Happy Hour: Chelsea Tavern

821 N. Market St., Wilmington
302-482-3333 / ChelseaTavern.com

Directly across from the Grand Opera House, Chelsea Tavern, the popular local gastropub, has an early Happy Hour, from 3 to 6, and a late Happy Hour, from 11 to 1, all weeknights, attracting locals, tourists, the post-work and the pre-show crowds. At both Happy Hours, the menu features a large selection of mixed drinks, craft drafts, wines and canned cocktails. For apps, how about fried pickles, loaded potato bombs and pizzas? The energetic bar scene is a gathering place playing the game of the week on its large TVs.

Gem: Le Cavalier

42 W. 11th St., Wilmington
302-594-3154 / LeCavalierDE.com

A French neo-brasserie, Le Cavalier — meaning “the horseman” and evoking the equestrian tradition of the Brandywine Valley — is in the historic Hotel du Pont. The elegant space features original oak paneling, an ornate ceiling and gilded chandeliers, marble and terrazzo floors, new banquettes, oak-framed stained-glass windows and a marble bar. The careful preservation of its architecture earned the location in The Green Room a Best Historic Restaurant Award from Historic Hotels of America. In it, enjoy thoughtful French classics, such as short rib Bourguignon or trout amandine. From the bar, order at least one of its inventive cocktails or a glass of French wine and take it all in.

Gem: Buckley’s Tavern

5812 Kennett Pk., Centreville
302-656-9776 / BuckleysTavern.com

Once a blacksmith shop, then an ice cream store, Buckley’s Tavern was taken over in 1951 by Dennis Buckley. Popular with stars, athletes and other glitterati, Buckley’s dining rooms (as well as its parking lot) were full of glamour. Today, Chef Tom Hannum, former Executive Chef at the Hotel du Pont and guest chef at the James Beard House, offers his “secretly preferred comfort food.” Cream of mushroom soup, New England clam chowder, tobacco onions, crab Cobb salad, macaroni & cheese, baby back ribs — they’re all delicious, prepared to perfection. It’s where the locals want to go again and again.