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Italian Favorite In Wilmington Named #1 Restaurant In Delaware

Living here in Delaware we know Wilmington has become more of it’s own destination for food than ever before.  There’s no longer a need to head into Philly to find…

Meat balls. Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Meat balls with spaghetti and tomato sauce. traditional kitchen.Meat balls. Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Meat balls with spaghetti and tomato sauce. traditional kitchen.
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Living here in Delaware we know Wilmington has become more of it's own destination for food than ever before.  There's no longer a need to head into Philly to find a great meal.  In fact, I've heard of more and more folks traveling to a restaurant in Delaware, from Philly, for the food options we have here.

In recent months, the crew over at Shermans Travel went on the hunt for the best restaurants in each of the 50 states.  While looking through this list there are no mentions of chain restaurants., which makes this list even better.  We love mom and pop, local spots, and supporting smaller businesses.

#1 Restaurant In Delaware

So, where did they say was best in The First State?  Mrs. Robino's Restaurant in Wilmington.

Founded in 1940, Mrs. Robino’s, which is located in a row house in Wilmington, is Delaware's first-ever Italian restaurant. What started out as Mrs. Tersilla Robino cooking homemade Italian food in her kitchen to Italian immigrants paved the way for this old-school joint, which serves classic fare and time-tested recipes, such as Mrs. Robino's original sauce.

We actually highlighted Mrs. Robino's in another post earlier this month.  Read more about Mrs. Robino's as one of the Wilmington must try spots featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.'

Since Delaware is so close to a few other states, let's take a look at the restaurants being called best in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  To take a look at the rest of the 50 states, click here.

  • Maryland - The Helman in Baltimore
  • New Jersey - Razza in Jersey City
  • Pennsylvania - Zahav in Philadelphia

When driving down the road in Wilmington or Newark or Rehoboth Beach, there doesn't seem to be a shortage of popular fast food options.  There's a McDonald's, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell or some other drive-thru fast food stop on pretty much every corner.

I was recently in Southwest Florida and I did take notice of some fast food options we don't have up here in Delaware.  It got me thinking.  Are we missing out on some dynamite fast food spots?

In doing a quick Google search to find out about the most popular fast food brands across the country, I quickly learned that we are in fact missing out on some very popular options across the country.  I have tried several of these places, so I can speak from experience.   We may need to start some petitions.

Luckily, we now have the long awaited, first Raising Cane's location, so that's one brand we can add to the list of what we do have here in the First State.  The stand alone restaurant, with a drive-thru, is located at 127 Grove Lane in Newark.

According to The Raising Cane's website, their concept is simple and unique.  They say they only have ONE LOVE – quality chicken finger meals! At Raising Cane’s you get an exceptionally high quality product served quickly and conveniently. We can do this because we offer a limited menu.  You can learn more about Raising Cane's here.

I haven't tried Raising Canes yet, but I am really looking forward to giving the chicken fingers a try!

So, what are these 12 fast food brands we are missing out on in Delaware?  

In-N-Out

You've probably seen an In-N-Out if you've been out to the west coast.  This is a super popular fast food spot in places like like Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Carl's Jr.

The only thing I really know about Carl's Jr. is that Paris Hilton did a not suitable for work commercial for them years ago.

Whataburger

OK!  I have been to Whataburger and it is delicious.  Think drive-thru really late at night when you need something greasy in your belly.

Culver's

I've also been to a Culver's.  In fact, I just went on my trip to Florida.  The food is good, the milkshakes are even better.  I would recommend the Wisconsin cheese curds.

Zaxby's

I haven't tried Raising Cane's but I have had Zaxby's plenty of times before and from what I know, these two places are very similar.

PDQ

Another location focusing on chicken.  Chicken fingers, chicken salads, chicken sandwiches, they're all good.

Jack In The Box

I think I went to a Jack In The Box while on vacation in Hawaii like 20 years ago and I don't recall it knockin' my socks off.

Bojangle's

Another chicken joint.  I've stopped here for breakfast in North Carolina and the country ham biscuit is delicious.

Firehouse Subs

I've been to Firehouse once before.  It was good, not great.

White Castle

Even though we don't have one here in Delaware, I'd be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't tried these world famous sliders.  There's even a movie about White Castle.

Jason's Deli

Yes, I've been to Jason's Deli too!  The salad bar is unmatched.  I love a good salad bar.  And you get a free ice cream cone too.

Tim Horton's

Tim Hortons is known for their coffee and donuts.  Most locations are up north, so it's odd we don't have one here in Delaware.