Renowned Chef Evan Hennessey Opens New Topolino Restaurant in Dover

Hennessey's second restaurant in the city's Waterfront District aims to offer a casual, community-focused Mediterranean dining experience.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:23am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic Mediterranean dish such as a plate of pasta or a bowl of hummus, repeated in a tight grid pattern in the style of Andy Warhol, capturing the vibrant and approachable vibe of the new Topolino restaurant.Chef Evan Hennessey's new Topolino restaurant aims to bring a casual, community-focused Mediterranean dining experience to Dover's Waterfront District.Dover Today

Renowned chef Evan Hennessey is opening a new casual Mediterranean restaurant named Topolino in Dover, Delaware's Waterfront District. Hennessey, who also owns the acclaimed Stages restaurant in the city, says Topolino will offer a more relaxed and community-oriented dining experience that complements Stages' fine dining focus.

Why it matters

The opening of Topolino represents Hennessey's continued investment in Dover's culinary scene and the city's growing Waterfront District, which is attracting new restaurants and businesses. Topolino's casual Mediterranean concept also diversifies the dining options available to the local community.

The details

Hennessey describes Topolino as a place that will "flood" the table with a variety of shareable Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The new restaurant aims to be more accessible and community-focused compared to Hennessey's fine dining establishment, Stages.

  • Topolino is slated to open in Dover's Waterfront District in the spring of 2026.

The players

Evan Hennessey

A renowned chef who is opening Topolino, his second restaurant in Dover, Delaware.

Topolino

A new casual Mediterranean restaurant opening in Dover's Waterfront District, owned by chef Evan Hennessey.

Stages

Hennessey's acclaimed fine dining restaurant in Dover, which Topolino is intended to complement with a more relaxed and community-oriented dining experience.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of like the other end of the spectrum for me. We brought this idea to life, which is really casual, very community forward, and I'm really excited to show everybody.”

— Evan Hennessey, Chef and Owner

What’s next

Topolino is slated to open in the spring of 2026 in Dover's Waterfront District.

The takeaway

Renowned chef Evan Hennessey's decision to open a more casual, community-focused Mediterranean restaurant in Dover's Waterfront District reflects the city's growing culinary scene and the demand for diverse dining options that cater to local residents.