The House of William and Merry

Incredible dining experience. I’d go again just for the ambiance alone. The colonial home converted into a restaurant (which the owners actually still live in) feels so welcoming. There is a downstairs and an upstairs, and I sat downstairs so I can only speak on what I experienced. It was quite small but very cozy. I love a small restaurant. It feels…. Warm? Hospitable? It’s just nice to feel close. The food was impeccable. Our server was also very patient and kind with us. Service got a bit slow when we were trying to leave, but it seemed like a bunch of tables left at once so I can’t complain. They treated my 93 year old grandpa with such care and compassion. It was a wonderful experience all around. I will be back.

Fantastic food and service! Waitress was exceptionally knowledgeable of the menu and drinks, and offered great recommendations and service. Plates were served warmed, and everything was cooked to perfection. If you’re looking for somewhere special for an anniversary or want unique flavors and dishes, this is the place to go.

Place was absolutely delicious. Every dish. Every cocktail to the wine. Service and ownership unlike any other. What a hidden gem in Delaware. Highly recommend as I've eaten at most James Beard nominees in the Philly area and Chicago area. Duck was amazing. Deserts were amazing. Apps were fantastic as well as the cheese board! WOW absolutely fantastic!

Stunning presentation and flavors! Plus, so many tiny touches to each dish, including some of my favorite foraged delicacies! #iykyk

We decided to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary with dinner at The House of William & Merry. We were not disappointed! Both of us had a delicious Caprese salad, with tomatoes from their garden drizzled with a finely aged balsamic vinegar, duck "bacon" and a crunchy bread crumble. My husband had the Meat and Potatoes, while I had the Diver Scallops with roe and crispy Jimmy Nardello peppers, both dishes presented with an eye for detail and flavor. We shared an exquisite bottle of California Relyea-Wood Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, which reminded us of our prior 37 anniversaries spent in Northern Californian exploring the many wineries across the state. Dessert was their homemade chocolate truffle, very rich and just the right amount of dessert after such a meal. Merry was very welcoming and made this a special occasion. We will be returning. (We took no photos of our food, so am sharing a photo of a delicious bottle of Aceto Balsamico di Modena, which we purchased in Modena, Italy.)

Went here for a work dinner. Staff was very accommodating especially as we added 2 more to our reservation last minute. Matt made us feel welcome from the moment we stepped through the door! Javier gave us excellent service throughout our meal and the food and drinks were creative and delicious! Highly recommend for a special occasion!

My first visit to the House was fantastic! The dinner was exceptional, starting with several appetizers like the pork belly and the crab and shrimp hush puppies. For the main course, the duck was absolutely delicious! Highly recommended!

Good food at a good price. Went for fathers day and enjoyed as a family of 7. The children's menu has a few options without trying to be too fancy (which is a positive) and the options on the full menu is also pretty good. Anyone in the area looking for a decently priced place to eat, I'd recommend it.

I can be pretty particular when it comes to dining out. I've had unforgettable meals at humble diners and disappointing experiences at Michelin-starred establishments. So when I say The House of William and Merry is one of my absolute favorites, I mean it! Their food is elevated yet approachable, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. The ambiance is warm, inviting, and effortlessly charming. After more than ten visits, we've never had a bad experience--the service is consistently excellent. They almost always recognize us when we walk in, and it's not uncommon to see Merry tending to a bar full of regulars. I love that their menu evolves with the seasons, celebrating locally sourced ingredients that highlight the flavors of our community. Of course, no restaurant is perfect, and we've had the occasional visit that wasn't a standout. But those instances are few and far between. This place has become our go-to date night spot--and speaking of which, I need to go do my hair because we're headed there tonight!

5 Star reviews don't lie! My wife and I have been regulars for dinner at the bar for years. We are also regulars on the Philadelphia Pa, Rehoboth De, Ocean City Md, St. Michael's, MD, Old Town Alexandria Va. dinning scene. Where we have had many outstanding meals. I give 5 stars because I can't give 6..... and because it's the best restaurant we've ever dined in. Having eaten there countless times, we have never had a plate the wasn't amazingly creative, unique, and delicious. Every dish has combinations of flavors that are complex and perfectly matched. And the Tartare (seasonal & ever changing) is to die for! William is a genius chef, Merry is a gracious host and Maureen (bartender) makes the small bar with open kitchen view our favorite place to eat.

Went here for our anniversary dinner and really liked the ambiance. I think the chefs live here because it really has a homey vibe. Cocktails were tasty and stiff. I don't like duck liver but had to try their foie gras since it was on the special and it tasted buttery with a chocolate moose consistency. Service was great and would definitely come back to try other items on the menu. Glad to see restaurants like this in Hockessin!

An incredible experience at The House of William and Merry! A farm to table experience with fresh, well thought out ingredients and an incredible curated menu. We really didn't get one bad item off the menu, and everyone in our party enjoyed their choice. The service was quick and attentive for the most part despite the restaurant being busy. The only thing I think this spot could improve on is the decor and ambiance. The inside is a bit dated and could use a bit of a revamp. The food is so fantastic that I think a few updates could really elevate the experience. We will definitely be back for our next special occasion!

Went here on Friday evening without any reservations for a simple DATE NIGHT! We were seated promptly. We've ordered their signature pear martinis, mushroom bisque, lamb chops, short ribs, and duck. Everything was fresh and delish. Very filling... which was surprising. Emma, our server, was wonderful. We had a great time there (once again). Always looking forward to going back.

Very cute restaurant, looks small from the outside but spacious in the inside. I love how they use mushrooms in their meat and seafood entries, really elevating the entries. Our server Chet was very nice.

Everything was fantastic. Service was great. Ownership was nice and humble! Food was incredible. Can't say anything but great things!

(4.25) ~ Very good Overall food & Service. Note: Small lot outside restaurant and another larger Parking Lot in the park next door. Reservations recommended. DRINKS: ** Water (tap) = (4.25) Very good, must be filtered;) ** Cabernet Sauvignon (Relyea-Wood / Michaud Vineyard) Santa Cruz Mtn = (4) very good & from the wife's family vineyard;) ** Coffee = (4) very good FOOD: ** Mushroom Bisque = (4.5) Very Tasty! ** Prime Beef Deckle = (4.25) Very good ** Homemade Chocolate Truffles = (4.25) Very good

Ordered 6 dishes, no minefield, all tasted great, worth trying if you're in the neighborhood!

This place is fantastic!! I rarely give 5 stars, but William and Merry's so earn it every time my friend and i come here. This was our first time in a few years, and the service, drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts were all delicious and Michelin star prepared. The menu is small and seasonal, which should tell you whats prepared is going to be the BEST dining experience. They have a bar, and seating upstairs and downstairs in a house turned into a restaurant. The staff is so friendly and welcoming and it's well worth the price. Treat yourself or take a love one for an exquisite evening out and you won't be disappointed.

Wow!!!! I do not often give 5 stars, even for Great places. But this place deserves 6!!!! Service was great. Everything thing we eat was amazing. Not just good but great!!!! Attached are photos of the food. the presentation is just out of this world!!!! Great options but not too many. Special chef menu each night. Wine list was big enough. Great cocktails!! Just so so so good.

Beautiful and ambient. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable. All the food was delicious although the winter vegetables were a bit tough and bland. Aside from that, it was a wonderful experience.

I recently visited The House of William and Merry for dinner on two separate occasions and had phenomenal experiences both times. On the first visit I had the Duck Confit and Ricotta Raviolo as an appetizer and the Grilled Prime Beef Deckle Steak as the main course. The raviolo consisted of savory al dente pasta filled with meaty creamy duck confit and topped with a sweet rich cherry brown butter glaze, rich jamon and crisp arugula. The steak was fantastic! Rich, juicy and tender and paired with a yolky egg, smoked onions and soft savory potatoes. I loved my first visit so much, I had to visit a second time a few weeks later. On this occasion I had the Atlantic Octopus & Artichoke Dip and the Grilled Hudson Valley Duck Breast. The Dip was addictive! Gooey cheese was filled with soft tender chunks of lightly briny octopus, topped with crisp pork cracklings similar to bacon and paired with soft smokey grilled pita bread. The Grilled Hudson Valley Duck Breast was heavenly. Super tender duck was paired with soft lightly crisped potatoes, crisp asparagus and sunflower shuts, and creamy flavorful Gruyere creama. Of course with food this good I have to try the dessert but I was pretty full on both occasions. The restaurant prepares for this inevitability by offering house made truffles as a small sweet alternative to their dessert menu. On both occasions I went with the truffle and they were chocolately and creamy and the perfect way to finish the meal. The cocktail, wine, and craft beer selections are also very good. Reservations are recommended a few weeks in advance so do yourself a favor and make those reservations ASAP.

Wow, wow, wow! My dining companion and I had a wonderful experience here. They have a nice bar in the front, but we went right to our table. Everyone at the bar looked like they were enjoying themselves, so we will have to stop in and try an appetizer and drink sometime soon. The restaurant is set in a remodeled farmhouse and is cozy inside. It is not at all pretentious and feels very welcoming The server was friendly without being intrusive, and knowledgeable about the menu. she definitely knew when to give us space to decide on what we wanted and when to come back and check on us. We wanted for nothing. We had a glass of the Chandon brut rosé to start, and were delighted with the bright flavor and generous pour. For our appetizers, we chose the Atlantic octopus à la plancha, the Scottish salmon tartare, and the crab raviolo. The octopus had my favorite texture for octopus: not too soft or too chewy and the chorizo and the other additions were delicious. The Scottish salmon tartare was so good that I wish they had that as an entrée. A great blend of Asian flavors and contrasting textures with the crisp wonton and tobiko offsetting the buttery salmon. The raviolo was filled with creamy delicious crab with a Chardonnay sauce. Wonderful! My dining companion chose the rack of lamb and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It was cooked perfectly, and the accompaniments were a great complement to the flavorful lamb. I chose the grilled duck breast with bordelaise sauce and seasonal root vegetables. I am going to have to go back there and get that again. Soon. The deep flavor of the sauce and mushroom purée were the perfect foil for the medium rare duck breast. We both enjoyed glasses of red wine with our entrées: Cabernet for my dining companion and Syrah for me. We chose wines from the family owned Relyea-Wood winery, and really enjoyed them with our meal. We shared the Pearsuasive dessert, and that was a hit as well. Silky Panna cotta with pear gel, Sauternes soaked golden raisins pecans, crunchy brown butter crumble. Without doubt, the nicest restaurant meal I have had in quite a long time. We will definitely be back very soon!

My husband and I dined here for the first time this week. Mostly it was good, but some of it was not. The pros first: Ambience, great vibes! Mushroom soup was decadent, bartender did an amazing job with our drinks, service was good, desserts were delicious, bread yum! Cons-I got the swordfish, and while I did eat most of it, it did not melt in my mouth the way swordfish has every other time I had it. It was also a bit fishy.Crust was good and veggies were good, but the roe on top of the fish was not pleasant, there was this foam in the plate that was kinda gross looking (I have never understood the foam concept) and the black truffle tasted bad with the fish, good with the veggies. Not worth the $46 plate charge. Hubby had the pork chop and said it was fine, his salad was fine. This restaurant is very pricy, and I do not mind paying top dollar for delicious food, but I should have stopped at the soup and skipped to dessert.

Food is ok service not that great ambiance nice I mean I have had better I went there again and they changed the menu

Every bite we had was better than the last! Literally the best food ever- service, ambiance and cocktails were great also. Cannot say enough good things about this wonderful restaurant- so worth the drive!

Been hearing about this place for awhile and finally got to try on a whim with a same day, late reservation. I'll start with the ambiance. Set in an old farmhouse, its a very intimate setting. Things can be tight, but that gives it more of a cozy family feel. Our server, Chet, was great. Offering suggestions on appetizers, before dinner cocktails, and wine pairing for our meals. The food itself?.... All I can say is OMG! We started with a cheese board and duck confit wings. The wings were crispy and flavorful with avocado to balance on the side. The fried catfish was lightly breaded, crispy, and nicely seasoned. I wish we had room for dessert, but next time

One of the best meals I've had in a long time! We got the specials...what a treat! Lovely staff and service- highly recommend

Too foofy they try too hard to be world class, and they are not. World class in Hockessen, not likely. Letty/s is a better choice for food. \

Easy access with plenty of parking. Great spot for a date night or special occasion, great layout, not too noisy, has a 'high end' feel. The service was prompt (although the entrees took a bit longer than expected)--ALL WORTH IT!. The drinks are superb, but the star of the show is the food. We started with the Tuna Poke (OMG!!!), and had Scallops, Duck, and Halibut for entrees. Finished with the Trufel, and Strawberry dessert. Delaware is gifted with several great restaurants, this place is a notch above. The food is so well presented, and just bursting with flavor. Literally makes you smile with each bite. The quality and care and attention to each and every dish just jumps out. Portions are not large, but found them 'just right'. We thought it was a good value. I've paid more for much less. Try this place--you will not be disappointed. Highly recommend getting reservations in advance. There were no open tables during our visit.

A hidden gem!!! Everything from the service to the food was a clear testimonial to the skill and dedication of William and Merry. My only regret is that it is difficult to get a reservation at the last minute, as it is always booked!

Service was top notch. Chet was very attentive and informative. The food was beyond reproach. The prime rib, duck breast, and blue catfish were excellent! As were the house Manhattans. I would highly recommend this place. 5 stars!

Our party of five had a wonderful birthday meal at the House of William and Merry. Glad we made reservations on a busy Friday night! My family recommends veal saltimbucca, cheese board, and the halibut! It is no wonder that Chef Bill Hoffman was one of two finalists for the James Beard award - the food is full of flavor and beautifully prepared. Service was perfect and timely. Be aware that you may need to park offsite.

Incredible food, superb service and cozy atmosphere. I had the duck wings with gochujang glaze and shishito aioli. They were crispy, savory, and so boldly flavored. The mushroom soup was velvety and had deep seasoning. The duck with pears and parsnips was the highlight. All of the flavors were so balanced, complemented each other well from the sweetness of the caramelized pear, to the sharpness of the fresh pear, crunchy and salty sun choke chip, silky parsnip purée, bold sauce, and perfectly medium rare duck breast.

Small menu. Eclectic. Wasn't my thing but the duck was good. Asian influence. Certainly a focus on quality. Drinks were well done too. I would give a 4th star but I really had little to choose from which is more my fault for not looking closer at a menu before booking.

Took my boyfriend here for his birthday last week. One of the best meals I've ever had. Our server was wonderful, everyone was personable and it was a relaxed, enjoyable meal. Can't wait to find an excuse to come back!

Nice vibe! Can go with your companion enjoy a good date! The food have a wonderful arrangement and taste delicious.

We've been coming here as a family during my sister's time at university. We were blown away the first time we came here. I haven't been back in a year or two, so I was excited to return here for what I remembered to be an amazing dinner. The restaurant was packed and we were seated beside a very loud table. Normally, I have no issues hearing the others at my table, but even I found myself asking them to repeat themselves. Our server was very friendly, but clearly had his hands full with the other restaurant guests. My family decided to order the lobster bisque and house salad. The soup was delicious but the salad left something to be desired. It lacked dressing and had way too many croutons in comparison to the other toppings. After waiting for about an hour for our mains, they finally arrived. We could tell even our server was getting stressed because it was taking so long. I can't speak for the others at my table, but I found my steak to be well cooked, but the sauce beneath it was incredibly salty and left a strong aftertaste in my mouth. I also noticed that the steaks on the other plate were significantly more red. We were never asked how we wanted our steak cooked, so I assumed it would come out pink on the inside for both of us. Hers was practically red. It was still good, but I would expect them to come out looking practically identical. My mom and I craved dessert, so opted for the passion fruit custard. It was a lot heavier than we were expecting and was hard for me to finish. The restaurant was still very good, although not quite as good as I remember it. For $56 dollars, I expected the steak to be near-perfect if not perfect. There are definitely some menu items that might need reconsidering, but overall, I was pretty satisfied. It's a good option for a nicer dinner, especially given the area.

We arrived for an early dinner at this quaint farmhouse. The bar was active. We were seated in a quiet corner. Seating was also available on the porch. Our meal was delicious! We enjoy cooking so we chose meals that we wouldn't normally have at home. From the cocktails to the dessert, everything was great. Service was impeccable. Javier was attentive and helpful in describing the menu.

If you want to go somewhere special, and not be disappointed, I would recommend this place cocktails are excellent presentation and freshness of food unrivaled for our area only about 15 minutes away from Wilmington Delaware and worth every minute

First of, let me just say that this is one of the best dinner I've had for a while. Every single dish are exquisite from display to flavor/taste. Service are excellent. Food came quickly. Ambiance is mellow. They used 30 years balsamic in many dishes even dessert!!! The tomatoes shot was complimentary from the chef (it was good). However, the drinks (cocktails/mock-tails) are just so-so. A must try restaurant and highly recommended from all of us!!! 5 stars and Michelin star

Wow, always 100%. Great food! Great atmosphere!! Great people!!! Oh, and the house crafted drinks are something special too!!!! Most of the time you get a beautiful work of culinary art on your plate that is almost too pretty to eat. I usually take a picture to send to my children just to rub it in as to what I am eating. Oh, and the desserts...yum, yum yum. We love the place and try to go fairly regular. It is a little pricier than bar food but if you are a foodie, like us, you get what you pay for.

Amazing food. Great ambiance. Love going there. They take the time to make their guests feel like family.

Pro: Amazing food in a cozy atmosphere! My party of four made lunch reservations for a Sunday, and we were all incredibly satisfied. From the prompt seating to the quick service, the human interaction factor was superior! Moving on to the food, there were a few MVPs for this event! The three-cheese special omelette was utterly decadent, while the citrus pancakes (a new addition to the menu) were amazing! I'm not even a fan of pancakes, but these were a game changer. I even made the comment to my server that I wanted to buy the creators of this recipe a round of drinks. (I wasn't kidding; first round's on me!) The tenderloin tacos were also a hit, while the vegan hash was surprisingly great! Con: The specialty drinks were just "okaaayyyy"... Bottom Line: Make a reservation and dine as soon as possible!

Just an amazing experience. Excellent service, at the table just enough so you aren't feeling like they are intruding on conversations, or ignoring you. Both are pet peeves of mine. The food is to die for! It makes you stop and enjoy each bite in an environment that feels cosy but not cramped. We will be back. Again...

The ultimate go to restaurant in all of Delaware - staff is friendly - food and drinks are phenomenal - a wonderful experience EVERYTIME!

A special restaurant with exquisite cuisine. Ambience is quiet and well decorated. If your looking for big portions, this may not be an ideal choice. But don't miss the opportunity you won't be disappointed!

Great breakfast and place for special celebration dinner. Have some vegan options which is nice. Nice menu selections.

The food was excellent. The service was great. Be aware the menu is on the pricier side and the portions on the smaller side.

Outstanding food - fine dining level. The service was great too. The restaurant is in a typical Delaware 1970s styled house, which leaves something to be desired.

Expensive, but 100% worth it. This was a meal I'll remember for a long time. The service was great and you could tell everyone on staff really cared.

Food was ok. Service was so so...and the atmosphere was stuffy. Definitely not my style...then again nothing in Hockessin impresses me. Good day

Great food and atmosphere! Service staff is great. Valet parking available most nights. Highly recommend!

Food was great, nice ambiance, it's cozy and the lights are perfect in setting the mood. There's a bar on the first floor and it's very welcoming. Even the bartender was super nice and friendly and greeted us at the door. You can feel the service is top notch and our waitress did a good job clearing plates and seeing if we needed anything. Overall, great experience, good little gem to being a date or celebrate an anniversary

Good place with great food! Waiter could of been a bit more personable but I would go back. Steak was tasty and done perfect . ****

We had lunch here today and it was phenomenal. The ambiance is beautiful yet relaxed. The bar is really cool with all these wine corks that are suspended in a lacquer. The kitchen is huge, wide open and looks very clean. You really feel like you're in a friends home. Our server was Egan & he was on point and very friendly. My love had the omelet du jour which was filled with duck confit, potato, onion and cheddar with a side of fruit. Not only was it gorgeous it was delicious. Biggest raspberries I've ever seen. I had the burger and it was hands down one of the best burgers I have ever eaten in my life. We also had the side of garlic, parm truffle fries with a saffron aioli which was a huge portion and amazing. Oh and I can't forget the GOAT, an amazing Tequila, apricot, coffee cocktail some brilliant mixologist invented! This is definitely my new favorite restaurant and I can't wait to try brunch & dinner.

A rare find! Gourmet and a treat for the palate! Fresh and creative food my go too for celebrating and/or just quiet time with the hubby! Love the pear martini!!!

BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!!! You will never ever ever be disappointed. I've been here a handful of times over the past few months and the rotating menu and cocktails are phenomenal. I've never left a crumb on a plate lol!!!