Insider Pages Reviews for Volterra

5 Stars: Evening to rememeber (by CChan)

CChan — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 02:00:00 GMT

We had my friends' graduation dinner here. The food was great and the service was attentive but not pretentious. We had a couple bottles of wine, one of them tasted funny and they gladly exchanged it for a new bottle.

3 Stars: The Bar Outshines the Restaurant (by Zak)

Zak — Sat, 23 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I had relatively high expectations. Just as another reviewer noted, I too have been to Volterra, and this is not that food. That said; we were built up very well at the bar for our mild disappointment in the food. It has been about two years since I have been back, but the signature cocktails and the cheese plate we had still gave me lasting impressions. They also make an incredible cappuccino.

My advivce is to go and have a casual experience with a date and get sloshed at the bar.

5 Stars: I went on a date there and it was fab (by corepilates)

corepilates — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I was there last night for dinner and had a great time. The waiter tended to our needs as my date and I sat and chatted taking our sweet time.. He never once made us feel rushed and the food was great.

Two cocktails and i was feeling a nice little buzz so thanks to the bar tender...

i would recommend Volterra

1 Stars: About as Italian as a Shamrock (by RetChef)

RetChef — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I hate for the first review I write, after moving here and signing up with citysearch, to be a one-star business but that's the way it goes, I guess. As it happens, this is the first restaurant my new neighbors took me to. They all raved about the food but they also knew that I spent thirty+ years as a chef, so they were kinda holding their breath.

I don't want to waste a lot of words on this because A) I don't speak unkindly about other chefs easily and B) what I ate wasn't worth a lot of analysis. Let me just say that this restaurant is named after a real place in Italy; a beautiful hilltop town that sits next to the under-appreciated (by Americans) wine town of San Gimignano. I've been there several times, eaten the food, made the food for years, and still have friends there. This is NOT that food. This is over-thought, weird, artsy, pretentious faux-Italian food, no matter what Wine Spectator says. I've loved this food for decades and have found the occasional restaurant in which the chef was from there; one in St. Louis is among my favorite eateries in the country. But what was on my plate here had some extremely silly and wild liberties taken with it. Everything from the appetizers to the desserts showed a hand that takes itself way too seriously and the staff, while polite, treats this stuff as though it had come down from The Mount on a platter carried by Moses. I tasted nothing that had any real skill or thought attached.

I was told that Seattle is not a great restaurant town like New Orleans, NYC, or San Francisco. Judging from some of the reviews I've read of this place, I can see why.

5 Stars: Great service and even better food (by GolfGirl73)

GolfGirl73 — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

I am surprised at the recent posts regarding bad service and food because I just had a great experience last weekend. I had been wanting to try this restaurant for quite some time and think it's one of the better restaurants in town. The tables are close together and it was noisy at times but I liked that it wasn't another pretentious wannabe hip restaurant. Our server was very knowledgeable, pointed out her favorite items and suggested wine pairings based on my preferences. I had the lamb chop which the server recommended be cooked medium (she said the chef tends to undercook the meats). Although, I would have preferred something a little more rare it was still delicious. My friend had the wild boar cooked medium rare and it was rare but very good. I would order that again! The portions were on the larger side so I had plenty to take home and overall I thought for the quality of food and experience, it's a very good value. I can't wait to go back again.

4 Stars: Lovely restaurant; 5 stars w/o the wine list (by girasole55)

girasole55 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

I highly recommend this restaurant. It was cozy, the food was excellent, the service was attentive. In fact the food exceeded my expectations -- the menu descriptions don't do it justice! For a "fine dining" establishment, the prices were reasonable.
My only complaint is with the wine list, which is pricey. We were celebrating a special occasion, and let ourselves be talked into a more expensive bottle than we might normally order. It was decent, but it wasn't fabulous. Not worth the extra $$.
I would definitely go again.

3 Stars: Good, but not great (by sara B.)

sara B. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:49:00 GMT

We have visited Volterra 3 times hoping the satisfactory would change to an outstanding, but it has yet to impress us.
The food is good, not excellent, the atmosphere is nice, but the prices are extremely high for the amount of poor service you get.
I am more than happy to pay for service alone with semi-decent food. But it is the other way around. The food is actually good--but the service is horrible.
I don't think we will be back. The 3rd time was the charm...and the atmosphere is not enough to keep us returning.

5 Stars: Oustanding All Around (by seattlefoodluvr)

seattlefoodluvr — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Best meal I've had in Seattle. Outstanding food, service, ambiance. The real highlight was the Wild Boar Tenderloin with Gorgonzola sauce. But, we were greeted warmly at the door by 2 cute hostesses, our server was well informed about the menu and led us down a very tasty path, and the room is really beautiful and sophisticated. I am in love with the alabaster light fixtures which the server told me came from the city of Volterra and were designed by the owner. WIll be back soon.

1 Stars: Insulting attitude (by MGourmet)

MGourmet — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I asked if the sturgeon on the menu was the endangered kind. The waitress asked the chef and returned with the message that it was and that I should read "The Zen of Fish" to get over my concerns about endangered fish. I ordered the wild boar. The waitress asked how I wanted it cooked, saying they served it medium rare. I requested medium well. She said it was served with a lot of sauce so that I would not see the bloody juices if it were cooked medium rare, which is in fact how it came. Though the food was excellent the overall impression was that the guest was not what mattered to them (exception being the hostesses who were very warm and helpful). We will not eat there again.

1 Stars: Ordinary Food and Overcharged Bill (by ClemondWu)

ClemondWu — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

This place was not as I imagined. The decoration is pretty general, no special at all. The food is pretty good, but just regular. The service is not bad but they charged for cake cutting (I brought birthday cake from outside). I have never get any charge for cutting cake at any restaurants, even the cheap restaurant. If the charge is 5 dollar for one table, it is fine. But they charged $3 each person. Crazy. I will never ever come back here. There is much better italian food in Seattle. I do not recommend to come here, especially for birthday!!!

5 Stars: What's not to like? (by SpecialPhysX)

SpecialPhysX — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We love this place! One of the best places anywhere for a special occasion or celebration. It is utterly reliable. Never had a bad meal or a "kitchen nightmare" at Volterra. I love everything they do AND the way they do it. Their Chestnut Pancakes from the brunch menu -- ummmm! Their original cocktails (by Kathy Casey) are fresh and fine.

A meal at Volterra is pricey, but you will get plenty of it -- not like some places that serve pretty plates with teeny portions and charge you for a full sized meal. We splurge for Volterra about 2 or 3 times per year. Consistently excellent every time -- if you can get a table.

I would suggest they consider a change in housekeeping. Volterra is much too fine to seat patrons in corners festooned with cobwebs or bring out glass/dinnerware with lip-prints or crusty food still apparent thereon. Recently, I was invited to be seated on a banquette that had spilled food smeared all over it.

And then there is the striking young busser who circles the dining room silently and continuously, dressed all in black and scanning each table in sequence. He is nice, he is cute, and he clears your table promptly, but what's up with that constant circling? As a diver, I felt exactly the same as if i were down on the reef with a large black tip shark circling constantly overhead.

These are minor considerations that have no impact on the flavor and efficiency of the meal, just the overall dining experience.

1 Stars: Rude service and nasty bathroom (by VRGal)

VRGal — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

If you believe you'll learn all you need to know about a restaurant by visiting its restrooms, stay away from Volterra! The ladies' room was nasty and unhygienic. 'Nuff said. Plus our server was snotty and had the "I'm doing you a favor by doing my job" attitude I see all too often in Seattle. The food is very yummy, but for the price, there are plenty of other places in Seattle that will treat you with more respect, dignity, and kindness.

4 Stars: Impressive all around (by karenwd)

karenwd — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

This is a real Italian restaurant. Not an Americanized version. The menu is what you would find if you were in Italy. It's very well rounded and the meat dishes are outstanding. I loved the rabbit leg wrapped in prosciutto and my friends Veal Chop had me drooling. Service was good and the ambiance was hip.

1 Stars: Revolterra (by dineoutguy)

dineoutguy — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

This has got to be one of the biggest jokes in town. I went after reading all these great reviews. the service is flat out terrible. The food is hardly better and parking is impossible!!!! No reason to go back. Just an all around horrible experience.

5 Stars: You can't go wrong with Volterra (by jrbritt)

jrbritt — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My family and I went to Volterra?s to celebrate my husband?s birthday after being away for a year and a half, and the food and service was just as great as ever. We have been going to Volterra?s since the beginning and have never had a bad meal or service. It is consistently way above the norm and that is the reason we have been steady customers. Our cordial server, Stephen, instinctively knew when we needed him and has been our server for as long as I can remember. Additionally, David, the wine steward, is so pleasant and knowledgeable of how the wines compliment the food, that you know you will always get a good recommendation for the wines. It will always be our special place and we will continue to recommend it highly. Thank you Volterra for another fabulous and unforgettable evening.

Dolores and Robert Brittingham

1 Stars: Bad service, claustrophobic dining and food bad (by Euroeats)

Euroeats — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I went here once with friends and sat outside on a day that wasn't too busy and my experience was ok - not remarkable but OK.

The second time I went was with my gf and we sat inside. The tables are so close together that it is impossible to have a private conversation of any kind - in fact you are almost literally brushing shoulders with the other guests. The smoked chicken pasta was tasteless with dry chewy chicken and the lamb polenta was more like lamb soup (The polenta could not be eaten with the forks they provided to eat it with because it was too runny!!!). You will find the staff churlish and they rarely visit your table. The manner of the staff and the taste of the food certainly did not seem authentic in any way to the many experiences I have had in Italy. The owners' attitude seem to be of the opinion 'like it or leave it', and I would happily recommend everyone leave it - it really is not very good, and it really is not worth the risk of going there and having the experience myself and my gf had. I can honestly say that this is one of the worst dining experiences I have had anywhere.

5 Stars: Best in town (by billycar)

billycar — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Volterra has been on my list of places to try for ages. My friends rave about this place and so we went for my boyfriends birthday and it was the perfect choice. I asked the hostess for a romantic table and I think they gave us the best table in the house. It was in the corner of the banqette and so we were able to sit side by side and watch the hustle and bustle of the dining room and Ballard Ave. The place was hopping and filled with great energy.

Great cocktail list. I loved the Michelle Cosmo and the Limoncello Rosemary Drop. BF had the Fennel Crush and the Manhattan with the slight hint of Hazelnut. Big wine list at all prices. We had the house wine which was great and only $32. Wine guy was cool and didn't make us feel like schmucks for ordering the house wine.

The food was the highlight. Chef's Antipasti which was a bunch of Italian style tapas. All were very tasty. Polenta Custard with oozy cheese and mushroom and truffle ragu- YUM. Grilled Scallops with a dollop of garlic aioli- fresh and delicious. Crab and Mascarpone Raviioli in a spicy tomato cream sauce - sinful. Wild Boar with Gorgonzola and Mustard Sauce -dreamy. They brought us a suprise tiramisu with a candle and we also ordered the pistachio cake with lemon gelato. Both were great.

Service was also great. Our waiter was there when we needed him but didn't encroach on our romantic night. We told him we wanted to take it slow and so he paced our meal just right.

5 Stars: AMAZING!! Best Brunch in Seattle! (by salmakahlo)

salmakahlo — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I will start with this statement: I love breakfast food. Brunch is by far one of my favorite times to dine. BUT, the problem is that is that in Seattle most restaurants that offer brunch do the same old boring fare.

Last weekend I went to Volterra and have found my new favorite place. They are the only ones that know how to to it right. Everything from the fresh fruit , perfectly cooked scrambled eggs ( nothing worse than soggy eggs), Bowtie Pasta with Goat Cheese to their Peach Bellini's was perfectly prepared! Also, the service was top notch! Our server, Rhonda, was attentive and very helpful in choosing the perfect meal! Needless to say we will be back not only for brunch but for dinner!!

5 Stars: Consistently Excellent (by sennuki)

sennuki — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We often treat our out-of-town guests to dinner at Volterra because of the great service, wonderful food, and splendid atmosphere. Our guests are not only pleased with Volterra but also find the surrounding community an unexpected surprise. We have attended two special events at Volterra - a New Year's Eve dinner event and a wine/dinner pairing - the food was excellent at each event and Volterra remains high on our list of favorite places to spoil ourselves.
Make sure to call ahead for reservations or you might be out of luck.

5 Stars: Darn Good Food (by mexicanablue)

mexicanablue — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Ive been searching for a good authentic italian restaurant for a long, long time and finally my co-worker brought me to volterra recently. I cant believe it took so long to find this place. its in trendy Ballard which isn't necessarily a positive for me but holy cow the food is to die for and was impressed with the overall experience.

2 Stars: Brunch was forgetable... (by dncfoodiednc)

dncfoodiednc — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I found this place in the top ten places for brunch in Seattle and was excited to take my friends. The location was great and the place has a wonderful environment. The menu was short but packed with good choices. I was really excited to find a good brunch; however, when the food came our scramble, which stated that it had avocado, had none and the eggs were extremely dry. My fiends ragu was good but disappointing that it was ground lamb and in pieces. Another's dish was drenched in a cheese sauce that was overwhelming the balance of the dish. Sadly I will not return.

4 Stars: Very Good on all Levels (by justin70)

justin70 — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Ballards a drive from Madison Park so I hadn't been to Volterra in over a year but was glad to see that the food and service were still just as good as I remembered. We were in for an early dinner and started off with the best bloody mary that Ive had in a long time with a spicy infused vodka and mary mix that had a hint of balsalmic in the tomato goodness. The grilled scallop with a dollop of garlic aioli on top and herb salad was a great starter. We also had the seafood baked in parchment which was simply prepared and very tasty and the Rib Eye steak which was very flavorful and med rare just like I asked for. The chocolate and mint cake was to die for.

1 Stars: Very Disappointed! (by momolli)

momolli — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 01:00:00 GMT

We picked Volterra based on their video. This was our wedding anniversary and since we spent our 1st one in Tuscany, we always pick a special Italian restaurant for this occassion. The restaurant is very noisy, not ideal for a romantic setting. Our waiter treated us as if we were putting him out. He never filled our water or wine glasses (we had a bottle of wine on the table). The wine steward was interesting. We had brought a special '99 Brunello and offered him to try it. He used one of our clean glasses they had brought to try it and then left the 1/4 full glass on the table the entire evening and they never brought us another clean one. The food was very disappointing as well. The mussles and shrimp were "fishy" and did not taste fresh at all. The Ribeye was so fatty, that there was only about 6 fork bites that were edible. And the side dishes (potatoes) were cold. Our waiter asked how the meal was and we said we were disappointed with the food and told him why. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away. We were also disappointed that this "Italian" restaurant didn't have a risotto dish or gelato on their menu. If you are looking for a romantic, authentic Italian restaurant - then don't dine at this one.

5 Stars: Food for the soul (by bellastella)

bellastella — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Eating at Volterra makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. There are alot of restaurants with good food but there are very few that make you feel like you are going to dinner at a friends house. My husband and I eat at Volterra weekly and the food is always consistent and delicious. We have our favorites dishes but we tend to order the specials quite often. The service is always excellent and the owners and staff really take pride in knowing their customers. They know that I like my water without ice and always have my favorite cocktail ready by the time I sit down. They not only feed the stomach but they nourish the soul as well.

4 Stars: Delicious food. Spacious, yet cozy. (by jtripper22)

jtripper22 — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I took my girlfriend here for her birthday, and we just loved it. No waiting, even on a Sunday night, because there is a lot of room. We made reservations and managed to get a great little corner booth. We were given ample time to look over the menu, which was nice as there was so many great options with incredible ingredients. I overheard that the wild boar was the house specialty so I tried that, while my girlfriend went with the stuffed rabbit leg. Both were out of this world. She asked "do you want to taste what rabbit is supposed to taste like?", as we had had two instances at other restaurants (that we love) where it was gamey and just not very good - I always ask why she orders rabbit everywhere we go...at Volterra it was great.
The only knock on the place would be toward the end of the meal as our waiter seemed to be tending to others quite a bit and forgetting us. I got up to use the restroom, only to come back and my empty plate was still there (and had been empty 15 min before that even). She went to the restroom, and the server even walked by a few times, looked at our empty plates and kept walking; when she came back they were still there - I had to ask to have them taken away. Finally he forgot my second glass of wine, but that was okay, as upon second thought - I went with a great cappucino with our Tiramisu. I really love Ballard, so any excuse to get there is great for me, and I will certainly be back. Anyone can have an off night serving.
Also, great recommendations on a nice wine list - very knowledgeable.

4 Stars: Amazing food, less than mediocre service. (by likesatellites)

likesatellites — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

My roommate and I went to Volterra on a Friday night. It was her birthday and we wanted to try something special, and we'd heard many good things. We had an 8.30 reservation, and came in a few minutes after that. First red flag - the hostess informed us that our table was just finishing dessert and they'd be dropping the check any minute. As I understand it, the point of making a reservation was that so you wouldn't have to wait for another table to clear. And they kept us waiting for about ten minutes while our table was finishing up - and this whole time, a table for two stood empty right behind the hostess's desk. When we were seated, the server did not take our order when she brought our drinks, but took the candle that had gone out and disappeared for twenty minutes - and it took us twenty minutes to get our drinks. We didn't even get a bread basket until forty minutes after we'd been there. However, the food was served in a reasonable amount of time, and was absolutely delicious. My roommate had the bruschetta, which was crisp and garlicky, to start with, and I had the polenta with wild mushrooms, which was perfectly creamy and rich with flavor. She really enjoyed the beef tenderloin, and my wild boar was absolutely fantastic, tender and flavorful. The potatoes that came with it were some of the best I'd ever had. However, my roommate wasn't feeling well and was taking some time to see if she would feel well enough to continue eating. The server was thoughtful enough to bring her some soda with bitters, but just after that, a busboy asked us if we'd like to have our food to go. As the restaurant was quickly emptying out (at this point it was well past ten) we didn't think it was appropriate for him to be hurrying us out. All in all, the food was spectacular, the service, somewhat less so.

2 Stars: WHAT IS ALL THE HUBUBB ABOUT? (by munchalot)

munchalot — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Nice place ok,
Tables way too close.
service unrefined and random.
However, food was tasty and authentic.
It was a decent experience ,
But after reading all of the gushing accolades
I expected much much more!
maybe it would be better during the week.
Not cheap.
It seems that there are loose ends to tie up.
Toodles!

5 Stars: Go for the boar! (by milehighheels1)

milehighheels1 — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We visited Volterra last weekend based on the great reviews I'd read. It exceeded my expectations,which is pretty unusual. Everything was outstanding - from the food through the service. For whatever reason, there was a delay between our starters and mains, and while I didn't really mind since the atmosphere was lovely and I hate it when I feel I'm being rushed through a meal, our server apologized profusely (she also managed to suss out some key ingredients in a dish I loved from the kitchen, and I give her huge thanks for that). I started with the mushroom tart, and would go back here just for the gorgeous truffle whipped cream that came on the side. Mmmmm. The roasted beet salad was also wonderful, with thinly shaved beets and cheese. But the highlight was the wild boar and its amazing sauce. I had ordered the crab ravioli which was nice but honestly nothing special, and kept digging into my boyfriend's meal. Finished with one the best Panna Cottas I have ever eaten. This place really is a great value for the quality of service, setting, and amazing food.

1 Stars: Avoid brunch (by ewhitish)

ewhitish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I'd had several great experiences at Volterra for dinner, and thought the brunch would be consistent... I was wrong, and truly embarrassed because I told my new-to-town guest that this place was exceptional...

The place was unkept, the tables were unclothed and had obvious stains at each setting from hot plates. The "award winning" coffee service had no soy. The tea cups came dirty - lined with foam from the last latte that was in them and with crumbs of food floating in the water. The waitress was unapologetic, anxious, and awkward. She wanted to charge more to substitute meat for more veggies in the scramble and
the $10 yogurt, granola, fruit meal was snack-size. They forgot the hashbrowns and overcooked my eggs. The fruit was not seasonal and tasteless, and was put on the same plate as my eggs and toast (where my hashbrowns should have been). The waitress didn't come back until we were done, only to fly by and drop off a teapot, saying "we just got a clean teapot, hope it's not too little too late!" When I asked to speak to a manager, there wasn't any, just owners who weren't available. When she begged to know what was wrong, she ran off crying after I told her. A different waiter closed out our bill, only after interrogating us about the meal and claiming he couldn't comp anything, even though someone else had comped my meal already (we didn't ask for anything to be comped). This infuriated me because it implied that someone in that restaurant the ability to comp a meal and he didn't find it necessary to find that person.

I emailed Don Curtis expressing my disappointment, and never got an acknowledgment/response.

Despite having several fine dinner experiences there in the past, I won't be supporting a restaurant that hires unprofessional wait staff, serves mediocre food, and doesn't pay attention to detail. It's too bad, Volterra was a wonderful addition to Ballard and I'm sorry it hasn't held up to its reputation.

5 Stars: Very, Very Good (by leen21)

leen21 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Very good on all levels. The service was welcoming and professional and the food was delicious, very good wine list and the ambiance charming. My guests and I were thoroughly impressed with the quality and attention to detail. My personal favorite was the parpardelle with lamb and olives and the veal chop. Will return soon.

4 Stars: So far, so great! (by margueritaville)

margueritaville — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Great dining destination! Their food is quite tantalizing - although we have only been twice as of yet, we have gone with medium sized groups and as we all like to share, we have tried many dishes on the menu. I do have to say the wild boar is OUTSTANDING and probably my favorite dish so far. Their sommelier has a wonderful tableside manner and we have really enjoyed his selections. He also respects your budget suggestion. It is a great atmosphere; comfortable, energetic - a great balance between elegant cuisine and relaxed dining.

5 Stars: Hands down, My FAVE! (by munny76)

munny76 — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I have heard rave reviews and read them here as well forever now. I've met Michelle a couple of times and had just not been able to get the time to drive to Ballard for the best dang food, dang near ever! My boyfriend and I had the time of our lives in food heaven. Our server was very knowledgeable, relaxed, funny, yet professional all at the same time. We started with the Bing Cherry Mojitos...YUM! Then had the to die for seared sea scallops. Our dinner salads were just right and our entrees? Oh our entrees....I had the herb crusted half chicken that was so good I even ate the skin. Total no-no for me. My boyfriend had a beef dish that was sooo tender. And the mashed potatoes with gravy and fresh veggies...my mouth is seriously still watering. Somehow we managed to stuff a lovely little desert in too that was recommended by our server. I love the fact that they will change and add menu items from time to time, which means we must go back soon now that it's fall! All in all a most wonderful and memorable experience. Thanks Michelle, Don & exceptional supporting cast!

5 Stars: skip the reservation process, sit at the bar (by dinner_and_drinks)

dinner_and_drinks — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

for me to write the immaculate review of this spot that i should is like spoiling the end of a really great love story. so i'll just be straight.

getting a table here can be tricky, reservations can be made, etc. but then you'd miss what might be the only bar that you can get an incredible 4 course meal (complete with bread and oil, and a sommelier) in seattle.

sundays are quiet, romantic, and perfect. the bartender is exceptional, the food is brilliant beyond compare.

enjoy.

5 Stars: gift from God (by warnerdave1)

warnerdave1 — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

my daughter is a food hound and for my b-day she suggested their brunch. (we are always on the hunt for wonderful food experiences).
This brunch was a gift from God. I enjoyed the chestnut pancakes w/ apples. I had them leave off the powdered sugar and used very little syrup (maybe two bites worth). Wonderful flavors. My son really liked the eggs benedict (the waiter demanded one of us try the eggs benedict and my son was very pleased w/ the flavors) and my daughter the bread pudding. All recommened highly.
Now, I must return for their Italian dinners.

3 Stars: Fabulous pear cosmo, but the risotto... (by blywyn)

blywyn — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I had what was possibly the best drink in the history of mankind at this restaurant: the pear cosmo. Not too sweet w/many layers of spices. Fabulous. I wish I could say the same for the saffron risotto w/slipper lobster. Very very bland. My husband had the ribeye, which was quite tasty. And the service was great. I can't decide whether or not to give this place another chance. I've heard that I should have ordered the wild boar (wild boar?).

5 Stars: Simply Delicious (by sevenlayer)

sevenlayer — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

A group of us dined at Volterra last night and everyone at our table said it was the best Italian food they've had in Seattle. This was my 2nd visit to Volterra and the food, atmosphere and service blew me away. Our server anticipated our every need and explained all of the signature dishes. We started with the Proscuitto and Fava Bean Tart, Mussels and Sausage, and Polenta with Wild Mushrooms. All were flavorful and disappeared within minutes. We moved on to the Wild Mushroom Salad which was slightly sweet and loaded with mushrooms and the Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad which was to die for. For entrees we had the Wild Boar Tenderloin which was perfectly medium rare and the sauce outstanding. The Filet Mignon with Lardo and Demiglaze which was so tender it could be cut with a fork. The Crab Ravioli was light and airy. For dessert, the tiramisu and chocolate dolces were great. We went with the Volterra Super Tuscan wine which is produced for the restaurant in Tuscany and we eneded with the house limoncello which was just like we had in Italy. Volterra is the perfect place for a intimate date or large group. Our biggest compliments to the chef.

1 Stars: Awful Food, Cocktails, & Atmosphere (by di_alba)

di_alba — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Each course at Volterra was a disappointment. The bread was underbaked and tasted like a floury paste. It's hard to imagine how you can go wrong with a wild mushroom salad, but it was terrible (Asaggio's is far better). The seared sea scallops themselves were quite good, but the bed of mushrooms and greens were awful. The sauteed prawns were flavorless and the accompanying market vegetables were undercooked and bitter. Part of the wild boar tenderloin was fine, but it was unevenly cooked and it came drenched in a gorgonzola sauce. The sauce was okay, but it was excessive and overpowered the tenderloin. This entree came with the same bitter market vegetables.

We hoped that dessert might redeem Volterra, but the white peaches with cream dessert was underwhelming. The peaches were slightly underripe and the cookie beneath them was so hard it could barely be cut, so we gave up. As for the beverages: The limoncello rosemary drop was sickeningly sweet (and I generally like sweet cocktails), and the stem of the glass was sticky when it arrived. We overheard the waitress mention that all of their drinks are quite sweet. The pinot grigio was good, but not fantastic.

As for atmosphere: Even though the restaurant was largely empty when we arrived, we were seated at a table with direct sun glaring at us through the bank of red and yellow stained glass windows; we asked to be moved. Cobwebs between the alabaster light fixtures dangled over every table -- the place could use a solid dusting. If that weren't enough, we were pestered by fruit flies the entire evening and couldn't wait to leave.

The waitress was pleasant, but didn't seem terribly concerned that our plates were left largely untouched and that we clearly weren't pleased (we were very polite, but did indicate that we didn't enjoy the food). With each course, we hoped that things would improve, but they just never did. We know good Italian food and this is surely not it.

5 Stars: Extremely Accomodating (by markde)

markde — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Volterra's food, menu and wine list are outstanding. What impressed me the most is that they are willing to go the extra mile for their guests. They were happy to accomodate my wife's wheat & dairy allergies by customizing our order which was above and beyond just removing something like most places will.
Start with the WIld Mushroom & Polenta, Truffle Custard or Oil Soup and don't miss the Lamb Steak and Wild Boar.

5 Stars: Incredible Wine List!! Great Food (by wolfieboy)

wolfieboy — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We found this restaurant to be one of the best we've tried in Seattle. The wine list is extensive and extremely well priced. I am in the wine business and eat at many restaurant across the country and they have no crazy markups here. The polenta and the truffle custard were excellent starters, the chicory salad was exceptional and the veal chop delicious and it looked to be close to a pound for $25. What a steal!!

5 Stars: Enchanting Evening (by seasurfergal)

seasurfergal — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My friends and I were lucky last night and obtained a coveted seat on Volterra's patio. We did arrive at 5:30pm but dining early was well worth it. The patio is surrounded by planters filled with beautiful trees and flowing foilage. We drank Bing Cherry Mojitos, sampled the menu and watched the world go by. This is my new favorite patio! The server was friendly and never rushed us. He helped us select a wide variety of items off the menu. The tuna carpaccio and mussels and sausage appetizers were outstanding. The pasta with morels and squash blossoms with truffel butter and crab ravioli were amazing. The lamb steak unbelievable. Great service, fantastic food, and beautiful atmosphere!

5 Stars: Love this restaurant!! (by linlin000)

linlin000 — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

This is such a great restaurant. Great ambience, amazing food, good service and prices to boot - what more can you want. I have tried so many high end restaurants that charge ridiculous amounts and get so much hype. Here it's definitely different. it's got a great vibe and they deliver on what a restaurant experience should all about. Also it's on a really cool street in Ballard.

5 Stars: The Best Restaurant in Seattle (by chefgabriel)

chefgabriel — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

You can sum up this restaurant in one word: Superb!!!!! The food is mouthwatering. The cocktails are delicious. The service is amazing. Michelle Quisenberry and Chef Don Curtis have a real gem within their hands. They have created an experience in food. If you want a night or meal that you will remember - GO TO VOLTERRA!!!!

4 Stars: A good modern take on italian food in a classic setting (by itsteveg)

itsteveg — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I finally had my first outing to Volterra and I wasn't disappointed.
This is clearly a nice "casual fine dinning" experience. Casual in the sense that I wouldn't go there all dressed-up for a unique occasion (although I could see why people would) but more for a fun dinner with good food in a great environment. I should point out that my only experience is sitting outside so that may have biased my view.
The service was prompt and friendly although I will admit to a certain weakness in the waiters' knowledge of wine but I don't see myself faulting him for this, a sommelier may be in order if they don't have one that I simply didn't meet.
As is often the case I ordered a staple dish because if you can't make that I don't even want to try your specialty; the grilled herb chicken was exactly what I would expect at that price from a place like this.
I will fault the Tiramisu however as truly not authentic and more closely resembling a starbucks /mass produced pastry.
Finally for the wine they have a nice selection and more importantly their selection below $100 is actually very good, I would recommend the cadence if they still have it during any future visits.

As a whole Volterra is a good place to dine, the overall experience match the price but parking is a little painful.

5 Stars: Eggs Benedict with Morels Amazing!! (by janeham)

janeham — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We had brunch at Volterra this weekend and couldn't believe they were using fresh morels with the eggs benedict! The truffle holandaise was incredible, hash browns crispy and grainy toast tasty. Very Impressive!
Can't wait to try it for dinner.

5 Stars: Impressive Restaurant and Catering (by collectortour)

collectortour — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My wife and I had the pleasure of attending a private event at the Chihuly Boathouse recently. The food was the best that I've had served at an event and so I asked who was catering. It turns out that Volterra does the exclusive catering. We visited the charming restaurant last weekend and had a sensational time. The lengthy wine list and cellar list is well priced and the menu was like reading a Tuscan cookbook. We sampled the Lobser Risotto ,Wild Mushroom Tagliolini with Fava Beans, and the Chingiale and the Veal Chop. All were divine. Our server was attentive and very knowledgable about the menu and wine list. We even finished off with a grappa. We were so impressed, we just booked Volterra to cater our anniversary party.

5 Stars: Best place for your money (by shannamiller)

shannamiller — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I discovered this place shortly after it opened and I continue to be a loyal custormer. The food is always consistent and the prices are reasonable. My favorite on the menu is the fetticuine with lamb ragu. The tiramsu is one of the best I've ever had. It's one of the reason's why I continue to come back! I do have to say the beef tenderloin and wild boar are great too. And there are alot of wines by the glass which I appreciate.

5 Stars: Incredible Dinner (by ejackson22)

ejackson22 — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My family suprised me with a graduation celebration at Volterra and it was the best experience I've ever had. The restaurant was packed to the brim but we got seated right away and our server made my big day a memorable one. She was so friendly and was always right there when we needed her. The food was fantastic. Everyone could not believe how delicious that Wild Boar could be. It tasted more like rare beef than pork. We also had the Truffle Custard with Culatello and the Wild Mushroom Salad. For dessert, we had an assortment of desserts which were sinful and a beautiful cheese plate. Fantastic food, service, and ambiance. highly recommend volterra.

1 Stars: NO MORE CHANCES (by iheartsc)

iheartsc — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Sadly, there will be no more chances for Volterra. What was once believed to be an "off night" or "off morning" has proved to be the norm. Father's Day Brunch was the final straw. First, our waiter forgot the drinks. When the entrees finally appeared, the eggs were runny and the bacon so severely burnt that a dentist visit may be in order (the chef obviously agreed, as the charred debris was strategically hidden under a piece of toast). The rest of the meal was just one big blur of bad service (service so bad that I felt a duty to register on Citysearch and write this review).

5 Stars: Excellent Place (by ballarddining)

ballarddining — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I've been a regular since they've opened and it's my favorite restaurant in Seattle. The only other restaurant that comes even close in terms of quality is Cafe Juanita. The food is excellent and the staff and owners go out of their way to accomodate their guests. I had a special dinner party for my mom's birthday and they made sure it was the best meal shes ever had. Since the beginining they have served excellent quality food at a good value. It's a neighborhood and their pricing of the food and wine reflects that.

3 Stars: Nothing made it exceptional (by kid10tsavant)

kid10tsavant — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

The flavors didn't stir any excitement beyond what I might get in the frozen food section at Metropolitan Market. The service was friendly and accommodating. The ambiance felt formulaic--another restaurant hopping on the wine-bar band wagon. There are 3 other wine bars in the same number of blocks. Give one of them a try. If they are full, swing back to Volterra.

5 Stars: 5 Stars (by hirokon)

hirokon — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My favorite restaurant in Seattle is Volterra because the food is exceptional and consistent every time. Not many restaurants anywhere can pull off the same high quality food night after night like the staff at Volterra. The prices are reasonable and when you factor in that most of the meats and produce are organic or natural, i don't know how they can afford to keep the prices that low. The service is professional and friendly. Small details like the trampetti olive oil on the tables, glassybaby candles, european style coffee service set them apart. Don't miss the set of Chihuly drawings as they are quite rare. I eat at Volterra as often as I can and on a graduate student budget I'm still able to go monthly. All of the accoloades are well deserved.

3 Stars: Just Above Average (by mfuntanilla)

mfuntanilla — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Ambiance: cozy. Service: good. Food: good but not good enough to come back. The signature wild boar and the beef cheek ravioli were good, but not spectacular. I had to send the caramel napoleon (dessert) back. The puff pastry layers were raw and unbaked. There was no caramel flavor at all. We liked Volterra, but didn't love it.

4 Stars: Delicious Brunch (by lord_humongous)

lord_humongous — Mon, 28 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We recently had brunch at Volterra and had an excellent meal. The french toast was awesome, the chestnut pancakes were great, and Volterra served us perhaps the most amazing bacon I have ever eaten. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meal and I know I will definitely go back.

I can think of no drawbacks; we were seated promptly, the staff was friendly and helpful and the ambiance is very nice. I look forward to trying their dinner menu.

5 Stars: Our favorite restaurant (by johnnali)

johnnali — Mon, 21 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I am disappointed to see that some people have had substandard experiences at Volterra. My fiance and I absolutely love this restaurant. We started going their when it first opened and have gone countless times since. Their food is always delicious, my fiance swears by the wild boar whereas I like to mix it up and try something new each time. We generally just order a glass or two of wine and sometimes a cocktail, but never a full bottle of wine, and we have never been treated as second rate clients. In fact the sommelier always recommends great wine pairings for our individual meals. I took my mother there for brunch and the wild mushroom eggs benedict are wonderful, just enough truffle oil to leave a light lingering aroma in the mouth.

5 Stars: Fantastic Food, Great Wine, Good Value (by swalker12)

swalker12 — Mon, 14 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

When we got to the restaurant to celebrate our anniversary, we were ushered in like VIPs and were seated at a table that was in the corner allowing us to have easy conversation. The service was friendly. Courses came on time, water glasses were filled quickly, and thankfully no one said, "I'm Joe and I'm going to be your server tonight." The pork belly appetizer was amazing. The lobster risotto with tomato sauce was perfectly cooked but the highlight of the night was the Veal Chop. It was so thick, cooked perfectly and had a mushroom and slightly truffle flavored sauce. I could not beleive how reasonable the prices were. The Veal Chop was only $25. The sommelier suggested the Volterra Syrah (house wine) which they had just gotten in and it perfectly complemented the Veal Chop. Luckily we left room for the chocolate pate and the chocolate and cherry napolean and espresso. This was the most beautiful coffee presentation I've ever seen. We were completely satisfied with our wonderful evening and would return to Volterra in an instant.

5 Stars: Cant wait to return (by mzfoodie)

mzfoodie — Mon, 14 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

After reading so many reviews of Volterra, I would say the food and overall experience definitely lived up to the hype.

Started with the truffle custard with culatello served with micro greens salad on top. It was really good. We then had the special appetizer which was a BLT with brown sugar cured pork belly on brioche with heirloom tomatoes, romaine and garlic aioli. Yum.

Next came the tagliolini with morels, fava beans, giuancale and truffle butter. The portion (even when split) was generous. This dish was so good it's inspiring me to do some experimenting at home to try to recreate it. We then had the Wild Boar Tenderloin, which the waiter said was his favorite dish. The gorgonzola mustard sauce was incredible. The Beef tenderloin with lardo and chianti demiglaze.
If our reservation had been earlier, we probably would have eaten more, but I thought this was the perfect amount of food to share in order to leave full but not stuffed. I was pleasantly surprised not just by the food and ambiance, but by how helpful the sommelier and waiter were in paring the wines, how they encouraged us to sample wines they suggested. There are a lot of wines by the glass so that we had the perfect wine for each course, by the waiter's suggestion to split courses so that we could sample more and eat at a more leisurely pace, and by what I considered to be a very reasonable price tag in the end for what we'd had.

5 Stars: Just delicious (by bussjc)

bussjc — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I went for the first time yesterday, it was delicious. I wasn't especially hungry, so the wife and I skipped the appetizers and we each had the house salad, which had plenty of cheeses in a unique and tasty Chianti vinaigrette. My entree was eggplant stuffed in pasta with a spicy red sauce which was just perfect. And for dessert, the Chocolate Pate with the berry salad was one of the best desserts that I have had in awhile. We were seated immediately (we arrived just before 6PM on Friday, it filled up quickly after that), and the service was prompt and friendly.

2 Stars: Volterra not so 'Greaterra' in my book. Read on. (by mdegoo)

mdegoo — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I love great food and obsess about it all the time. And yet, when the experience is a little too formulaic and the service is cold, bordering on rude, that ruins any good work from the kitchen. While the food was tasty enough, no dishes made me want to return for more. What really bothered me however was the attitude of our server. Pleasant enough at the beginning, when it was clear we weren't going to order multiple courses, I knew we were in for second class treatment. When one of our guests (an onwer of numerous successful resaturant establishments) attempted to order a $50 bottle of wine, the server quickly said 'well that's a decent wine, but what about a $125 bottle that we only have 3 bottles remaining?" All in the name of quality I'm sure. The 'taste' this left in my mouth was that the server was more interested in their personal bottom line through a large bill, than our experience. Following our order of food and apparently second class wine, the food came out FAST. From there it was downhill....a poor entree for one of our guests and curt replies to gentle criticism from someone who is as gentle and kind as a rabbit, made me think 'I hate this place'. So Volterra is not so 'Greaterra' in my book, contrary to the numerous accolades you may hear. Personally I think that the biggest downfall is greed. Volterra makes every attempt to make cash while it can - and the sheep will follow. In final assessment, the word 'Corporate' comes to mind. A restaurant you might visit in a city you don't know. Perhaps at a convention of dentists, where money is available, but taste in lost in the mix.

5 Stars: Delicious Food Great Service (by jamelmel)

jamelmel — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We went to Volterra for the first time this week and were quite impressed. Our wine person helped us pick the perfect wine in our price range and was extremely helpful pairing it with the menu items we ordered. The polenta was out of this world! We were alittle afraid to order the sauted salad with anchovies but, to our surprise we loved it. I didn't even know I liked anchovies. The best dish was the wild boar tenderloin that we had heard so much about. The sauce was rich and the prefect compliment to the meat. Our server was also very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed... Hamid was his name. We'll be back to try some other things. Great Job!

5 Stars: Comfortable and Delicious (by gregdicum)

gregdicum — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

The food is excellent, place is beautiful, and the service is good. We went early on a Saturday right at 5pm because we couldn't get in at any other time. The waitstaff was very attentive, knowledgable, and professional! The restaurant itself is beautiful. It's not a white linen type of place. It feels more like an upscale trattoria you find in Milan or Florence. The seating for 2 looked a little close to each other but very European. This was the best bread I've ever had in my life, which sounds silly, but all the bread is baked fresh that day. From Breadsticks (soft breadstickes topped with seasalt and rosemary), unsalted tascan bread, and foccaccia served with olive oil and fennel salt. We started with the peach & thyme bellinis which were delicious . Then there was the Chefs Little Bites antipasti, which were cured meats, cheeses, a few different pates, pickled vegetables, grilled prawns and some type of friend polenta. We were a group of 4 and shared some risotto as a starter (made with saffron rissotto and a fresh red sauce) with Lobster. . I had the swordfish special then theothers had, pasta and wild boar. All were very good. For dessert there a complimentary birthday tiramisu which was light and airy.. All in all it was a perfect meal. well-paced, comfortable and delicious.

1 Stars: Yikes! This place is bad :( (by kromes)

kromes — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I'm jealous of all the people who seemed to have good experiences here. We've been to Volterra twice. The 1st time was just ok, & the 2nd was terrible (we only returned b/c all the nearby restaurants had a wait & they didn't). The waiter took forEVER to come over. By the time he did we already knew what we wanted to order but he took off so fast we couldn't tell him. He didn't even have time to properly answer our wine questions! It was like that all night. He was in a huge hurry and the place wasn't even full, it was midweek. I had the apple salad which was the best thing we ordered. My friend had the small bites appetizer which was just that- small bites of weird, unidentifyable things which would have been ok if any of them had tasted good. But only the cheese tased good. Then the terrible main courses. I had the only veggie option, eggplant pouches, which was totally undercooked so that the top part of the pouches where all the dough comes together was almost crunchy. The flavor of the sauce was like store-bought. But worse was the beef tenderloin. The menu said it was grilled but apparently it had been at least partially oven-roasted which robbed it of all the flavor that should have been there. On top of that, we ordered it medium and it came quite well done. The sauce over it was very strange too. The only good part of the dish were the mashed potatoes. Then dessert: The tiramisu is a big pile of whipped cream with one or two lone pieces of cake hidden inside. I could have just squirted some ready-whip into my mouth. The caramel napoleon was so tough I had to ask for a knife to cut into it - it tasted quite old and stale. The filling was bland and probably mostly whip cream, and there was only a tiny swirl of decorative caramel on the edge of the plate. I cannot understand what people like about this restaurant. For a place where you end up spending well over $100 for two it's just an absolute rip off. We'll never go back.

5 Stars: Perfect, simple food with hospitable service (by lovato)

lovato — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I experienced Volterra last night and had a wonderful time. The service was warm and hospitable and they really knew how to take care of a guest. The menu was thorough, clever and enticed me to come back to try more. And the food was amazing! The scallops were fresh and bright which made me feel as though I had seen a glimpse of summer. For dessert we had the Caramel Napolean....you can't miss it....the crisp phyllo dough with the airy caramel pastry cream was light yet so sinful! Volterra is a fantastic place to relax and experience dining out in Tuscan style.

5 Stars: Exquisite (by meg72)

meg72 — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I just planned a corporate dinner for several very high profile clients at volterra. the catering person was great to work with and came up with a 4 course menu that was exactly what i was looking for. our food was incredible and the server didn't miss a beat. our wine glasses were always full and there was the perfect amount of time between courses. my clients are still talking about the truffle custard and the wild boar tenderloin. one of my clients said it was the best italian meal they have had. my guests were blown away and i looked like a star. what could be better? i highly recommend volterra if you want to impress!

5 Stars: Fabulous date night! (by desian)

desian — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 01:00:00 GMT

My husband and I went to Volterra early last Satuday. Everything was wonderful! Our server was great, and the food was fantastic. We had the chef's small bites appetizer which was interesting and allowed us to try many different tastes and textures. The brushcetta volterrana was amazing! The flavor of the truffles was so rich. I had a mushroom stuffed porkchop w/blue cheese and mustard sauce that was placed on top of goat cheese laced mashed potatoes. I enjoyed everything on my plate, there were so many different flavors, but they blended very well. My husband had the beef tenderloin medallion. I think his steak was the best I have ever tasted, it was amazingly tender with a great flavor. We will definitely be visiting Volterra again!

5 Stars: A slice of Italy (by lovegoodchow)

lovegoodchow — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I am a jaded Bostonian who studied in Milan and relocated to Seattle recently. I have been disappointed by the Italian restaurants in Seattle until I found Volterra. Last night had dinner here and was amazed by the food, service and overall atmosphere. Great experience and would highly recommend this restaurant. Everything from the bread service to the large wine list to food (from appetizers to salad to main course to dessert) show attention to detail and quality. Service was excellent and I felt welcomed like a friend.

5 Stars: Outstanding service, romantic ambience, creative and exciting new flavors (by djshrew)

djshrew — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Lastnight I was fortunate enough to have an early Valentine's Day dinner at Volterra. Walking by numerous times in the last year, it has always been busy and had heard it was a wonderful restaurant from family and friends. Without reservations we were promptly seated (it was a Thursday) and waited on hand and foot. Beginning with tasty bread and fennel salt (a first for me) and a delicious Rosemary Lemoncello, I was in Tuscan heaven! The server's friendliness was unsurpassed, even when I sent my entree back. Trust me, I NEVER have done that and was pretty nervous to do so. He simply stated, "I will take it right away, and what else may I bring you." His demeanor was unwavering, even after such a request. He was wonderful the entire evening, attentive but not pushy. I've never had a waiter ask me if I would like to split a salad with my companion. That's the vibe at Volterra, fine dining but casual service and not at all pushy. We will be back soon!

5 Stars: Best bet for Italian (by denster)

denster — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

My girlfriend went to a charity event at the chihuly boathouse and discovered volterra as theye the caterers there. She raved about the food that was served so we visited the restaurant last weekend. It was extremely busy on Sat night, I heard the hostess tell people who walked in that it was a 2 hour wait but luckly we had reservations and were seated within 3 minutes of our arrival. Despite being so busy everything ran very smoothly. Our server was very friendly and gave us an introduction to the restaurant and menu. We had the Volterra House Red and it was one of the best house wines we've tasted. The polenta with wild mushroom sauce, Wild Boar,Monkfish and Carmel Napolean were all outstanding. We will now be regulars at Volterra.

3 Stars: Sunday Brunch (by pmshaw)

pmshaw — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

This is our second time for brunch. (Our first experience was better.) Our server seemed half asleep and could not even recall what herbal teas were available. My husband's pancakes (buckwheat & chestnut flour) were dry. The wild mushrooms that topped my eggs benedict were stringy in texture and unappealing to look at. Our server never checked back with us and never offered water or coffee refills. I noticed her conversing with the hostess and other servers at the bar in the other room. And the dining area was only half full with customers. We would never go back for brunch again.

3 Stars: great food...snobby service (by tasclambert)

tasclambert — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Food was fantastic..However I agree with some of the other users...the hostess was "a little too big for her britches"...refused to add one additional person to our table, even though we called ahead...very short with us...however...when a local celebrity came in she fell all over him. Maybe a lesson in common courtesy would be helpful here....again...the food was fantastic.

5 Stars: First impressions aren't always the truth (by afnole)

afnole — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Though I did not think so for the first 50 minutes, this is a great place for a romantic dinner! Took the wife there for our anniversary dinner, & (in the end) was not disappointed.

Let me address the faults first, & get that out of the way. When we arrived 10 min early for our reservations, our table was not ready. No big deal, we'll sit at the bar & have a couple of cocktails; 45 min later I approach the hostess, & she had forgotten about us. We had to wait an additional 10 min or so to be seated. Secondly, in an effort to squeeze in an extra table or two, mgmt has left little room in between tables along the wall, making it difficult to get in and out.

Beyond these items, the experience was excellent. The wait staff was attentive w/o being instrusive (often a hard balance to find), and helpful in every way. The food was exquisite. The assorted antipasta was both interesting and delightful, a good recommendation from the wait staff. For entrees, I had the house specialty (wild boar tenderloin with gorgonzola sauce) & she had the Beef Tenderloin Medallion; both of us were impressed from the first bite.
I would recommend this restaurant for anyone's special occasion!

2 Stars: Go somewhere else! (by windy_city)

windy_city — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

On my recent 2nd visit to Volterra (the first being an early weeknight, ouside on the patio), my husband and I were extremely disappointed. Our experience started to go down hill as soon as we sat down and the wine steward pounced on us. We didn't even have our coats off, and he wanted our order. The waiter was on his tail immediately. Ok, we could already see that our quiet, relaxing night was not meant to be. We placed our order and finally relaxed. Our appetizer came, and was followed promply by our main courses. We never received our salads. The server (not our waiter) offered to bring them still, but we kindly asked her to cancel our salads, and we'd just enjoy our main course. When our waiter finally came by, noticing we didn't get our salads, we told him the error and that we had therefore cancelled the salads. At this point, he rolled his eyes!

As if this wasn't enough, the waiter hurredly checked back again and rattled off the dessert menu. We had to remind him of the cheese plate, and ordered that. It came, and was immediately followed by our check, which included several expensive cocktails we never had. We told the waiter to kindly take the drinks off, and he acutally argued with us that we did indeed have them. I should have told him this is impossible, we haven't been here long enough! So, in just under an hour, we racked up a $160 bill (the wine "guy" talked us into a mediocre $90 bottle).

Anway, the evening was very rushed, food was probaly good, we just didn't have time to really enjoy it. We will take our business elsewhere in the future. There are much better places to go for better Italian food, where you are treated with respect and have ample time to relax.

5 Stars: Il cibo autentico, il servizio superbo, l'atmosfera fantastica! Grazie, Volterra! (by cloew)

cloew — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

One of the best dining experiences I can remember. Emphasis on Northern Italian fare; the mussels and sausage are worth it just for the sauce to dunk your bread in. And you've never tasted mashed potatoes like this. The braised Lamb shank fell of fthe bone and was perfect. For dessert try the rich chocolate cake with chocolate mousse. The wait staff are very accomodating, knowledgable and friendly. Lovely atmosphere. A special grazie to the Wine Steward for making our anniversary such a memorable one by selecting the perfect bottle of Barolo for us. The wine list is big and prices very reasonable.

5 Stars: Best Italian I've ever had! (by sandradeen)

sandradeen — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I am usually not a huge fan of going out to eat Italian and find a lot of it kind of boring. I never order a tomato sauce dish out (even lasagna). It's usually something simple I could make at home. However, this experience was not like that. This was the best Italian food I've ever had. I would say it even rivals some of the best French food I've ever had (my favorite cuisine).
I had the Wild Boar Tenderloin with Gorgonzola, and it was one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life!
The service was great and we appreciated all the little touches, including the wine steward. Plenty of staff.
The only down sides would be that the bar is SO small. It was just a bit cramped overall, and there is no waiting area, (which is not good when it's as cold as it has been) but we appreciate that they get in as many people as they comfortably can in such a small space. Might I recommend expanding?
The decor seemed like a cross between "old school steakhouse" (think dark wood) and modern (stainless steel). I think they could have gone with a "warmer", more European/Tuscan look and had a better ambiance for the cuisine.
But, we will definitely go back often and rave about this place to all our friends!

5 Stars: Classy and Delicious (by lauramay)

lauramay — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I came here for dinner on a Friday night with a group of 6. The hostess seated us the moment we walked in and from then on everything went perfect. We were seated at a fantastic booth in the rear dining room which was fairly private. Service was friendly and attentive. The decor is beautiful and I love the gorgeous glowing lighting. The ambiance is fun and lively with a diverse crowd. The music playing was a funky jazz and provided a really nice energy. All of the food was delcious and the portions generous but not gluttonous. I went with a group of very pick people, myself included, and everyone was quite impressed and satisfied with the experience.I will definitely be going back.

5 Stars: Thumbs Up (by m_lopez)

m_lopez — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I went to Volterra for dinner last weekend with a friend. We both knew very little about the restaurant going in and we enjoyed a truly exceptional meal. The front room/bar was cozy and easy to have a conversation in, the dining room looked beautiful and was packed (Definitely make reservations!) Appetizers (fried eggplant and mussels with sausage) arrived quickly and were delicious, the main dishes (wild boar and crab spaghetti) were distinctive and memorable, and the desserts (carmel apple tart and chestnut honey pana cota) were scrumptious. Service was efficient, helpful, and friendly throughout the meal. The wine list is extensive, as is the variety on the menu.

5 Stars: Bravo (by drfreds)

drfreds — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Our group went for dinner on a Saturday night, and greatly enjoyed the experience. Lovely handmade pastas, wonderful meats, the Porchetta - wow! Ingredients are of the highest quality, and the service was excellent from moment we walked in and received a warm smile at the door to the exquisite dinner to the kind and knowledgable wait staff.

If you're looking for cliche italian food (Spaghetti and Meatballs, Pizza, Fettucine Alfredo) and someone to sing That's Amore- go somewhere else. Volterra is the real deal.

3 Stars: Bad meal with a bad attitude (by mike456)

mike456 — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

It was my second time visiting Volterra and I was excited because my first time was so delicious. Right off the bat the waiter was short and provided no value in describing the menu. The highlight of the night came when my one of my party member?s Crab Linguini came and it reeked at tasted like bad fish. This was not a pallet issue there was something very wrong with the meal. When I told the waiter that their had to be some mistake and that there is no way the dish is supposed to taste like these he treated me as if I was some ?bridge and tunnel? tourist and said ?I asked the chef and he said everything back in the kitchen is fine?. I asked him to please remove the meal and he provided no remedy for the situation except removing the meal from our bill. People I am not kidding, any restaurant that would put a plate out that made you physically gag when you tasted it is not worth patronizing. If you must dine there please avoid the Low-Tide Linguini.

5 Stars: Star struck (by zachlee)

zachlee — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I dropped in for a quick dinner at Volterra last night after shopping in Ballard. I hadn't been before and I was shocked to see lights and camera crews all around the bar. The host said that Rachel Ray just finished filming a tv show. While I was eating my YUM-O Veal Tenderloin with Truffle Sauce at the bar, Rachel stood talking to the Chef just a few feet away from me. The staff were friendly and the Chef even stopped by to check and see how I enjoyed my dinner.

5 Stars: Brillant Food, Stylish Atmopshere, Great Service (by red_west)

red_west — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Volterra is by far the best Italian food in town. The owners have brought typical Italian fare found in Northern Italy to Seattle using the freshest local ingredients, very high quality meats, and unique products imported from Italy. Its brilliant. The wine list is very extensive with the best prices anywhere. It's packed on weekends so save yourself some frustration and make a reservation or plan on waiting for a table.

5 Stars: Best Holiday Party Ever (by rsteele29)

rsteele29 — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

My company had our holiday lunch at Volterra and we had sucha great time I took my fiancee there the next night for dinner. THe staff treated us like royalty. They created a special cocktail for our group and it was delish. The attention to detail was impressive given such a large group. Alot of times the food isn't good in a banquet set up but my meal was great. I had the poleta with mushroom sauce, lobster ravioli, wild bore with creamy gorgonzola and the carmel apple tart. On my 2nd visit we had the lamb ragu with wide noodles and the braised lamb shoulder with creamy polenta and the carrot torte. Everything was divine and our server and wine steward was terrific. Definitely my new favorite restaurant.

1 Stars: Big disappointment (by abaz)

abaz — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This place is so over-rated, it's not even funny. The food was mediocre at best -- we had to return our main courses because they were cold, not even lukewarm; the sauce on the pasta was literally cold. The busy bartender (we ate at the bar) must have left them sitting in the kitchen for a while. This was just one example of the bad service. We sat with empty glasses several times, trying to get the bartender's attention. And once we were able to order, it took too long to get drinks. One of the desserts we ordered (carrot torte and squash mousse) was frozen solid. It had the consistency of frozen orange juice concentrate, with about a tenth of the flavor. The bartender said it was supposed to be that way, but I think by that point, he was just trying to save face since the service and food had been so poor. In fairness, it did appear that the bartender was over-worked, making drinks for the entire restaurant and for the bar, not to mention serving food to the bar customers. But even with better service, it would still have been a disappointing experience. This place is all hype. Not worth the money.

5 Stars: Wonderful Italian flavors (by lubmisura)

lubmisura — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've been to Volterra 3 times and they were all equally wonderful. The food is fantastic, even the simple dishes; my husband ordered the Sauteed Spinach salad twice on one night because he liked it that much. I personally loved the Tomato, Cucumber and Bread salad I had the last time. The Wild Boar, Beef Medallion, Veal Scallopine and Lamb Loin were all delicious. The only thing I ever ate on Volterra that I thought it was "just ok" was the Spaghetti with Dungeness Crab. It's unfortunate they don't have the Warm Lentil and Pork appetizer anymore! We always order the Gelato and Sorbet for dessert and the waiters always have good wine recommendations. And last but not least it's a good-looking restaurant, it makes for nice romantic dinners.

5 Stars: Great Spot in Ballard (by brit223)

brit223 — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I went to Volterra once...we had a large group and the restaurant did an excellent job of accomodating us. Everything we had was wonderful...beet salad, mussels, wild boar, pasta, dessert....everything. I would recommend it to anyone, especially for a date spot or a night out with a couple friends.

5 Stars: Beautiful Space, Exceptional Food & Warm Service (by fun4uandme)

fun4uandme — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

A group of 6 of us celebrated a special occasion at Volterra last night. The bar was packed when we arrived and people were waiting outside the door. I thought we would have to wait for our table but we were seated within minutes. The bar was lively and bustling while the dining room was dimly lit and romantic. The alabastar light fixtures glow against the deep red walls. This is a great place for a date. The daily antipasti selection came on a large platter and was a wide variety of interesting bites. The WIld Boar was awas devoured by our table. The creamy sauce was unbelievable and you could cut the boar with a fork. All of the pastas were delcious and special lobster ravioli was just perfect. The huge wine list is very impressive. There is something for everyone and the wine steward was very helpful.

1 Stars: very poor impersonal service (by 24griffey)

24griffey — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

with an overrated series of reviews, I literally came back from Italy and the town of Volterra, hoping for a repeat experience. Instead of hospitality, I found a slick waiter who was arrogant and inattentive and kept trying to push expensive wines on us. While the oil soup was quite good, the wild boar did not approach what we had in Lucca, and we had great difficulty reading their sophisticated menu because there was no light. I think this place is incredibly overrated and I am shocked to see the 9.8 rating above. I will not return. We were processed like Kraft cheese.

5 Stars: Always a winner! (by dirtymartini4me)

dirtymartini4me — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've always experienced great service, great wine (try the Volterra Red) and great food at Volterra. Last night, my gf and I ordered the daily Antipasti and Polenta with Mushroom Ragu to start...the server was very friendly and thorough. He explained the specials and offered good recommendations. My gf had the Wild Boar Tenderloin with gorgonzola and I ordered the taglioni (sp?) with wild mushrooms. Both dishes were really flavorful and delicious. And we ordered the carrot cake with squash mousse for dessert and it was addictive. Another great meal and one of my overall favorite restaurants in Seattle.

3 Stars: Fabulous Food - Service So-So (by redcentral)

redcentral — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I absolutely love Volterra and always know that I can satisfy my yearning for a beautiful meal there. The food is delectable, unique and flavorful to the roof! The cocktails are delightful and I've never had a mediocre glass of wine there. My one complaint: The women at the host stand are never very welcoming or sympathetic. The greeting on a busy night rings too much of "We are busy. We are popular. Tough. Deal with it." and not enough of "Welcome! We want to make you comfortable while you wait for a table! We are glad you are here!" My table service is usually acceptable but there are definitely times when I feel a little ignored or rushed. So, the moral of the story is... Wonderful food, atmosphere and libations-- Less that wonderful service. I get the sense that Volterra's ego is getting out of hand that can spoil a restaurant. Keep your heart Volterra! I'd hate to see your service ruin your place in Ballard!

4 Stars: Best Style of Drinks (by laurencovey)

laurencovey — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Volterra has an amazing array of drink flavors and specialties. The service was fantastic and the white pear martini was AMAZING! I would reccomend going with a date or with family, unless you live in Ballard! Its not too easy to get to. The food is so delicious.

5 Stars: terrific trattoria style dining (by naomijansen)

naomijansen — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This quaint, elegantly casual dining spot reminded me of the trattorias Ive visited in Italy. Our experience was perfect from start to finish. We arrived promptly for our reservation at 7:00 on a busy Friday night and the hostess wished me a Happy Birthday as soon as we checked in. We were seated within in 2 minutes of our arrival. Very impressive because the place was packed. The couple seated next to us were regulars and told us we had to have the Oil Soup. It was a white bean soup drizzled with extra virigin olive oil. It had a fresh grassy taste which I loved. It was very hearty so I could only eat 1/2 of it. We split the Apple Salad which had greens, balsalmic apples and goat cheese. It also had some type of vinaigrette which was a little bit sweet. For entrees we tried the Lamb Shank with a creamy polenta and the Seafood in parchment paper. The seafood dish was very fresh and delicious. Warning though, the plate was very hot and it took a while for it to cool down. The lamb shank was a very large portion and wonderful. Our server brought me a complimentary birthday dessert with a candle- it was a apple tart with carmel ice cream. The service was prompt and everyone kind and helpful. We will be back soon.

4 Stars: Great Food, Prompt but unhelpful service (by digita6)

digita6 — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

We had the scallops on a bed of black rice as an appetizer, lamb sauce with ribbon pasta, and ear pasta bolognese...all of it was fantastic. The Panna Cotta for dessert had a nice consistency, although the hazlenut infused honey that they drizzled on the plate was not enough to lend the dish any real flavor.

They have a special fennel salt at Volterra (indeed, fennel is featured heavily menu-wide). This tastes nice, and complements the breads well, but is not necessarily what I wanted. I asked for regular salt (there is no regular salt or pepper on the table) and never received it. Apparently their sense of taste trumps their customers'. That's not gourmet, that is just pure snobbery. When I asked the waiter if the fennel salt contained fennel pollen, a rare gourmet ingredient, he didn't even seem to know what I was talking about. If you are going to be a food snob, at least have the food knowledge to back it up.

House wine was quite nice, fennel cocktail (yes, they even put this stuff in a martini) was, er, interesting.

4 Stars: Exemplary service and flavors (by alicianoele)

alicianoele — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Lately, I've been experiencing a veritable epidemic of poor service at local restaurants, and Im pleased to say that Volterra has no signs of this disease. Whereas my friend Karen and I didnt have a Saturday evening reservation two weekends ago, Volterras hostess and owner were both gracious and warm, perfectly agreeable to calling my cell phone once a table had opened in the bar area. Thus, we had just enough time to enjoy a drink at a nearby bar before being summoned back to Volterra for prompt seating. Our server was delightfully flamboyant, with many helpful opinions about the menu. Karen settled on a salad topped with thinly sliced apple, I chose the Insalta di Bietole (roasted beet salad). While both salads had excellent flavor and were really quite large, I did find them to be dressed in more oil than I would have preferred. For the entree, I had the orrechiette with duck ragu and found the ducks flavor to excellent but the overall dish to be excessively salty. Karen enjoyed her ravioli filled with Kobe beef, one of the nights specials. Having just read Plum Sykess Bergdorf Blondes novel, I was keen to try the peach bellini and the panna cotta offered at Volterra. The bellini was superb, and the panna cotta deliciousthough I will warn the faint-of-palate that the rich dessert was dressed in chestnut honey. Chestnut honey is not for everyone!!! It has an earthy and slightly bitter flavor which might not suit every tastebear this mind as you peruse Volterras dessert menu, but dont be afraid to dare. The service at Volterra was exquisite until the end, and I would happily go back to sample more of their fare. UPDATE - I returned to Volterra in April, this time for brunch, and was again delighted with the food and service. Great flavor in the bowtie pasta with chicken (although my recommendation to the chef would be to stick with chicken breast only) and the baked egg-bread dish was sublime.

5 Stars: neighborhood elegance (by bluejeanbaby22)

bluejeanbaby22 — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Volterra is my favorite spot to drop in at the bar for a glass of wine and bowl of pasta or my 1st pick for gathring my friends for a leisurely dinner. The lamb ragu and wild boar are unbelievable. Huge Wine list and nice glassware. Service is always friendly and the lively atmosphere make this a huge addition to Ballard.

5 Stars: Excellent Excellent (by nunnbob)

nunnbob — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Great Food - Boar, Eggplant Pasta, Beet Salad, Chocolate Cake!!!
Great Service - Anthony was the best.
Beautiful Dining Room!
Volterra moves to the top of my list. Give it a try.

5 Stars: Stellar Meal and Service (by iloverioja)

iloverioja — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Probably the best meal we've had in years. My wife (the food critic of the family) always has a nit pick about every restaurant we go to. This is the 1st time she thought everything was perfect from beginning to end. The food and service were both spectacular. Every dish was flavorful and the ingredients were so fresh. We never wanted for anything the entire meal the waiter showed up at just the right time to fill our wine, our napkins were re-folded when we went to the bathroom and plates cleared as soon as we were done. Impressive since the place was full. Highly recommend making a trip to Ballard.

1 Stars: Dissapointing service (by wuki3)

wuki3 — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

We got there at 5.35pm and the minute we sat down, our waiter told us that he was expecting another reservation at 8.30pm. Is this mandatory at Volterra? I would say yes just by reading the previous reviews.
They couldn't even add pieces of CHICKEN to your ceasar salad! Would they give it to me if I were Emeril Lagasse? We lost our appetite and never want to return.

5 Stars: Tuscan transplant (by zenstateofmind)

zenstateofmind — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

After reading the raves, I drove all the way from the Yakima Valley to eat at Volterra and it was worth it!

There is a large menu which appeals to both the adventursome or picky eater. The entree special- Lamb served three ways- was inventive and beatifully presented. The wild boar with gorgonzola was to die for. Even my kids noodles with butter and cheese were gobbled up in a minute. The portions were generous without being too much. This isn't the kindof place where you have food left over for 3 days. Its one of the few places to offer food that you would actually eat in Italy.

The service was excellent. Our waiter Stevie was knowledgeable about the food and excited about the restaurant. He made us feel like guests instead of a couple of people just eating dinner.

5 Stars: Impressed! (by jonval2004)

jonval2004 — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Great meal and great service. Everything we expected and more. Polenta app is amazing!!Cocktails were delicious and service attentive but not intrusive. Everything on the menu sounds great. We'll be back to try it all. Highly Recommended if you like good food.

4 Stars: Worth the trip to Ballard. (by slappygoodtime)

slappygoodtime — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Amazing food at an appropriate price. Treat yourself to sauces infused with morels or the taste of wild boar. By the time your meal is over, you'll feel like a Roman after the feast.

5 Stars: Huge Props to the Staff (by abonn)

abonn — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

My boyfriend took me to Volterra to celebrate my birthday. We were seated immediately at a great table in the corner, our waiter was charming, the wine steward picked out a perfect bottle of wine for us and the bus boys were so efficient my water glass was never empty. As we were waiting for our dessert, the power went out. The staff did not miss a step and instantly began bring extra candles to the tables and doing what they could to make the situation comfortable for everyone. The power was out on the entire street and thanks to the staff, noone panicked A few minutes later, our dessert arrived and it looked like the kitchen was able to get all of the customers fed despite the black out. We thought the darkness really added some excitement to the night and even ordered another glass of wine. Huge props to everyone at Volterra. They really handled the situation with the utmost professionalism. This is a birthday I will never forget and I look forward to going back again soon.

3 Stars: Chipped and dirty (by kari730)

kari730 — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

After reading on City Search that this was supposed to be a very romantic and fabulous place to eat, I quickly made reservations and was expecting something great. My husband, father-in-law, and I celebrated my birthday here and found that it was not up to par. My bread plate was chipped, badly, and dirty, so we switched it with the adjacent table and ended up with just a dirty plate instead. There is nothing "romantic" about this place. It was small (which is good) and noisy and the ambiance just wasn't there. The food was good, though, but nothing exceptional that warrants the big accolade.

5 Stars: New take on classical italian (by getfuzzygurl)

getfuzzygurl — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I went to Volterra with my boyfriend and we LOVED it! Everything a patron could want in a nice restaurant- yummy creative entrees, friendly servers, and a delightful ambience! I had the eggplant pasta and my boyfriend had the wild boar. Every dish delighted our tastebuds and the attentive waitsatff made the meal all the more pleasureable! A little pricey but worth every penny! As many others have mentioned, reservations at dinner are a must to guarantee yourself a table and the street parking in Ballard will leave you searching and walking a little distance to the actual restaurant. Very romantic, not too noisy. We purchased a bottle of their house olive oil/dipping salt because it was SO good! Great date or cocktail place, as well!

5 Stars: One of the best restaurants in Seattle (by bfawn)

bfawn — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Consistently excellent food, great service, creative drinks, delicious fennel salt and olive oil for the bread. Tried the chef's choice appetizer plate for 2 last time and despite a slightly higher price, found it to be totally worth every penny. There were 8 or 9 small bites beautifully arranged on the plate showcasing the fresh ingredients that day. Had the boar as a main course and was amazed at how tender it was - and flavorful. Great drink list. It's a little too pricey for me to go everyday, but if I could, I would.

5 Stars: Best Boar in Ballard (by menuhappy)

menuhappy — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

We went there for our anniversary. We arrived just after 5:00 on a weekday, and were seated immediately in their large, and almost empty, dining room. The service was fast and polite, and our waiter was quite possibly the cutest Italian man you've ever seen. The food was A+ and the ambiance was nice - not loud or obnoxious, which was helped by the location of the bar (in a separate room). Overall, we had a lovely romantic evening.

5 Stars: Best Patio in Sea Town (by scarlettfeverac9)

scarlettfeverac9 — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The patio at Voltarra is a urban oasis. It feels like an outdoor dining room with nice chairs / tables, sheltered by a large overhanging tree with white lights, and thoughtfully designed pots with small trees and flowing greenery. The vibe is lively and a little more casual than indoors. Sun brunch after the farmers market is a regular habit of mine. Love the peach bellini with tyme. But, you can't go wrong with any of the pastas, wild boar or beef tenderloin at dinner.

5 Stars: A real treat (by rocknrollbaby)

rocknrollbaby — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

What a suprise to find Chingiale on the menu --we haven't had Wild Boar in years and it was worth the wait. The pastas were delicious and perfect aldente but the Wild Boar was our favorite. We couldnt' get enough of the silky gorgonzola sauce. The chestnut panna cotta was really unique and the coffee service came on a silver tray with a silver creamer and an Italian cookie. The busboys were adorable and our server and the wine guy very helpful. I only wish that we couldve scored a seat on the patio.

4 Stars: Just okay (by spudsocks)

spudsocks — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Based on all the buzz about Volterra, I went here for a fancy dinner... and I hate to say it, but I didn't see what all the fuss is about. Our polenta appetizer WAS completely tasty and they have nice cocktails (though some are much too sweet), but I found the rest of the meal wanting something. My husband's wild boar was cooked perfectly but doused in a cream sauce which I thought was bizarre, and my pesto fettucine tasted mostly like cream. We didn't have wine with dinner, but our server kept trying to push it every chance he got, to the point of being annoying. For the price, I'd rather satisfy my Italian cravings elsewhere.

5 Stars: Lamb was delicious; but no hot water for tea? (by nancysee)

nancysee — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Delicious restaurant in a quaint, boutiquey neighborhood of Ballard. You can't find Banana Republic here but there is a Tully's near by. Definitely make a reservation before heading here. It's very popular among the locals and is rated the best Italian restaurant of Seattle. So with that said, you question ... is it really that good? Well, I'm not a snobby food connisseur but I found the food to be absolutely delicious. Although I heard they're known for their pork medallions but my friend ordered it and it was really dry (maybe it was a bad night?). The lamb was absolutely fabulous. The meat fell off the bone and was so tenderized and full of juice. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants for the moment and I'll definitely return once ... twice ... thrice? One thing that bothered me was they couldn't bring me any hot water for my tea. It was lukewarm and the server returned to the kitchen several times and kept bringing me lukewarm water. It was weird but I did enjoy the small bowl of almond cookies they brought complimentary with my lukewarm tea.

5 Stars: Great food and service (by barbaramcmahon)

barbaramcmahon — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The manager and wait staff are great! We find many Seattle restaurants are challenged in this area. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and level of service. Oh, yes! The food is good also! We have been back twice - very unusual for us lately. Ask the manager for wines that he would recommend - they might not even be on the list! This is a lovely recasting of the old Burke's.

5 Stars: Great Meal and Service (by jjen1999)

jjen1999 — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

My wife and I were at the Ballard Seafood Festival this last weekend and stumbled across this fantastic place. The decor was warm and inviting, the food was delicious and the staff very friendly. Didn't know we had such a great restaurant in Ballard! We will be back!

5 Stars: Just what the Dr ordered... (by caymanislandmama)

caymanislandmama — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

After battling a serious flu and existing on bland food for a week, dinner at Volterra was just what I needed. The flavorful wild mushroom ragu on the polenta custard was like nothing I've ever tasted and the house pastas we tried were all superb. Perfectly cooked, light and airy. The lamb ragu with tagliatelle was the favorite at our table. The busboys were the best it was a hot night and our waters were never empty. Anthony our server took excellent care of us. The food is primarily Tuscan and Northern Italian so don't expect alot of red sauce or the typical fare seen at most Italian restaurants.

3 Stars: gourmet but weird (by hhyyente)

hhyyente — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

went with a friend and the service was a bit stand-off-ish, our server seeming to have better things to do than to provide us with specials or reccomendations (even when asked!) The food was good but seemed to be not very traditional Italian. Sophisticated-yes, but yummy comfort food-no. The seating was less than private and after looking for parking for over a half an hour I was hoping for something better.

5 Stars: Best place to go on a sunny evening (by tspag)

tspag — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Volterras patio is my new fave spot to spend a summer evening. The patio doesn't get too hot cuz it's shaded by big trees and it's a great place to relax and people watch. Start off with a Cherry Mojito. This drink is made with fresh cherries and rocks! The wine is list is huge and the prices are great. The wine steward taught us alot and made some really good suggestions. The menu has alot to choose from and everything is delicious. I could eat the panzanella salad and wild boar tenderloin everyday. You have to get there when they open to get a spot on the patio without waiting.

4 Stars: Nice evening (by gohuskies)

gohuskies — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I read the reviews and decided to check it out for a low key but romantic anniversary. We peeked in and it looked packed, so we decided to grab a drink at the Matador down the street before hand (excellent sangria!) Once at the Matador we called Volterra to put our name in. They said they weren't taking anyone until 9. It was a Weds. around 7... wow. We decided to just walk over when we were done and take our chances. They sat us immediately and about 1/3 of the tables were empty! Weird.
Once seated, they had an amazing wine list and we picked out a delicious bottle with the help of our waiter. We started with a beautifully presented and delicious antipasto dish. The only problem was that we had no idea what we were eating; the waiter didn't take the time to provide an explanation, which would have enhanced the dish quite a bit. The meal was very nice. Like another reviewer, my husband was talked into the special and ended up thinking he would have preferred what he initially wanted to order. That said, it was delicious. The only other complaint I can think of is that when we paid, the waiter took the tab and we never saw him again. We finished and left without anyone saying goodbye! Oh and I had to tell them they were out of TP in the women's room. Not too classy.
All that said, there were a lot of up sides. The atmosphere was cozy/romantic, nice music, great menu, and it was excellent service despite the nitpicky things I mentioned. I appreciated that he didn't press us... we took our time ordering and he didn't sweep one plate away to plunk down our meals. We were really able to take our time. Also, the price (around 150), was reasonable for a very special evening. The patio is another great plus. So although it didn't leap to my new #1 favorite restaurant, I would certainly recommend it.

5 Stars: Best Italian in Seattle! (by johnboychef)

johnboychef — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I am a chef in New York and on a recent trip to seattle I visited Volterra after reading the reviews on Citysearch. What a great addition to Seattle's lackluster restaurant scene. The ambience was invitng and warm. The service was impeccable and friendly. The food however was the highlight. The polenta appetizer was amazing. The house salad was the best I've had. The boar was unbelievable. My partner had the veal chop and I couldn't keep my fork out of it. WOW! I loved the small details like the coffee service and the cocktail menu. The cherry almond tart we had for dessert with a glass of housemade limoncello was the perfect finish to one of the best meals I have had in Seattle since dining at The Other Place in the late eighties.
Great Job!!!

3 Stars: Sure, it is good but... (by stephbrom)

stephbrom — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I agree with a previous review: the gushing raves are a bit overdone. It is almost like friends of the owners are peppering this site on purpose. Simply put, Volterra is just another restaurant in a city oversaturated with concept restaurants. Yawn. The owners are not even Italian, from what I can tell. Even Olive Garden cooks spend time in Italy and call themselves authentic.

5 Stars: Delicious: and the polenta is swoon-worthy! (by dickknows)

dickknows — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Love love love this restaurant. To start: the service was more than great. the waiter and even the busser were so frikkin' funny -- we were friends by the end of the meal! The sommolier lacked any sort of snobbery and made an excellent budget recommendation. The food: !!! The best of all was the incredible custardy polenta with fontina and mushrooms. We savored this for as long as possible. The panna cotta was equally amazing. The only bad thing: we were persuaded into ordering a bowtie pasta with chicken and artichoke hearts -- and it was extremely bad. Really dry and the chicken was tough -- and my dining partner ate two bites and quit. the exact opposite of everything else we tried. The paparadelle with lamb ragu is also delicious. As was the citrusy octopus salad.

5 Stars: The Best Italian (by danandglo)

danandglo — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Hands down the best italian around. Now I understand why everyone raves about Volterra. We were lucky to be seated at a table in the corner which was perfect for people watching. Thankfully we had the forsight to make reservations well in advance because this is one popular spot. I haven't had pasta so good since the summer I spent travelling in Italy. The ribbons of papardelle were cooked perfectly al dente with just the right amount of lamb ragu. To me, acheiving the right pasta to sauce ratio is an art. My friends tagliolini with fresh fava beans, english peas and truffle butter felt like summer exploding in our mouths. The service and atmosphere were welcoming and attentive even on such a very busy night. They are doing all the right things here. If you want to eat like they eat in Italy, go to Volterra.

5 Stars: Love the Soup!! Great place to on Fri Night Or Sunday Brunch (by rickydsadler)

rickydsadler — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

It's a Perfect "10" Volterra is a must do!!!
If you want a want a quick trip to Italy Go To Volterra
Ricky D Sadler

5 Stars: Unforgettable (by bonzaitree)

bonzaitree — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

My boyfriend and I dined at Volterra and our experience was unsurpassable. I recommend sitting on the patio if the weather cooperates. We happened to be there on a warm evening and between the candle light and the white lights in the overhanging tree the ambiance was sublime. The sommelier recommended a perfect bottle of wine to go with our lamb skewers and beef tenderloin and educated us on Italian wines. The service was attentive and the food delicious.

5 Stars: Tuscan goodness in Ballard (by vinoluvr)

vinoluvr — Tue, 30 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The food, space and staff are amazing. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and made it a fun evening. It's hard to get a reservation since they have received so much press but it's definitely worth all the buzz that it's received. Don't believe the nay sayers. Definitely try the Wild Boar Tenderloin and the Lobster Raviolli. If you're really hungry, the Delmonico steak or Veal Chop. They are enormous! Volterra is going to be at the top of the scene for a long time. Do try the famous Fennel Salt with your Olive Oil! I loved it so much I bought a jar at Metropolitan Market and really enjoy using it.

5 Stars: Volterra has raised the bar for Seattle dining! (by seatown7)

seatown7 — Sat, 27 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

We wanted to go here for our anniversary but I was worried about the negative reviews posted. No problems with reservations. We arrived and were promptly seated. The wine steward helped me find a red, and my wife with a white. Brought her a sample to try because she was unsure, nice touch. Started with the Polenta/Wild Mushrooms and a Beet Salad. Both were excellent. I had the Wild Boar and it was unlike any meat dish I've ever experienced. Tender, flavorful and wondeful! My wife, a vegetarian, had the Egplant Pouches. She thought it was some of the best pasta she has ever had. Tiramisu and coffee for dessert...even the coffee was extraordinary. Prices were reasonable, service was great. It was a little loud, but I listened in on the surrounding conversations. Everyone was raving about their food and having a wonderful time. Thats noise I can live with!

5 Stars: Fabulous! (by trh1224)

trh1224 — Mon, 08 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Three of us dined at Volterra on Saturday evening and it was wonderful! The entire staff (host, sommelier, waiter and bus staff) was very friendly, professional and unobtrusive. Our food was fabulous. Two of us shared a beet salad, which was fresh and flavorful. The eggplant-stuffed pasta had a wonderful, spicy red sauce and the pasta was cooked to perfection. The linguini with porcinis was amazing and the sautéed jumbo prawns were delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and will be returning to Volterra often!returning to Volterra often!

5 Stars: Home Run (by amieb)

amieb — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

It was my birthday last weekend and my husband made reservations several weeks ago to get a few of my closest friends together. I'm pleased to report that our dining experience exceeded our expectations.

The restaurant is beautiful with rich wine colored walls, dark wood and a gorgeous stainless steel bartop. Our server, Anthony, provided impeccable service and the wine steward helped us pick a reasonably priced Brunello from the wine list. He was very knowledgable and professional.

We started with the Bruschetta, Wild Mushroom Tart, and Mussels with Sausage. All of the appetizers were delicious but the tart was my favorite and simply sinful. For entrees, we had a variety of dishes. Everyone devoured their meals. I think the favorites at the table were the Wild Boar Tenderloin, Kobe Beef Sirloin, Tagliolini with Wild Mushrooms and the Veal Chop.

I will definitely recommend Volterra to all my friends.

2 Stars: Very disappointing experience (by jewala)

jewala — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

My husband & I chose to try Volterra to celebrate a special occasion and was highly disappointed. My entree was the evening's special of juniper rubbed pork tenderloin with huckleberry chutney. The pork was dried out, overdone and overwhelmingly salted. Both of our meat preference were ignored. The tables are so close together that our neighbors conversation was as present as our own. And the service was unattentive. In the end for the price, we were very underwhelmed with the quality of our dining experience.

3 Stars: Decent place (by bwmemail)

bwmemail — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

My fiance and I decided to check this highly hyped spot out, and were pleased to be able to make a reservation with short notice on a Friday night. The ambience is great, we got a perfect corner table. The service was exceptional, and the wine list impressive. I made the mistake of ordering the halibut. I envisioned something nw in nature (ie fresh), but instead was served an over-salted apparently fried filet of halibut. It could have been a Denny's or your local Elk's lodge halibut night. My fiance's smoked chicken pasta was quite good, but that halibut truly disappointed me.

5 Stars: Great Place for an Anniversary! (by krobinson42)

krobinson42 — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Just got home from having an exceptional dinner at Volterra. The food was spectacular with wonderful subtle flavors. We had the wild mushroom and polenta for an appetizer, the wild boar (highly recommended) and eggplant stuffed pasta for dinner, and the best tiramisu we're ever had for desert. Overall it was a great choice to spend our anniversary.

5 Stars: Great Homemade Pasta!!! (by marwhite)

marwhite — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Best pasta ever! the tagolini dish is incredible! Waiter said they buy only organic eggs from Rickman Gulch Farms. That's quality! Service friendly and very helpful with a long wine list. Glass pours excellent and affordable. Portions great, prices great too! The touch of an owner on premises really goes a long way. CHEERS!

5 Stars: Spectacular...best Italian in Seattle (by savvydining)

savvydining — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I have been to Volterra on several occasions. I have to say, it just keeps getting better. The addition of the Wine Steward (David?) was a nice touch because he is always able to recommend a great wine in my price range. Even after my first visit they recognized me when I returned and now greet me by name and I've been there less than 6 times.

I love the diverse crowd at Volterra: young, old, people dressed in jeans to business suits to those dressed for a night on the town. My company had our holiday party at Volterra in Dec and everyone said it was the best party we've had.

The food is spectacular (Wild Boar, Pasta with Truffles, Kobe Beef Sirloin, Wild Mushroom Polenta are favorites) and service friendly, skilled and efficient. They deserve all of the kudos they've received.

5 Stars: Delectable (by skydiver11)

skydiver11 — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

What a great place! Really delicious food, great wine list, beautiful decor at a good value. The pappardelle with duck sauce and the chestnut panna cotta were to die for. Super experience.

5 Stars: Voltera is terrific (by andrasj)

andrasj — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Volterra transported us right back to Tuscany. The dining room is so warm it feels like your in someones home. Our server was fantastic and explained the background of the dishes in addtion to the ingredients. I can't believe they have Trampetti olive oil on the tables. I only use it at home for special occassions because it costs a fortune. I'm in love with the Wild Boar. Perfectly prepared and the sauce- oh the sauce. The venison ragu and chestut fettucine that my wife had was perfect for a rainy seattle night. I hope they open another location in West Seattle!

5 Stars: This place has the Wow Factor!!! (by ghouck)

ghouck — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

There aren't alot of restaurants that make me say "WOW" but Volterra is one of those places. I can't believe it took me a year to find them but I'm so glad that I did. We had a superb server who made good recommendations and friendly personalit really enhanced our dining experience. I highly recommend the Baby Octapus and Calamari Salad, Lamb Shank, WIld Boar, and Meat filled Raviolis. Aside from the great food and service, another highlight of the night was that we were seated right next to Dale Chihuly. I'm a big fan of his and I said hello and shook his hand on my way out.

5 Stars: Great place (by clifftone)

clifftone — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

From the time we were greeted to the time we left the service was excellent. We loved our meal and even our 5 yr old ate every bite of her pasta. The owners came over and talked to us which made it really fun. The prices are great and there is a large selection wine by the glass. Panforte was delicious. I raved about the panforte so much, they suprised me and put an extra piece in my to go bag. We'll be back.

1 Stars: Horrible Service from Waiter (by enjoyfinefood)

enjoyfinefood — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've never been treated so RUDELY! They don't care about you as a customer, they just want your money. I made reservations to meet friends there this past Friday night for dinner at 6:30pm and we were all stunned when our waiter told us that we had to leave the table at 8:00pm b/c they had people waiting for our table. He tells us this at 7:45pm and we hadn't even finished our meal nor seen a dessert menu yet. I've never been to a restaurant that tells you when you have to leave! On top of that the waiter was just plain rude from the minute we sat down. I would be ordering and he would walk away as I was talking. Then, the bus boy was wiping the table, he cleared everything including our water glasses. That was our cue to leave and never return!

3 Stars: Disappointed (by spiceneedle)

spiceneedle — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Our server was great - very charming. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The menu offered a ton of great-sounding stuff. But...the food was not good! Very bland. My friend's duck was so tough, he could barely cut through it, let alone chew it. The "oil soup" was tasteless. And the pasta was nothing special. I was expecting something more. And while we waited for our table, we had to crunch in a corner behind the hostess stand. There's no place else to go (besides the sidewalk) if the bar is full.

3 Stars: It's worth a try, don't go out of your way. (by seattlejuan)

seattlejuan — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I was really let down after a dinner at this highly (by other citysearch reviewers) rated restaurant. Volterra served decent food. The service was perfectly fine, not exceptional. I'm sure I will eat here again as Ballard is my 'stomping ground'. I just wanted to even out the reviews that are gushing about this place. Give it a try, but be ready for just another restaurant.

5 Stars: It's all in the details... (by meowhiss)

meowhiss — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This was truly the best dining experience we've had in a long time. The service was outstanding, the food was impeccable and the atmosphere was warm and very personal. Our server was friendly, made excellent menu suggestions and told us the story of the restaurant. From the black and white wedding photos of the chef and his wife to the alabaster to the beautiful coffee presentation, the details are what makes this place special. In addition, the chef himself came to our table to see how everything was. The menu offered a great variety and there were also numerous specials. The roasted eggplant pouches with spicy tomato sauce was delicious and the chestnut panacotta with strawberries was a light, creamy dessert that topped off our perfect meal. We plan to visit this restaurant regularly as we love everything about it. It's just like being in Italy.

5 Stars: Awesome (by seapark)

seapark — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

We highly recommend a trip to Volterra. Not only is the food fantastic, but also the service! Our waiter was very attentive even though it was a busy night and he was very knowledgeable of each dish. The ingredients are high quality and fresh - starting with the olive oil they place at each table. One of the best restaurants I have been to in quite some time. The food tasted awesome and I cant wait to go back to Volterra.

5 Stars: Amazing (by adickson99)

adickson99 — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

People don't often take the time to say "Thank You" when they've had a memorable dining experience. I want to express my gratitude to the staff of Volterra for providing my family with an amazing experience on Christmas Eve. We felt like we were guests invited into the owners home for dinner. It is a meal that won't be forgotten and was the beginning of a new tradition. The raviolis were as light as pillows and the rack of lamb with mint pesto was unbelivable.

5 Stars: One of the Best Meals of My Life (by caitlynw)

caitlynw — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

My husband and I have dined in fine restaurants all over the world and our dinner at Volterra was hands down one of the best meals of my life. You can tell that alot of thought and passion went into creating the menu. The dishes are authentic, interesting and unique. I am still thinking about the Chestnut Pasta with the Venison Ragu. I typically do not order game but I am so happy that I did. The service was friendly, polished and educated. I give Volterra the highest of recommendations.

4 Stars: Great Service (by mwtransplant)

mwtransplant — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've visited Volterra twice and was satisfied both times. I'm surprised to read that others have experienced poor service, as both visits I experienced exceptional service. I appreciate that the variety of menu options, and I adore the coffee service I've had with desert both times.

1 Stars: Enjoy terrible service? (by mtseattle)

mtseattle — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Our experience at Volterra was atrocious. 25 minutes after being seated and we didn't even know who our server was because no one but the busboy had even stopped by our table. The table behind us had consumed an entire bottle of wine by the time we decided to eat elsewhere. On the way out the hostess had the nerve to thank us for coming by which struck me as odd since we were seated right next the her podium and she clearly should have known that we neither ordered anything nor paid a dime. In hindsight we should have tipped the busboy since he was the only one at the restaurant who seemed to have any idea how to treat a customer. Our water glasses remained full the whole time.

Find someplace else to go, volterra is a waste of your time.

5 Stars: Delightful Holiday Celebration (by vpitren)

vpitren — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

We had our company holiday party at Volterra and it was the best we've ever had! Kudos to the staff for putting together such a memorable event. Our 5 course meal was executed perfectly. We could not believe how delicious every item was. I am in love with the Wild Boar. The staff was great. Since there were about 50 of us, it was not an easy task but they exceeded our expectations and I hope this will be an annual event.

5 Stars: My favorite in Seattle (by flhinebaugh)

flhinebaugh — Sat, 03 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I seldom drive to Ballard, but Volterra makes the drive worthwhile. Since first eating there several months ago, it has become my favorite place not only for an excellent menu and unequivocally wonderful food, but knock-down impeccable service.

1 Stars: what a joke (by iwannabefed)

iwannabefed — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I was excited about eating at Volterra, but was sadly dissappointed. The food was okay, some even good, but I have had better. The service. Atrocious. If you want people to return to your restaurant, then make them want to return. Don't treat your customers like numbers and faceless cash spending machines.

1 Stars: Nice place and fun Time (by lindleythomas)

lindleythomas — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Although we didn't enjoy our dinner we still managed to have a fun time at Volterra. Good company pays off! The wild boar was very flavorless, even the creamy sauce on it was blend. Italian food is usually much more flavorfull that that. I hope that the owners don't find this offensive; we are just giving our humble opinion.

2 Stars: Average Food - Slow Service - NO PARKING (by snarkles)

snarkles — Sat, 19 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I've been to the restaurant five times now. The experience starts with the horrid parking situation--there is absolutely NO parking within a five block radius. That's fine in the summer, but in winter, in the rain, the absence of valet parking will keep me away. The food and the service aren't worth slogging blocks in the rain for. While there are some standouts on the menu, the service is extremely slow, almost remarkably slow. The restaurant feels cramped with tables too close together and it's loud--definitely not a romantic restaurant. None of that matters if you can't get to the place. I recently had reservations for six and we had to give up and go elsewhere because we gave up on the parking situation.

5 Stars: No checkered tablecloths or meatballs here... (by janetsmith1)

janetsmith1 — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My husband and I are excited to have found a "real" Italian restaurant close to our home. The parking was a challenge but as soon as we bit into the delightful antipasti "palatte" we forgot all about it. The lobster ravioli was sensational and the rabbit special was the best rabbit i've had. The chocolate cake was gooey and topped with a rich chocolate mousse. Never knew it could be this good.

1 Stars: Not recommended (by kyleandfiona12)

kyleandfiona12 — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Food was just not good! $18 for an antipasto for two that had a bunch af french little things on it at a restaurant that claims to be 'authentic' Italian but there are no Italians there to be found?? Super salty pasta....I could keep going. The bussers kept trying to take our food when we weren't done eating, I finally told them to stay away from our table.

5 Stars: Awesome (by popsinger99)

popsinger99 — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

we stopped by on sat night during art walk and the restaurant was fully booked for the evening but the tables in the bar area were left for people who walked in. the hostess was friendly and quoted us an hour wait but took our cell phone number and to our suprise called us in 30 minutes to let us know our table was ready. our waiter was from spain and made the night fun. the food was delicious, great wine list and really good energy.

5 Stars: Nice Experience (by iluvrazz)

iluvrazz — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Stopped in for dinner before a movie and had a great time. Got us in and out with a four course meal with plenty of time to spare. Surprising since they were packed. The entire experience was perfect from the food to the service. I especially liked the coffee service on a little silver tray with a cookie. We will be back very soon. Try the boar it rocks!

5 Stars: a must try... (by supernova)

supernova — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

no suprise that volterra has already acheived a national buzz. i read about them in the new york times and when i saw the write up in gourmet magazine, i knew that it was a place to check out. the lamb ragu was superb and the veal chop was enormous (fred flintstone sized) and cooked to perfection. the wine list is focused on italian but also includes a lengthy selection from wa/or/ca. prices are very reasonable. kudos!

5 Stars: Made my night (by londoncalling)

londoncalling — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

We missed a movie and wanted to grab a bite ...since it was a weeknight we thought we'd try to stop into volterra since its so busy on the weekends. We were happy to find a great new drink (White Pear Cosmo), friendly, attentive service and great food. The roasted chicken was like no other. The warm lentil salad with bacon was perfect for a cold night. For dessert, we tried the apple pie and tiramisu and were very impressed. We will definitely be returning to this place. I generally don't write reviews, but once in a while a place makes such a positive impression that I feel compelled to say something.

5 Stars: Zagat was on the mark (by daveoconnornyc)

daveoconnornyc — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I found Volterra in the new Zagat Best Restaurants in the US guide. I am in Seattle a few times a year and it was one of the new additions for 2005 so I wanted to check it out. The thing about true italian food is that although it's very simple, if it's prepared correctly using really good ingredients, there is nothing better. The wild mushroom polenta made me swoon and the pappardelle with duck sauce was a delight. Great service and loved the decor. I will definitely be back next trip.

5 Stars: Best Italian in Seattle!! (by gormet_guy)

gormet_guy — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

After a long wait to actually try this new place, I was quite impressed! The service was very attentive and knowledgable, especially on the extensive wine list. We had the burrata with prosciutto and found it delicious. They use incredible olive oil!! The beet salad was perfectly dressed and balanced in flavors. The eggplant rolls were piping hot and a perfect match to our supertuscan wine, Tignanello $99. The boar dish was exquisite and the grilled delmonico with arugula and parmesan melted in my mouth. The little square potatoes were crisp and perfect. Best tiramisu I've ever had and the panna cotta was intriguingly incredible.
It truly is the best Italian meal in Seattle

1 Stars: fine food, awful service (by lcsea)

lcsea — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

The service was so bad at Volterra that I have a hard time imagining going back. Soon after we ordered, at 7:30 or so, our waiter informed us that we needed to clear out by 8:45 since our table was reserved for another party. We hadn't even finished eating the starters when the entrees were plopped down. The waiter skipped bringing the dessert menu, and once we paid, the hostess scurried over to our table to inform us we were now being asked to leave to make room for the next party. I've never been asked to leave a restaurant before! I expect a little more from a restaurant billing itself (and us!) as a fine dining experience - the hustle out the door maneuver was an amateur one, and I hope Volterra learns better reservation etiquette in the near future.

5 Stars: Thoughts from a regular... (by nikpickles)

nikpickles — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I live in Ballard and support local businesses. Ive been going to Volterra nearly every week since they opened. The addition of Volterra has brought dining on Ballard Avenue to a new level. Volterra has support from the Ballard locals and from all over the city which brings more business to the shops in the neighborhood. They consistently put out delicious tuscan food with love. The owners are genuine, kind people who always take time to say hello even though the restaurant is always packed. It's not a huge restaurant so reservations are a good idea. Often I eat at the bar or go to Portalis for a glass of wine while I wait. The place is warm, welcoming and buzzes with great energy. The food, the people, and the warmth have made a regular customer out of me.

5 Stars: A trip to Tuscany (by foddnazi007)

foddnazi007 — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Volterra has brought a glimpse of Tuscany to Seattle. I'm a big a fan of Tuscan wine and dining here brought back great memories of a wine tour in Tuscany that I went on last summer. I was impressed with the reasonably priced, excellent quality wines that were featured. Someone has spent alot of time to put the wine list together. The pasta with chantrelles and truffle butter was cooked perfectly. The braised lamb shank made the perfect fall meal since it was served over creamy polenta. The dining room is warm with rich red walls and the alabaster light fixtures are stunning. It was worth waiting a week for our reservation. Beautiful decor, great service, excellent food at a good value.

4 Stars: Worth a look (by tkc7148)

tkc7148 — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

We have been several times over the last four months and Volterra's popularity has quickly grown. Having spent time around Tuscany and the city of Volterra I find the food very authentic. I think the service is excellent though Volterra is experiencing the nominal growing pains of succeess - with crowds and wait time. The food - especially the wild boar is quite exceptional. The wine is excellent. There have been a few slips on the menu - the buckwheat pasta being one - but over all I think owners Don and and Michelle have hit a solid home run.

5 Stars: Wonderful Find in Ballard (by francescocoppo)

francescocoppo — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I had the first of many experiences at Volterra and it was an evening I won't forget. The food was outstanding and the wine list is impressive and afffordable. We started with the Polenta filled with fontina cheese topped with a Wild Mushroom and truffle sauce. The flavors were unbelievable. We also had the housemade papparadelle with duck sauce as an appetizer. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. For entrees, my wifes beef tenderloin with chianti demiglaze was so tender she didn't need a knife and the Wild Boar tenderloin was fantastic. Volterra is unique for Seattle its authentic Tuscan cuisine. You will not find spaghetti and meatballs or lasagne here. It's the same food you would find in Italy today. Unfortunately, most Italian restaurants in Seattle serve americanized Italian or Southern Italian food so it's taken as the norm. If you appreciate high quality food, go to Volterra.

1 Stars: Underwhelmed (by luigiippolito)

luigiippolito — Sun, 30 Oct 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Our unpleasant experience was a bummer considering that it was our first anniversary. The whole atmosphere in the place is dull and sterile. We were on the phone for 5 minutes just to figure out if they could give us a reservation. When we got there they couldn't find it. They made it seem like they were doing us a big favor (when it was their fault that they lost our reservation). The food wasn't worth the trouble that we had to face to dine at Voltera and it was expansive.

5 Stars: Absolutely Authentic and Outstanding (by guisepped)

guisepped — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

A friend took me to Volterra on Friday and I am extremely impressed with the authenticity of the food. It reminded me of home. My mother grew up in Arrezo, not far from Volterra. I grew up in L.A. but spent each summer in Italy. Since I moved to Seattle, I haven't found any Italian restaurants that have impressed me until Volterra. The special of home made fettucine, fava beans, morels and pancetta was cooked to perfection. The linguine vongole was just like my grandma's. The Wild Boar exceptional. It's obvious that care was taken to highlight Tuscan specialities- porcinis, Wild Boar, Pan Forte, etc. The Italian wine list is excellent and priced at a big value. Many of the bottles are $20-30 less than you find in other restaurants. Large selection of wines by the glass. Knowledgable friendly service. If you want to experience authentic italian food go here.

1 Stars: Can't even get a table (by richardtator)

richardtator — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

So I call on Saturday to reserve a table for 12. Am told I will get a call back from the caterer to discuss a "menu", apparently my odds will be narrowed if i bring in business. Don't receive a call back after two days, so I call to at least confirm that my reservation was made. After I call back I am informed that they are booked, and have no room for my reservation. Look if you can't get me in the door to eat your food, or at least book my damn reservation you're sure as hell not going to get my business.

5 Stars: Incredible (by aechols1)

aechols1 — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

A neighborhood gem. The buckwheat pasta with beef tenderloin and morels was divine & the Wild Boar with gorgonzola sauce knocked my socks off. Server was friendly and extremely knowlegable. He helped us select the perfect wine to accompany our meal. The dining room is warm and charming. Truly a special place in Seattle.

5 Stars: Most Authentic Italian in Seattle (by anderjon)

anderjon — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I had the good fortune of experiencing Volterra last night and had an incredible meal. The food is extremely authentic just like I enjoyed while travelling in Northern Italy. The flavors are bold yet the ingredients simple. I cannot believe that their prices are so reasonable when they use organic meats and produce. The 14 oz Delmonico steak was delicious and melted in my mouth. It was the best $24 I've spent on a steak in the city. I hope they don't raise their prices since they are so busy. The housemade pasta is glorious. I am already craving the taglioni with chantrelles and truffles. We ordered a 1/2 order as an appetizer. The craziest thing is that we had a bottle of Gaja Sito Moressco for only $68. I've paid almost double that another Italian restaurant in town. Highly recommended for any foodie. Great job, Volterra!

5 Stars: Lovely Visit to Volterra (by deannamartini)

deannamartini — Fri, 09 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I read about Volterra in the New York Times and when I noticed they were on the front page of Seattle Citysearch, I knew that it had to be on the top of my list for my next trip to Seattle. I'm in the process of moving from L.A. and am thrilled to have found such a charming, warm, authentic Italian restaurant relatively close to my new 'hood. The menu had so many things I wanted to try, it was hard to make a decision. The Capalacci special was delicious and beautifully presented. Great Wine List. The service was great. The owners are wonderful people.

5 Stars: Yumm! (by gwfoodlvr)

gwfoodlvr — Mon, 22 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

A beautiful space and the best pasta I've had in Seattle. This is not a sloppy red sauce joint. The beef tenderloin melted in my husbands mouth and was cooked perfectly medium rare. Large selection of wines by the glass. I treated myself to a glass of Woodward Canyon and enjoyed every drop.

5 Stars: Delicious! (by pursel)

pursel — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

It is worth driving to Ballard to dine at Volterra. Our dinner couldn't have been better. The seafood in parchment was extremely fresh and like nothing I've had before. And the fresh ravioli filled with pears was inspired. The helpful waiter recommended an incredible bottle of wine in our price range.

5 Stars: Excellent Experience (by foodstallion)

foodstallion — Mon, 15 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

My group of friends had a superb experience at Volterra. We arranged a 40th birthday celebration for a group of 20 and everyone raved about the evening. They worked with us to create a pre fix menu beforehand that made things move along as smooth as silk. The food was excellent and I cannot wait to try more items on the menu. I highly recommend Volterra and will be back again and again.

5 Stars: Will Be Back (by bv_daniel)

bv_daniel — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Just a wonderful new restaurant that has a different flair than so many other places in Seattle. As a fan of Tuscan wine, I was impressed with the reasonably priced and highly rated wines that were available. The spinach salad reminded me of a similar dish at Harvest Vine, and was good. The risotto was cooked perfectly and made a good dish to split with friends as a pasta. The beef tenderloin was cooked a perfect medium-rare, and melted in the mouth. Prices of the food were on par with other Seattle fare. All in all, a place to experience when you are in the mood for a Tuscan evening.

5 Stars: Memorable meal (by nyfoodlover01)

nyfoodlover01 — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

just returned from a 4 day trip to seattle. i read the article on seattle in the new york times before i left home and naturally had to check out the dining recommendations. we had an outstanding meal complimented by a top of the line bottle of ornelia. the portions were generous, menu very interesting and fun to peruse, but most important the flavors were delightful. the sauce on the boar and lamb loin were exquisite. prices were extremely reasonable. the staff made us feel welcome and went out of their way to accomodate our special requests.

5 Stars: Brunellos, Barberas, Barbarescos, OH MY!!!! (by brunellolover)

brunellolover — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Just moved to Seattle a year ago and happened upon Volterra during a visit to the Ballard Farmer's Market. I hadn't spent any time in Ballard prior to this visit but the restaurant was highly recommended by several people. Let me tell you, they have one heck of a wine list. There must be at least 125 wines and all of them are top drawer. The best prices I've ever seen for the caliber of this list. The food was outstanding- very authentic, delicious and excellent service which was attentive but not obtrusive. Volterra is one of the best restaurants I've experienced in Seattle.

2 Stars: Can't figure it out (by madyb)

madyb — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I really don't know what happened. We (party of 4) were very disappointed in this resturant. After reading review and recommendations I was looking forward to trying it. The food was bland, the service was just OK. Reading the menu was fair more interesting then actually eating the food. The place was packed, so I am hoping maybe it's just growing pains from having good reviews and then dropping the ball because of high volume traffic. They need to step back and re-group, I will not go back nor recommend it. I love the location, hope they can get back on track..

5 Stars: Volterra is addicting (by radish1)

radish1 — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I can't remember when I've eaten a better meal. Our appetizer (wild mushrooms over a polenta custard) had the most fabulous sauce, as did the sauce with my beef tenderloin. And the mashed potatoes made me swoon, they may have been truffled. The only con was our waiter. He kept disappearing, plus when he took our drink order, he asked "would you like some sparkling water?" and we said yes, not realizing until later that we could have had plain ice water for free, instead of a $6 bottle of sparkling water. Despite that, we love this restaurant and will go back often. We've been to brunch too (excellent, and better service).

5 Stars: The best new Italian restaurant in town! (by sassy31)

sassy31 — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

From the incredible food to the perfect wine list, Volterra is one of the best Italian restaurants to grace the Puget Sound area in years! The service is was perfect as well.

5 Stars: very nice (by profwho)

profwho — Tue, 05 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Very good restaurant. I'm medium on Italian food to start but thought they did a very nice job. Lots of bread, good wine selection, good food. No complaints. Very tasteful decorating in an old building.

5 Stars: We loved it (by mrsshock)

mrsshock — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

We are so happy to have a restaurant like this so close we can walk. We enjoyed everything so much and can't wait to go back. I must go for brunch next Sunday.
We had antipasto, panzanella bread salad, papardelle in duck ragu, and tiramsu. Every bite was delicious.

5 Stars: Just what the neighborhood needed! (by shamoy)

shamoy — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

This place is fantastic! Great food, service and staff! The menu items are very different than what you find on a traditional Italian's restaurant - there are some standards, but they have interesting twists! And the wine list is amazing!! The prices for the good quality wines are amazing and unheard of in this city. Take your date or your whole family - it won't be your first time to this fine establishment that Seattle has truly been missing!!

5 Stars: Wild Boar in Heaven (by jimmyjim)

jimmyjim — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

What a place!!! Absolutely packed!! Beautiful decor, Excellent service, unbelievable wine prices! I wanted to eat everything on the menu. Chose the boar with gorgonzola sauce. Best meal I have ever eaten!! You absolutely must try it!!! The mashed potatoes will blow your mind. Thought I died and went to heaven.

5 Stars: Impressive Service & exceptional menu!! (by coskypilot)

coskypilot — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I went to meet a couple friends there and the staff was so very friendly. We sat at the bar until a table became available for us. Funny thing is the bartender there, 'Jason' was so wonderfully excellent we decided to stay right where we were and enjoy the eve. The food was excellent and the wine super wonderful. We had the tenderloins and the chicken bowties of the menu. YUM M!!! I am planning to return plus Ive added it to one of my favorite date spots. Not too expensive either. and that's a bonus for me. (Single mom) Go and enjoy! I would highly recommend!!

3 Stars: Too Average - Much better values in seattle (by sea_diner)

sea_diner — Fri, 10 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

We don't complain much because I used to work in the restaurant industry, but after dinner here tonight I felt I had to post to share with others. It took 20 minutes to get our first round of drinks (apps made it before drinks). The food was simply average (good ceasar, very average pastas), and for $80 for a shared app, 2 drinks ($8 for a very short pour of wine) and 2 entrees I have come to expect much more in this great city. With so many good restaurant options I would be hard pressed to visit Volterra again. Sorry...I wish it was better, and I hope they take steps to improve this.

5 Stars: YUM (by lauramae)

lauramae — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I heard that Volterra was good but had no idea. I ordered the sauteed spinach salad with currants then the steak as the entree. The steak was good quality and cooked just as I ordered it; it was so tender and flavored perfectly. The service was very attentive but not annoying. We had a relaxing time and will DEFINITELY be back!

5 Stars: A real treat! (by darthrabbit)

darthrabbit — Mon, 30 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Happened across this place with some out of town guests of ours, and we could not have been happier with our food. The flavors of everything were perfectly balanced, the drinks were tasty, the wine selection great, the service friendly and knowledgeable, and the dessert to die for. I can't wait to return.

5 Stars: Volterra rocks my world (by wanderlust99)

wanderlust99 — Thu, 12 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Have made 5 visits and absolutely love the food at Volterra. I find myself craving the house bruschetta and the oil soup. Beautiful atmosphere, informed and friendly service, excellent food. I will be back again this week.

5 Stars: Fabulous! (by amandacoate)

amandacoate — Wed, 11 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The restaurants was beautiful, clean , and had a great staff. The wine and food was amazing. I look forward to going back.

5 Stars: User review by grhodes (by grhodes)

grhodes — Wed, 11 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The food was truly outstanding. The bruschetta was the best I've ever had, and the prawn/fennel salad was extraordinary. This is a great, new place!!

5 Stars: User review by deborah_thomas (by deborah_thomas)

deborah_thomas — Wed, 11 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Fabulous food and wonderful ambiance. Makes you feel like you're in Italy!

5 Stars: My New Favorite Restaurant (by cmtani)

cmtani — Tue, 10 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I love love love the food! Volterra has only been open a few weeks, and I've already been there 4 times. The fresh pasta dishes are to die for, espcially the Wide Noodles with Duck Sauce. I already have a favorite drink, the Peach Bellini. You'll have to try the bruschetta, it's amazing!

5 Stars: Try It - You Won't Be Sorry! (by catwoman57)

catwoman57 — Mon, 09 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

This restaurant is owned by two simply delightful people who make everyone feel welcome. The wait staff is superb, very concerned you are satisfied and happy with everything, but they do not hover.

The food is outstandingly mouth watering and my fiancee' and I can't wait to go to the restaurant again. The wine (house) was even wonderful - a rarity indeed:-) Ballard has added "another" great reason to visit their great neighborhood.

I wish the restaurant owners nothing but continued success in the years to come!

Toni and Craig

5 Stars: WOW-The perfect place in SEATTLE (by lolajoebe)

lolajoebe — Mon, 09 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The perfect restaurant truly does exists!!! I been to Volterra half a dozen times and am truly amazed by the friendly service and GREAT food. The restaurant, with its warms colors and comfortable furniture, feels like youve been invited into someone beautiful home. The owners Don (The Chef) and Michelle are amazing, making you feel right at home. My favorites are the Boar, Steak, heck Ive tried sooo much and I absolutely loved everything I tried. However, the brochette is my favorite thing of all, Ive never had something so amazing. The flavor is something everyone needs to trysee you soon.

5 Stars: Tuscany in the middle of Ballard (by kathymagner)

kathymagner — Mon, 09 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I was fortunate enough to have a friend introduce me to Volterra! From the minute you walk in you feel like you are truly visiting Italy. The ambiance is reminiscent of Tuscany, the background music adds to the feeling and the food is incredibly delicious. Michelle helped us select a wonderful Italian wine that was the perfect selection for our meal. The service was excellent and I will tell my friends where to go when they want an authentic Italian experience.

5 Stars: Wonderful food, lovely atmosphere (by vivienne9056)

vivienne9056 — Mon, 09 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Volterra has a lovely, warm ambiance and fantastic food-the only problem is being tempted to eat too much! My favorites are the polenta with mushrooms appetizer and the Tuscan bread salad, but the list of favorites is growing every time I go. Service is always perfect, attentive but not intrusive, and the atmosphere is comfortable, not stuffy or too formal, which allows you to really enjoy the food. The owners are welcoming and treat you as if you were dining at their home, with lots of attention to details. Great date restaurant for a romantic dinner. It's officially my first choice to dine out.

5 Stars: Fabulous! (by kaariw)

kaariw — Mon, 09 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Enter the restaurant Volterra and you feel you have entered into the warm, inviting region of Tuscany. The food is delectable and the service right on top of it! It's an intimate and comfortable setting for both the first date set or family gatherings. Strongly recommended!

5 Stars: Grazie for bringing authentic Italian to Seattle (by ocastillo)

ocastillo — Mon, 09 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Wow- we have been waiting forever for authentic Italian food in Seattle. Spectacular food and wines brought us right back to our days in Tuscany. No wonder why Volterra is the talk of the town. What a score for Ballard. Prices are geared toward the neighborhood so it's an excellent value. The house favorite red wine from Montalcino is a deal at $28.

5 Stars: Fabulous! (by ras113)

ras113 — Sun, 08 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Volterra has two new fans. What a wonderful remembrance of Tuscany. The food was fresh and fabulous, wine list fantastic and atmosphere an absolute 10. The fresh herbs used throughout the food and drink were perfect. Highly recommend the Fresco drink and Bruschetta. We were treated like royalty and will be back again and again.

5 Stars: Volterra - Total Tuscan in Ballard (by zipfizz)

zipfizz — Sun, 08 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

We have visited Volterra restaruant now 4 times and have loved our dining experiences - from just a quick grilled artichoke bruschetta and Volterra Sky (their wonderful house cocktail) at the bar to a 4 course feast in the dining room. What a great addition to Seattle's Italian dining scene and a true foodie find for ballard.
We can't wait to go back again and try the rest of the menu. And the best part is they serve food late too!

5 Stars: Great Italian comes to Ballard. Finally (by paparks)

paparks — Sun, 08 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

This continues to be an excellent restaurant! Don continues to outdo himself. The drink menu continues to be yummy. With the nice weather, the patio is fantastic. LOVE IT!

5 Stars: Tuscany in Ballard (by asasaki)

asasaki — Sat, 07 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

After reading reviews on citysearch and other blogs I had to check out the new restaurant that everyone has been raving about. My family had a great experience at Volterra tonight. Our waiter was very knowledgable about the wine list and the tuscan specialities. Chef Don and his wife both made appearances in the dining room tonight talking to customers. They are very warm people and made us feel like special guests. I have travelled to Italy many times and thoroughly enjoy the food of Tuscany. Volterra is the next best thing to being in Italy.

5 Stars: Exceeded my expectations (by mauinik)

mauinik — Fri, 06 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

As a Ballard resident, I must say they have worked miracles transforming the tired Burk's space to sexy. Our waiter was attentive and friendly and immediately told us that Volterra is named after the town in Tuscany where Chef and his wife were married. The menu is extensive and it was hard to make a decision on what to eat. We settled on the Bruschetta Volterra which was a heavenly puree of porcini mushrooms, truffles, and grilled artichokes. For entrees, a housemade pasta filled with grilled shrimp, leeks and walnuts and the veal scallopine with morels. We couldn't pass up the lucious chestnut honey panna cotta which was a dream. The wine list is reasonably priced and filled with notable bottles. I must say the cofee service is impressive- served on a silver tray. I already have my next meal planned.

5 Stars: From Tuscany with Love (by ciaobella05)

ciaobella05 — Thu, 05 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

They have only been open for 3 weeks and Volterra has a loyal customer for life. Without a doubt, the best Italian food in the city. Chef Don Curtiss (of Andaluca, Assagio, al Boccalino, etc.) has an incredible talent for putting his unique twist on traditional italian dishes married with the freshest ingredients. All organic veggies and free-range/natural meats adorn the menu. The dining room is stunning---alabaster light fixtures imported from Volterra reflect a heavenly glow from the deep red walls. Wife Michelle greets customers by name & shares a taste housemade limoncello. Don't miss the Wild Boar with gorgonzola sauce.