Delaware may not be the first place that springs to mind for fine dining, but it boasts several restaurants offering exquisite cuisine and ambiance. Among them, Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Wilmington stands out not just for its quality and service but also its pricing, according to a recent Money Inc study.
What Sets Sullivan’s Steakhouse Apart?
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, part of an upscale chain with locations across the US, takes center stage in Wilmington’s downtown, near the Riverfront and Grand Opera House. The restaurant features sophisticated decor, including dark wood, leather booths, and a cozy fireplace—ideal for a romantic date night, business meeting, or special occasion.
The menu at Sullivan’s Steakhouse offers a diverse array of dishes, with prime cuts of beef as the main attraction. Steaks such as filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, and porterhouse are aged for a minimum of 28 days, hand-cut in-house, grilled to perfection, and served with a choice of sauces and toppings. Steak prices range from $44 for an 8 oz filet mignon to $95 for a 24 oz porterhouse.
In addition to steaks, the restaurant provides seafood, chicken, lamb, and pork dishes, alongside salads, soups, appetizers, and sides. Seafood options include lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops, and salmon. Prices for these dishes range from $10 to $49.
To conclude the meal, Sullivan’s Steakhouse offers a selection of desserts, such as cheesecake, chocolate cake, bread pudding, and crème brûlée. Dessert prices range from $9 to $12.
No visit to Sullivan’s Steakhouse would be complete without a drink. The extensive wine list includes over 200 bottles from around the world, complemented by a full bar offering cocktails, beers, and spirits. Wine prices range from $30 to $600 per bottle, and cocktails, beers, and spirits range from $8 to $25 per glass.
How Does Sullivan’s Steakhouse Compare?
Money Inc’s study revealed that the most expensive main course at Sullivan’s Steakhouse is the 24 oz porterhouse, priced at $95. This distinction makes it not only the most expensive restaurant in Delaware but also one of the priciest in the entire country. The study, comparing prices of the most expensive main courses at restaurants nationwide, found an average price of $41.55.
The study also ranked the top five most expensive restaurants globally:
- Sublimotion in Ibiza, Spain ($2,000 per person)
- Aragawa in Tokyo, Japan ($370 per person)
- Kitcho Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan ($570 per person)
- Masa in New York City, USA ($595 per person)
- Guy Savoy in Las Vegas, USA ($385 per person)
Sublimotion in Ibiza, Spain, emerged as the most expensive restaurant globally, offering a unique and immersive dining experience priced at $2,000 per person.
Is Sullivan’s Steakhouse Worth It?
While Sullivan’s Steakhouse holds the title of Delaware’s priciest restaurant, its worthiness may vary based on personal preferences, budget, and the occasion.
TripAdvisor reviews, with an overall 4 out of 5-star rating from 292 reviewers, highlight positive remarks on the food, service, and ambiance. However, some negative comments mention high prices, small portions, noise, and parking issues.
Positive Reviews:
- Sullivan’s provided a delightful dinner experience. Excellent service, delicious food, and a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Both the filet mignon and lobster tail were cooked to perfection. The wine list was impressive, and desserts were decadent. While a bit pricey, every penny was worth it.
- Sullivan’s is our go-to for special occasions. Friendly staff, amazing food, generous portions, and an elegant yet not overly formal setting. Steaks, seafood, and sides like creamed spinach and truffle mac and cheese are top-notch.
Negative Reviews:
- Our Sullivan’s dinner left us disappointed. Outrageous prices, mediocre food, tough steak, rubbery lobster, and cold, soggy sides. Slow, rude service in a loud, crowded setting. Felt like a waste of money and time.
- Sullivan’s doesn’t live up to the hype or price. Average food, small portions, overcooked steak, fishy seafood, and bland sides. Indifferent service in a dark, dingy atmosphere. Not worth returning.
Conclusion
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, crowned the most expensive restaurant in Delaware by Money Inc, presents prime steaks, seafood, and diverse dishes in an elegant setting.
Prices for food and drinks range from $10 to $600. Customer reviews are mixed, suggesting that while Sullivan’s Steakhouse offers a luxurious dining experience, personal preferences will dictate whether it’s a worthy splurge or an option better avoided for those seeking more affordable or casual dining.
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