Culinaria
1812 Marsh Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19810
Culinaria Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Wilmington for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
1812 Marsh Rd
Wilmington, DE, 19810 - Phone (302) 475-4860
- Website https://culinariarestaurant.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Alex O.
Went there a few times but had a very bad experience with the hostess. Was rudely told "your next" over 4 times after she seated 5 tables ahead of us. As others state, very cramped and not much seating...but they know that and should be able to seat properly.
(2)Gina P.
Had one of the worse experiences from a so called "upscale" dining establishment that I have had in years. My good friend ordered a pasta dish what looked like it was swimming in a pool of grease. Called the waitress over to tell her the issue. The waitress repeatedly ( I mean repeatedly ) suggested that we could bring it home and purchase an additional entrée. Really, I am supposed to pay for an inedible meal than buy an additional entrée!? Shame on them for charging high end prices with such a sad incompetent service philosophy.
(1)Kelly L.
Yikes! Processed escargot and saucy/salty/mushy chicken. Please skip this one-just god awful. I felt fleeced by the prices and not great after this food. Food came out too quickly for this to be homemade and what's more had an incredibly chemically processed taste. Will not be back! Wait staff was nice-and a pretty restaurant but....who cares. The Emperor has no clothes!
(1)Jill K.
Color me suspicious, but it seems that many of the one-star reviews of this place are written in the same voice. More suspicious: these writers have only one or two friends and reviews under their belts. I smell something fishy. With that said, I'm a fan of Culinaria. I agree, it's a bit on the spendy side, not the most creative place (cuisine-wise) in the world, and I could certainly stand to see some reservations (is it that hard to join Open Table?) considering the smallish seating area. But their steaks are great, I love their soups; their ingredients are fresh, and I love their thai-inspired salad. They have the best mashed potatoes around. Is it as good, inventive or interesting as 821 was (may it rest in peace)? Nope. Is the service anywhere near Krazy Kat's? Absolutely not. But I don't think it's really trying to be, either. The atmosphere is pretty groovy, especially considering they're in a strip mall, though once you're inside you wouldn't know. Lounge music plays (not lounge as in smoky jazz, but lounge as in uber-chill, unobtrusive electronica), the wall/floor colors are warm spicy pumpkin tones, and the lights are low. They change up the decor every season, and it's always neat to see how they've changed things around-- tasteful and interesting. It's got a very open floor plan, so expect your neighbors to eavesdrop, and expect to run into people you know. I find the waitstaff helpful and friendly; not that their menu takes that much explaining. Steak is steak; fish is fish, pasta is pasta. I agree that it feels a little gauche to have the bar staff bug you for your payment instead of tacking it onto your table bill, but I can overlook that. Warning: The desserts are made offsite and aren't as tasty as they look. Sometimes I get the sense they were made 2 or 3 days ago. You can't hide that by nuking it and slapping some gelato on it. But speaking of gelato, they get their gelato from Caffe Gelato in Newark, so if you're jonesin' for dessert, you can't go wrong with a sampler dish of the cold stuff. If you're anti-gelato, then I'd go with the toasted almond cake or the tiramisu, because it's moist and good. With wine, appetizers and dessert, a dinner for two will probably run you $85. Note: They are closed on Mondays, and the place is chilly in the winter. Try to sit away from the doors (front and/or back), or wear a sweater. Anyway, take the one-star reviews with a grain of salt. Smells like bad blood to me.
(4)Patrick W.
Great food. Love the food and people everytime I get a chance to go out to eat
(4)E. W.
Culinaria - A Sham! Dear Wilmingtonians, Your beloved Culinaria is a Sham! You have been fooled all these years - overpaying for meals you should be making at home or just not eating. Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto with walnuts is a no-brainer and not worth the $8.50 + tip you pay for it but you are willing to eat it in a dirty strip mall restaurant decorated with fake plants and faux art. What are you thinking; you deserve better! You are not pushing yourselves to explore food and wine at this place and are becoming complacent. Is that what you want!? Wake up! You are ranking this restaurant in Zagat on the same level as the Green Room, Krazy Kat's, 821, and Moro; four restaurants with trained chefs and menus that could compete against some of the top restaurants in the country. Move on people! Culinaria is Betty Crocker making one of her recipes after a couple of drinks from the bottle; stepping out of her safe and traditional meals by dusting her broccoli rabe with parmesan cheese! Folks, this is not "inventive" or "cosmopolitan"; this is what the rest of the world has been doing with their broccoli rabe for hundreds of years! It's a hoax! Don't let the Zagat review fool you into believing you are doing anything out of the norm; this is the norm for most people on the planet! The restaurant is the McDonald's of upscale dining. Patron walks in, is seated, cocktail order taken, dinner order taken, cocktail served, apps served, then dinner, dessert and coffee, patrons mull about while digesting, then leave is probably what the manual reads. Whatever you do as a guest at Culinaria, don't attempt to break the programmatic order (try it! I dare you!) of your evening or you shall be lashed by your server or one of the chef owners. Even worse, ordering something different than it appears on the menu is an impossibility; you may be kicked out of the restaurant! Life is too short! Wake up and smell the coffee people; do you like being taken advantage of? Boil down the facts: the food is simple with a few cheap twists that trick you into feeling comfortable paying $6.75 for broccoli rabe. The décor is nice to the eye at first blush but upon close inspection it is all fake. The service is programmatic and the chef-owners can't adjust what they make because they don't know how to work off their program. What does this leave you - well, where you started, in dirty strip mall with your initial impression of "why am I eating here, again?" Sincerely, Finding da Sham P.S. The owners don't like kids (no high-chairs available) so don't even think about bringing the little-ones.....
(1)Colleen P.
Culineria is one of my favorite restaurants, I've been going here regularly for years. It's a more limited menu, but the food is always fabulous and consistent. Service is also consistently excellent. You must save room for one of their dessert martinis. Once you get inside you can't even believe it's inside a strip mall, they have a nice decor which is changed up regularly.
(5)Tom G.
Zagat gave it a 24 or a 25 for food (I don't have access to the guide right now) and that was too high, for sure. More in the 21-22 range. Seating is cramped and no reservations makes it tough. The wine list is not great. Prices are average for a nice place ($15-17 for pasta, $22-24 for entrees). Pastas aren't ultra original but they are executed well. The tuna I had was decent, seared well and fresh. Desserts were pre-made and not great. I got take-out once, too and it was a disappointment. I've never had the inclination to go back.
(2)Anthony N.
Really good place and good atmosphere. The waiting staff are excellent. The food is really good, I got the sweet potato soup and rib eye and these items are well exacuted. The price is also very reasonable for what you are getting. The down side is the shopping area, it's a little low-end. The dessert is not made at restaurant and are nothing special so I do not recommend the desserts. Nothing like French Laundry or Le Bernardin but for this price, this is the best you will get.
(4)Gina R.
I had a good experience overall. I like the ambiance, but found the overall location strange (in the middle of a shopping center). The fish I ordered was a bit to spicy and overdone. Despite this, their dumplings were delicious and I was impressed by the waitstaff. We had a nice view of the kitchen from our table and you could see the food diligently prepared. It is a but more upscale than your normal restaurant, but it is not comparable to a place like Moro.
(3)John C.
My wife and I have loved Culinaria for years. It still is great, but I'm giving it three stars because the menu never changes. How about a shrimp dish? Halibut? Pork chop? Something different, please! You are fantastic chefs and I know anything you serve will be good.
(3)Donna F.
I went here with my boyfriend, sister, and brother-in-law for a special Valentine's Day dinner last Saturday on what turned out to be one of the coldest nights so far this winter. Our waitress (I'll be damned if I can remember her name) was extremely attentive and very friendly, and she also knew her stuff when it came to describing the specials on the menu. I can't speak for what everyone ordered because I was too busy enjoying my food. For starters, my boyfriend and I split the escargots, which came in a buttery garlic sauce and were super tender. For my main dish, I had the rainbow trout topped with sauteed mushrooms and juicy bits of crab meat, with steamed asparagus and mashed potatoes on the side. Actually, I should say "whipped" mashed potatoes, because they were simultaneously creamy and light (is that even possible with mashed potatoes?). They were the highlight of the meal. My trout was cooked perfectly, and the combination of mushrooms and crab meat added a nice savory flavor to it. For dessert, I chose the Lemon Coconut Cake. By the beard of Zeus, I've never had lemon cake like this before. It was like a combination of lemon meringue pie and coconut custard whipped together into a delightful fluffy yellow cake. I would definitely order this again if given the chance. All in all, I was pleased with Culinaria. The only thing that sort of bothered me was how our table was positioned; we were rather close to the door and every time someone came in or went out, we were blasted with a rush of frigid air. Fortunately, the food was good enough to keep us occupied. ;-p
(4)Sharese A.
A dangerous dangerous place! Truly Addictive. I loved every single bite. Got the potato crusted catfish. Freaking revolutionary. So crunchy as if it was fried but in reality some magician in the kitchen figured out how to bake a buttery crunch on fresh fish in an OVEN. Annnnd it was gluten free!! Where's Guy Fieri when u need him? My friend got the salmon. Soooo flavorful ALSO with a crispy faux fried layer at the bottom....like it was roasted in olive oil. Yum! And the fish was FRESH, none of that nonsense catching frost and loosing flavor in a funky freezer. The sides were just as impressive...Came with better than yo mama mashed potatoes, and a cucumber dill marination salad type situation. So good that it didn't come with my meal but I ordered a side to myself. Lastly we had the best banana cream pie in the whole wide world and universe. Whoo-hooo if u like banana pudding, you MUST get this pie. Highly impressed and can't wait to go back! Oh and the service was impeccable. I truly wouldn't change a thing from beginning to end! #fivestars #bravo #imstuffed
(5)Ben T.
Non-pretentious, fine dining. Comfort food. There's a warmth to the place... as long as no one opens the front door for too long. The food-- Tomato Parmesan soup - 4.3 stars. This soup is delicious. Caesar Salad - 3.5 stars Crispy Chicken in a "very spicy Chili Glaze". That's what it says on the menu and they ain't lying. I had the dressing on the side and could barely deal... though, if you like very spicy, its delicious. 3.8 stars They had Banana cream pie as a special dessert. 3.8 stars The servers are very nice here and accommodating. I came here Christmas Eve and they served us efficiently without rushing us. Very good. 4 star service. This is a casual enough place to eat at on a weekly basis but fine dining enough to justify the price. Cons: Not always the youngest, hippest clientele. Located in a mediocre strip mall. Don't expect the food heavens to open and blow your mind but you'll likely be pleased and satisfied. Solid.
(4)Todd B.
First time visit here with friends. Service was excellent. I appreciate not having to ask for a refill! Why most servers don't get this is beyond me. I began with the lettuce wedge with blue cheese dressing, crumbles, diced tomatoes and added red onion. It was delish! The ribeye was a good tasting piece of meat that I couldn't even finish. It was cooked to my request served with mashed potatoes. I added a side of asparagus. Dessert was off the SPECIALS menu--Macadamia Cheese Cake. EXCELLENT! The atmosphere here is quite good...beautiful decor of earth tone colors and beautifully decorated. Will definitely return.
(4)David C.
Well kept North Wilmington secret. Discovered this place about 5 years ago have been going regularly ever since. Love their "menu additions" The escargot is great love going during the week after a rough day at work.(They make a fantastic dirty Martini.) I recommend Grey goose to really enjoy the experience.
(4)Chris R.
Fantastic! From the outside you would never guess that inside is the best food in Delaware.
(5)Jim B.
After reading so many positive posts about this place i couldn't wait to try it. To begin with the ambiance was outstanding, the place is crisp and clean with interesting decor including a really cool floor made of wildly painted cement. The wait staff were very nice and super professional. Unfortunately thats where the party ends... My wife had the spicy chicken that was just ok in my opinion, a little tough, but she was able to eat it. I had the rigatoni with meat sauce that was so bathed in the fat from the hamburger meat that I was afraid to eat it. I couldn't believe anyone would pass off hamburger grease as gravy so I took the leftovers home to see what would happen. It was a fully jelled container of artery clogging beef fat by the ride home! The place was crowded and people seem to enjoy it, but it beats me as to what it is about this place that they like??
(1)Jessica B.
We just had the most amazing meal at culinaria! Adorable place- such a warm and romantic atmosphere. Not stuffy at all. There was a large group in back that was having fun but the noise wasn't a distraction to us at all. We had a gift certificate and went a little nuts with our ordering. First course- tomato soup with Parmesan and croutons for him (he said it was good but a little oily) and the escargot special for me. Escargot, mushrooms, peanuts, and croutons in an amazing garlic herb sauce. It was one of the best dishes I have eaten in a while. Simply amazing. Second course- ribeye with mashed potatoes for him. The steak was an average piece of meat but cooked to absolute perfection. Seriously good. Excellent mashed. I has the tortolini with sausage tomatoes and cream. Again, an amazing dish. Added a side of sautéed greens with garlic and oil which we devoured. Third course- peanut butter tasty cake that nailed the flavor spot on and an ice cream martini which was a scoop of coffee ice cream with kahlua on it. The meal was outstanding. The service was friendly and unobtrusive. We will most definitely be back again.
(5)Dan B.
Don't let the location fool you, Culinaria provides a great dining experience right in Brandywine Hundred. I am a repeat customer, and each time the food is quite good. I usually get the tenderloin which I like quite a bit. Add nice service and a vibrant atmosphere and you can get an overall great dinner out. The only complaint I would have about the restaurant is that the menu is fairly small, meaning not everyone at the table may find their most preferred dish. The restaurant itself is also small, so beware a wait when it gets crowded!
(4)Frank D.
Food consistently good. Staple for many years. Only complaint is food hasn't changed in a few years. Nothing new to look forward too. Overall excellent
(4)Robert K.
Go the this restaurant frequently. Always have great service and great food. Only downside is the small menu limits variety-but that is a trade-off for consistent freshness.
(5)Alyssa J.
I have yet to have a bad meal from Culinaria. I've only gotten take out, but I think that actually speaks to something else entirely. I do take out a lot and there are a few places and items I avoid ordering because I know the quality just won't hold up to the ride home. However, everything I've gotten from here (including fish) has held its own and been utterly delicious once home and on the table. I don't know if it's the packaging or what but it is very successful in that way. But that also leads me to an annoyance. While I understand the need for branding, and enjoy theirs, the label they put on their "microwave safe" stamped to-go containers has metallic ink. One day at work I was reheating (some yummy tortellini) for lunch and I started to smell something. Having shrunk numerous potato chip bags in the microwave as a child I recognized it immediately. I popped open the door and sure enough there were singe spots all around the border of the label. I then had to peel off the label before I could put it back in the microwave. I know the easy fix is to not reheat in the container. Nevertheless, with "microwave safe" stamped into the plastic of the container, I don't think it's a great idea to use that specific labeling. Additionally, I'd like to see more items on their menu since everything I've eaten thus far has been simply delicious.
(4)Brad W.
Culinaria is hands down the best kept secret in N. Wilmington! They don't do a LOT but what they do, they do excellently! They have something on the menu for all tastes and a very cool urban atmosphere that CAN get quite crowded and a bit noisy. They do not take reservations so if you try to get on a Friday or Saturday (they're closed on Sundays) night after 630, be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes. During the week is ideal or by 5:30 on the weekend. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because I feel like they need to blow out the wall and double the size of this place. Oh and PLEASE BRING BACK THE TUNA!!
(4)D C.
The most consistently good restaurant in northern Wilmington. They have a regular menu with most popular dishes and an always interesting menu of specials. Only take reservations for parties of 6 or more.
(4)Adam W.
As a Delaware foodie, I had high expectations for this place but was thoroughly disappointed and underwhelmed in every category. The food was average and overloaded with butter and salt. I will not be coming back unless they make some major changes.
(1)Nancy K.
Culinaria's food is reliably excellent. Crispy chicken over Thai salad is spicy and delicious. The roasted vegetable appetizer is great, as is black bean soup. Nice wine selection too.
(5)Francesca V.
Right off the bat, I'm going to admit I'm addicted. This is my go-to restaurant when I need some good food, especially good take-out. I'm absolutely addicted to the crispy chicken in thai salad, but as another reviewer mentioned, it is MUCH better when you order it in the restaurant than if you try to take it out. On the table, it's the perfect temperature with the hot chicken & jasmine rice with the cool salad. If you try to drive it home, it's okay, but never as good. For takeout, I'm a fan of their chicken breast with mashed potatoes, which is basic but always flavorful. To spice it up, I ask for a side of the curry sauce that's served with the salmon. The southwest salad with chicken is another favorite of mine (no cheese). Again, it's better on the table than take out. With all the juices and dressings, it can get a little too saturated if you wait too long to eat it. I miss their peppercorn sauce they used to offer with the tenderloin (mmm) and their roasted red peppers with mozzarella and pesto. I keep an eye on the specials menu because sometimes retired dishes make brief re-appearances. I like their food because it's not trying to be something it isn't. I'm not a fan of a lot of dishes I see in a lot of restaurants that involve stuffing meat with things or dousing it in creamy sauces. There's not flashy or greasy about it, but it still presents very well and tastes great. Here, if you're order a chicken, steak, or fish, you get it and any of the sauces enhance the flavor rather than cover it. Their mashed potatoes are always super creamy and delicious. I'm also a huge fan of the tomato soup, but again, I'm not a cheese person, so I always ask them to hold the parmesan. I think some of the prices can feel a little steep, but honestly when I measure against it's competitors, I would rather spend 30.00 here on an app and entree that I know will more than fill me up (without being ridiculous) than most other places. I'm a loyal customer and have been for years. If you're looking to be fawned over by the owners/chefs, or if you're looking for a kid friendly place, this is not for you. If you're looking for a good meal, either to take home or to enjoy there, this is it.
(4)Alexa R.
My husband and I recently moved from Philadelphia to Wilmington and were in search of a good meal in the area. We tried Ulysses and there was a 45 minute wait and also a wait at Capers and Lemons. We decided to call Culinaria in the hopes they would be able to seat us - they said there was a small wait, but room at the bar. They could not have been more accommodating. Once seated, we speedily ordered. I ordered the tomato soup (so amazingly good) and the marinated chicken. My cousin raves about the chicken, so I had to get it. It seems like something so simple to get, but it was done so well. My husband had the shrimp dumplings and the bolognese pasta. He was so pleased. For dessert, he had the brownie bottomed cheesecake. The prices are reasonable and the food is well done and simple. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Celeste A.
The menu - the specials are always unique. The staff is friendly and attentive. Is great place to have an intimate dinner with friends. Would be a good place for a first date.
(4)Roger G.
This is the place I take guests when money is no object. There are cheaper restaurants around, but this has really good food. The waitstaff is helpful and knowledgeable. The menu is interesting. I usually have the calf's liver which is always perfect (medium-rare, as the Chef recommends.) It's located in a shopping centre so you might be hesitant. Don't be. The entrance alcove protects the dining room from the outside chill with a curtain and pushing it aside to enter is like raising a curtain on a pleasant surprise. The chairs are comfortable and the tables comfortably large; I mean there's enough room to put some of your possessions thereon. One friend from NYC commented that it reminded her of one of those charming smaller restaurants in the theatre district (think Pierre au Tunnel) where you can count on good food.
(4)Dennis B.
They just don't care anymore. I got crispy chicken with Thai salad. They almost forgot the chicken. It was a few thin slices. When I tried to cut it the plate almost went off the table because it was tough. Service was poor. Had to beg for sugar and refills on the iced tea. The bread offered was a dinner roll cut in six pieces, no extra. My Wife asked to have her left over dinner salad boxed to go. Waitress trashed it. When the server said "yoose guys don't want dessert do you?" it was time to go. We are done with this place.
(2)Dave M.
I've yet to have a meal I didn't enjoy at Culinaria. Nice low-key atmosphere, although it can get a tad bit noisy if really crowded. The food is solid, the service is above average and it's got a slightly upscale vibe without being too stuffy. They get thumbs up on their soups - the second best I've ever had (the undisputed best is Cajun Kate's tomato soup at Booth's Corner Farmer's Market). They have a thai chicken dish that menu says is "very spicy" on the menu and it is indeed really, really spicy, which I love. (NB: This is the only spicy food item on menu.) I'd like to see a little more variation on the menu, but overall I like Culinaria a lot.
(4)Jessica K.
No idea what got into the first reviewers that did this restaurant. I live right in the neighborhood and have eaten there many times. It's amazing. It's definitely owned by a mom and pop and the food is incredible. The best things I've tasted are the rigatoni with italian sausage, tomatoes and cream which is like, the most delicious thing ever and the crispy chicken in a spicy glaze with thai salad over jasmine rice...which varies in spice because they make it fresh every night. Sometimes it's the hottest thing you've ever had and sometimes it's perfectly mild....but either way once you eat it you literally are instantly addicted. I've never ordered that dish without thinking about it for a week afterward and wondering when I could get my next fix. The atmosphere isn't really kid-oriented, it's very dark in there and rustic. Very relaxing music and mood and the servers are very knowledgeable. Love this place!
(5)Connie S.
We came to this restaurant because we had received a gift card and a rave review from a family member. I didn't expect much because it was in DE. So in terms of expectations, it was OK. Don't let the sketchy shopping center location deter you. Once inside, it feels like a little bistro in Philly. They do not accept reservations unless it's for parties of 5 or more. We went on a Saturday night, around 6:30p and we only had a 15-20 minute wait. It was not a large menu but it was accompanied by a smaller menu listing the evening's specials so the selections were decent. Our appetizers, Fresh Mozzarella and Lamb Kabab were good. I ordered Rainbow Trout with Pesto and my husband ordered Crispy Softshell with Almond Butter. My rainbow trout was disappointingly overcooked, it was dry and not very tasty. My husband did like his softshell but this was his first time trying softshell crab so he had no comparison. I had a taste and thought it was ok. The extra star I'm giving is because Culinaria serves Bassett's Ice Cream!!! The dessert menu has a variety of ice cream-tinis (ice cream topped with liquer). I'm a purist myself so I thought that was over the top when you already serve the best ice cream around. Overall, it was just an ok experience. It won't be my top choice restaurant in the area but I'll check back in the fall to see if there are menu changes and I'm open to another visit.
(3)Rebecca R.
I wish I had read these reviews before heading over to Culinaria last week. I was deeply disappointed from start to finish. The menu is completely unoriginal and bland (how about marinated chicken with mashed potatoes??) is that worth $18? - but most importantly the service is lacking and outright rude. When I tried to complain about it to the manager, I was directed to the owner in the back, and I can see why the staff is rude because the owner is ten times worse. So save your money, and either cook at home (where you will not be treated this badly) or go to a cheap diner, where you will get the same food same quality with at least nicer people.
(1)Aaron L.
This is one of my favorite restaurants to visit, in fact, my wife and I try not to go too often because we like it to treat it like an occasion. We make roughly, 7 or 8 visits a year. I'm not sure if the 2 separate, 1 star giving NY visitors were at the same restaurant. Any dish at anytime can be altered, gladly. Service in all of my 25 or so visits, has always been fantastic. The Crispy, Spicy Chicken dish is addictive, as is the Calves Liver. I had their Delmonico special and it couldn't have been prepared better at any of the top steak restaurants in the country. Also, as simple as it seems, I cannot go without ordering the Tomato/Parm soup with every visit. What a great place to order a bottle of wine, will only set you back, on average, $22-$30 a bottle. I also love MORO, but if your not in the mood to "fork" out over $225. for 2 people, Culinaria has a TON of BANG for the BUCK. Visit and order an ICE COLD Manhatten, or Margherita at the bar, before you sit at your table. To me, the bar visit before you sit at your table is a needed element to fully appreciate the silky atmosphere at this pure eccentric gem of a restaurant.
(5)