Culamar Seafood Rest + Rooftop Bar
A vibrant seafood destination blending coastal Italian flavors with modern flair, renowned for fresh catches and an unforgettable carrot cake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Culamar Seafood Rest + Rooftop Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant seafood destination blending coastal Italian flavors with modern flair, renowned for fresh catches and an unforgettable carrot cake.
"Experience exquisite seafood, a vibrant atmosphere, and stunning views at this must-visit culinary gem."
Secure a Window Seat
Reserve a table by the window for a more scenic view during your meal. Highly recommended for a special occasion.
Don't Skip the Carrot Cake
This family recipe dessert is a must-try, praised as the best carrot cake many have ever had. Moist and dense!
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exquisite Seafood & Coastal Flavors
Indulge in the freshest sustainably sourced seafood, from succulent oysters to perfectly cooked sea bass. A true taste of coastal Italy.
Vibrant Atmosphere & Rooftop Views
Experience a modern, inviting ambiance with stunning city views from the rooftop bar, perfect for cocktails and memorable evenings.
Award-Winning Carrot Cake
Don't leave without trying the legendary carrot cake, a moist, dense, and utterly unforgettable family recipe dessert.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Secure a Window Seat
Reserve a table by the window for a more scenic view during your meal. Highly recommended for a special occasion.
Don't Skip the Carrot Cake
This family recipe dessert is a must-try, praised as the best carrot cake many have ever had. Moist and dense!
Explore Different Menus
Consider visiting during lunch or breakfast to experience a wider variety of the restaurant's offerings.
Oysters & Small Plates
The oysters are superb with a wide variety of options. Try different small plates and pasta dishes for a diverse meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Secure a Window Seat
Reserve a table by the window for a more scenic view during your meal. Highly recommended for a special occasion.
Don't Skip the Carrot Cake
This family recipe dessert is a must-try, praised as the best carrot cake many have ever had. Moist and dense!
Explore Different Menus
Consider visiting during lunch or breakfast to experience a wider variety of the restaurant's offerings.
Oysters & Small Plates
The oysters are superb with a wide variety of options. Try different small plates and pasta dishes for a diverse meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Culamar Seafood Rest + Rooftop Bar is highly praised for its exquisite, sustainably sourced seafood and inventive Italian-inspired dishes, particularly its renowned carrot cake. Diners also rave about the attentive, friendly service and the vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by stunning rooftop views. While some find it pricey, the overall consensus points to a memorable and delicious dining experience.
"Great to try, but unsure I'd be a regular even if I lived closer. It's quite pricey. My dinner for one was an app, entree, dessert, and one cocktail for $115. The scallops alone were $48 and nearly perfect if not for the oversalting. Fantastic staff. Every person I came in contact with whether over the phone, at the host station, or during meal was very friendly and eager to please. The oysters were superb with a wide variety of options. The sea scallops were delicious on three sides. The top with the salt was just too much. The carrot cake has definitely earned its way onto the menu with it's family recipe history. The carrot cake was by far, easily the best carrot cake I've ever had. How it could be so moist and so dense, yet not be heavy is beyond me. I was surprised to order it bit when I heard it was a family recipe, I went for it and was not disappointed. All of the food is delicious, but don't ever skip ordering the carrot cake! The staff was so kind by bringing my slice of heaven with a candle in it for my birthday. I flew down to Nashville from NY for the occasion along with NYE and they made my day!"
Heather DeVito
"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."
Andrew Brabec
"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."
Missica F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Must-try dishes include the fresh oysters, sea bass, bouillabaisse, and the legendary carrot cake for dessert.
While not explicitly stated, the atmosphere is modern and chic, suggesting smart casual attire would be appropriate.
Consider visiting during lunch or breakfast for different menu options. Reservations are recommended, especially for window seats.
Yes, the restaurant features a rooftop bar offering stunning views, perfect for enjoying cocktails.
While seafood is the focus, dishes like the ravioli and veggie lasagna have been mentioned, suggesting vegetarian options are available.
Yes, many guests celebrate anniversaries and birthdays here, with staff providing special touches like birthday candles.
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FranklinIs | Downtown Franklin & Brentwood
Culamar in downtown Franklin offers an inventive menu that blends traditional breakfast items with bold, international influences. Dishes like the Croque Monsieur—made with roasted turkey, fontina, parmigiana, béchamel, and topped with a poached egg—put a fresh spin on traditional comfort food. Seafood lovers can try the Shrimp al Aqua Pazza, featuring shrimp served with polenta, Swiss chard, cannellini beans, chili, tomato, and grilled rustic bread.
Top 10 restaurants in Franklin and Williamson County for 2024
Mack: I'm already plotting my return to this seafood-forward restaurant, also by Pullara and formerly called Bestia Mare. Give me all the gorgeous oysters, crudo, ceviches and add on a seafood tower while you're at it. The cocktails are exceptional (get the Ships in the Night), the wine list is well-chosen, and though the focus here is on the fish, Culamar also has a way with meat, so don't be afraid to order a steak if that's what's on your mind.
The Tennessean: There’s a Wave of New Italian Restaurants, Options in Nashville. Here’s the Latest
Frank Pullara, chef and owner of Franklin’s esteemed Culamar and Culaccino Italian restaurants, has announced plans to expand into Nashville. A second Culaccino location is slated to open next summer in Nashville Yards, a 19-acre premier development downtown that houses Amazon, Grand Hyatt and a music venue called The Pinnacle among new homes, retail and entertainment destinations in the Gulch.
10 Spots to Dine in Franklin
Sister restaurant to Culaccino, Culamar offers the flavors and freshness of coastal Italy with a focus on sustainably sourced seafood and modern selections from both land and ocean. Here, you will find a rotating selection of oysters from both the East and West coasts, as well as wine or cocktail pairing suggestions, and a full entreé list. (99 East Main St., 615-905-4966; culamartn.com)
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