Surf Siren

Readers of these pages may recognize Surf Siren’s address, the former home of Shaka Shack, which enjoyed a, let’s say, less-than ideal Delmarva Foodie Elitist critical review, springing perhaps from a menu that would challenge stadium food at a Delmarva Shorebirds game – tin-foiled wrapped burgers, anyone?  But from that culinary wasteland spot has emerged Surf Siren, a tapas-inspired restaurant helmed by husband-and-wife chefs who have captured a fair amount of cooking accolades over the years.  Menu items include mahi fish tacos, shrimp ceviche, paella, oysters with passionfruit mignonette, and charred scallion hummus, among other small and big plate gems.  And all, save for the runny mac-and-cheese – a dish if there ever was one yearning for the homestyle recipe treatment that has made it a comfort food staple for centuries – are giving local restaurants a run for their foodie gravitas.  The chef-owners did not invest in the space, though it is cozy and warm, but instead focused on bringing to a sleepy dining town a big-league culinary experience that will more than draw ocean side residents and tourists a bit more inland to experience a Mediterranean style eating journey.  The food is the draw, with service not far behind.  Indeed, the servers and bar tenders display a unified team approach with plenty of experience, unique given the restaurant has been open only a few months.  Hand-crafted cocktails match the food variety and attention to detail, rounding-out a full culinary experience that is neither rushed nor compromising for such a new restaurant – this team had no need for a soft opening.  While the chefs may be (or were) celebrities in some media circles, repeat diners do not care – they only care about the food, experience, and value, and Surf Siren, while not inexpensive, delivers on all fronts.  While almost no new restaurant, especially one anchored in Millville, DE, opens with four coveted stars, Surf Siren comes close.  Selfishly, we prefer Surf Siren remain off the beach side dining map, but its promise is too great, its culinary wings too grand to be arrested only by locals.  Word will spread; reservations will become difficult; and the boundless chefs may move on to another venture.  But for now, visit Surf Siren, and then repeat.

 

35308 Atlantic Avenue

Millville, DE 19967

302-502-5322