Came here on a sweltering day for lunch with a coworker & client, who we'll call Dennis because that was his name. Culamar is drenched in natural light and decorated simply - nothing too loud or busy about the place, thus perfect for a working lunch. The menu was odd and we all struggled to understand the categories it was broken up into. Each item read as a series of arbitrarily listed ingredients. Our (half asleep, disinterested) waitress informed us the dishes were, in majority, "tapas style", a term I find exhaustingly passé. I began to dream of restaurants down the road we could have selected, but we were here and we must stay the course! I had to keep it together for Dennis. We ordered 6 dishes for the three of us to share, and you know what? They were all excellent. Really such outstanding bites. I was stunned by how much I enjoyed the beef carpaccio, the calamari was the best I've ever had (amazing tempura fry!), the Gnuddi (basically a massive gnocchi) in browned butter and crisp sage was a pillowy delight. In spite of my initial concerns -- the hiccups of a confusing menu and our less-than-energetic waitress -- we all left with pleased palates. read more

Culamar - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

We were hoping to sit on the rooftop, but unfortunately it was raining, so we ate inside. The restaurant wasn't necessarily that busy, but because the space is really tight, it definitely felt busy and a little cramped. Service was also a bit slow. The food itself was absolutely delicious. The bread was AMAZING and honestly one of the highlights. We also ordered the oysters, beef carpaccio, and duck, and everything tasted incredible. My biggest complaint is the price for the portion sizes. I really don't mind spending money on a nice dinner, but every dish we ordered was gone in what felt like less than a minute. Everything tasted amazing, but for the amount of food you actually get, I just couldn't justify the prices. We actually left and ended up going to another restaurant afterward because we were still hungry, which was pretty disappointing considering how much we had just spent. Overall, the food was delicious, but between the extremely small portions, high prices, tight space, and slower service, it just wasn't worth it for us. I'm glad we tried it, but I wouldn't go back. read more

What a total disappointment! Oysters the size of a dime $4.50-$5.00 Get this: Martini: $16, 3 olives the size of a small wrinkled marble extra $4 then $2 martini charge $22 martini 1 1/2 oz maybe. Seafood platter $115 then an extra $4 charge because I used my Am Express card. I have never been told that I am cheap but even the really nice watress was embarrassed. I did tip her well it's not her fault. She works for an overpriced low par restaurant. It does not deserve even one star below. read more

Culamar - The worst restaurant we have ever been to in Franklin. - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

Precious little spot for a tapas-style snack and glass of wine! On E Main Street it was perfect for a shopping break. The chef recommended the Salmon Crudo and the Pork Belly dishes- both fantastic and packed with flavor! read more

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Went on a date here. The small plates were great for sharing and our server was wonderful. Super cute vibe.

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. read more

Culamar - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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I really wanted to like this place... Great location, rooftop... seafood. But honestly I just couldn't. The service was wonderful but the menu and food just didn't do it. Hopefully they figure it out because there is potential. In detail, the bread and hummus - so bland and desperately needed salt. We ordered whipped feta. It was ok. It needed to be blended more and if it wasn't for the jam, it would not have been good. Mussels were cooked fine but the broth was a basic tomato-based broth that just didn't deliver. Carpaccio was slimy and just meh. What was awful was the empanada. It tasted like carnival food... the heavy taste of oil ruined the empanadas. It was really gross. Menu selection was a good start at best. Need better actual dinner selections. If they can get the food up to par, it would be a gem because the service was top notch! read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Culamar - Calamari, charcuterie, arancini, fennel/apple salad. - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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. read more

Culamar - Linguini, clams, garlic, chili, pecorino and parsley (I requested no pancetta) - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Oysters were good and the scallops were excellent. There service was excellent and attentive. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Culamar - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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. read more

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. read more

Amazing food, perfect for group/sharing crowd. We had amazing service and I love the atmosphere. Can't wait to try the rooftop when it's not so hot! read more

The tapas were all good but the pork belly was too fatty. In addition to this all of the items were pretty pricey. I was very disappointed by the desserts. The key lime parfait was too rich and tasted spoiled. The chocolate cake was also too rich and not that sweet. They were both full of mascarpone and extremely drying. read more

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. read more

The food was very bland. Had the sea scallops and the sauce was bland, scallops were not cooked all the way through. Service was okay, the host think she is Latina, needs to learn how to smile once in a while. Ambiance is nice and clean but I will not be coming back. Tried to give it another shot since I live in Franklin but would rather waste my money somewhere else. read more

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! read more

Culamar - Old Fashioned, check out the Ice! - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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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. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

Terrible service, no one was on the rooftop and four or five of the servers were gathered at the bar talking and a few finally came outside and walked around, but it took a while before someone came to our table for service. Their only redeeming quality is the espresso martinis. The tables and chairs were spread out oddly this time which does not promote interaction between groups. My second time on the rooftop- as much as I love Franklin I think Nashville rooftops have better service, food, and drinks! read more

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. read more

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

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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. read more

Atmosphere and food were fantastic. Our server was extremely slow for the amount of customers she had and she got our order wrong.

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. read more

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. read more

Culamar - Menu - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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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. read more

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! read more

Culamar - Sat at Chef's table/oyster bar. Full house on a Friday early evening. - Italian Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more