These Delaware Restaurants Are
Wine Spectator Award Winners

June 29, 2026

By Sydney Livingston

Wine enthusiasts, rejoice! Wine Spectator, a leading wine publication, published its list of Restaurant Awards winners. The Restaurant Awards are given to eateries with a dedication to high-quality and thoughtful wine lists to complement their menus.

This year’s list of winners includes 11 top-notch Delaware restaurants. Among the winners, nine Delaware restaurants were awarded the “Award of Excellence,” meaning the wine list includes a well-chosen assortment of at least 90 wines. Two Delaware establishments boast a “Best of Award of Excellence” in 2026, thanks to excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions, significant vertical depth of top producers, and superior presentation. The award takes into account the quality of producers and considers whether the list is a good thematic match for the menu and atmosphere. For those who consider wine an important part of the dining experience, this list is held in high regard. Here are the Delaware restaurants that received this prestigious award in 2026.

Bardea Food & Drink

This is Bardea’s third consecutive year as a Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards winner. The Wilmington favorite is a James Beard-nominated Italian restaurant with a contemporary feel. Wine director Eric Gallen thoughtfully created a robust list of Italian wines to complement the elevated and modern Italian menu.
620 North Market Street, Wilmington

Bardea Steak

Another win for Gallen, Bardea Steak is also in its third consecutive year on the winners list. Bardea’s concept puts an innovative spin on the typical American steakhouse. Starting with rare breeds and upscale techniques, Bardea Steak offers a menu that is refreshing and whimsical, with plates that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The team has clearly placed as much thought and care into the wine list as they did the menu, and the experts at Wine Spectator took notice.
608 North Market Street, Wilmington

CS Brazilian Steakhouse

This Newark steakhouse has received the Award of Excellence every year since 2017. Here, you can find selections that aren’t common at other upscale eateries in the First State. Along with the familiar French and Californian selections, CS offers wines from across South America. Try Brazilian wines, malbecs from Argentina, and cabernet sauvignons from the Chilean valleys.
600 Center Boulevard South, Newark

Caffé Gelato

A Newark community staple, Caffé Gelato specializes in brunch, dinner, mouthwatering desserts, catering, and, of course, wine. With Italian cuisine at the forefront of Caffé Gelato’s menu, it’s no surprise that the restaurant is a go-to for Italian pours. The wine list is comprehensive and easy to read. It also includes a list of selections that received a Wine Spectator rating of 90 and above. Caffé Gelato is no stranger to the accomplishment; the eatery has won an Award of Excellence every year since 2005.
90 East Main Street, Newark

Eden

This upscale Rehoboth Beach eatery is the longest-running winner of the Wine SpectatorAward of Excellence in Delaware. Every year since 2004, Eden has maintained an exemplary wine list. Paired with bold American fare in a romantic atmosphere, Eden’s wine list is the perfect complement to a stunning dining experience.
20200 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach

Harry’s Savoy Grill

This Delaware mainstay is known for mouthwatering steaks and perfectly paired wines. The list emphasizes American selections from California, with plenty of European options available as well. The team at Harry’s Savoy Grill is always ready to provide an ideal pairing recommendation for whichever entree you choose.
2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington

La Fête

This Wilmington newcomer is celebrating its first Wine Spectator win—and it’s easy to see how La Fête earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (one of only two Delaware restaurants to earn the title). Wine director Scott Zoccolillo and his team have curated an impressive list, with an emphasis on French wines. The roster is expansive, and the team is always eager to recommend a new wine or pour a guided flight to help you choose. La Fête offers 50% off all wines priced under $150 every Monday, making it a great day to stop in and try something new.
2530 Concord Pike, Wilmington

Lupo Italian Kitchen

Located in Rehoboth, Lupo offers a thoughtful and vast selection of Italian wines to complement the Italian dishes. Pairing Mediterranean flavors with locally caught East Coast seafood, Lupo offers a delicious culinary experience with the wine selection to match. By organizing the list with categories like “Light,” “Medium,” “Full” and “Sparkling,” Lupo makes the selection process manageable even for the inexperienced wine taster. Italian wines harmonize with dishes like linguini and clams, lobster bucatini, or veal meatballs.
247 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Wilmington is a refined destination for wine lovers and steakhouse enthusiasts alike. With over 200 wine selections—particularly strong in California vintages—and a $25 corkage fee, it’s ideal for wine tastings, date nights, and special occasions. Located on Concord Pike, the restaurant offers upscale yet approachable lunch and dinner menus featuring steakhouse classics and fresh seafood, plus a vibrant happy hour and private event space.
5525 Concord Pike, Wilmington