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Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar: A Culinary Gem on Wilmington's Riverfront

At Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar, we embrace a passion for exceptional seafood and vibrant dining experiences. Nestled along Wilmington's picturesque riverfront, our venue marries a stylish atmosphere with a diverse menu featuring fresh raw bar specialties like Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Ahi Tuna Tartare. Customers rave about our warm, attentive staff who guide you through culinary delights, from grilled Bronzino to decadent desserts like Peach Cheesecake. With outdoor seating and a lively ambiance, we invite guests to savor memorable meals, whether celebrating special occasions or casual gatherings. Join us for an unforgettable journey of flavor and hospitality.

Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar at a glance

  • Address 101 S Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
  • Phone (302) 777-1500
  • Restaurant type Seafood restaurant .

Photos & Gallery

Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar: Reviews & Ratings

A Siegel
5

On a beautiful day strolling along the river in Wilmington, time for a pause to refresh and there's Banks in front of us. And, well, what a great pause it was. Where else does an oyster list come providing the origin and taste profile of every one of the ten sustainably harvested oysters on the menu? As an appetizer, we ended up selecting four oysters going from the New Brunswick Bijou with a "sweet & clean, melon finish" to the Rhode Island Umami with a "high salinity, high mineral finish". Truly was an interesting, amusing, and delightful tasting experience along the spectrum of oyster flavors. Now, for the owners, the weakness: every oyster is coming from a distance (Connecticut closest) with none from the Chesapeake nor Delaware Bays. Both in terms of North American oyster types and flavors along with sustainability (distance traveled), this was disappointing and seemingly not in keeping with the restaurant's otherwise praise-worthy commitment to "support our farrmers' sustainable practices" while providing clients a rich range of oysters to taste.

Kiwi J
5

I patronized Banks Seafood recently, and overall, it was a mixed experience. The customer service was excellent, we sat at the bar, and the bartender was amazing (I wish I could remember his name!). The restaurant itself has a nice atmosphere, clean and welcoming. As for the food, it was hit or miss: I started with the New England clam chowder, and unfortunately, it was disappointing. The consistency and taste were just off, definitely not the creamy, flavorful chowder I was hoping for. Ended up sending it back. The crab cake platter was the highlight, absolutely delicious and well-seasoned. The seafood nachos were just okay; they lacked the flavor I was expecting and could use a bit more punch. Overall, I’d come back for the great service and crab cakes, but I hope they revamp the clam chowder recipe!

Sabrina Potvin
4

The food was good - not great. Location probably drives the price up a bit. The tuna nachos and lobster bin salad were economical for the price! The service was great!

Tom E
5

Stopped in for lunch and sat at the bar. I used to love this spot when the Riverfront blues festival was the highlight of the summer and I needed real food and drinks, not food poisoning from a vendor selling hog sausage sandwiches. Our bartender was fantastic. She lives out by us so of course we were sharing favorite pizza shops. My wife had a lemon-drop martini and I had a bourbon coke concoction. Food was fantastic. House salad with fresh dressing. Steamed clams in a garlic white broth with ginger. Delicious clams casino. Top shelf burger as good as any I’ve been in ages. Only bummer was hot lobster roll was dry, no butter and sorry dried out meat.

Thomas Cleveland
4

Had dinner here tonight. Enjoyed the good! Wasn’t crowded when we came in. Was able to get seated right away. Had dinner with friends. Shrimp Boil was tasty! Trout was really good! Snapper was good but done a tad more. Still tasty! Old fashioned was good and had a kick to it! Nice cozy atmosphere! Seating inside as well as outside. Also booth seating and a bar.

Luis Valencia
5

The food is always great!! The atmosphere is amazing!! And the service is always good. Highly recommended for a date or to come with family and friends

Andrea Cicero
5

This was our 2nd time at Banks and we were not disappointed. The fresh oysters were terrific and they offer great variety. I had fried calamari which was perfect. My lobster Mac and cheese was very tasty. Last time I had bang bang shrimp tacos that were really good. My wife had fish and chips. The fish was very fresh, but she thought the batter could be a little better. She couldn’t finish her fries as it’s a generous portion. Not sure why there were fried asparagus mixed in. One person in our party is not a big fish eater, but enjoyed the turkey club. Only recommendation is maybe one more non-fish lunch meal, even if it’s another version of the offered burger. Good drink, bee & wine menu. Definitely will go back and it’s very convenient to the Children’s Museum.

Ebony Northan
5

Mandy my server was amazing . It was my pre birthday dinner . I told her what I was looking for in a oyster and she understood the assignment. (No big oyster). My crabcake salad was great . I can never not get the creme brulee. All around great evening

Location

  • Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar
    Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar
    101 S Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801 Hotline: (302) 777-1500

If you find yourself in Wilmington, Delaware, and your palate craves the fresh taste of the sea, look no further than Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar. Nestled along the scenic riverfront at 101 S Market St, this upscale yet casual eatery perfectly marries an inviting atmosphere with the finest seafood offerings. The moment you step in, the vibrant ambiance—marked by an industrial underwater theme—sets the mood for a delightful culinary experience.

  • Reservations and Accessibility: Banks' Seafood Kitchen welcomes reservations, making it a great destination for special occasions or a relaxed dinner. The venue is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all guests.
  • Diverse Menu Options: The menu is nothing short of impressive, showcasing a range of starters, salads, and fin fish that appeal to a variety of tastes. Try the Fried Pickles ($10) or the Hot Crab Artichoke Dip ($16) to start. For seafood lovers, the grilled Whole Bronzino ($42) and Rare Seared Bigeye Tuna ($40) are standouts that promise to leave you craving more.
  • Customer-Centric Service: Let's not forget the remarkable service. Patrons rave about the attentive wait staff, who provide excellent guidance through the extensive menu, ensuring a tailored dining experience. Customers consistently note the friendly demeanor of the staff, making every visit feel special.
  • Outdoor Dining and Entertainment: The outdoor seating area, situated by the river, is the perfect backdrop for dinner under the stars. With moderate noise levels and regular live music on nights like Wednesday and Friday, the atmosphere transforms into something lively, making it suitable for gatherings with friends or family
  • Emphasis on Quality: Guests have noted the incredible flavors and the attention to detail in each dish. From the creative Seafood Nachos ($30) to the decadent Lobster Salad ($33), every bite resonates with freshness and quality. Even the desserts, like the Blood Orange Cherry Cheesecake, are crafted with care and flair, often featuring personalized touches for special occasions.

With options for takeout, catering, and an extensive drink menu—including the ability to pay with cryptocurrency—Banks' Seafood Kitchen is not just a spot for a meal; it's an experience to savor. The blend of quality, creativity, and service makes it one of Wilmington's finest dining establishments, and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates exceptional seafood. Whether you're there for a juicy crabcake salad or a vibrant cocktail, you're in for a treat!

As the days begin to cool, this riverfront hideaway might just become your new favorite haunt—one that has reinvigorated Wilmington’s dining scene and set the bar high for seafood delights. Don't miss out—make your reservation today!