To celebrate my mother's birthday, we had lunch reservations at Catherine's on a Friday at 1pm. When we got there, we were surprised that there was only one other table occupied, and they were finishing up their meal. I guess it was nice that we had the place to ourselves, though! The outdoor area of Catherine's is beautiful- there is a nice patio with umbrellas, and an outdoor garden. They have both a restaurant and a small art gallery next door. Walking in to Catherine's, the entrance is exactly what I expected to see. The dining room also had some gorgeous pieces- for example, stunning windows with window covers, and some old church pews for seating- but I hated the tables and chairs. The tables were tiny and round, with light wood, and the chairs matched. They looked strewn around the room and didn't match the decor and feel of the place. They should have some dark wood farm-type tables instead- all of us agreed the tables looked out of place. Our server was very nice but also very relaxed. We brought a half bottle of champagne with us (it's a BYOB), and she brought us wine glasses for our champagne (guess they don't have champagne glasses) and also didn't open or chill our champagne bottle for us, which I thought was weird for a BYOB. Also, on their website it states that there is a $7 BYOB fee per table, which is kind of ridiculous. The lunch menu looked amazing, and I wanted so many different things. I ordered the sirloin burger ($10.95), my mom ordered the chicken salad sandwich ($8.95) and my sister ordered the crab cake and salad ($11.95). All the food was amazing and was definitely a great value for the price. My only slight disappointment was that the sides aren't listed on the menu, and we ended up getting pasta salad with the burger and chicken salad sandwich. To be fair, it was the best pasta salad I've ever had, but I'm not a huge fan of pasta salad and was really hoping for some french fries or potatoes. My mom said the chicken salad was the best she's ever had, and all of us cleaned our plates. For dessert, we shared a chocolate brownie mousse cake and a key lime pie. The key lime pie was amazing and probably the most memorable thing I ate- will definitely be craving it in the future! After lunch, we strolled through the art gallery. It was small- about two rooms- but there were some interesting pieces in it. Overall, a great lunch. I think there are a few things Catherine's could do to be even better, but we liked the food so much that I'm sure we will be back!
(4)
Ernie T.
Great casual atmosphere, although it could be a little more formal if you'd like. Excellent service and wonderful outdoor seating. Traditional menu items with a fresh spin. All the food is fresh and perfectly prepared. Would absolutely recommend for a romantic dinner. BYOB.
(5)
Paul D.
Rare find. You drive through the rolling countrysides, then come to this oasis. Lovely, quaint, unassuming charm, and then such wonderful cuisine! An excellent time for you and your significant other, but also a great to be with friends. I have been there for dinner as well as brunch numerous time because I can always count on having a wonderful experience.
(5)
Dave E.
We had lunch at Catherine's on a weekend after visiting nearby Longwood Gardens which worked out well. It was not crowded at all. The restaurant is a mixture of 'old world' architecture and modern and vintage decor. Seating is comfortable and the table is attractive (although the bird-shaped pepper shaker was nearly empty).There is also outdoor dining on a back patio too, which we declined to even consider on a blazing hot July afternoon. The food was excellent. I had what may seem like a boring choice - A chicken salad sandwich on multigrain bread. But it was the best chicken salad you could imagine. Ingredients were all fresh and tasty and the side salad of bow pasta and spinach was also a good compliment. Ice tea was served in a heavy glass and was deliciously cold. I have forgotten what my dining companions chose for lunch, but we were all quite satisfied with every aspect of the meal, including a cup of hot and full-bodied coffee to top off the meal. Service was very good but perhaps a bit slow. It took a good 15 minutes to get the order placed, but we were not in a hurry. No other complaints except while exiting the parking lot I noticed a rather large pothole that really needs to be filled in by someone.
(4)
Paul H.
We've been to Catherine's twice - once at the end of the summer when patio seating was still a good option, (and a very fine one, at that!) then latter in the fall when we had dinner there with friends in the main dining room. Both were really nice experiences. The menu is a bit limited (and was essentially identical both times we were there) but everything we ordered was amazing. I particularly remember the mushroom soup, some cheeses, and the duck, which was very good. Not life changing, but good! Interesting to read a few reviewers who were discontent with the service. I would say that service was not speedy either time we were there, but as far as that goes, we were in linger mode both times, so that was fine with us. Certainly never felt neglected! Our server the first time was especially gracious to take a few moments to tell us about the menu and the history of the restaurant. Nice. It's a very charming place where you're gonna drop $100 even though you bring your own wine, but totally worth it in my book. I suspect that we'll work Catherine's into our regular once or twice a year rotation. Would be a great place to take out-of-towners for a taste of Chester-county-small-town-easy-livin'-fine-dining! In this economy, i'm just delighted that little restaurants like this can stay above water. Definitely one of the best options in OUR neighborhood!
(4)
Maggy S.
I didn't realize the restaurant had two seatings - one at 6:30 and another at 8. I switched our reservation to 7:15 and when we got there the place was packed. It took a minute to get someone to give us menus and get the attention of our server, but once we did she was efficient and friendly despite being crazy busy. It's super dark inside and they give out flashlights to read the menu. The mushroom soup with crab was excellent although it could have been a bit hotter. I ordered the salmon - and I judge a place by how well the salmon is cooked - and it was perfect. My girlfriend ordered the shrimp with noodles and she loved the flavors. We skipped dessert. CON: The noise level in the room was high. We were tucked into a little corner and I noticed it was a lot louder in the rest of the room. BYOB if you want wine.
(4)
Matthew W.
Overpriced and sub par food. This place is ok for Kenneth area or Delaware but has nothing on the Philly byos. Duck was overcooked and food slopped on the plate. What happened to presentation?
(2)
Michael K.
Headed out to the Whip for lunch but a late start meant too long of a wait. Decided to try Catherine and glad we did. Lunch was a group of four of us. My wife, mother in law, my mom and myself. I had the Wagyu burger and it was excellent(cooked perfectly). The girls had the mushroom crab soup and thought it was Excellent as well. Mother in law had the crab cake sandwich, my wife had the chicken salad sandwich. .....I'm eating the leftovers right now and I can say they both are great sandwiches. I saw a few reviews that said the prices are high??? Seriously?? I felt the prices were actually fair...Even on the lower side of my expectations. We will definitely go back again. 100% satisfied.
(5)
Dan Q.
We went on a Wednesday eveing and the restaurant was pretty empty. The food was great! The service was extremely friendly and efficient! Would definatley recommend to others!
(5)
Kate D.
Give it a try! We will go back, but with different expectations than the first time. It is a family owned and run business, so make sure you're not in a hurry when you go; other patrons might call this service "slow." The mushroom crab soup was very flavorful with just the right amount of kick and plenty of chunks for the mushroom lovers. The pistachio-goat cheese salad was delicious, but *really* small for a $9 salad. I ordered the duck and it came with a tomato - basil risotto that was tasty, but not outstanding. Risotto is tough to execute very well. The duck itself was ok -- I would assign 4 stars instead of 3 if it was more tender and without gristle. Yikes. We will plan to sit at the charming outside patio next time and likely order just some appetizers.
(3)
Shaun R.
I can honestly say that some of the best meals that I have eaten in my entire life have been at Catherine's. Everything on the menu I have tried has been 5 star, and the service and atmosphere just can't be matched. Dining here is an experience so don't expect to be in and out in 30 minutes, after all most of the time there are only two or three staff members running the entire kitchen and dinning room and they take their time to make sure that your meal is perfect. We recently moved away from the area, but this was my go to place to impress dates, visiting family, etc... and everyone was always had an amazing time and was impressed. The location is a bit remote but the surrounding area is beautiful and it is very much worth the trip if you are coming from Philly or Wilmington.
(5)
Mike O.
Passed by here number of times & finally decided to give it a try. Great decision! My girlfriend & I went on a Saturday evening in January. Place was packed. Quaint setting. Friendly service. Limited menu, but sometimes that's a good thing. Had a bowl of the mushroom & lump crab soup - outstanding! We both had entree specials, so can't comment on the 'standard' menu, but we cleaned our plates. Highly recommend the tiramisu for dessert - very light but very satisfying. Expect to drop $100+ for dinner for two. Only complaints - there is a $7 BYOB charge, it was somewhat noisy (the only thing holding me back from giving it a 5 rating), and they only have a unisex bath room. However, we will definitely be back, especially when the patio is open. Highly recommend this little gem.
(4)
Kris S.
My hopes for an excellent dining experience have been bubbling up ever since the first time I heard about Catherine's Restaurant. I live in the area and drive passed Catherine's all the time - Everytime I have seen their chalk board sign outside I have wanted to just go for it and make a reservation. Life is busy and for me to go would really just be for special occasions. This year - my daughter and I decided to go to Catherine's for the Easter Brunch - an enticing menu of options. I was on Open Table and made a reservation - I received a confirmation for the reservation - but day of - our reservation was cancelled. The nice people at Catherines accommodated us and we sat down for brunch. The server was really nice and I loved the coziness of this restaurant - but in the end was disappointed that the large percentage of my plate was covered in arugula instead of an appetizing portion of food. I did know what I was getting... but when I looked around the room - I noticed that the other plates did seem more green than anything. I am all for healthy eating - but my daughter and I were still hungry after ordering 2 entrees and a desert - plus a check around $54.00. I had higher hopes for Catherines.
(2)
Craig D.
OUR BRUNCH MENU * (Spicy) Mushroom & Crab Soup = 4.5 (Very good. It's a Big bowl) * Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes = 3.5 (good) * Custom Coffee = 3.5 (good) * Banana's Fosters Belgian Waffle = 4 (Very good) * Orange Juice = 2.5 (not the best) * Reservations Recommended!
(4)
carol S.
Had dinner on a Saturday night. OMG it was so incredibly noisy. I thought I was at a sports bar with a rowdy crowd. Would not go back on a weekend evening for that reason alone thinking that a weekday might be less crowded and less noisy. Now regarding the food. It is very inventive and tasty with some unfortunate problems in execution. My goat cheese ravioli with smoked sea scallops were quite tasty especially the filling and the few smoked scallops but the edges of the ravioli were thick and undercooked. My grouper with crabmeat was a little dry but a decent serving but needed more seasoning. The green beans were closer to raw than al dente. My key lime pie was passable but I've had others with more lime taste. Service was attentive. They give you flashlights to see the menu and bill. Charging $7 to open a bottle of my wine which sits on the table for me to pour is a bit much. My friend enjoyed the experience. She loved the atmosphere .. Quaint setting, tablecloths and flowers.
(3)
Kit-N-Debbie W.
We visited for the first time. A charming BYOB in the heart of the little village of Unionville, Pa. We were happy that even though, not a large restaurant, the tables were spread far enough apart that you didn't hear other diners conversation as you do in many other restaurants. Service was excellent, a nice variety of appetizers and entrees, as well as some enticing specials. We highly recommend and can't wait for our next visit.
(5)
Perri E.
This cozy upscale BYOB is worth the drive. It's only 4 miles north of Rte. 1 and Kennett Square. The wait staff were attentive and very friendly. And the food was wonderful. We raved about the scallops and the filet mignon. And if you're into hot, don't miss the Ceasar Salad with chipotles...or the pork tenderloin. The desserts were good, but no real chocolate ones which, for this chocoholic was a bummer. But not the end of the world. So if you're out in the boonies, try it.
(5)
Kimberly K.
This is my new favorite place! The owner is very personable and pleasant. It is BYOB and we brought two bottles of wine. They had the freshest bruschetta I've ever tasted on the table when we arrived. There was also a little appetizer that we shared on the table that was on a crostini. It was fresh and delicious. I ordered the scallops and risotto and my friend ordered steak on top of a salad. Both entrees were perfectly cooked and perfectly proportioned. For dessert we had blueberry champagne with a slice of Keylime pie and a slice of chocolate chip fudge cake. It was a taste of heaven! I cannot wait to go back. I live 40 minutes away and it's worth the drive.
(5)
Kristen P.
Outstanding service, decor, and food! We love Catherine's and make it a point to visit each time we are in the area. The ambiance, whether you are seated inside or outside, is so warm and inviting, it's the perfect place for a date night or gathering with friends! The food was prepared to perfection, the desserts were delightful, we can't wait to set up another visit!
(5)
Mike T.
Great food (mushroom and lump crab soup, mint pesto scallops and the chocolate chipotle cake are to die for) and a vibrant (sometimes annoyingly loud) atmosphere. However, I love this location in the fall and winter, we had our holiday party here last year and it will be tough to top. One hint, stay away from the duck breast... after 3 attempts I have never been happy with it.
(4)
Chris C.
Very charming and warm atmosphere with a great staff. Food is excellent and the presentation is top notch.
(5)
Jim B.
Food, service and setting all combined for a wonderful experience. We invited friends who had never been there and we're glad we did.
(5)
OneSeventeen W.
I took my mom, grandmother, dad, and two siblings here for Mother's Day. Service was great, atmosphere was a lot of fun, and the food was fantastic! There was some confusion regarding my bill, because apparently I inadvertently took the signed receipt with me and left an unsigned copy on the table. I left the tip in cash and did not mean to add the tip to my credit card charge. In the Mother's Day rush, the cash tip got lost, and my credit card was charged an additional 18%. I emailed the owner to resolve the confusion, and she called me back personally, apologized profusely, and worked with my credit card company to reverse the extra charges. Thank you, Catherine's and Marybeth!
(5)
William M.
Went there Saturday night. It's a converted general store I believe so it's basically one open space. That's the downside. A little noisy. They could do with some sound damping on the ceiling and walls. Oh, but the food. The mushroom crab soup is everything you could want, so delicious. Almost too good as they had other interesting appetizers but we're not sure we'll ever try them when we go back. My wife got the crab cakes and I had a taste. With out a doubt, the best crab cakes I've ever tasted. I had the blackened tuna, rare, with poblano sauce as I was wanting something spicy. Not something I order often but the waitress suggested it over the snapper and I was very pleased. We will be going back. Final notes, parking is tight, finding the entrance in the dark is not intuitive, but it's a BYOB!
(4)
Charles R.
Crab cakes were not good, but the rest was wonderful. Very nice setting a couple miles north of the town of Kennet Square. The fresh warm bread with minty salsa was very good and served as soon as we sat down. The Kennett Square mushroom soup and the blackened scallops were both excellent. The special was butterfish that was firm, tasty and came with asparagus and a nice risotto. Crab cakes were unlike any I have ever had. When I cut into them with my fork they didn't fall apart like most cakes, but rather they stayed together and were almost held together with a gelatin like binder. They looked like lump crab meat, but there was no taste to them, and the texture was very odd. I ate 1 and sampled some of the risotto that came with the dish. The key lime pie for dessert was creamy , but not very tart. I thought the service was well paced and it is BYO. They have their own lot and they take Visa, MC and Discover. Would go back again, but next time I would stay away from the crabcakes.
(3)
Joseph S.
We have been to Catherine's twice and will go back. Find it strange that someone commented on them not being willing to do a vegetarian dish on the fly, when both times my 5 year old got custom pancakes with strawberries on the side, our experience is they have been very accommodating. I had the Cesar salad and my wife the goat cheese salad, quality was excellent, but the portion should have been bigger, we are talking lettuce here, just use more lettuce.
(4)
Jasmine K.
A lovely, charming byob! Amazing brunch, we had goat cheese ravioli, bananas foster Belgium waffles and filet Mignon eggs benedict. Need I say more? Cozy patio with eclectic decor. For brunch we brought our young children and sat outside but for dinner I would suggest more of a date or small group. We have eaten dinner many times here. The low candle light, friendly service and local menu capture you. I can't say enough about how this place is just a slice of paradise.
(5)
Lauren P.
Great local place with awesome outdoor seating. Catherine's is located in an old house and is such a charming place to eat. I went for Mother's Day brunch and glad we made reservations as it was packed. We got a table on the patio in the back and the staff was nice enough to pull up an umbrella to keep us out of the sun. Our waiter was great and the best part of the meal was when he shot the cork of our champagne bottle onto the roof and got a round of applause. By the way it is BYOB and their famous blueberry pomegranate juice went perfectly with the champagne we brought for a tasty mimosa. For my entree I went with the spinach, cheese and prosciutto omelet which came with home fries and toast. All was very fresh and tasty- they really loaded the omelet up with ingredients. Others in my party get the eggs Benedict and banana fosters Belgian waffle all with rave reviews. If you have a sweet tooth recommend the waffle which is served with a scoop of ice cream on top. Def want to go back for dinner.
(4)
Leon W.
My wife and I had dinner here after spending the day taking pictures at Longwood Gardens. This was our first visit to the restaurant. The service was very friendly and attentive. The food was very good comparable to some of the gourmet restaurants in the Washington, DC area. Would definitely recommend this restaurant to friends and will return on future visits to the Gardens.
(4)
Katharine K.
We treated ourselves to dinner at Catherine's for our anniversary on a weeknight. We sat outside in the patio which was great with a casual atmosphere. The food was excellent, we both enjoyed the mushroom soup to start, then I had a scallops and shrimp special that came with delicious risotto. My husband had the short rib pasta which he enjoyed and we both had enough to take some leftovers home. Since it was our anniversary we shared a dessert, a slice of cheesecake that was so big we even took half home! Overall a really nice place for a special occasion. A little pricy, but the food was delicious and the service was great. We took advantage of the BYO with a bottle of wine, but I was surprised at the corkage fee of $15... seemed high to me, but maybe I just haven't been to that many nice BYO restaurants.
(4)
D K.
My most recent visit has taken my review from 4 to 5 stars! Very delicious meal. Filet was excellent, salad tasty, desert wonderful (and complementary!). They still honor the restaurant.com certs (thank you!) Ambiance was nice, not crowded, not loud. Candles at dinner. Overall, a top notch experience. Will be back soon again!
(5)
Dru C.
We drive by there frequently, and have seen their crab soup advertised on their bulletin board, so we decided to try it for Christmas. We ordered three quarts @ $30./quart, we were expecting delicious. It wasn't awful, just tasted like pepper. Ninety dollars for pepper soup, never again!
Decided to treat ourselves tonight. They weren't too busy but only one waitress. She was lovely but very busy! We had mushroom soup and the goat cheese salad. Husband loved the soup but my salad has been better. Goat cheese barely warm. The main course took forever. I had the salmon, risotto and green beens. The chef must have been waiting for risotto as the salmon was barely warm. Husband had filet, mashed potatoes and green beens. Filet was supposed to be medium well but needed to be sent back. It was rare. Came back hotter with the blue cheese on top (missing first time) but more medium rare. Sauce was great. Waitress felt bad that we had rare filet and gave us a free dessert. We chose chocolate lava cake. Hot and chocolately but no lava! Was actually dry. Not sure why they were off but with such a limited and pricey menu what you get should be a lot better. Time for new menu!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Lisa S.
To celebrate my mother's birthday, we had lunch reservations at Catherine's on a Friday at 1pm. When we got there, we were surprised that there was only one other table occupied, and they were finishing up their meal. I guess it was nice that we had the place to ourselves, though! The outdoor area of Catherine's is beautiful- there is a nice patio with umbrellas, and an outdoor garden. They have both a restaurant and a small art gallery next door. Walking in to Catherine's, the entrance is exactly what I expected to see. The dining room also had some gorgeous pieces- for example, stunning windows with window covers, and some old church pews for seating- but I hated the tables and chairs. The tables were tiny and round, with light wood, and the chairs matched. They looked strewn around the room and didn't match the decor and feel of the place. They should have some dark wood farm-type tables instead- all of us agreed the tables looked out of place. Our server was very nice but also very relaxed. We brought a half bottle of champagne with us (it's a BYOB), and she brought us wine glasses for our champagne (guess they don't have champagne glasses) and also didn't open or chill our champagne bottle for us, which I thought was weird for a BYOB. Also, on their website it states that there is a $7 BYOB fee per table, which is kind of ridiculous. The lunch menu looked amazing, and I wanted so many different things. I ordered the sirloin burger ($10.95), my mom ordered the chicken salad sandwich ($8.95) and my sister ordered the crab cake and salad ($11.95). All the food was amazing and was definitely a great value for the price. My only slight disappointment was that the sides aren't listed on the menu, and we ended up getting pasta salad with the burger and chicken salad sandwich. To be fair, it was the best pasta salad I've ever had, but I'm not a huge fan of pasta salad and was really hoping for some french fries or potatoes. My mom said the chicken salad was the best she's ever had, and all of us cleaned our plates. For dessert, we shared a chocolate brownie mousse cake and a key lime pie. The key lime pie was amazing and probably the most memorable thing I ate- will definitely be craving it in the future! After lunch, we strolled through the art gallery. It was small- about two rooms- but there were some interesting pieces in it. Overall, a great lunch. I think there are a few things Catherine's could do to be even better, but we liked the food so much that I'm sure we will be back!
(4)Ernie T.
Great casual atmosphere, although it could be a little more formal if you'd like. Excellent service and wonderful outdoor seating. Traditional menu items with a fresh spin. All the food is fresh and perfectly prepared. Would absolutely recommend for a romantic dinner. BYOB.
(5)Paul D.
Rare find. You drive through the rolling countrysides, then come to this oasis. Lovely, quaint, unassuming charm, and then such wonderful cuisine! An excellent time for you and your significant other, but also a great to be with friends. I have been there for dinner as well as brunch numerous time because I can always count on having a wonderful experience.
(5)Dave E.
We had lunch at Catherine's on a weekend after visiting nearby Longwood Gardens which worked out well. It was not crowded at all. The restaurant is a mixture of 'old world' architecture and modern and vintage decor. Seating is comfortable and the table is attractive (although the bird-shaped pepper shaker was nearly empty).There is also outdoor dining on a back patio too, which we declined to even consider on a blazing hot July afternoon. The food was excellent. I had what may seem like a boring choice - A chicken salad sandwich on multigrain bread. But it was the best chicken salad you could imagine. Ingredients were all fresh and tasty and the side salad of bow pasta and spinach was also a good compliment. Ice tea was served in a heavy glass and was deliciously cold. I have forgotten what my dining companions chose for lunch, but we were all quite satisfied with every aspect of the meal, including a cup of hot and full-bodied coffee to top off the meal. Service was very good but perhaps a bit slow. It took a good 15 minutes to get the order placed, but we were not in a hurry. No other complaints except while exiting the parking lot I noticed a rather large pothole that really needs to be filled in by someone.
(4)Paul H.
We've been to Catherine's twice - once at the end of the summer when patio seating was still a good option, (and a very fine one, at that!) then latter in the fall when we had dinner there with friends in the main dining room. Both were really nice experiences. The menu is a bit limited (and was essentially identical both times we were there) but everything we ordered was amazing. I particularly remember the mushroom soup, some cheeses, and the duck, which was very good. Not life changing, but good! Interesting to read a few reviewers who were discontent with the service. I would say that service was not speedy either time we were there, but as far as that goes, we were in linger mode both times, so that was fine with us. Certainly never felt neglected! Our server the first time was especially gracious to take a few moments to tell us about the menu and the history of the restaurant. Nice. It's a very charming place where you're gonna drop $100 even though you bring your own wine, but totally worth it in my book. I suspect that we'll work Catherine's into our regular once or twice a year rotation. Would be a great place to take out-of-towners for a taste of Chester-county-small-town-easy-livin'-fine-dining! In this economy, i'm just delighted that little restaurants like this can stay above water. Definitely one of the best options in OUR neighborhood!
(4)Maggy S.
I didn't realize the restaurant had two seatings - one at 6:30 and another at 8. I switched our reservation to 7:15 and when we got there the place was packed. It took a minute to get someone to give us menus and get the attention of our server, but once we did she was efficient and friendly despite being crazy busy. It's super dark inside and they give out flashlights to read the menu. The mushroom soup with crab was excellent although it could have been a bit hotter. I ordered the salmon - and I judge a place by how well the salmon is cooked - and it was perfect. My girlfriend ordered the shrimp with noodles and she loved the flavors. We skipped dessert. CON: The noise level in the room was high. We were tucked into a little corner and I noticed it was a lot louder in the rest of the room. BYOB if you want wine.
(4)Matthew W.
Overpriced and sub par food. This place is ok for Kenneth area or Delaware but has nothing on the Philly byos. Duck was overcooked and food slopped on the plate. What happened to presentation?
(2)Michael K.
Headed out to the Whip for lunch but a late start meant too long of a wait. Decided to try Catherine and glad we did. Lunch was a group of four of us. My wife, mother in law, my mom and myself. I had the Wagyu burger and it was excellent(cooked perfectly). The girls had the mushroom crab soup and thought it was Excellent as well. Mother in law had the crab cake sandwich, my wife had the chicken salad sandwich. .....I'm eating the leftovers right now and I can say they both are great sandwiches. I saw a few reviews that said the prices are high??? Seriously?? I felt the prices were actually fair...Even on the lower side of my expectations. We will definitely go back again. 100% satisfied.
(5)Dan Q.
We went on a Wednesday eveing and the restaurant was pretty empty. The food was great! The service was extremely friendly and efficient! Would definatley recommend to others!
(5)Kate D.
Give it a try! We will go back, but with different expectations than the first time. It is a family owned and run business, so make sure you're not in a hurry when you go; other patrons might call this service "slow." The mushroom crab soup was very flavorful with just the right amount of kick and plenty of chunks for the mushroom lovers. The pistachio-goat cheese salad was delicious, but *really* small for a $9 salad. I ordered the duck and it came with a tomato - basil risotto that was tasty, but not outstanding. Risotto is tough to execute very well. The duck itself was ok -- I would assign 4 stars instead of 3 if it was more tender and without gristle. Yikes. We will plan to sit at the charming outside patio next time and likely order just some appetizers.
(3)Shaun R.
I can honestly say that some of the best meals that I have eaten in my entire life have been at Catherine's. Everything on the menu I have tried has been 5 star, and the service and atmosphere just can't be matched. Dining here is an experience so don't expect to be in and out in 30 minutes, after all most of the time there are only two or three staff members running the entire kitchen and dinning room and they take their time to make sure that your meal is perfect. We recently moved away from the area, but this was my go to place to impress dates, visiting family, etc... and everyone was always had an amazing time and was impressed. The location is a bit remote but the surrounding area is beautiful and it is very much worth the trip if you are coming from Philly or Wilmington.
(5)Mike O.
Passed by here number of times & finally decided to give it a try. Great decision! My girlfriend & I went on a Saturday evening in January. Place was packed. Quaint setting. Friendly service. Limited menu, but sometimes that's a good thing. Had a bowl of the mushroom & lump crab soup - outstanding! We both had entree specials, so can't comment on the 'standard' menu, but we cleaned our plates. Highly recommend the tiramisu for dessert - very light but very satisfying. Expect to drop $100+ for dinner for two. Only complaints - there is a $7 BYOB charge, it was somewhat noisy (the only thing holding me back from giving it a 5 rating), and they only have a unisex bath room. However, we will definitely be back, especially when the patio is open. Highly recommend this little gem.
(4)Kris S.
My hopes for an excellent dining experience have been bubbling up ever since the first time I heard about Catherine's Restaurant. I live in the area and drive passed Catherine's all the time - Everytime I have seen their chalk board sign outside I have wanted to just go for it and make a reservation. Life is busy and for me to go would really just be for special occasions. This year - my daughter and I decided to go to Catherine's for the Easter Brunch - an enticing menu of options. I was on Open Table and made a reservation - I received a confirmation for the reservation - but day of - our reservation was cancelled. The nice people at Catherines accommodated us and we sat down for brunch. The server was really nice and I loved the coziness of this restaurant - but in the end was disappointed that the large percentage of my plate was covered in arugula instead of an appetizing portion of food. I did know what I was getting... but when I looked around the room - I noticed that the other plates did seem more green than anything. I am all for healthy eating - but my daughter and I were still hungry after ordering 2 entrees and a desert - plus a check around $54.00. I had higher hopes for Catherines.
(2)Craig D.
OUR BRUNCH MENU * (Spicy) Mushroom & Crab Soup = 4.5 (Very good. It's a Big bowl) * Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes = 3.5 (good) * Custom Coffee = 3.5 (good) * Banana's Fosters Belgian Waffle = 4 (Very good) * Orange Juice = 2.5 (not the best) * Reservations Recommended!
(4)carol S.
Had dinner on a Saturday night. OMG it was so incredibly noisy. I thought I was at a sports bar with a rowdy crowd. Would not go back on a weekend evening for that reason alone thinking that a weekday might be less crowded and less noisy. Now regarding the food. It is very inventive and tasty with some unfortunate problems in execution. My goat cheese ravioli with smoked sea scallops were quite tasty especially the filling and the few smoked scallops but the edges of the ravioli were thick and undercooked. My grouper with crabmeat was a little dry but a decent serving but needed more seasoning. The green beans were closer to raw than al dente. My key lime pie was passable but I've had others with more lime taste. Service was attentive. They give you flashlights to see the menu and bill. Charging $7 to open a bottle of my wine which sits on the table for me to pour is a bit much. My friend enjoyed the experience. She loved the atmosphere .. Quaint setting, tablecloths and flowers.
(3)Kit-N-Debbie W.
We visited for the first time. A charming BYOB in the heart of the little village of Unionville, Pa. We were happy that even though, not a large restaurant, the tables were spread far enough apart that you didn't hear other diners conversation as you do in many other restaurants. Service was excellent, a nice variety of appetizers and entrees, as well as some enticing specials. We highly recommend and can't wait for our next visit.
(5)Perri E.
This cozy upscale BYOB is worth the drive. It's only 4 miles north of Rte. 1 and Kennett Square. The wait staff were attentive and very friendly. And the food was wonderful. We raved about the scallops and the filet mignon. And if you're into hot, don't miss the Ceasar Salad with chipotles...or the pork tenderloin. The desserts were good, but no real chocolate ones which, for this chocoholic was a bummer. But not the end of the world. So if you're out in the boonies, try it.
(5)Kimberly K.
This is my new favorite place! The owner is very personable and pleasant. It is BYOB and we brought two bottles of wine. They had the freshest bruschetta I've ever tasted on the table when we arrived. There was also a little appetizer that we shared on the table that was on a crostini. It was fresh and delicious. I ordered the scallops and risotto and my friend ordered steak on top of a salad. Both entrees were perfectly cooked and perfectly proportioned. For dessert we had blueberry champagne with a slice of Keylime pie and a slice of chocolate chip fudge cake. It was a taste of heaven! I cannot wait to go back. I live 40 minutes away and it's worth the drive.
(5)Kristen P.
Outstanding service, decor, and food! We love Catherine's and make it a point to visit each time we are in the area. The ambiance, whether you are seated inside or outside, is so warm and inviting, it's the perfect place for a date night or gathering with friends! The food was prepared to perfection, the desserts were delightful, we can't wait to set up another visit!
(5)Mike T.
Great food (mushroom and lump crab soup, mint pesto scallops and the chocolate chipotle cake are to die for) and a vibrant (sometimes annoyingly loud) atmosphere. However, I love this location in the fall and winter, we had our holiday party here last year and it will be tough to top. One hint, stay away from the duck breast... after 3 attempts I have never been happy with it.
(4)Chris C.
Very charming and warm atmosphere with a great staff. Food is excellent and the presentation is top notch.
(5)Jim B.
Food, service and setting all combined for a wonderful experience. We invited friends who had never been there and we're glad we did.
(5)OneSeventeen W.
I took my mom, grandmother, dad, and two siblings here for Mother's Day. Service was great, atmosphere was a lot of fun, and the food was fantastic! There was some confusion regarding my bill, because apparently I inadvertently took the signed receipt with me and left an unsigned copy on the table. I left the tip in cash and did not mean to add the tip to my credit card charge. In the Mother's Day rush, the cash tip got lost, and my credit card was charged an additional 18%. I emailed the owner to resolve the confusion, and she called me back personally, apologized profusely, and worked with my credit card company to reverse the extra charges. Thank you, Catherine's and Marybeth!
(5)William M.
Went there Saturday night. It's a converted general store I believe so it's basically one open space. That's the downside. A little noisy. They could do with some sound damping on the ceiling and walls. Oh, but the food. The mushroom crab soup is everything you could want, so delicious. Almost too good as they had other interesting appetizers but we're not sure we'll ever try them when we go back. My wife got the crab cakes and I had a taste. With out a doubt, the best crab cakes I've ever tasted. I had the blackened tuna, rare, with poblano sauce as I was wanting something spicy. Not something I order often but the waitress suggested it over the snapper and I was very pleased. We will be going back. Final notes, parking is tight, finding the entrance in the dark is not intuitive, but it's a BYOB!
(4)Charles R.
Crab cakes were not good, but the rest was wonderful. Very nice setting a couple miles north of the town of Kennet Square. The fresh warm bread with minty salsa was very good and served as soon as we sat down. The Kennett Square mushroom soup and the blackened scallops were both excellent. The special was butterfish that was firm, tasty and came with asparagus and a nice risotto. Crab cakes were unlike any I have ever had. When I cut into them with my fork they didn't fall apart like most cakes, but rather they stayed together and were almost held together with a gelatin like binder. They looked like lump crab meat, but there was no taste to them, and the texture was very odd. I ate 1 and sampled some of the risotto that came with the dish. The key lime pie for dessert was creamy , but not very tart. I thought the service was well paced and it is BYO. They have their own lot and they take Visa, MC and Discover. Would go back again, but next time I would stay away from the crabcakes.
(3)Joseph S.
We have been to Catherine's twice and will go back. Find it strange that someone commented on them not being willing to do a vegetarian dish on the fly, when both times my 5 year old got custom pancakes with strawberries on the side, our experience is they have been very accommodating. I had the Cesar salad and my wife the goat cheese salad, quality was excellent, but the portion should have been bigger, we are talking lettuce here, just use more lettuce.
(4)Jasmine K.
A lovely, charming byob! Amazing brunch, we had goat cheese ravioli, bananas foster Belgium waffles and filet Mignon eggs benedict. Need I say more? Cozy patio with eclectic decor. For brunch we brought our young children and sat outside but for dinner I would suggest more of a date or small group. We have eaten dinner many times here. The low candle light, friendly service and local menu capture you. I can't say enough about how this place is just a slice of paradise.
(5)Lauren P.
Great local place with awesome outdoor seating. Catherine's is located in an old house and is such a charming place to eat. I went for Mother's Day brunch and glad we made reservations as it was packed. We got a table on the patio in the back and the staff was nice enough to pull up an umbrella to keep us out of the sun. Our waiter was great and the best part of the meal was when he shot the cork of our champagne bottle onto the roof and got a round of applause. By the way it is BYOB and their famous blueberry pomegranate juice went perfectly with the champagne we brought for a tasty mimosa. For my entree I went with the spinach, cheese and prosciutto omelet which came with home fries and toast. All was very fresh and tasty- they really loaded the omelet up with ingredients. Others in my party get the eggs Benedict and banana fosters Belgian waffle all with rave reviews. If you have a sweet tooth recommend the waffle which is served with a scoop of ice cream on top. Def want to go back for dinner.
(4)Leon W.
My wife and I had dinner here after spending the day taking pictures at Longwood Gardens. This was our first visit to the restaurant. The service was very friendly and attentive. The food was very good comparable to some of the gourmet restaurants in the Washington, DC area. Would definitely recommend this restaurant to friends and will return on future visits to the Gardens.
(4)Katharine K.
We treated ourselves to dinner at Catherine's for our anniversary on a weeknight. We sat outside in the patio which was great with a casual atmosphere. The food was excellent, we both enjoyed the mushroom soup to start, then I had a scallops and shrimp special that came with delicious risotto. My husband had the short rib pasta which he enjoyed and we both had enough to take some leftovers home. Since it was our anniversary we shared a dessert, a slice of cheesecake that was so big we even took half home! Overall a really nice place for a special occasion. A little pricy, but the food was delicious and the service was great. We took advantage of the BYO with a bottle of wine, but I was surprised at the corkage fee of $15... seemed high to me, but maybe I just haven't been to that many nice BYO restaurants.
(4)D K.
My most recent visit has taken my review from 4 to 5 stars! Very delicious meal. Filet was excellent, salad tasty, desert wonderful (and complementary!). They still honor the restaurant.com certs (thank you!) Ambiance was nice, not crowded, not loud. Candles at dinner. Overall, a top notch experience. Will be back soon again!
(5)Dru C.
We drive by there frequently, and have seen their crab soup advertised on their bulletin board, so we decided to try it for Christmas. We ordered three quarts @ $30./quart, we were expecting delicious. It wasn't awful, just tasted like pepper. Ninety dollars for pepper soup, never again!
(1)Heather B.
My husband and I dined at Catherine's for our wedding anniversary. It was a Wednesday night and we had a 7:30pm reservation. The restaurant was fairly quiet when we arrived, only about four other tables when we arrived. I thought the interior was decorated nicely, lots of candles, fresh flowers etc. We sat at table near the front of the building next to a window. As other reviewers have mentioned, the lighting was low, but I did not find it difficult to read the menu or to see my food. I would describe it more as mood lighting than anything else. They started us with a few slices of warm bread and a tomato basil dipping sauce. The dipping sauce was very good, sort of a very finely chopped bruschetta with a good amount of balsamic vinaigrette in it. My husband really liked it and I'm going to try to recreate it at home. (we'll see how that goes!) I ordered the mushroom and crab soup. It was quite good and very hot. If you like mushroom soup, you will like it. My husband is not really a fan and said "It tastes like mushroom soup" when he tried a bite of mine. So there you have it :-P. He started with the goat cheese salad. The salad was very nice, the goat cheese was fairly mild and served warm. For entrees I had the blackened tuna steak medium rare. The portion on the tuna was extremely large, I could only eat half of it. It was cooked very well, and I liked the poblano pepper crema it was served with. It also a risotto and sautéed green beans. The green beans I think had Chinese five spice powder on them. I liked them independently, but didn't feel that they really paired well with the tuna. My husband had the braised short rib pasta. The pasta on the menu was replaced by a different kind. He really enjoyed it, but I thought it was a bit on the bland side. Of course, I was directly comparing it to my spicy tuna steak, so probably partially the contrast. We had the key lime pie and flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Both were excellent, though I think I would split them in the future since by that point I was very full! Service was attentive and friendly all night. My only real complaint is that one other table was seated as we were going into dessert. The restaurant was otherwise empty at that point, and they seated them right next to us. I feel like a little buffer room would have been nice so that we could quietly enjoy the remainder of the meal. Our bill for three courses each + corkage fee (BYOB) was a little over $100 which I feel was very reasonable for the quality of food and service provided.
(4)Donna G.
Decided to treat ourselves tonight. They weren't too busy but only one waitress. She was lovely but very busy! We had mushroom soup and the goat cheese salad. Husband loved the soup but my salad has been better. Goat cheese barely warm. The main course took forever. I had the salmon, risotto and green beens. The chef must have been waiting for risotto as the salmon was barely warm. Husband had filet, mashed potatoes and green beens. Filet was supposed to be medium well but needed to be sent back. It was rare. Came back hotter with the blue cheese on top (missing first time) but more medium rare. Sauce was great. Waitress felt bad that we had rare filet and gave us a free dessert. We chose chocolate lava cake. Hot and chocolately but no lava! Was actually dry. Not sure why they were off but with such a limited and pricey menu what you get should be a lot better. Time for new menu!
(3)