Henlopen City Oyster House

"Every time I come home I only walk up we hope that the Avenue had never ventured down the side streets so I've missed this place and had no idea it was here. Today I wandered in because what caught my eye was the cod cheeks on the appetizer's menu. I started with an oyster stew and finished with the bouillabaise. I wasn't disappointed in any of it, it was all excellent! There's also a great selection of beer and wine to compliment any meal. Now that I know this little gem is hidden back here I'll be certain to return each time I come home to visit mom."

"Our visit to Henlopen City Oyster House was nothing short of exceptional. This restaurant offers a delightful variety of food and drinks that left us thoroughly impressed! My ideal selection included Fried Oysters as an appetizer, Bouillabaisse for the main course, and the challenging decision between Smith Island Cake and the parfait for dessert. The Fried Oysters were a delightful surprise, boasting briny, plump oysters delicately coated in a crisp, golden-brown butter. Notably, they were perfectly cooked, and the flavors were outstanding. The Bouillabaisse was a true culinary masterpiece, featuring a flavorful broth that harmoniously combined with the seafood and tomato base. The attention to detail in cleaning the shellfish and achieving the ideal texture for the fish pieces was evident. The generous infusion of saffron added a delightful aroma and depth to the flavor. Every dish and drink we sampled, including the oyster shots, exceeded our expectations. As a food enthusiast, I consider the pricing fair, given the freshness of the ingredients, most of which are sourced from local farmers and purveyors. The service was outstanding, with our server being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to our every need. The restaurant itself is a destination in its own right. The atmosphere is inviting and bright, and the oyster bar offers an opportunity to watch their skilled and friendly staff meticulously shucking oysters. Despite being walk-in customers, we experienced a short wait time of less than 15 minutes, even when the restaurant was bustling. Its convenient location near local shops and other attractions ensures that you'll have plenty to do while waiting, if necessary. Notably, Henlopen City Oyster House's menu changes daily, adapting to ingredient availability and seasonal offerings. With this in mind, we can confidently say that this is a place we'll return to every time we find ourselves in the area."

"Wow: Delaware Delicious raw oysters can't be beat. Grilled octopus excellent and juicy, tender wonderful soft shell crabs. Waiter with great wine suggestions all made a beautiful birthday dinner treat! Need a reservation"

"The food was exceptional. Everything was extremely fresh and well balanced. The drinks were top notch and well priced. They went above and beyond to make our dinner extra special since it was my birthday celebration. I would definitely come back. Do yourself a favor and get the tuna tartare !"

"Went here for dinner, and it was so good. The hostess was able to seat us right away even though it was really busy. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. We got lobster mac and cheese. For drinks, we got a martini and a summer special cocktail. Great atmosphere and awesome service!"