Culinaria

This is a fabulous restaurant. The salmon in curry sauce is unbelievable. My husband loves the liver. I have no idea why people complain about the location. It’s north Wilmington! Who cares if it is next to a bread bakery? I have been eating there for close to TEN years and love it. Incredible appitizers and sautéed greens too.

Fantastic! From the outside you would never guess that inside is the best food in Delaware.

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 décor 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?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 décor of earth tone colors and beautifully decorated.
Will definitely return.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 entrée 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.

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.

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.