Michy's Relaxed Dining — Restaurant in Delaware

Travel days are always a bit hectic and harried, and our arrival to Rehoboth Beach was compounded by the extreme traffic that high season in July brings. But our experience at Michy’s Relaxed Dining last autumn was so extraordinary that I was confident that we would settle right into the beach vacation groove. Michy’s, on the basis of one dining experience, had already climbed the ranks of favorite restaurants in Rehoboth: could they replicate that experience and my high expectations?

Indeed they could.

We were immediately in that relaxed vibe as we settled into a pair of drinks (the Bond-Tini for my dear wife, with Grey Goose and blue cheese olives, and a refreshing gin concoction called the pink flamingo for me). Our server, Jess, was beyond excellent, enthusiastic, knowledgeable about the menu, and a joy to interact with. She was attentive throughout dinner without being intrusive, and made sure that appetizers, drinks, and entrees were all delivered with perfect timing.

We started with the halibut ceviche special and firecracker shrimp appetizer. Halibut is an unusual ceviche selection, but it worked exceptionally well, with a spicy, tangy marinade, and a bed of shredded Napa cabbage. The firecracker shrimp is similar to a well-known and often-copied spicy, creamy shrimp appetizer, with A+ execution, elevated by scallions, lime, and crushed peanuts. The calamari is the best we’ve ever had, but the firecracker shrimp drew raves.

DW opted for the day boat scallops, the entree she ordered last year, served with shiitake, oyster, cremini mushrooms, pea risotto, shaved parmesan cheese, Italian parsley, basil, and truffle oil. The scallops were so fresh they tasted like sweet summer corn, and were fork-tender. The accompaniments were impressive in complimenting the scallops, and in the balance and creativity of flavors.

A newer menu addition is the cod, which was served over rice with a sweet chili garlic sauce, shaved greens, and bacon. Every bite was a delight, and the combination of everything on one forkful was revelatory. The chef ensures that seasoning is tight and never under, and my only minor quibble of the evening was that a few bites were perhaps over-salted. Don’t let that stop you from ordering this, though, it was nearly perfect.

It’s difficult to explain the dance of flavor that comes from these simple yet thoughtful flavor combinations, and the preparation and execution of every dish is perfect. The open kitchen concept reveals a cooking staff that purrs with well-oiled communication, and the chef and co-owner Richard Davis is a calm presence overseeing everything that comes out to the floor.

Jess suggested a delicious Marlborough sauvignon blanc from Squealing Pig winery, and we were sadly too full to sample dessert. But our first night in Rehoboth had an auspicious start, and was going to set the bar high: in fact, after a week of excellent dining, I would give Michy’s the gold for best meal of the week, and they are cemented as one of, if not the very best dining...

Last night we returned to Michy's Relaxed Dining for only our second time. Just as it was previously, from beginning to end our dining experience was excellent!

The atmosphere is beautiful. Dimly lit with romantic candles on the tables, sort of old world bookstore that serves delicious food. We were seated right next to the kitchen which was no issue as it wasn't especially loud or distracting. The next table's reservation card was on our table so we knew we could enjoy our table from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm - plenty of time for apps, entrées and dessert, I promise!

Our server, Belle, was FANTASTIC! We remarked on how knowledgeable, engaging, friendly and polite she was. Belle had a relaxed yet professional vibe. She recommended items for those unsure of what to pick, made eye contact and genuinely seems to enjoy making your dining experience a delight. To management: this young woman would do well training new staff or having them shadow her!

For vegetarians it may be difficult locating a filling entrée but I always make it work. Last night I enjoyed the wedge salad with a side of fries, and Belle recommended the firecracker sauce to dip the fries in and it was delicious. My boyfriend had the Rigatoni Bolognese and said it was just as tasty as it was the first time we ate at Michy's.

The menu changes periodically so don't be surprised if a meal you enjoyed previously is no longer available, but rest assured Michy's has options and EVERYTHING is always delicious.

Thank you Michy's, we'll see you next time! (And will request Belle as our server if...

We dined at Michy's with friends this past weekend as Michy's was always our favorite. The food was excellent but the service wasn't good and I would not consider it "relaxed" dining anymore. Too many rules! No substitutions and you can't order your appetizers in advance- our server said the chef wants everything ordered at the same time. We just wanted to relax and have some drinks and nibbles before ordering and eating our mains. While we were eating our apps, the waitress came by and asked if we needed another round. My friends ordered drinks, but my wife and my drink were only half finished, so we didn't order. But the waitress NEVER came back until she asked about dessert. We saved $33 for the drinks, but we would have liked another one. They need to up their service to match their food. My wife had the scallops, which were delicious and cooked perfectly. I had the Halibut special, which was a large fish portion and also very delicious. The fish specials are the main reason I like Michy's- they are always top notch. The ceviche and bang bang shrimp apps were also great. They need to up their service to match their food and if they are truly relaxed dining, they should have fewer rules. Know before you go- they take reservations, which are highly recommended during the season. They have tons of free parking due to their strip...