Downtown Delaware sits at the north edge of the metro, a courthouse square with its own diner, its own party-cut pizza alternative in wood-fired form, and enough immigrant kitchens to make the drive up Route 23 worth planning around. This list covers the storefronts and squares that make Delaware more than a pass-through on the way to Marion.
№ 01
Hamburger Inn Diner
Delaware $$
Photo via 
The hamburger and cheeseburger have anchored this diner through generations of Delaware lunch crowds, plain patties on a flattop with fries on the side. A small front patio catches the overflow after the Delaware Farmer's Market lets out. Service moves fast and the room keeps its old-school counter energy without dressing it up for anybody.
What to orderhamburger, cheeseburger, fries
№ 02
Son of Thurman
Delaware $$
Photo via
The burger here comes thick, closer to a steakhouse patty than a smash, and the kitchen backs it with an Italian sub and hand cut fries topped with onion strings that outshine the sandwich some nights. Wings arrive genuinely large. It runs as a sports bar room, built for group orders and repeat visits, not polish.
What to orderthick burger, Italian sub, wings
№ 03
Opa Grill & Tavern
Delaware $$
Photo via
Saganaki and souvlaki carry the Greek menu here, with moussaka rounding out the heavier plates in a room built for a table of friends rather than a quiet dinner for two. Customer service reports run strong on the floor overall, though the bar side has drawn some complaints about the reception at the counter.
What to ordersaganaki, souvlaki, moussaka
№ 04
Mi Cerrito Mexican Restaurant | Delaware
Delaware $$
Photo via
Crab enchiladas and a cheese dip that regulars single out by name make this the Mexican room Delaware keeps coming back to, margaritas included. It runs as a family-friendly, casual operation with reliable execution most nights, though the seafood dishes are worth double-checking on arrival given the occasional shell complaint.
What to ordercrab enchiladas, cheese dip, margaritas
№ 05
Amato's Woodfired Pizza
Delaware $$
Photo via
Margherita and pepperoni come out of a wood-fired oven that only has one deck to work with, which means the patio that draws weekend crowds for cold drinks also means real waits once Saturday night hits. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour at peak times, and treat the wait as part of the deal.
What to orderMargherita pizza, pepperoni pizza, wood-fired pizza
№ 06
Smash Shack Burgers, Dogs and Wings - Delaware
Delaware
Photo via
The hamburgers here get built with care rather than slapped together, and the onion rings paired with chimney sauce give the menu its signature move. The Angus coney draws a following too, though it can arrive more heavily sauced than the menu describes. Drivers from Columbus treat the trip up Route 23 as routine.
What to orderhamburgers, Angus coney, onion rings with chimney sauce
№ 07
Typhoon Asian Fusion Bistro
Delaware $$
Photo via
Sesame chicken and the Delaware roll pull double duty as the kitchen's calling cards, straddling a Chinese menu with a sushi fusion side that regulars rank among the strongest in Central Ohio. The dining room stays small, but portions run generous and the presentation holds up against pricier competition.
What to ordersesame chicken, delaware roll, mapo tofu
№ 08
Victors Taco Shop
Delaware $
Photo via
Steak tacos and burritos keep a weekly following coming back, and the eight dollar chips with guacamole and cheese have their own reputation among regulars. It runs as a straightforward, casual counter operation, family friendly and consistent enough that most complaints trace back to a single off order rather than a pattern.
What to orderburritos, steak tacos, chips with guacamole and cheese
№ 09
EVOWOK
Delaware
Photo via
Wonton soup, hot and sour soup and egg drop soup make this a destination for comfort over ambition, and the kitchen has earned a reputation for handling dietary restrictions, including dairy and egg allergies, without fuss. Some diners trace the operation back to the former China Dynasty on Lane Avenue, carried north to a strip plaza in Delaware.
What to orderwonton soup, hot and sour soup, egg drop soup
№ 10
Old Dog Alehouse & Brewery
Delaware $$
Photo via
BBQ pork nachos and a solid burger anchor the menu at this brewery set in an older building, with an IPA list built for a long table. Gluten free, vegan and kids' menus make it workable for mixed groups, and the patio handles overflow well, though service consistency has drawn occasional complaints.
What to orderbbq pork nachos, burger, IPA
Frequently asked
What is the best restaurant in downtown Delaware, Ohio right now?
Based on the Insider Score, Hamburger Inn Diner and Son of Thurman lead the pack for classic, casual eating, while Typhoon Asian Fusion Bistro and Mi Cerrito stand out for anyone wanting more variety. No restaurant on this list paid to be included; rankings come from the review record alone.
Where can I find good Mexican food near me in Delaware, Ohio?
Delaware has two solid options: Mi Cerrito Mexican Restaurant, known for crab enchiladas and margaritas, and Victors Taco Shop, a counter-style spot known for steak tacos and weekly regulars. Both carry strong Insider Scores and neither paid for placement on this list.
Is there good pizza in downtown Delaware?
Amato's Woodfired Pizza is the main option, running Margherita and pepperoni pies out of a wood-fired oven with a patio that draws weekend crowds. The single oven means waits can stretch on Saturday nights, so plan accordingly.
What should I order at Smash Shack in Delaware?
The hamburgers are the strongest order, and the onion rings with chimney sauce are the dish regulars mention most. The Angus coney is popular too, though it is worth confirming how it is topped before ordering. The Insider Score reflects the full review record, not a paid listing.
ƒ
The data first, then the verdict
We start with the review record, not a press release. Every room here is a real kitchen with a strong rating across a meaningful number of reviews, ranked on our 10-point Insider Score. We weight consistency over time and the rooms locals return to, not the ones tourists pass through once. The list updates as the data does. How we work →
Amina Warsame
Staff Writer · Top of Columbus
Amina Warsame is a Staff Writer at Top of Columbus. Born in Mogadishu and raised in Northland, she grew up between her mother's kitchen and the grocery-cafes of the Somali malls. She writes the guides, sweeps the whole Outerbelt, and covers the Somali and East African tables as the beat she knows best.
