In a town known for its maritime heritage and close-knit community, one restaurant has captured national attention while staying true to its coastal roots. 

Lewes Oyster House, a modern tavern inspired by historic oyster houses, has been named one of USA Today’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year. 

The recognition places this downtown Lewes gem among the top 39 restaurants in the United States and further cements its status as a culinary anchor in Coastal Delaware.

A National Spotlight on a Lewes Favorite

According to USA Today’s annual Restaurants of the Year list, Lewes Oyster House stands alongside some of the most acclaimed dining destinations in the country. 

For a restaurant that opened in October 2022, the honor reflects both rapid success and consistent execution.

Owners Tom Little, Sean Corea, and Timothy Bartley didn’t simply launch a new concept, bringing decades of hospitality experience and a shared vision to life. 

Inspired by the colonial-era oyster houses that once served as social hubs for working coastal communities, they set out to create a space that felt both historic and deeply rooted in Lewes itself. 

The result is more than a restaurant; it’s a gathering place where craft, community, and conversation intersect.

That dedication to their craft extends well beyond the kitchen line. 

The owners are known for their hands-on involvement and continued commitment to culinary excellence, recently serving as judges in a regional culinary competition, underscoring that “chefin’ it up” isn’t just a profession; it’s a lifelong passion. 

Their leadership and impact have not gone unnoticed; they were also recognized among the Most Influential People of 2024, a testament to the role they play in shaping the local dining scene.

Lewes Oyster House has been described as a tavern where pride in the town is apparent and a sense of family is felt the moment guests walk through the door. That authenticity appears to be resonating well beyond Sussex County.

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A Tavern by the Sea with Historic Character

Located at 108 Second Street in the heart of downtown Lewes, Lewes Oyster House occupies a historic building originally built in the 1930s. 

The space blends original architectural details with thoughtful modern touches. Inside, guests will notice:

• Brick walls adorned with antique oyster plates
• An original ornately designed tin ceiling
• Pearl-inspired lighting fixtures above the oyster bar
• A lively main bar that anchors the dining room

The design reinforces the restaurant’s identity as “First Town’s Social House,” a nod to Lewes’ historic designation as the first town in Delaware. 

The atmosphere is polished yet welcoming and sophisticated without feeling overly or incredibly formal.

Just across the hall, the Gallo Room, which opened in 2025, offers a more intimate setting. The lounge features Old World decor, craft cocktails, and bold small plates. 

Open Monday through Saturday for walk-in guests, it is described by the owners as a place for before dinner, after dinner, or even instead of dinner. 

To learn more about the Gallo Room, read our blog post about their opening.

Plans are also underway for an expanded beer cellar and a rapid chiller system for craft and international brews.

What to Order: Oysters Take Center Stage

At its core, Lewes Oyster House is about oysters. Looking at the incredibly thoughtful menu, the restaurant offers about a dozen varieties daily, with an emphasis on local selections and ingredients included whenever possible.

Guests can enjoy oysters:

• Raw on the half shell
• Charbroiled
• Smoked
• Fried
• Baked with Maryland backfin crab as crab imperial stuffed oysters

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For those looking to sample broadly, the seafood tower is a standout. Named after familiar Delaware beach structures, it includes oysters, clams, shrimp, crab claws, lobster tail, and ceviche.

Seafood remains the star across the menu. Executive Chef Sean Corea showcases locally caught scallops, buttermilk cornmeal-dredged Chesapeake Bay catfish, and the popular “Delaware” lobster roll made with buttered knuckle and claw meat on a toasted top-split bun with lemon-seasoned mayonnaise.

Other acclaimed favorites by many guests and visitors include:

• Crispy coconut shrimp with a sweet-heat chili garlic sauce, delivering a satisfying crunch followed by a bright, savory kick.
• Grilled octopus, tender and delicately charred, finished with thoughtful seasoning that highlights the natural brininess of the sea.
• Smoked salmon dip, silky and rich with layered smoky depth, served as a perfect companion to cocktails or a shared starter at the table.

And for guests who prefer turf to surf, the “Damn Good Burger” has developed its own following. 

Made with two smashed Snake River Farms beef patties, sharp American cheese, and Benton’s bacon and served on an everything brioche bun, it is paired with Old Bay and malt vinegar boardwalk-style fries. 

A turkey burger and tavern wings with house-made sauces round out the offerings.

Guests consistently highlight both the food and the atmosphere in their reviews. One visitor described it as:

“A wonderful restaurant in the old part of the town of Lewes… located in an older historic building with lovely dark brown wood paneling. The grilled octopus starter was amazing. If oysters are your thing, then this is heaven! The grilled salmon is also excellent.”

Another recent guest shared:

“We just moved into the area and this is already my favorite spot! … I truly think that their fries (surprisingly) are the best I’ve ever had—they have a crazy crunch on the outside and a soft inside on every single one.”

From expertly prepared seafood to unexpectedly crave-worthy fries, Lewes Oyster House continues to earn its reputation as both a neighborhood favorite and a nationally recognized dining destination.

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A Boost for Downtown Lewes and Coastal Real Estate

National recognition of a local restaurant does more than fill tables; it elevates the profile of the entire community. 

For Lewes, a town already prized for its walkable historic district and proximity to the Delaware beaches, accolades like this reinforce its appeal as both a destination and a place to call home.

Restaurants that gain national attention often increase foot traffic to surrounding businesses, strengthen tourism, and contribute to property value stability in nearby neighborhoods. 

For prospective homeowners and investors watching Coastal Delaware, the continued growth of Lewes’ culinary scene signals a vibrant and evolving downtown.

Lewes Oyster House is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m., and is closed on Sunday.

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Experience It for Yourself

Lewes Oyster House has proven that a locally rooted concept can achieve national acclaim without losing its identity. 

Whether you are a longtime Sussex County resident or exploring Coastal Delaware for the first time, this downtown tavern offers a taste of both history and innovation.

Have you dined at Lewes Oyster House or visited the Gallo Room? Keep following the blog and let us know which local spot we should feature next!

Sources: Delaware Online, USA TODAY