Delaware may not be the first destination that comes to mind for good dining, but it does have numerous restaurants that provide outstanding cuisine and ambiance. According to a recent Money Inc. research, Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Wilmington stands out not only for its quality and service but also for its price point.
What sets Sullivan’s Steakhouse apart?
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, part of an upmarket franchise with sites around the United States, is located in Wilmington’s downtown, near the Riverfront and Grand Opera House. The restaurant’s design is classy, with dark wood, leather seats, and a comfortable fireplace—perfect for a romantic date night, business meeting, or special event.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse’s menu features a variety of meals, with premium cuts of beef being the major draw. Steaks such as filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, and porterhouse are matured for at least 28 days, hand-cut in-house, grilled to perfection, and served with various sauces and garnishes. Steak prices range from $44 for an 8 oz filet mignon to $95 for a 24-oz porterhouse.
In addition to steaks, the restaurant serves fish, chicken, lamb, and hot entrees, as well as salads, soups, appetizers, and sides. Seafood choices include lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops, and salmon. Prices for these meals range from $10 to $49.
To finish the dinner, Sullivan’s Steakhouse serves a variety of desserts, including cheesecake, chocolate cake, bread pudding, and crème brûlée. Dessert costs range between $9 and $12.
No visit to Sullivan’s Steakhouse is complete without a drink. The vast wine list contains over 200 wines from across the world, and the complete bar serves cocktails, beers, and spirits. Wine costs range from $30 to $600 per bottle, while cocktails, beers, and spirits cost between $8 and $25 for each glass.
How Does Sullivan’s Steakhouse Compare?
According to a Money Inc. survey, the most costly main dish at Sullivan’s Steakhouse is the 24 oz porterhouse, which costs $95. This distinction places it not just as the most costly restaurant in Delaware, but also among the most expensive in the country. The survey indicated that the average price of the most costly main dishes at restaurants nationwide was $41.55.
The survey also identified the top five most costly restaurants worldwide.
- Sublimotion in Ibiza, Spain ($2,000/person)
- Aragawa in Tokyo, Japan ($370/person)
- Kitcho Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan costs $570 per person.
- Masa, New York City, USA ($595 per person).
- Guy Savoy, Las Vegas, USA ($385 per person).
Sublimotion in Ibiza, Spain, has emerged as the world’s most expensive restaurant, delivering a unique and immersive eating experience for $2,000 per person.
Is Sullivan’s Steakhouse Worth it?
While Sullivan’s Steakhouse is Delaware’s priciest restaurant, its value may vary depending on personal tastes, budget, and occasion.
TripAdvisor reviews, with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 292 reviewers, feature good comments about the cuisine, service, and atmosphere. However, some bad remarks note exorbitant costs, tiny servings, loudness, and parking problems.
Positive Reviews
- Sullivan’s offered a lovely dining experience. Excellent service, delectable cuisine, and a warm, romantic environment. Both the filet mignon and the lobster tail were cooked perfectly. The wine selection was amazing, and the desserts were delectable. While a little costly, it was well worth it.
- Sullivan’s is our go-to spot for special occasions. Friendly service, delicious cuisine, ample amounts, and an attractive but not excessively formal atmosphere. Steaks, seafood, and sides like creamed spinach and truffle mac & cheese are exceptional.
Negative Reviews
- Our Sullivan’s supper failed us. Extremely high prices, lousy meal, rough steak, rubbery lobster, and cold, mushy sides. Slow, disrespectful service in a noisy, packed environment. It felt like a waste of money and time.
- Sullivan’s doesn’t live up to its reputation or price. Average cuisine, tiny serving sizes, overdone meat, nasty seafood, and dull sides. Service was mediocre in a dark, dismal setting. It’s not worth returning.
Final Words
Finally, Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Wilmington, Delaware, stands out for its posh environment, high-quality meals, and above-average costs. While it is the state’s priciest restaurant, customer opinions differ. Positive reviews praise the outstanding dining experience, while negative comment expresses worry about the expensive prices, portion sizes, and overall value. Personal preferences and events may determine whether Sullivan’s Steakhouse is considered worth the cost.