Wonderful dining experience! Lovely venue with friendly, efficient staff - we enjoyed watching Emma creating her culinary delights at her kitchen window. We tried many different dishes to share. The Halloumi Caprese (new) might have been our favorite, followed by Fancy Mushroom Hummus, beets, falafel, leeks... we enjoyed all of these and more, including the Mezze Platter, which was a perfect sampler. SO many fresh scents, flavors, textures, and tastes! We also had several cocktails and can recommend the Elderberry Toddy, Sage Advice, Margarita, and Apple Picker. Of the three desserts, we really liked the Yogurt Mousse with Strawberries and the Nutella Crostata, but the Brown Butter Cake seemed a bit dry in comparison. We look forward to coming back for special occasions!Vegetarian options: So many vegetarian selections!Dietary restrictions: Vegan items are clearly marked.Parking: Not a lot of parking is available right at the restaurant but street parking was also available.Kid-friendliness: This would not be my first choice for taking children, but if they have an adventuresome palette, it could be quite fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mezze Platter, Hummus and Pita, Falafel Plate
George L.
Unique stone barn is the venue. Fresh food in mostly European style. Lots of vegan options.
Summer Foster
After you eat here you will obsess until you can eat here again (and again). Delightful seasonal cocktails. Perfect for date night and small groups. Allergen knowledgeable, celiac + vegan tested and approved.
E C
My first Mediterranean experience. Friendly. Great vibe. Perfectly seasoned. Perfect portions. We will be back!
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Lawrence. I have not ordered any dishes I did not enjoy - anything from greens to protein dishes. I'd say this place seasons more on the heavy side, which I love but maybe not for everyone.
kristin s.
LOVED IT! We'll definitely be back!! Great atmosphere and loves the mezze platter, specifically their hummus!
Raeley G.
We came here for a special occasion date night, and it was just what I had hoped for. I absolutely love the quaint and warm ambience with the stone walls and paper lanterns inside. I look forward to coming back when it's warmer to sit on the cute outdoor patio. The menu brings something fresh that I haven't found elsewhere in Lawrence. Lots of shareables and appetizers that would be great for large groups to have with some creative cocktails, which they also have plenty of on their menu. I enjoyed the "sage advice," which was short and strong. The house hummus was the best I've ever had, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many pickled toppings it was served with. When we received our entrees I was a little worried that they would not be filling enough, but I was pleasantly surprised when I could almost not finish the shrimp mujadarra! I'm choosing not to detract a star for service, but it could have been better. Our server (tall guy with tattoos) was not the most attentive or friendly. But everything else was so good that I am still excited to come back. Btw: I highly recommend making a reservation, and I also recommend ordering several dishes to share or at least one appetizer before your entree.
Carol Wilson
It was the worst. We were denied service after having a reservation for over a week, showing up 15 minutes early, waiting an hour. Then being treated so extremely rudely by a terrible waitress. The hostess didn’t do her job and neither did the waitress which is why we had to wait so long. We came in from NC to celebrate our daughters birthday. But we ended up being treated worse than ever before by a totally inept waitress. She did so many things wrong then blamed us for it and told us she would not serve us, after we waited for an hour. We went to another Lawreence restaurant and were treated well and ate wonderful food. I’m so glad we didn’t spend our money there and we will never go there again. And neither will our daughters.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Carol A.
Rude!!! We had a reservation at 7. For over a week. We arrived 15 minutes early and our table for 6 had 4 people sitting there done with their meal. The waitress was very inefficient. She didn't even clear dishes or give the bill for 30 more minutes. Then she never picked up the red bill book. Finally at 7;45 we kindly asked the people if they were done and we were celebrating a birthday. The 4 people at the 6 top said yes they were done and gladly left. Then the rude waitress told us she wouldn't serve us. They would not give us any manager or manager information. It was mainly the waitress tall with black hair that was so unbelievable. They were so rude and mean to us. We will never ever go to this restaurant again
Amanda M.
Stopped in for Restaurant Week 2024 and the place was packed! Reservation was a must. And it was busy for a good reason, so yummy!! Food highlights for us were the apps. The beets, the falafel and the hummus! And that beef shawarma with french fries hit the spot. The cocktails were delish and the staff were so happy, warm and welcoming! Great spot to try some MediFusion foods!
This little gem is delectable! We got the mezze platter and every single thing on it was delicious. We had to order more hummus because it was such a hit!I got the chicken shawarma and it was perfect. The potatoes were fried crispy and light, the salad was not overwhelming dressed, and the chicken was well spiced.My sister in law got the mushroom gnocchi and i would not recommend it. It came out on a piece of bread...? And not the gnocchi pasta that i was expecting. Not sure if this is a new way to serve gnocchi or if im missing something entirely.We got a side of fried broccoli for the kids and that was nice and crispy, too.10/10 will recommend if you skip the gnocchi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Coen
My wife and I came to Culinaria after a Jayhawk basketball game based on the recommendation of our sister-in-law. She is not only a great cook but a connoisseur of food and restaurants. We were immediately greeted by Tyler who was also our server. Tyler has a very pleasant and kind demeanor and gave us excellent guidance and recommendations. As soon as we were seated, we were favorably impressed by the limestone walls and the pleasant atmosphere. We also loved the portrait on the wall of Abraham Lincoln who represents the Free State history of Lawrence.My wife ordered House Hummus and I ordered Spicy Carrots and we shared them. As soon as we tasted them, we knew we were in for a wonderful dinner. The pita bread was wonderfully seasoned and the best we have ever had. The Spicy Carrots were incredible!!! My wife then ordered Shrimp Mujaddara and I ordered Chicken Swawarma. Both dishes were grand slam home runs!!! This restaurant ranks among the very best that I have eaten whether in New York City, Chicago or Kansas City. I cannot recommend this restaurant more strongly. Come here, you will thank me!PS We also met the co-owner of the restaurant who is married to the Chef. She had a wonderful story about how the portrait of the great Abraham Lincoln wound up on the wall of this fabulous restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Shawarma, Hummus and Pita, Shrimp Mujadara
Robert D.
Never disappoints, always great service and food. Literally sharing a meal makes for a memorable experience. Thanks
Wonderful dining experience! Lovely venue with friendly, efficient staff - we enjoyed watching Emma creating her culinary delights at her kitchen window. We tried many different dishes to share. The Halloumi Caprese (new) might have been our favorite, followed by Fancy Mushroom Hummus, beets, falafel, leeks... we enjoyed all of these and more, including the Mezze Platter, which was a perfect sampler. SO many fresh scents, flavors, textures, and tastes! We also had several cocktails and can recommend the Elderberry Toddy, Sage Advice, Margarita, and Apple Picker. Of the three desserts, we really liked the Yogurt Mousse with Strawberries and the Nutella Crostata, but the Brown Butter Cake seemed a bit dry in comparison. We look forward to coming back for special occasions!Vegetarian options: So many vegetarian selections!Dietary restrictions: Vegan items are clearly marked.Parking: Not a lot of parking is available right at the restaurant but street parking was also available.Kid-friendliness: This would not be my first choice for taking children, but if they have an adventuresome palette, it could be quite fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mezze Platter, Hummus and Pita, Falafel Plate
Unique stone barn is the venue. Fresh food in mostly European style. Lots of vegan options.
After you eat here you will obsess until you can eat here again (and again). Delightful seasonal cocktails. Perfect for date night and small groups. Allergen knowledgeable, celiac + vegan tested and approved.
My first Mediterranean experience. Friendly. Great vibe. Perfectly seasoned. Perfect portions. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Chicken Shawarma, Hummus and Pita, Crispy Smashed Potato, Shrimp Mujadara
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Lawrence. I have not ordered any dishes I did not enjoy - anything from greens to protein dishes. I'd say this place seasons more on the heavy side, which I love but maybe not for everyone.
LOVED IT! We'll definitely be back!! Great atmosphere and loves the mezze platter, specifically their hummus!
We came here for a special occasion date night, and it was just what I had hoped for. I absolutely love the quaint and warm ambience with the stone walls and paper lanterns inside. I look forward to coming back when it's warmer to sit on the cute outdoor patio. The menu brings something fresh that I haven't found elsewhere in Lawrence. Lots of shareables and appetizers that would be great for large groups to have with some creative cocktails, which they also have plenty of on their menu. I enjoyed the "sage advice," which was short and strong. The house hummus was the best I've ever had, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many pickled toppings it was served with. When we received our entrees I was a little worried that they would not be filling enough, but I was pleasantly surprised when I could almost not finish the shrimp mujadarra! I'm choosing not to detract a star for service, but it could have been better. Our server (tall guy with tattoos) was not the most attentive or friendly. But everything else was so good that I am still excited to come back. Btw: I highly recommend making a reservation, and I also recommend ordering several dishes to share or at least one appetizer before your entree.
It was the worst. We were denied service after having a reservation for over a week, showing up 15 minutes early, waiting an hour. Then being treated so extremely rudely by a terrible waitress. The hostess didn’t do her job and neither did the waitress which is why we had to wait so long. We came in from NC to celebrate our daughters birthday. But we ended up being treated worse than ever before by a totally inept waitress. She did so many things wrong then blamed us for it and told us she would not serve us, after we waited for an hour. We went to another Lawreence restaurant and were treated well and ate wonderful food. I’m so glad we didn’t spend our money there and we will never go there again. And neither will our daughters.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Rude!!! We had a reservation at 7. For over a week. We arrived 15 minutes early and our table for 6 had 4 people sitting there done with their meal. The waitress was very inefficient. She didn't even clear dishes or give the bill for 30 more minutes. Then she never picked up the red bill book. Finally at 7;45 we kindly asked the people if they were done and we were celebrating a birthday. The 4 people at the 6 top said yes they were done and gladly left. Then the rude waitress told us she wouldn't serve us. They would not give us any manager or manager information. It was mainly the waitress tall with black hair that was so unbelievable. They were so rude and mean to us. We will never ever go to this restaurant again
Stopped in for Restaurant Week 2024 and the place was packed! Reservation was a must. And it was busy for a good reason, so yummy!! Food highlights for us were the apps. The beets, the falafel and the hummus! And that beef shawarma with french fries hit the spot. The cocktails were delish and the staff were so happy, warm and welcoming! Great spot to try some MediFusion foods!
Restaurantji Recommends
This little gem is delectable! We got the mezze platter and every single thing on it was delicious. We had to order more hummus because it was such a hit!I got the chicken shawarma and it was perfect. The potatoes were fried crispy and light, the salad was not overwhelming dressed, and the chicken was well spiced.My sister in law got the mushroom gnocchi and i would not recommend it. It came out on a piece of bread...? And not the gnocchi pasta that i was expecting. Not sure if this is a new way to serve gnocchi or if im missing something entirely.We got a side of fried broccoli for the kids and that was nice and crispy, too.10/10 will recommend if you skip the gnocchi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I came to Culinaria after a Jayhawk basketball game based on the recommendation of our sister-in-law. She is not only a great cook but a connoisseur of food and restaurants. We were immediately greeted by Tyler who was also our server. Tyler has a very pleasant and kind demeanor and gave us excellent guidance and recommendations. As soon as we were seated, we were favorably impressed by the limestone walls and the pleasant atmosphere. We also loved the portrait on the wall of Abraham Lincoln who represents the Free State history of Lawrence.My wife ordered House Hummus and I ordered Spicy Carrots and we shared them. As soon as we tasted them, we knew we were in for a wonderful dinner. The pita bread was wonderfully seasoned and the best we have ever had. The Spicy Carrots were incredible!!! My wife then ordered Shrimp Mujaddara and I ordered Chicken Swawarma. Both dishes were grand slam home runs!!! This restaurant ranks among the very best that I have eaten whether in New York City, Chicago or Kansas City. I cannot recommend this restaurant more strongly. Come here, you will thank me!PS We also met the co-owner of the restaurant who is married to the Chef. She had a wonderful story about how the portrait of the great Abraham Lincoln wound up on the wall of this fabulous restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Shawarma, Hummus and Pita, Shrimp Mujadara
Never disappoints, always great service and food. Literally sharing a meal makes for a memorable experience. Thanks
The best place in Lawrence to eat! Hands
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Zaltar Flatbread, Mezze Platter, Brussels Sprouts, Hummus and Pita, Fattoush Salad
What a great find in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5