Culamar Seafood Rest + Rooftop Bar

I wanted this to be great, but we didn’t even get a good experience. The atmosphere and food saved the service. Had a few apps, beats, asparagus, oysters… they are proud of theirs, $6 for 1? Overall the risotto was amazing. Buddy had the burger, which he said was ok. Roof top is pretty legit. Oh BTW, the bar was a mess. Again, maybe an off night, but I’ve heard things have really dropped off here.

Cioppino, the calamari, the mussels were delicious. The starters are quite small, tapas size but very tasty nonetheless. Plenty of options for oysters. I would say as feedback, the whipped butter for the bread was a tad bit too salty for my taste. We arrived early and hit the rooftop for drinks and service upstairs was stellar. All around a wonderful evening out.

We had the pleasure of eating at Culimar for our 35th wedding anniversary. We had reserved the chef’s table which is really more like a bar seating area. You don’t really get to watch the chefs. You do get to watch some of the sous chefs, but the chefs are a little further beyond them. I did feel like I was sitting at a bar instead of a fine dining restaurant. I’m sure they would’ve moved us if we would have asked. The staff was super nice very attentive, our water glasses never wanted for a refill. Since I don’t drink they came up with a nice espresso mocktail for me. That was very delightful. Pre-dinner. I forget what my wife had to drink, but there was no complaints. It may have been an aperol spritz, her favorite. I ordered the New York strip cooked medium. My wife ordered the trout. The New York strip came prepared like Steak Frites, so it was steak and fries. My wife’s trout looked and tasted amazing. We had a great time. The food was fantastic. The atmosphere was OK and that’s probably because we were facing the kitchen and not seated by some nice window which I highly recommend. The company was definitely the highlight of the dinner with my love, my life, and my lady by my side, every dining experience is five stars. Ya’ll and I want to give a special thank you to the all Latin/Hispanic Cook team in the kitchen. Culimar wouldn’t make it without you. Muchísimas gracias y que Dios de bendiga.

We had a large group there (9 of us) and it was a very pleasant and easy experience. It was for an early dinner but the restaurant was already somewhat busy. The service was very good and were able to serve everyone at the same time. The menu is eclectic and interesting so live dangerously because it is lovely and very good, The ravioli was my favorite although everything looked amazing. The wine list is limited but has enough offerings and the drinks were excellent. Downtown Franklin is always nice and this is just on the edge of the town with ample parking and easy access.

We had really great, friendly service. The sommelier was super helpful picking a wine pairing for our entrees. The twist on arancini was delicious. My husband loved the shishito peppers. We shared the risotto and the chicken. Both were delicious but the risotto was probably my favorite. I usually don’t get dessert but could not pass up pistachio gelato and an Amaro. In my opinion if a restaurant has a great digestif selection, that’s a good sign! I would like to return in spring to the rooftop.

Our first experience at Culamar was outstanding… wanted to try a new date night spot and booked a later reservation on Friday evening. We decided on tapas for dinner and ordered a few rounds of small plates so we could try a bunch of things on the menu, and the food exceeded our expectations! Beef carpaccio, Brussels sprouts, Tuna tartare were our favorites… also the carrot cake for dessert is a must. In addition to the food, this was some of the best service we’ve had anywhere in Nashville or Franklin. Our servers were both attentive and very personable, and everything hit the table so quickly. Would highly recommend this place, and we are certainly looking forward to coming back!

Culamar Seafood Rest + Rooftop Bar offers an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends exquisite cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.  During our visit, we indulged in the salmon and the fall-off-the-bone Berkshire pork, both of which were cooked to perfection and showcased the chef’s dedication to quality and flavor. The Brussels sprouts side dish was equally impressive, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Complementing our meal was a selection from their thoughtfully curated wine list, which enhanced the overall dining experience.  The ambiance at Culamar is both inviting and contemporary, with modern décor that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere suitable for any occasion. The addition of a rooftop bar provides guests with stunning views of Franklin, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a cocktail while taking in the scenery.  Service was attentive and friendly, with staff members demonstrating a genuine commitment to ensuring a memorable visit. Their knowledge of the menu and wine pairings added a personalized touch that elevated our dining experience. In summary, Culamar Seafood Rest + Rooftop Bar is a must-visit destination for those seeking high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood, complemented by an array of international artisan and fresh local ingredients. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Franklin, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying.

Had an amazing six course dinner event with the House of Mustaine at Culamar. It was an incredible experience and cant wait to do it again!

A good little spot off the square in Franklin Great drink selection. House Old Fashioned was great and they have a good selection of wines by the glass. We went with a group of 6 and the noise level was such that we could enjoy conversation with everyone. Beef carpaccio was 10/10 as was the tuna tartare. Pasta dishes around the table as well as a perfectly prepared steak made for a wonderful meal all around. Bonus, the rooftop bar wasn't crowded so we enjoyed a nightcap to top off a wonderful evening of great food, service and good friends.

Great low key but elevated lunch experience in downtown Franklin area. I went with a variety of tapas and it was the perfect amount of food for a lighter shared lunch. -Arancini -Calamari -Charcuterie -Fennel Apple salad Great service and would recommend visiting for lunch and dinner.

Since it opened, Culamar has been the go-to spot for seafood in Franklin, and it consistently delivers. On our recent visit, I had the Linguini with clams, garlic, chili, pecorino, and parsley (no pancetta), and it was outstanding, rich, flavorful, and perfect with a piece of bread to soak up the classic clam sauce. A small note for pasta enthusiasts: while the menu calls it linguini, the noodles served were wider and more rustic, almost like hand-cut egg noodles. Technically not traditional linguini, but it didn't matter--the dish was absolutely excellent. Service was high quality, and the atmosphere lively. I did notice the menu doesn't clearly mention a credit card service charge, which the restaurant has a duty to disclose upfront. After dinner, we enjoyed drinks on the rooftop. On a chilly January night, having the fire pit going made it a truly enjoyable evening.

Overall, decent restaurant. My cocktails were a little on the sweet side, but decent. My Sauvignon Blanc was $20 a glass and not with that. Tapas were good. We had the lamb, duck, and carrots. For dinner, we had the scallops and salmon. The salmon was good, but the scallops were very odd. There weren't many scallops and the ones they gave you were lying on a bed of some really weird flavors. They were out of the carrot cake, which everyone recommends so we got the Apple Olive Oil cake. It was extremely dry and flavorless, and the cappuccino was just ok. The service started out nice but then dropped off towards the end of our meal. As for parking, we paid over $17 for 2 hours and on a Sunday. I feel like with a few tweaks this could be an amazing restaurant.

Culamar knows how to set the mood. The sunset view? Unreal. Rooftop to ourselves, skyline all around, romantic lighting -- it felt like a scene out of a movie. And then the food came. Tuna Tartare: Pretty, but flavorless. Like someone seasoned it with air and prayed the chips would carry it. They didn't. Shrimp Po'Boy: More like a soggy bread mess with barely any shrimp. Sauce overload tried to distract from the sad sandwich underneath. Muffuletta Sliders: All name, no flavor. Tasted like a school lunch slider that sat in a fridge too long. Whatever the ingredients were supposed to be, they got lost in translation. The Good Stuff? Riley, our server, was wonderful -- attentive, warm, and clearly doing her best with a weak menu. And the drinks? Spot-on. The ambiance? Chef's kiss. It's just a shame the food didn't match the vibes. Price vs. Flavor: Not worth it. I came hungry and hopeful. I left full... of regret. Bottom Line: Come for the view. Sip something nice. But if you're here for the food? Might wanna eat beforehand.

Such a pretty spot in downtown Franklin, very gurgling service and reasonable price. Ah and the food was good too (a little light on the slices, but still very good) : We got the cauliflower soup, salad, and the tortellini (which looked like ravioli? ) - and enjoyed all.

The Italian Seafood Spot That's Classy, Cozy, and Practically in Your Neighbor's Lap I decided to cash in my Resy/AmEx dining credit like a responsible adult who clearly eats fancy seafood instead of tacos in the car. I landed on Culamar (Franklin, TN) -- because nothing says "treat yourself" like pasta, whiskey, and pretending I understand wine pairings. Appetizers: We started with the Roasted Beet Salad and Calamari, and honestly? Both were excellent. The beets were earthy in that "I feel healthy" kind of way, and the calamari hit the perfect fried-to-fancy ratio. I briefly considered ordering more and calling it dinner, but self-control (and the credit limit) prevailed. Dinner: My friend ordered Linguine and Clams, while I went all in with the Cioppino -- a seafood stew that felt like Poseidon personally seasoned it. Everything was flavorful, fresh, and slightly too good to be eaten while discussing Monday meetings. Drinks: An Old Fashioned made with Nelson Brothers Whiskey (because we're in Tennessee and loyalty matters), and a White Lotus cocktail -- classy, citrusy, and one sip away from making me think I was in a resort scene from HBO. Atmosphere: We sat by the window -- great view, very close neighbors. Like, "could share breadsticks without asking" close. The tables are roughly a foot apart, so if you're shy, just pretend you're on a double date. Final Verdict: Culamar is upscale, flavorful, and unintentionally intimate. The food is top-notch, the drinks are strong, and the only thing tighter than the table spacing is their service.

Culamar may be small, but it punches above its square footage. They have added a new tapas-style menu to their existing menu. The service is warm and attentive, and genuinely happy you're there. Add in a long and complete wine list and suddenly you're lingering longer than planned, glass in hand, plotting your next visit.

Food I don't even know where to begin because everything was very fresh, tender where it needed to be, crunchy when it needed to be!! First time eating here and I was impressed. Let me start this list of food. So, tried the fried calamari, seafood platter, and NY Strip. Needless to say, we had PLENTY of leftovers. My only gripe is that I wanted my steak mid-rare and it came out mid-well. I would've sent it back but it was still so tender and flavorful! Just wanted to point that out because when I go back I will send it back if it's cooked well. Service Outstanding! Emma B. was so pleasant and patient as we viewed the menus. She kept our glasses full and we really didn't have to ask for anything. They have a full bar, extensive wine list, various types of water. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. Also, they boxed up our leftovers in some decent containers that did not leak with everything labeled. Very nice touch. Ambiance It's a lot bigger inside than it seems. They validate parking, which is right behind the building. Excellent lighting and wasn't too packed on an early evening.

This is a great spot in the heart of downtown Franklin. They have cozy fire pits and a nice view of the main street. Drinks and food are decent, definitely on the pricier side but it is a higher end cocktail lounge. Service was slow, we were waiting for a while before a server came over to check on us and it was difficult to get their attention throughout the time we were there even though they were not overly busy. This will always be one of my go to spots in Franklin.

Such an amazing dinner! We had a party of five and each one of thought the meal and experience was as good as we have had in the Franklin area in a very long time. Each of the apps were delicious, the soups and entrees were amazing, but the star was the service. We will definitely be back soon!

What an awesome restaurant, beautiful, clean sharp looking. We had a great waitress Kate, who was delightful. Now to the food, we started with 3 appetizers: the Arancini was better than I've ever tasted made with black rice filled with seafood and a delicious fresh tomato sauce with fresh shaved Parmesan cheese yum yum yum. The 2nd one was the ceviche, the flavors popped in your mouth like fireworks! So good! The 3rd one was the tuna tartare, this was bland, it tasted like it had no seasoning disappointed with this one. The grand finale was the cioppino, we shared 2 orders for 3 people. I've had a lot of Cioppinos and I have to say this is one of the best ones so far. The broth was delicious and rich with a kick and loaded with seafood. All very fresh and cooked perfectly. Didn't need anything added to it. We will definitely be back! Thanks for a truly amazing meal.

Went for what they call interim(2:30 to 4:30. Had beets, crab dip, mussels, fennel apple crudo, shishito which is shoe string fries truffle. Wonderful waitress, Bradley who was very attentive and pleasant. Wonderful presentation of the food and they brought bread which was delicious!

Right off the bat, the service was excellent. We were greeted right away and sat down immediately. Our server came just moments later to introduce himself and ask what kind of water we wanted. He came back in time for our drink order and to go over the nights specials. He made great recommendations. I went with the special of the surf and turf and it was delicious. Everything was flavorful and the perfect portion to get you full but not bursting out of your pants.

Just stopped by for a drink. The service was great and the atmosphere was perfect, I got an Old Fashioned, on point! You know it's going to be good if the Ice is crystal clear and it was, check out the picture. The other drink was really Awesome as well, but I forgot the name, show the picture to the bar tender and they will know what it is! Worth It!

Chef Pullara falls short on dinner, the Faroe Islands Salmon is a rather thin filet, was overcooked, and too highly seasoned with pepper. The Sea Scallops are on the small side, but are excellent, the sweet potato purée and accompaniments are excellent. The Arancini starter is intense, but full of flavor if you scoop some of tomato conserva into each bite. Service at the full bar was very friendly and prompt. The wine list is diverse. The sound in the open floor plan of the ground floor is good.

It's a good thing Italian American chef Frank Pullara moved to our neck of the woods during the pandemic, because he's created two great restaurants. Culamar is a relatively new addition to downtown Franklin, opened in 2023 as Bestia Mare. If their new moniker sounds familiar, its sister restaurant Culaccino was opened by Pullara across the street. In fact, Culamar is literally a portmanteau of CULAccino and MARe (the Italian word for sea). But Culamar's specialty lies in Italian seafood dishes, something we've been lacking in Middle Tennessee far less common on Nashville's Italian scene. With a tremendous variety of fresh a la carte oysters, and dishes highlighting fish, lobster, crab, octopus, and clams, this is an excellent destination for seafood lovers. I found the Cioppino, one of my favorite dishes, to be on par with the best versions in San Francisco! And it's a hard dish to find in Middle Tennessee! As an artichoke lover, I wasn't crazy about the Artichoke Cianfotta side dish nor the Crema Catalana dessert, a Spanish custard akin to a crème brûlée. But I can absolutely vouch for the quality of the seafood here!

We visited while our children were in town with one of flying back early morning. We were able to walk in and get seated here right away. The Fomaggi Salumi, beef carpaccio, hamachi crudo, Brussels sprouts and potato crocchette were all flavorful and beautifully prepared. Cocktails and wine were also very good and paired nicely with the meal. The linguini with clams and the gramigna were tasty, though the entrée portions felt a bit small. Dessert was delicious, and the cappuccino was the perfect finish. Overall, a lovely dining experience with standout appetizers, I ended up ordering sparkling water because the regular water tasted a bit chlorinated. The restaurant could benefit from a better filtration system.

Went to the bar for a solo meal on a Sunday night. It was exactly what I hoped for. Gin Martini made to order was on point. The Honeygem salad. Wow. Just order it. You won't be disappointed. And finally...the clams linguini was great. I could have eaten two of them. But it's probably good that I didn't haha Highly recommend.

The tuna tartare is so fresh and delicious! Enough to make it a meal for one and gluten free.

Culamar is my go to every time for fantastic, fresh, flown in daily seafood The servers know their job well They are very personable, but not always in your face which I appreciate It is catty corner to Culaccino and people often miss that it is there. It must be the best kept secret in Franklin because there's no place better for seafood.

Great rooftop view! Server was super friendly and gave great drink recommendations. I didn't try the food yet, but I heard the oysters are very good.

What a great surprise. Quality of food was beyond our expectation beforehand. Every single dish was delicious. I will single out "Snapper Al Cartoccio" All main dishes from "Carne e Peshe" main menu are well decorated. Having a cocktail like "Call me Ishmael" add to complete a wonderful dinner experience. On the other side what didn't set well is getting seat, despite having the reservation. What is not specifically targeted to this restaurant is rush from the moment you arrive to place a order, take your plate at the moment you put your fork on side and finally to bring a check with famous "you don't need to pay know " It's a pleasant ambience, you feel welcomed, a lot of natural light and modern look. The noise level is slightly above average. I would like to come back, because our food choices were outstanding.

Stopped by for drinks at this brand new restaurant. Unbelievable drinks exquisitely prepared by the bartender. Food menu looks good too. Will have to come back for food and more drinks.

Excellent addition to the Franklin food scene. Oysters are always plentiful and delicious. We enjoy sitting at the oyster bar and watching the food get prepared. The salmon and the scallops are my favorite dishes on the menu. I would probably include the sea bass as a top choice as well, but I prefer to not debone my fish. The kale salad is also a fav. I've tried most of the menu at this point and I've never been disappointed. Still need to come back for brunch. Every dessert we've tried has also been delicious.

Quite a full house at 6:45p on a Friday evening and a bit loud for a date night; But happy people are a good sign. Seated promptly and waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly. Starting the meal experience with a very nice glass of CALX Primativo. Next up, the Stracciatella salad with lots of summer fresh veggies- looks and tastes wonderful. On to Bucksnort trout which is very tasty and beautifully plated. Can't wait to try their pastas on a return visit. Excellent dinner, service and overall ambiance...do book your reservation soon and enjoy!

Awesome service. Had the risotto and it was as good as in Italy. Perfect Al dente. Loved the salad. Parking is a nightmare. All in all a great place with good stemware and great service and quality food.

The food was delicious. I had the scallops and the flavors were different but great. Husband had the seafood he said it was great also. The fried calamari tasted fresh. Great service from everyone.

Ambiance: Nice but LOUD Service: Excellent Food: Other Yelp reviews were correct, CAULIFLOWER SOUP still needs seasoning, very bland, so certainly not worth $19. We don't recommend the Scallops in pea puree, we barely ate 1 & done.

Great rooftop bar! Excellent service & food. A special spot in Franklin TN. Need better parking options.

Outstanding food. Better than many in CA wine country. Glad we have finally found somewhere good in TN. Risotto was world class. Service was also excellent, no pointless over explaining of the food, just good advice and attentive service.

Had brunch there on a Saturday morning! Extraordinary!! You can get lost in time in a culinary experience and on any given Saturday or Sunday I highly suggest you do!! The menu is not extensive but enough to give plenty of options and the preparations are creative and inviting!! Great wines for pairing and cocktails as well! Great place to meet up with family and friends da or just have a great daytime date!!

Let me start by saying I have been a regular customer since Culamar opened. Going at least 1-2x month. Never had a bad meal.... Until tonite. It was the worst we have ever had. The new menu is a total miss! First , it was copied in the cheapest paper made with bar menu on one side and major slimmed down menu on the other side. Second, the font was so small that you could not ever read it in daylight with readers!!! The tapas were expensive for the quantity received. Ceviche had no taste and the seafood was like rubber served with 2 plantains. Mussels were served with 1 piece of toast and 7 mussels. They were very small mussels. Bucksnort trout was good as usual for $32.00. Salmon entree was a different story for $34.00. It was served raw and potatoes were cold. I asked for it to be more well done. I sent it back. We ordered Olive oil and apple cake. It was very dry! Also, ordered flan. It was so rubbery! Not made there! I could get better at Publix! Our bill was $148.00 but they did take off my salmon entree and ended up being $125.00. Total rip off! I could have stayed at home and had much better meal! We saw old friends there when leaving. They also complained how terrible the salmon was and also was served raw. They sent theirs back as well. Unfortunately, we will not be back for a very, very long time if ever! Change in menu, staff and management adds up to a total miss!!!! My list of good restaurants is slowly getting smaller week by week. Another one added to my do not go back list!!!!!!

We were very disappointed! We went on Saturday evening. It was hard to get a reservation so we were expecting great things. It started with our appetizer which was not fresh at all. They were mussels, half closed shells, very fishy smelling. Our main courses were just ok, but quite pricy. My pasta dish needed to have the sauce reduce. My husband's portion was too small. Then we had the carrot cake. There were great reviews for it but the cake we got, not fresh and a lot of imitation coconut. It was dry, the icing was not nice which is truly hard to not get right. We paid for the appetizer we could not eat. We had an untrained waitress. I have to assume, there was no manager on duty. I would not go, cost to experience is not a good match!

2/5 stars We had high hopes for Culamar, but unfortunately, the lunch experience missed the mark. I ordered the New York strip medium rare, but it came out dry and overcooked. Even worse, it was placed directly on top of the salad, which left half of the greens warm -- not exactly the fresh contrast you want. We also tried the calamari, which was honestly the biggest letdown. Instead of tender, large rings, we were served what felt like the leftover shards -- tiny, overcooked bits that reminded me of the bottom of a popcorn bag. The staff was polite, but the food didn't live up to expectations.

I went here on New Years and thought the food was great! The crab cakes are delicious, the brussel sprouts are good but have a little spice, and the salmon was perfect! You won't be disappointed here!

So much fun to be on their rooftop bar! Great atmosphere and staff. Tim, the manager, was great in helping us with specialty drinks, and Mia, our server was equally great. Both took their time and made us feel honored. Everyone around us was having a great time. Superb view!

Came back for a second visit tonight and it was wonderful yet again. We tried a few appetizers that we didn't have the first time around. The cauliflower soup was delicious. We also got the ceviche which was cooked, not sure if we'd get that again. Agnolotti was amazing just like last time. The linguine was also a hit with the table. The oysters were outstanding as well. For main meals we had the salmon and scallops as we had on our first visit. They were amazing yet again. We were very excited about the crème brûlée because we loved it so much on the first visit. I think they must have changed it because it didn't taste the same. It was okay but we liked it better the first time. Great service, great food, and a cool vibe. Definitely worth checking this place out.

Loved everything--the scallops, the salmon, the beef carpaccio and the wine selection. Culamar is a beautiful restaurant in a very cool corner of downtown Franklin. Great service too! We will be back for the rooftop bar when the weather warms.

The new rooftop is beautiful and the service is as good as ever. If you like excellent cocktails, have Dusty make you a drink to enjoy with your dinner. My favorite dishes are the pasta entrees. Also love that the kitchen is open late, and there are great live music performances as well.

We ate here a few weeks ago for a friends birthday dinner and the entire group was disappointed with our food from top to bottom. The appetizers were bland (Arancini) and the pastas that we got were even worse (Agnolotti and Rigatoni). The Agnolotti was cold and bland and the Rigatoni had flat, undercooked pasta and braised short rib tasted like overcooked stew meat. Overall I was very disappointed with my experience, especially considering how much I liked Culaccino's across the street. I had high expectations for this place and maybe it was just an off night or maybe I missed the whole "Italian seafood" theme but it was extremely sub-par.

Excellent Food, wine & service. Very tasty & authentic. It is more open warehouse, so not quiet & pretentious. Loved it & making reservations to go back!

First time customer and it was a great experience. Both the food, drinks and service were all 10/10. Highly recommended going if you're in DT Franklin.

Such a great addition to downtown Franklin. Do yourself a favor and try it. Ambiance 8 outta 10. Service 10 outta 10. Food TBD. Cocktails = incredible.

Brunch was underwhelming. We were one of two groups in the bldg. will try again for dinner maybe...

As an out of town visitor was looking for an early afternoon lunch before heading off to the airport. Loved the food choices, the attentiveness of the team and a very quiet ambiance at that time of day. Will definitely be visiting Culamar again on our next visit to Williamson County.

We had another delicious meal last night. I ordered the salmon and thought it was cooked perfectly, the sauce, little potatoes and sautéed spinach were very nice. While I enjoyed the salmon, I hope the "Snapper al Cartoccio" (cooked in parchment paper with veggies) comes back on the menu as it was my favorite healthy dinner choice.

Came here for some drinks with a friend and the service and cocktails were delicious. Our bartender was super friendly and fun. We also split the carrot cake and it was delicious!! We will definitely be back for dinner.

The food is not even close to worth it for the price. My husband got the rigatoni and it did not have a lot of taste, I got the risotto and it was not worth the money. Watch out for the payment for water. We told our waitress we wanted still over sparkling without knowing that still meant it was an up charge.