Top 3 restaurants in Delaware for business dining: A data-driven guide

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

Understanding Delaware's restaurant landscape through data-driven insights offers businesses a strategic advantage in selecting venues for client entertainment and team gatherings. With the state's unique blend of coastal tourism destinations and urban business centers, spending patterns reveal which establishments consistently deliver the professional atmosphere and culinary excellence that modern business dining demands. This analysis moves beyond subjective reviews to examine where successful companies actually invest their dining budgets.

Understanding Delaware restaurant industry

Delaware's restaurant sector contributes $4.12 billion in direct output to the state economy while supporting 44,376 direct jobs across 2,144 establishments. The industry's growth trajectory shows an expected 8.9% employment increase by 2030, despite recent challenges including dozens of closures in 2024. Tourism amplifies dining demand significantly, with 29.3 million visitors spending billions annually. The state's culinary landscape increasingly favors elevated ethnic cuisine, gluten-free options, and sophisticated barbecue concepts, reflecting evolving business dining preferences that prioritize both quality and dietary inclusivity.

Top 3 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on aggregated business spending data from corporate cards and expense reports, these three Delaware establishments consistently rank highest for professional dining. This analysis reflects actual business expenditure patterns rather than individual consumer preferences, highlighting venues that successfully balance ambiance, service quality, and menu diversity for corporate entertainment needs.

Philly Smoke SoCo

Philly Smoke SoCo brings authentic Southern barbecue excellence to Delaware's business dining scene through its Wilmington headquarters and satellite operations. Founded by Derrick and Abena Allen as a family venture, this establishment has earned recognition for elevating traditional barbecue into a sophisticated catering experience suitable for corporate events. Their partnership with the Wilmington Kitchen Collective demonstrates a commitment to community development while maintaining the highest culinary standards. The restaurant's mobile service model provides flexibility for on-site corporate gatherings throughout the state.

Notable facts: Philly Smoke SoCo operates with a unique hybrid model combining traditional counter service with upscale catering capabilities. Their custom smokers produce authentic flavor profiles that distinguish them in Delaware's competitive barbecue market. The establishment's 5-for-$500 catering package has become particularly popular among businesses hosting medium-sized events, offering exceptional value with two proteins and three sides. Their collaboration with the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science showcases their versatility in serving diverse venues.

Signature dishes:

• Spatchcock roasted herb chicken with 48-hour brine and proprietary dry rub
• Fried whiting featuring wild-caught fillets in cornmeal crust
• Pulled pork with tangy-sweet house BBQ sauce
• BBQ baked wings with signature seasoning blend
• Traditional Southern sides including mac and cheese and collard greens

Best for: Corporate catering events, team building gatherings, and informal client meetings where authentic barbecue creates a relaxed atmosphere. Their mobile service capabilities make them ideal for off-site corporate functions, while the casual counter service works well for quick business lunches. The family-recipe approach and community connections resonate with companies prioritizing local vendor relationships.

Lago Asian Cuisine and Sushi

Lago Asian Cuisine and Sushi revolutionizes Delaware's business dining options with its groundbreaking 95% gluten-free menu, addressing the increasing dietary requirements of modern corporate dining. Preston Russell's Milton establishment, which opened in May 2025, combines authentic Asian flavors with innovative accommodations for food sensitivities. The restaurant's sophisticated approach to dietary restrictions, using imported Japanese and Vietnamese rice alongside tamari-based sauces, positions it as a go-to venue for inclusive business entertaining where every guest can dine comfortably.

Notable facts: Russell's two-year residency in Southeast Asia directly influences the menu's authenticity while maintaining accessibility for American business diners. The 60-seat restaurant features cherry blossom murals and marble accents that create an upscale atmosphere suitable for client meetings. Their dedicated gluten-free fryers and meticulous cross-contamination prevention protocols exceed industry standards. The name "Lago," meaning "promise" in Mandarin, reflects Russell's commitment to consistent quality and dietary inclusivity.

Signature dishes:

• Lobster taquitos with yuzu crema
• Washugyu tri-tip with Asian-inspired preparations
• Gluten-free tempura with proprietary rice flour batter
• Traditional sushi and sashimi with gluten-free soy alternatives
• General Tso's chicken adapted for dietary restrictions
• Curry bowls with authentic Southeast Asian spices

Best for: Business dinners requiring dietary accommodations, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry meetings where food sensitivities are common concerns, and upscale lunch meetings in Milton's growing business district. The open kitchen concept allows for transparency that appeals to health-conscious corporate clients, while the refined ambiance supports both casual networking and formal negotiations.

La Fable

La Fable delivers authentic French sophistication to Delaware's coastal business dining scene from its Rehoboth Beach location. Megan Kee's Parisian-inspired brasserie, established in 2016, transforms a former speakeasy into an intimate venue perfect for sealing deals and celebrating partnerships. Recognition as one of OpenTable's 100 Most Romantic Restaurants underscores its appeal for client entertainment where ambiance matters as much as cuisine.

Notable facts: The subterranean dining room features hand-waxed walls, cork flooring, and authentic European artwork including a Julius Caesar conquest map, creating an atmosphere of refined exclusivity. Friday and Saturday piano bar performances add sophisticated entertainment for weekend business dinners. Recent renovations improved kitchen visibility while maintaining the intimate European bistro character. The restaurant's consistent excellence since 2016 demonstrates the staying power that businesses value when selecting venues for important meetings.

Signature dishes:

• Beef bourguignon with traditional Burgundy wine reduction
• Escargot in classic garlic-parsley butter
• Duck confit with crispy skin and traditional accompaniments
• Fried chicken cordon bleu offering a playful French twist
• Seasonal bouillabaisse featuring local seafood
• Spring rabbit rillettes for adventurous diners

Best for: High-stakes client dinners, celebrating closed deals, intimate partner meetings, and impressing out-of-state visitors with Delaware's sophisticated dining options. The romantic ambiance works particularly well for relationship-building over lengthy meals, while the French wine selection supports traditional business dining expectations. The beachside location offers potential for pre or post-dinner walks that extend networking opportunities.

Tips for business dining in Delaware's restaurant scene

Delaware's compact geography creates unique dining dynamics that savvy business professionals can leverage. Beach destinations like Rehoboth experience dramatic seasonal fluctuations, making advance reservations essential from May through September, while Wilmington establishments maintain steadier availability year-round. Consider scheduling important client dinners at beach locations during shoulder seasons for easier reservations and more attentive service.

The state's business culture appreciates punctuality and relationships, making pre-dinner drinks at the bar an excellent strategy for early arrivals. Many Delaware restaurants source ingredients locally, particularly seafood and produce, providing natural conversation starters about sustainability and community support. Tax-free shopping extends to dining, offering subtle cost advantages for expense accounts compared to neighboring states.

For multi-day business visits, rotating between Wilmington's urban options and coastal establishments demonstrates local knowledge while accommodating varied preferences. Delaware's size enables same-day trips between northern business centers and southern beach communities, expanding dining options for extended meetings. Weather considerations matter more for coastal venues, so maintain backup reservations during hurricane season or winter storms.

Local business customs favor slightly earlier dining times than major metropolitan areas, with peak business dining occurring between 6:00 and 7:30 PM. This timing allows for productive meals without extending too late into personal time, reflecting Delaware's emphasis on work-life balance. When hosting out-of-state clients, highlighting Delaware's culinary diversity—from Southern barbecue to French sophistication to innovative Asian fusion—showcases the state's evolving business landscape beyond its corporate-friendly tax structure.