There’s something about dining alfresco that makes any dining experience a little more special, and it’s even better when it comes with a view from above. Considering how flat Delaware is, it doesn’t take a very large elevation to get a great view from a rooftop restaurant, even if it’s only two stories tall. Here are 10 restaurants that we know offer a dining experience ‘above’ the rest.

  1. The Cultured Pearl, Rehoboth Beach

Cultured Pearl The Restaurant and Sushi Bar / Facebook

Cultured Pearl The Restuarant and Sushi Bar / Facebook From the absolutely amazing rooftop setting with pergolas, koi ponds and flowing fabrics to the succulent sushi, Cultured Pearl is our favorite pick for rooftop dining in Delaware.

  1. Papa Grande’s, Rehoboth Beach

Papa Grande’s Rehoboth / Facebook

Papa Grande’s Rehoboth / Facebook Please note, Papa Grande’s has permanently closed. Another beach town favorite, Papa Grande’s has classic Mexican dishes with a really fresh twist. The rooftop terrace is perfect for a pomegranate margarita or a cold beer; look for happy hour specials.

  1. Buckley’s Tavern, Centreville

Buckley’s Tavern / Facebook

Buckley’s Tavern / Facebook Brunch is a favorite at Buckley’s Tavern, in a building dating back to 1817. On warmer days head to the upstairs back terrace to sip your mimosa or Bloody Mary.

  1. Deer Park Tavern, Newark

Alan Levine / Flickr

The Deer Park Tavern / Facebook Ok, so we use the term “rooftop” loosely here, but on any given sunny day in Newark the second floor porch of the Deer Park is packed with co-eds and locals. Grab a beer and a dozen wings, and chill at this historic tavern.

  1. Greene Turtle, Rehoboth Beach

James L. / Yelp

Sherry J. / Yelp Even though Greene Turtle is a sports bar and restaurant with locations up and down the coast, this one has the others beat hands-down because of the VIEW! Diners lucky enough to be seated outside have an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean and the boardwalk below.

  1. Sheridan’s Irish Pub, Smyrna

Sheridan’s Irish Pub / Facebook

Sheridan’s Irish Pub / Facebook As far as we could find, Sheridan’s is a rare rooftop dining find in mid-state. Ask to be seated upstairs and still enjoy the classic Irish favorites on the menu from Irish owners Joe and Shirley.

  1. Iron Hill Brewery, Wilmington

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant (Wilmington, DE) / Facebook This Iron Hill location still offers the same great craft beers brewed on site, but the view of Wilmington from the back upstairs dining area, especially at night, sets it above the rest.

  1. Mariachi Restaurant, Rehoboth Beach

Mariachi Restaurant / Facebook Yet another Rehoboth Beach restaurant with great rooftop dining, Mariachi is a hit for those looking for more authentic Mexican and Spanish flavors. While the view isn’t as fab as other locations, it’s located on a slightly quieter street for a little more laid back vibe.

  1. Two Seas Restaurant, Dewey Beach

Two Seas Restaurant / Facebook

Two Seas Restaurant / Facebook Please note, Two Seas Restaurant has permanently closed. Wow. The view. Tucked behind some scraggly pine trees in a funky building, Two Seas is not to be missed for a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean as you dine on seafood.

  1. Back Porch Cafe, Rehoboth

Back Porch Cafe / Facebook

Lulu T. / Yelp Behind a bright aqua facade along Rehoboth’s main drag is a quaint little restaurant with tasty French and American food. Sit on the ‘back porch’ or walk up the steps for a rooftop view.

Have you tried any of these rooftop dining locations? Are there others we missed? Stay tuned for a future post about restaurants with amazing views (not just from high above)!

Cultured Pearl The Restaurant and Sushi Bar / Facebook

Cultured Pearl The Restuarant and Sushi Bar / Facebook

From the absolutely amazing rooftop setting with pergolas, koi ponds and flowing fabrics to the succulent sushi, Cultured Pearl is our favorite pick for rooftop dining in Delaware.

Papa Grande’s Rehoboth / Facebook

Please note, Papa Grande’s has permanently closed. Another beach town favorite, Papa Grande’s has classic Mexican dishes with a really fresh twist. The rooftop terrace is perfect for a pomegranate margarita or a cold beer; look for happy hour specials.

Buckley’s Tavern / Facebook

Brunch is a favorite at Buckley’s Tavern, in a building dating back to 1817. On warmer days head to the upstairs back terrace to sip your mimosa or Bloody Mary.

Alan Levine / Flickr

The Deer Park Tavern / Facebook

Ok, so we use the term “rooftop” loosely here, but on any given sunny day in Newark the second floor porch of the Deer Park is packed with co-eds and locals. Grab a beer and a dozen wings, and chill at this historic tavern.

James L. / Yelp

Sherry J. / Yelp

Even though Greene Turtle is a sports bar and restaurant with locations up and down the coast, this one has the others beat hands-down because of the VIEW! Diners lucky enough to be seated outside have an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean and the boardwalk below.

Sheridan’s Irish Pub / Facebook

As far as we could find, Sheridan’s is a rare rooftop dining find in mid-state. Ask to be seated upstairs and still enjoy the classic Irish favorites on the menu from Irish owners Joe and Shirley.

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant (Wilmington, DE) / Facebook

This Iron Hill location still offers the same great craft beers brewed on site, but the view of Wilmington from the back upstairs dining area, especially at night, sets it above the rest.

Mariachi Restaurant / Facebook

Yet another Rehoboth Beach restaurant with great rooftop dining, Mariachi is a hit for those looking for more authentic Mexican and Spanish flavors. While the view isn’t as fab as other locations, it’s located on a slightly quieter street for a little more laid back vibe.

Two Seas Restaurant / Facebook

Please note, Two Seas Restaurant has permanently closed. Wow. The view. Tucked behind some scraggly pine trees in a funky building, Two Seas is not to be missed for a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean as you dine on seafood.

Back Porch Cafe / Facebook

Lulu T. / Yelp

Behind a bright aqua facade along Rehoboth’s main drag is a quaint little restaurant with tasty French and American food. Sit on the ‘back porch’ or walk up the steps for a rooftop view.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.