Serafina

I heard good things about this place and decided to check it out with my wife. We were impressed by the ambiance right away and service was very nice. The food however, lacked good spices. It was good, but pretty mild. My wife noticed the same thing. What I was really disappointed with was the bill. I think for the quality of food I was completely overcharged.

Pros: ambiance

Cons: price

Posted 09/11/06

The food was good, the ambience was GREAT, especially on the patio on a warm night. The food is different, not spicy per se but they used a lot of flavorful additions like arugula and pinenuts. We had the tender pork belly appetizer which was excellent, the pinenut ravioli which was very different and the gnocci which was different than any gnocci i'd had because it was made with polenta. My disappointment was just in the prices for the serving size. We ordered the gnocci as a "first" entree and there were only 4 gnocci. There were only about 10 ravioli as well...and for $16 or something, it didn't seem like much. Overall impression; good and I'm glad I tried it but for the value, I wouldn't return.

Pros: ambiance, food flavors, service

Cons: value, serving size

Posted 09/11/06

Eating at Serafina is one of the great joys life has to offer. In the ten or so years I have been dining at this establishment I have never been disappointed. In fact, I have always left with a smile on my face. The atmosphere and staff are as fabulous as the food, and I cannot think of a single drawback to the Serafina experience.

Pros: food, service, ambience

Posted 01/31/06

With opinionated family members ranging from 22 to 55, all agree that Serafina is just like having a fun family dinner with the Italian relatives. The atmosphere is warm and jubilant with lots of conversation and "happy noise". The staff treat you like family as well and welcome many guests with hugs and smiles.
The Italian food is the best in Seattle and reminds us of our trips to Italy - great flavor combinations and generous portions. The wines are a good value as well. We also love the music on weekends. Serafina is like home and our favorite spot to eat!!

Pros: Jubilant Atmosphere, Bistro-like feeling, Wonderful crew

Posted 01/14/06

This is not Cafe Juanita, but it is a great neighborhood Italian joint with a somewhat romantic setting.

Pros: Food, Bar, Atmosphere

Cons: Cramped

Posted 12/19/05

One of my all-time favorite spots in Seattle. The ambience, warm service and delightful wine/food will surely win you over! I've never been disappointed! Try one of their wine tastings led by chef John Neumark - first Saturday of every month. Each wine is paired with a small bite. I went to the last one - had a great time. The food might not be the best you've ever tasted, but you can't beat the charm and ambience! I'm happy just sitting in the candle-lit bar with a glass of great wine. Check it out!

Pros: Ambience, Food, Service

Posted 09/26/05

I have been to Serafina many times and it never disappoints - the food is always delicious, the service warm and friendly and the atmosphere fabulous for either a romantic evening or a fun night out with a group of friends. If you can get a seat on the outdoor patio it's a wonderful! The wait time can be a little long but, trust me, it is well worth the wait!

Posted 07/05/05

Heard great things about this restaurant through word of mouth but read pretty bad reviews here on Citysearch. Figured I would roll the dice and try it out anyways... Yikes, I should have listened to the bad reviews! The ambience was great -- we had an outdoor table that was candlelit with propane heat lamps scattered throughout the patio keeping us warm. However, the tables are REALLY close together. Service was mediocre with food taking really long time to come, and servers took forever to remove plates and drop off drinks. Food was mediocre as well and overpriced. The descriptions of each entree and dessert made everything sound so scrumptious but there was a serious reality check when the food came.

I would highly recommend passing on this restaurant, or only coming here if you are into drinks and some light appetizers.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Food, Service, Value

Posted 05/29/05

I love to go to Serafina! My favorite dish is their in-house, hand made little "ravioli" called "plin". Incredible, with a delicate butter and chive sauce, I think I've died and gone to heaven! The food is simple, yet sophisticated, and the staff are warm and professional.

Their wine selection is incredible, and their staff really know what they're talking about. I never feel rushed or pressured. Each time I go there I feel like I've walked into someone's Italian home, and I've been warmly welcomed and in for a wonderful time.

And, I'm never disappointed.

Molto bene!

Pros: great food, ambience, reasonable price

Cons: need reservations

Posted 05/23/05

Serafina is a place like no other. It is beautiful, welcoming, the food is fantastic, the staff lovely and professional. We recently re-located to Seattle from NY. My husband and I took our three year old on a busy night, and everyone treated us like family. The owner took our baby into the kitchen so that we could have some alone time to enjoy our meal. That was amazing to us, and we felt very taken care of. I cannot imagine anyone, unless they are bringing their personal problems with them, being anything but wowed by Serafina. Keep up the great work.

Pros: warm, authentic food, lovely service

Posted 05/21/05

Upon arriving at Serafina on a saturday night, my group of six and I were told that we would have to wait for our table that we had reserved a week in advance. We ended up waiting for our table for 30 minutes and were not even given much more than an "I'm Sorry."
Then our server took forever to greet us which is always a bad sign. Once we had ordered, our mussel appetizer came quickly and was delicious. But then once we were finished we had to wait for what seemed like a half hour for our main courses. My chicken was bland and fatty and the pasta dishes lacked any flavor.
Overall, it was a sub par experience for a place that I had always thought looked so cute from the outside. Needless to say that I will never go back.

Posted 05/16/05

After reading some of the reviews of this charming location I am familiar with, it is appartant that even when someone gives exceptional service, all cannot be pleased. Cheers to the attentive staff who seem to respond to english conversation and when addressed as th eadults that they are, deliver sound service and quality everytime. My only negative statement, Serafina seems to draw a few of the pretentious types that are quick to complain about whatever they can. I hope the owner reads this review, excellent service. If I had more free time I would go more than I already do.

Added bonus, Beautiful Staff. Only negative, those poor rabbits...

Pros: Beautiful Staff, Beautiful Food, Creative Menu

Cons: Those Poor Rabbits, Those poor Ducks

Posted 05/15/05

If you like italian, you'll fall in love with serafina! Be sure to try the specialty Melanzane ala serafina! Great romantic escape and live jazz/lounge music!

Pros: food, location, setting

Posted 02/16/05

Who don't understand why this place comes recommended.

You are so crowded in this place that even when it is empty you are elbows to the wall or window or backed up into another chair.

I don't think this is a decision to "survive" in the industry -- I bet the owner doing fine. This is a decision to overlook customer comfort and sqeeze a few dollars.

Well, there are too many good restaurants in this city doing the same type of food as Serafina for me to choose its cramped quarters and pretentious staff.

Posted 11/18/04

I celebrated my birthday with my family here, only to wish I'd discovered this restaurant earlier. We shared a variety of items "family style" and found each and everyone exquisite. The atmosphere is etremely cute, charming and romantic. Serafina's has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle!

Posted 11/14/04

Summertime at Serafina. Come early for dinner, get a patio spot. It is so very, (and I hate sounding cliche) European. The Executive chef came out when we had questions about wine, and his advice was perfect. The food was great, service gracious, and ambience bar none. This place knows how to do it. Still.

Pros: Food, drinks, service

Cons: Parking

Posted 10/18/04

My friend and I arrived at Serafina around 7pm. We walked through the small court yard and was pleasently surprised how pretty it was. We were promptly seated. It was very cozy and dark inside and had a "real" Italian feel to it. It was not busy while we were there so I didn't get that "to crowded" feel that I have read about. I had the romaine salad wich was very fresh and the cheese ravioli. The food was very good. My advice is to take a date, not your bud!

Pros: Authentic Italian , good wine

Posted 05/17/04

My wife and I live in the neighborhood and we really wanted to like the place but...We had a reservation at 8:15 and were kept waiting for forty mintues and had to repeatedly ask when we could be seated. After being seated, we were promptly ignored for 15 more minutes. We ordered some wine and an appetizer but only the wine came and we reordered the appetizer. She had the fish special - it was too tangy and way overcooked, I had the sauage plate based on citysearch - it was raw in the middle (raw sausage!) and had to send it back. There was a 30 mintue gap betweeen courses too.

The music/space were nice but the food/service were way below average. They didn't seem to care too much about customer service. They probably are better when less busy but we'll never go back to find out.

Pros: nice space

Cons: , food, service

Posted 05/02/04

I took my wife here for Valentine's Day and it was well worth it. We both were initially impressed by the prompt and helpful service, menu and wine list. It only got better after we were served; the food was just fabulous, the wine was excellent (and FRESH), and desserts were rich and subtle - not over-sugared as many places tend to do. Serafina is definitely a place where you'll want to spend the evening at, savoring each and every bite of food, not "eat and run" to a play or opera. The live music at 8 adds further character and charm to the experience.

Pros: Food, Wines, Service

Posted 02/14/04

I love this restaurant. Every time I walk into this restaurant I am greeted with smiles from the friendly waitstaff. The food, ambiance and staff make this one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The outside patio in the summer is not to be missed. The veal meatballs are to die for. Every year Serafina opens the restaurant to the neighborhood for a night of food, wine and fun. Not may other places I have been to are so generous and thoughtful to their local clientele.

Pros: food, service, patio

Posted 02/06/04

This was my first date, and I chose Serafina from CitySearch. I read all the negative comments and think Seattle has a bitter problem. The staff here was absoutely wonderful, the seating was great, and the food delicious. This was the 1st real date I've been on in 7 years and Serafina's made it the best by far in my entire life. The music, lighting, and friendly staff made this a very positive evening.

Pros: Great Service, Delicious Food, Perfect for 1st Dates

Posted 01/30/04

Should've listened to my friends... Don't believe the hype. The server seemed like he was selling me food rather than informing me of the menu. The host, (manager, probably?!) seemed friendly in that "I am looking and talking through you sort of way." Chilling.

I had a decent dish of fried eggplant on angelhair, while the others at the table were dissapointed with more clever preparations of game.

There is no room at the tables and no room between them, I was constantly bumped by other customers and servers. This place reeks of an owner sacrificing comfort and price for her own bottom line.

I love wine, and although the selection there was nice, their prices are well above the normal restaurant markup.

You can find lots of other Italian eateries in Seattle where they do what Serafina attempts a lot cheaper, a lot more comfortable, and a lot friendlier.

Posted 01/16/04

We've been to Serafina several times, and for the most part have been pleased with the food and the atmosphere. However, our recent dining experience with a group of friends was not great. The food was OK but inconsistent. Parts of a "trio" appetizer were tasty but skimpy, and a special pasta (ravioli with goat cheese and parmesean cream) was bland like pasta out of a box. The Osso Bucco was superbly braised and carmelized but the rabbit rubbery. The worst part of the experience was when we had to [unbelievably] negotiate with the ownership/management to waive a corkage fee after a member of our party had food spilled on him twice by the wait staff! (Tables far too close together and cramped).

Pros: Atmosphere, Food Presentation, Nice Waitress

Cons: Customer "Service", Crowded Seating

Posted 12/29/03

My husband and I chose Serafina for our annniversary dinner. The reservationist made sure our tablecloth was decorated with "Happy Anniversary" which was a cute touch. The waiter was haughty but service was quick (restaurant was half empty, though.)
Appetizers were disappointing- calamari tasted fishy and didn't have enough sauce, goat cheese on the salad was gritty. However, the pasta I had was outstanding- smoked bacon and pancetta in a tomato sauce. The best part of dinner was dessert-the panna cotta was to die for. Wine selection was on the spendy side; few decent bottles under $30. With entree prices in the $15 range, this seemed out of balance to me. The ambiance is romantic although they crammed too many tables in there. If full, I can imagine the restaurant would get loud.

Pros: nice ambiance, tasty pasta, dessert!!

Cons: haughty waitstaff, expensive wine list, disappointing appetiz

Posted 12/04/03

Our party of eight was wedged into a corner table too small for all of us, and while we waited for our eighth to arrive the waitstaff pushed the empty chair into my legs every time they squeezed past. The room was far to loud to have a conversation among even half the table, or even to hear our waitress. We had to yell! The ambience resembled a cafeteria, despite the best efforts of the decor and live jazz. The food was interesting, but among what I sampled the Melanzane was by far the most successful, in an Old Reliable kind of way. The gnocchi was not to my liking and pumpkin ravioli was unremarkable. For what this meal cost, I expected far better. Serafina was not my choice this night; if I have a choice next time I will choose somewhere else.

Pros: Wine selection, Our waitress, No smoking

Cons: Wine prices, 'Ambience', Value

Posted 10/26/03

The folks who say Serafina is marred by a haughty attitude are right. We waited a FULL HOUR for our food to arrive. Waitress smirked the trout I ordered took that long (then why didn't she warn us of the wait when we ordered?) When it finally arrived,what the menu represented would be "boneless" trout was so full of bones that I couldn't eat it. I can forgive a mistake like that. But when I sent it back, they did not offer me a free dessert or drink to apologize for their mistake. There is a consistent pattern here: Serafina refuses to admit when it messes up.

Pros: atmosphere, appetizers

Cons: attitude, service

Posted 10/19/03

I've been to Sarafina twice. The first time was an acceptable experience if you don't mind waiting 20 minutes for your reserved table. The food was good, but not great. The second time was a total flop. Service was poor when it was there, the place was sweltering hot, and the food was totally uninspired. Pick a different spot.

Pros: decent wine, nice decor

Cons: mediocre food, poor service

Posted 08/11/03

Serafina has the character of a sucessful restaurant that you should feel priviledged to patronize.
We had a very special family evening planned and had made a reservation for 10. I had been there with my wife before and had a mostly pleasant experience. When we arrived we were informed there would be a wait. When a half hour had passed, we asked how long it would be. They were not sure. Basically they had failed to put tables aside for such a large group. When we made some semblance of a complaint we were rebuffed that we should not have come with such a large group. OUTRAGEOUS. What are reservations for and if they could not accomodate such a group then they shoud have told us when we phoned it in. The owner spoke to us unapologetically.... If it had been possible at that point, we would've
gone elsewhere.

Cons: Service

Posted 07/30/03

While going here w/my husband is a wonderful treat, the cost of items on the menu can be prohibitive. A birthday meal of an appetizer, entrees, dessert and wine (not fabulous wine, mind you) cost us $150. At that price we can only afford to go once every 2-3 years! Most definitely a place for either special occasions or the very rich, I would still recommend trying it once for the experience. The interior is intimate, and never seems crowded even with the tables full. The outside is also intimate even with Eastlake Ave. just outside. The food itself is surprising in its taste combinations and preparation. All in all a good place to have a quiet, delicious, intimate meal out.

Pros: quiet, helpful wait staff, delicious food

Cons: expensive!, street parking only

Posted 07/30/03

I was very disapointed after all i'd heard around town about Serafina - the place was somewhat dirty, the service was slow, and the food was utterly average. Try bandoleone up the street for something a little more interesting...

Pros: it's a straight C

Cons: just wasn'

Posted 07/06/03

We had heard such great things about Serafina's and were looking forward to celebrating our one-year anniversary with a special dinner. The dinner turned out to be a huge disappointment. Although we had made reservations and had arrived on-time, we weren't seated for at least 30 minutes. The wine selection was pathetically short. Most of all, we were appalled by the horrible food! The halibut was extremely bland, and tasted like the chef had just thrown raw fish into the pan. The roasted chicken wasn't much better, and we were suspicious that it hadn't been cooked long enough. Our special dinner celebration was ruined. We even filled out one of those customer comment cards and left our phone number, and we have yet to be contacted. Save your time and money. Over-valued! We do not recommend Serafina.

Pros: Good service, Entertaining music, Lively atmosphere

Cons: Tasteless food, Over-valued, Limited food menu

Posted 05/02/03

Food: 8, good menu, great salads
Atmosphere: 9, what a great place!
Service: 10++++ Where do they get these people?

From Matt & Melissa at the bar to the wait staff, they are all friendly and wanting to take care of you. Special kudos to the young blonde lady who must be the pastry chef who sent out a goody for me while waiting at the bar. I like to visit here because it's in my neighborhood but I would drive a way just to visit for a drink. Also a place which is a destination lunch or dinner for out of state clients to show off one of Seattle's best dining experiences. You can dress up or not, doesn't seem to matter to them. 5***** did I mention the friendly service?

Pros: good food, frienly service, greta atmosphere

Cons: parking not the great

Posted 04/03/03

Serafina is a fine restaurant. Must go on a Saturday Night...enjoy some dinner, good wine, and some music. The food and everchanging menu keeps you interested. Don't pay attention to people complaining about the service or the wait, the obviously didn't call ahead...It's a busy place, what do you expect!

Pros: Quality Food, Romantic, Proximity to Downtown

Cons: Busy

Posted 02/04/03

Although the food of this restaurant was excellent, it was the atmosphere that stands out in my mind. Candle lit, cute tables, beaded lighting, live music. A couple could easily cuddle in the corner!

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: Overpriced Desserts

Posted 01/22/03

While visiting Seattle, Serafina was recommended for an incredible Italian restaurant ~ that's a HUGE overstatemenet! We made a reservation and still waited 20 minutes, then were seated at a dirty table that we had to wait another 10 minutes to be cleaned, then another 20 before someone took our drink order. The food came out promptly after we ordered it, but it was cold as if they made it that afternoon and forgot to reheat it. Then when the bill came, they waited for us to pay! Bad food, bad service!

Cons: Bad Service!!!, Band is Too LOUD, Cold food

Posted 01/05/03

I took my sister there for dinner for her birth day becuase she had been told the place was great. NOT! It looked lovely when we came in, but the service was slow and when we were asked how the meal tasted she did not care. We waited for almost an hour before our food came out and the chicken was so dry that I almost could not cut it with a STEAK knife. Then when the change came she only gave us back large bills....sorry not going to tip over 20% for bad food and service.

Posted 01/02/03

After the best calamari I have ever had, my companion and I were well served by a friendly staff and comfortably stuffed after apetizer a main course and desert along with an excellent selection of wines. Defiantely a special occaision place for the price but what an excellent night. Hats off to the whole crew, kitchen and front of house. Well done!

Pros: service was fantastic, menu changes, nicely romantic

Cons: street parking, a bit pricey

Posted 12/17/02

I love the rustic Italian food and the cozy atmosphere. Definitely will return.

Pros: Food, Atmoshpere

Cons: Parking

Posted 12/12/02

maybe my tastes are different but I love this place. the service has always been impeccable with the staff being very knowledgeable when it comes to recommending food and wine. the ambience can't be beat, lunch on the back patio in the sun with a good bottle of wine... it was heaven. the food and portions have always been just right. I clean my plate and don't feel overstuffed as happens in so many restaurants these days.

Pros: knowledgeable staff, welcoming environment, tasty

Cons: a bit pricey

Posted 11/01/02

Two words for you...over hyped. Resataurant's number one priority is food, here it is average. Sounds awesome on menu, but when it gets to you, it doesn't measure up.

Posted 10/13/02

We have eaten at this restaurant a number of times over the past 3 years, and it has somehow become less and less fulfilling. If I was to pin it down on one thing it would have to be the service. The food is still decent (not as good as it used to be), and I love the ambiance, but the service is typically extremely slow. A couple of changes and this place could be fantastic. Maybe it's just me, because every time I drive by it is packed...

Posted 08/04/02

While the food selection and quality is not always consistent, I can always count on excellent coffee and cocktails, without fail. In the summertime, have a greyhound at the bar. They squeeze the grapefruit right there and it is most refreshing. And if they have creme brulee on the menu, I recommend that as well.

Pros: great music

Cons: parking can be tricky, pricey

Posted 07/23/02

Request a table outdoors in the garden patio -- it's absolutely charming. Someone must be reading all the complaints about poor service, because our service from start to finish was friendly, knowledgable and quick. They even held our outdoor table when we were late for our reservation. Unfortunately the food is nothing special. The house specialty, their take on eggplant parmesan, was bland, and the taste of the eggplant was totally drowned out by loads of mozzarella. The pasta special, a seafood linguine, was good (the clams were excellent) but overly spicy even though I asked them to go easy on the pepper flakes. The three cheeses on the cheese plate were too similar. I'd return for the ambiance during the summer, but not for the food.

Posted 06/02/02