Explore Lewes’ lunchy landscape 

Rehoboth’s tiny neighbor to the north is rapidly making a name for itself as a dining destination. Award-winning chefs, restaurants, bakeries and the like are thriving there, and any errant cloud that might happen to drift over the beach is a clear signal that lunchtime (or happy hour) is underway.

A few years ago, Cheryl and Gerry Tilton’s Gilligan’s gave way to Gary and Lorraine Papp’s Harbour surrounded by the Inn at Canal Square. Harbour is open for lunch and brunch Friday through Sunday. No matter what you get, pair that great canal view with Lorraine’s desserts.

Just around the corner, Touch of Italy at Second & Savannah can be counted on for authentic Italian sandwiches, entrees and baked goods. TOI’s chicken parm is a Lewes don’t-miss – especially when you kick it off with that one-of-a-kind garlic bread.

Just across Savannah, Striper Bites has a long history of good lunches. The same goes for the reincarnation of Lewes’ Rose & Crown restaurant in the Hotel Rodney. Speaking of Rose & Crown, its original location is now playing host to one of Lewes’ most popular upstarts, Lewes Oyster House. Chef Sean Corea’s kitchen creations are exceptional. Lunch starts at 11. Cross Second Street to experience Agave – home to huge margaritas, fresh guac and cleverly crafted Tex-Mex. If you don’t like long lines, then lunchtime is the time to go.

Behind Agave you’ll find the tranquil Olive & Oats. Café Azafran’s little Lewes sister is all about breakfasts and lunch. And the cookies! If you’re lucky, you’ll be waited on by the boss himself, Chef Richard Steele. Next door to Olive & Oats is Eggcellent restaurant. Interestingly, they inhabit the same space that used to be the original Café Azafran many years ago. Breakfasts and lunches are dished up between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Carnivores with cars will love Patty’s carryout in the Hazzard Auto Repair/gas station complex on the Medical Mile (across from Bryan Hecksher’s Auto Gallery). They are also rejoicing that Patty guaranteed the continuation of her longtime eatery by handing the reins over to expert restaurateur Lisa McDonald. Lisa’s not only the boss at the tucked-away Nectar Café in Neils Alley, but also her recently opened Nectar #2 in the former Blue Water Grill space in Millsboro. At Patty’s you can top off your tank and get your ride repaired while stocking up on fresh-daily salads, sandwiches and gourmet goodies.

Several years ago, Honey’s Farm Fresh took over the old Blue Plate Diner/Filling Station building a few blocks up Savannah Road. Enjoy a Zen moment in owner Hank’s garden out back! Many of their herbs and veggies are grown right there. Continue up Savannah toward Five Points and you’ll find one of the best Thai eateries around. The adorable Sawanya Conway is the boss and chief cook at the tiny in stature but big on taste Sticky Rice. She shares the little strip center with Capriotti’s well-liked, made-to-order subs. Sawanya does not skimp on taste or authenticity! We love the dumplings and that brightly spiced green curry.

While you’re exploring Five Points, drop into Thierry Langer’s Kaisey’s Delights for a wake-you-up cold brew, tasty sandwiches and panini. He has recently added a selection of Austrian and French goodies to the menu at the Lewes and Millsboro locations. Across the street in the Villages of Five Points is Arena’s tasty comfort food and popular specials. Just a short ride down Clay Road to Kings Highway takes you to La Vida Hospitality’s Crooked Hammock Brewery. While you’re on Kings Highway, don’t miss the wood-fired pizza at Mr. P’s or the Hing Wang carryout right next door. This family-owned storefront will surprise you with their friendly service and made-fresh-to-order Chinese food. Across the street is Fins Hospitality Group’s Big Oyster Brewery. We like the Fried Oyster Po’Boy (add bacon and it’s the Peacemaker at Fins!) and the Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. They open around 11 every day.

But wait – there’s more! Venture across the canal drawbridge for the Wheelhouse, the iconic Irish Eyes and OMG Hospitality’s Grain on the Rocks at the Lewes ferry terminal. You can sit and sip al fresco at all three while watchin’ the ships roll in, and then watch‘ em roll away again.

Raas Indian/Asian Fusion Restaurant gets consistently good reviews. Chef GG takes your lunches, dinners and cocktail adventures personally. Rehoboth Foodie pick hits include the garlic-cheese naan, the fried water chestnuts, the Chana Masala and the Lamb Rogan Josh. Though today’s topic is lunch, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you of Heirloom (next door to Raas), and one of SoDel Concepts’ flagships, Fish On in the Villages of Five Points. The two eateries sport completely different menus and concepts, and both are known for dishing up consistently good dinners.

This will get you started. The next time a cloud chases you off the sand, do some exploring. Beach eats in Lewes will not disappoint.