Finding a Good Restaurant in Wilmington: Or how I really don't enjoy cooking

Philadelphia is definitely an eater's city (I don't use the word foodie - it sounds pretentious and childish all at once).  And I miss it. It's been a long hard journey to find good restaurants in Wilmington. Each time a new restaurant opens, a kernel of hope grows only to be smashed to smithereens when we actually eat there.

So I've compiled the top 3 restaurants that I enjoy - if you know of any others that are better - by all means please comment. 

The House of William and Merry

This is probably the best restaurant in the area - and it's not even in Wilmington. It's owned by husband/wife chef team of Merry Catanuto and William Hoffman in a former house (thus the clever name). Fresh, local and delicious food.

Drinks on the veranda? I'm posh like that.

Location:

1336 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin DE 19707.

(302) 234-2255

Hours:

1-9:30 Tuesday - Saturday, 10-2 for Sunday brunch and 5-7 for prix fixe Sunday supper, 

Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday 3-6, closed Mondays.

$$-$$$

Do:

• Go for Brunch and order anything with bacon (unless you are vegan/vegetarian/or have religious dietary restrictions, in which case, they have plenty of other great food)
• Have their fries! (unless you don't eat carbs/starch in which case I am sorry because the fries are really awesome)

Don't:

• Go when already starving as I have found service to be slow. Very slow sometimes. It's the only real drawback. 
• Worry if their lot is full.  You can park in the lot by the park. 

Rasa Sayang

This Malaysian restaurant is a hidden gem in the Independence Mall on Concord Pike (not to be confused with Independence Hall in Philadelphia - they don't have food there). The food is tasty and reasonably priced. 

Roti - It may not look like much but it tastes great!

Location:

Independence Mall

1601 Concord Pike, Suite 73 

Wilmington, DE 19803

302 543 5286 t.

Hours:

Lunch: 

Monday thru Saturday 11:30am-3:00pm, Sunday 12:00noon - 3:00pm 

Dinner: 

Monday thru Thursday 3:00pm-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 3:00pm-10:30pm

Sunday 3:00pm-9:00pm

$-$$

Do:

• Have their Roti
• Try their Pad Thai, Thai Basil Noodles, and Pineapple Fried Rice
• Have their fountain soda -it's among the best that I have had. (Unless you don't drink soda. Which I try not to but honestly it is so very good)

Don't:

• Worry - they have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options
• Feel overwhelmed by the service - they are very attentive. Very very attentive.

Two Stones Pub

Great draft beer and great food. Three locations in the Wilmington/Newark/Kennett Square areas.

Location:

2502 Foulk Road

Valley View Plaza

Shopping Center

302.439.3231

Hours:

Open 'til 1am

Lunch:

Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 5pm, Sun: 10am - 2pm

Dinner:

Sun - Wed: 5pm - 9pm,Thu - Sat: 5pm - 10pm

$$

Do:

• Have their pulled pork - best I have had!!! (only if you eat pork, of course)
• Ask for a taste of any of their draft beers
• Take advantage of Happy Hour! ( Happy Hour Monday thru Friday- 3 to 6 pm)

Don't:

• I don't really have any don'ts....
• Drink and Drive! (This is a given but I feel it does need repeating)

Honorable Mention:

Harry's Fish Market + Grill - good food at great prices in the riverfront market. Their $3 Monday burger deal has lines out the market.

Kid Shelleen's - Love their brunch if you can get in. Very crowded, and a little pricey. Also half-price burgers on Tuesdays.