Volterra

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!

Pros: food, wine, service

Posted 11/08/05

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.

Pros: food, service, drinks

Cons: parking

Posted 11/08/05

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.

Posted 11/07/05

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

Pros: Food, Prices, Service

Cons: parking

Posted 11/07/05

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.

Pros: food

Cons: service

Posted 11/06/05

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.

Pros: Tuscan Food, Service, Owners

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/01/05

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.

Pros: Good Value

Posted 10/31/05

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.

Pros: Great friendly staff, great wine, authentic

Cons: a little loud

Posted 10/31/05

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.

Pros: authentic, excellent value, service

Cons: parking

Posted 10/31/05

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.

Cons: Service, Expansive, PseudoItalian

Posted 10/29/05

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.

Pros: Food, Wine List, Take Reservations

Cons: Parking, Loud

Posted 10/26/05

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.

Pros: no money lost

Cons: service

Posted 10/23/05

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.

Posted 10/22/05

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!

Posted 10/19/05

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.

Posted 09/08/05

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.

Pros: Reasonable Prices, Food, Wine

Cons: Parking

Posted 08/21/05

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.

Pros: Outdoor Dining, Food

Posted 08/18/05

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.

Pros: Accomodating to grps, Food, Service

Cons: Parking

Posted 08/14/05

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.

Pros: Wines, Food

Cons: No Air Conditioning

Posted 08/08/05

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.

Posted 08/08/05

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.

Pros: Wine , Food, Service

Posted 07/28/05

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..

Pros: location

Posted 07/28/05

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).

Pros: exquisite sauces, ebullient hostess, great coffee

Cons: lack of parking, absent waiter, a bit noisy

Posted 07/19/05

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.

Pros: Food, Wine List, Customer Service

Posted 07/05/05

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.

Pros: good food

Cons: parking

Posted 07/04/05

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.

Pros: Everything

Cons: None

Posted 06/27/05

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!!

Pros: wine

Cons: if busy, food wait

Posted 06/13/05

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.

Pros: Food, Wine, Prices

Cons: Parking

Posted 06/13/05

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!!

Pros: Prices, Service, Food

Cons: Parking, Restroom size, noisy

Posted 06/12/05

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.

Pros: Great Location

Cons: Very average food, Slow service, Poor Overall Value

Posted 06/09/05

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!

Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere

Posted 06/05/05

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.

Pros: Food, Service

Cons: None

Posted 05/29/05

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.

Pros: food, wine, cocktails

Cons: parking can be tight

Posted 05/11/05

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

Posted 05/10/05

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!!

Posted 05/10/05

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

Posted 05/10/05

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!

Pros: Reasonably Priced, Great food

Posted 05/09/05

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

Pros: Great Food!, Great House Wine!, Great Service!

Cons: Finding Parking, None, None

Posted 05/08/05

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.

Pros: Comfortable seating

Cons: parking, at times

Posted 05/08/05

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.

Pros: Great!, Great!, Great!

Posted 05/08/05

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.

Pros: fab food, romantic

Cons: parking

Posted 05/08/05

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!

Posted 05/08/05

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.

Posted 05/08/05

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.

Pros: Food, Wine List, Atmosphere

Posted 05/07/05

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!

Pros: great food, innovative cocktails

Posted 05/07/05

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!

Pros: food, service, ambience

Cons: parking, but can use lot down the street

Posted 05/07/05

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.

Pros: authentic, fresh , good service

Posted 05/06/05

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.

Pros: Incredible Food, Good Value, Romantic

Posted 05/05/05

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.

Pros: Incredible Flavors, Great Wine List, Beautiful Ambiance

Posted 05/04/05