A Night At The Stingray

by Grant Gursky

A Night At The Stingray
Written by Kristen Hampshire

Modern sushi, coastal influence and a vibe all its own set this restaurant apart in downtown Rehoboth Beach

In the robust local dining scene, Stingray Sushi Bar & Asian Grill has carved out a distinct identity that blends polished, chef-driven cuisine with an atmosphere that feels both metropolitan and unmistakably coastal.

Located in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach, Stingray has long been a go-to restaurant for sushi lovers. But in recent years, under the direction of Atlas Restaurant Group, the concept has evolved into something more complete, says Marketing Manager Mary Beth Phillips, who credits Chef Timur Fazilov and General Manager Neko McDonald for the improvements.

“Stingray is now more refined, and while the menu includes the sushi selections and dishes guests gravitate toward and come back for, we are now providing a more comprehensive experience,” Mary Beth relates.

Something For Everyone

One of Stingray’s defining strengths is its versatility. It’s a sushi destination, yes; but it’s also a place where eclectic groups can easily find common ground, Mary Beth says.

Not everyone at the table may want sushi, and that’s fine by design. The menu offers a full spectrum of Asian-inspired dishes, from shrimp lo mein and dim sum to sweet and sour chicken and shareable appetizers like tempura chicken wings tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.

“We know people are always coming in for sushi,” Mary Beth says, “but we wanted to expand the hot food menu and create a more well-rounded experience.”

The Vibe Factor

Stingray’s bustling energy and layered atmosphere feel alive without being overwhelming. The design leans modern and slightly sultry, with a metropolitan edge softened by a welcoming, coastal sensibility.

“To me, it’s sultry and very modern. You walk in and feel like you’re in a sophisticated sushi bar, but it still has that homey feel,” Mary Beth says.

Guests can tailor the experience to their mood, whether that means pulling up a seat at the sushi bar, settling into the main dining room, sipping cocktails in the lounge or heading outside to the expansive patio and porch-style seating, where open-air dining becomes part of the experience. In warmer months, that indoor-outdoor flow becomes a defining feature, with garage-style openings that blur the line between inside and out.

“It’s a busy place. There’s good energy, and people want to be here,” Mary Beth adds. “We want it to be the place you go—whether it’s for drinks, a date night, a girls’ night or a celebration. It’s about the food, but it’s also about the vibe.”

Food & Drink

The cocktail menu follows the same philosophy as the food; both are serious in execution, but never stuffy in tone. With more than 20 signature drinks, the program balances creativity with variety. Expect playful names and bold flavors, from lychee martinis and Asian pear mules to cucumber-mint zero-proof options.

“The beverage program is serious, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Mary Beth says of the menu’s approachability. There’s also a strong sense of local craft behind the bar. Members of the team, including award-winning bartenders, have contributed to a menu designed for both casual sipping and celebratory nights out, Mary Beth says.

As the evening progresses, Stingray shifts gears. Late-night service introduces a different rhythm, with DJs on select nights and a menu of discounted sushi rolls and light bites, drawing a mix of locals and industry regulars. Meanwhile, private dining spaces, from the porch to the sushi room, offer a scalable experience. “Stingray is a natural fit for celebrations, group outings and special occasions,” Mary Beth points out.

At its core, Stingray succeeds because it understands its role in Rehoboth Beach’s dining landscape. It’s not just about sushi. It’s about creating a place people want to return to for the food, the atmosphere and the feeling that comes with both. CS