Serafina

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2043 Eastlake Ave E (at Boston Street)
Seattle, WA 98102

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(206) 323-0807
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Serafina - Seattle, WA
Serafina - Seattle, WA
Serafina - Seattle, WA
Serafina - Seattle, WA
Reviews
( 49 )
( 33 )
( 11 )
( 15 )
( 19 )

Best

We ordered and shared family style. Husband had the Agnolotti and enjoyed it, Melanzane eggplant parm was also very good. My pappardelle with braised lamb shank was a delight. T...

Worst

Serafina has the character of a sucessful restaurant that you should feel priviledged to patronize. We had a very special family evening planned and had made a reservation f...

Good, not stupendous 12/3/2003

My husband and I chose Serafina for our annniversary dinner. The reservationist made sure our tablecloth was decorated with ""Happy Anniversary"" which was a cute touch. The waiter was haughty but service was quick (restaurant was half empty, though.) Appetizers were disappointing- calamari tasted fishy and didn't have enough sauce, goat cheese on the salad was gritty. However, the pasta I had was outstanding- smoked bacon and pancetta in a tomato sauce. The best part of dinner was dessert-the panna cotta was to die for. Wine selection was on the spendy side; few decent bottles under $30. With entree prices in the $15 range, this seemed out of balance to me. The ambiance is romantic although they crammed too many tables in there. If full, I can imagine the restaurant would get loud. Pros: nice ambiance, tasty pasta, dessert!! Cons: haughty waitstaff, expensive wine list, disappointing appetiz more
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Expensive cafeteria 10/25/2003

Our party of eight was wedged into a corner table too small for all of us, and while we waited for our eighth to arrive the waitstaff pushed the empty chair into my legs every time they squeezed past. The room was far to loud to have a conversation among even half the table, or even to hear our waitress. We had to yell! The ambience resembled a cafeteria, despite the best efforts of the decor and live jazz. The food was interesting, but among what I sampled the Melanzane was by far the most successful, in an Old Reliable kind of way. The gnocchi was not to my liking and pumpkin ravioli was unremarkable. For what this meal cost, I expected far better. Serafina was not my choice this night; if I have a choice next time I will choose somewhere else. Pros: Wine selection, Our waitress, No smoking Cons: Wine prices, 'Ambience', Value more
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I agree 10/18/2003

The folks who say Serafina is marred by a haughty attitude are right. We waited a FULL HOUR for our food to arrive. Waitress smirked the trout I ordered took that long (then why didn't she warn us of the wait when we ordered?) When it finally arrived,what the menu represented would be ""boneless"" trout was so full of bones that I couldn't eat it. I can forgive a mistake like that. But when I sent it back, they did not offer me a free dessert or drink to apologize for their mistake. There is a consistent pattern here: Serafina refuses to admit when it messes up. Pros: atmosphere, appetizers Cons: attitude, service more
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Big Miss... 8/11/2003

I've been to Sarafina twice. The first time was an acceptable experience if you don't mind waiting 20 minutes for your reserved table. The food was good, but not great. The second time was a total flop. Service was poor when it was there, the place was sweltering hot, and the food was totally uninspired. Pick a different spot. Pros: decent wine, nice decor Cons: mediocre food, poor service more
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Excellent dining experience, but spendy! 7/30/2003

While going here w/my husband is a wonderful treat, the cost of items on the menu can be prohibitive. A birthday meal of an appetizer, entrees, dessert and wine (not fabulous wine, mind you) cost us $150. At that price we can only afford to go once every 2-3 years! Most definitely a place for either special occasions or the very rich, I would still recommend trying it once for the experience. The interior is intimate, and never seems crowded even with the tables full. The outside is also intimate even with Eastlake Ave. just outside. The food itself is surprising in its taste combinations and preparation. All in all a good place to have a quiet, delicious, intimate meal out. Pros: quiet, helpful wait staff, delicious food Cons: expensive!, street parking only more
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Good Food, Bad Service 7/30/2003

Serafina has the character of a sucessful restaurant that you should feel priviledged to patronize. We had a very special family evening planned and had made a reservation for 10. I had been there with my wife before and had a mostly pleasant experience. When we arrived we were informed there would be a wait. When a half hour had passed, we asked how long it would be. They were not sure. Basically they had failed to put tables aside for such a large group. When we made some semblance of a complaint we were rebuffed that we should not have come with such a large group. OUTRAGEOUS. What are reservations for and if they could not accomodate such a group then they shoud have told us when we phoned it in. The owner spoke to us unapologetically.... If it had been possible at that point, we would've gone elsewhere. Cons: Service more
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overhyped...overpriced... 7/6/2003

I was very disapointed after all i'd heard around town about Serafina - the place was somewhat dirty, the service was slow, and the food was utterly average. Try bandoleone up the street for something a little more interesting... Pros: it's a straight C Cons: just wasn' more
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A Huge Disappointment 5/2/2003

We had heard such great things about Serafina's and were looking forward to celebrating our one-year anniversary with a special dinner. The dinner turned out to be a huge disappointment. Although we had made reservations and had arrived on-time, we weren't seated for at least 30 minutes. The wine selection was pathetically short. Most of all, we were appalled by the horrible food! The halibut was extremely bland, and tasted like the chef had just thrown raw fish into the pan. The roasted chicken wasn't much better, and we were suspicious that it hadn't been cooked long enough. Our special dinner celebration was ruined. We even filled out one of those customer comment cards and left our phone number, and we have yet to be contacted. Save your time and money. Over-valued! We do not recommend Serafina. Pros: Good service, Entertaining music, Lively atmosphere Cons: Tasteless food, Over-valued, Limited food menu more
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Romantic hideaway 4/2/2003

Food: 8, good menu, great salads Atmosphere: 9, what a great place! Service: 10++++ Where do they get these people? From Matt & Melissa at the bar to the wait staff, they are all friendly and wanting to take care of you. Special kudos to the young blonde lady who must be the pastry chef who sent out a goody for me while waiting at the bar. I like to visit here because it's in my neighborhood but I would drive a way just to visit for a drink. Also a place which is a destination lunch or dinner for out of state clients to show off one of Seattle's best dining experiences. You can dress up or not, doesn't seem to matter to them. 5***** did I mention the friendly service? Pros: good food, frienly service, greta atmosphere Cons: parking not the great more
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A Wonderful Meal 2/4/2003

Serafina is a fine restaurant. Must go on a Saturday Night...enjoy some dinner, good wine, and some music. The food and everchanging menu keeps you interested. Don't pay attention to people complaining about the service or the wait, the obviously didn't call ahead...It's a busy place, what do you expect! Pros: Quality Food, Romantic, Proximity to Downtown Cons: Busy more
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Rustic and Romantic 1/22/2003

Although the food of this restaurant was excellent, it was the atmosphere that stands out in my mind. Candle lit, cute tables, beaded lighting, live music. A couple could easily cuddle in the corner! Pros: Atmosphere Cons: Overpriced Desserts more
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Bad, bad, bad! 1/5/2003

While visiting Seattle, Serafina was recommended for an incredible Italian restaurant ~ that's a HUGE overstatemenet! We made a reservation and still waited 20 minutes, then were seated at a dirty table that we had to wait another 10 minutes to be cleaned, then another 20 before someone took our drink order. The food came out promptly after we ordered it, but it was cold as if they made it that afternoon and forgot to reheat it. Then when the bill came, they waited for us to pay! Bad food, bad service! Cons: Bad Service!!!, Band is Too LOUD, Cold food more
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What? 1/2/2003

I took my sister there for dinner for her birth day becuase she had been told the place was great. NOT! It looked lovely when we came in, but the service was slow and when we were asked how the meal tasted she did not care. We waited for almost an hour before our food came out and the chicken was so dry that I almost could not cut it with a STEAK knife. Then when the change came she only gave us back large bills....sorry not going to tip over 20% for bad food and service. more
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Quaint atmosphere, killer service 12/16/2002

After the best calamari I have ever had, my companion and I were well served by a friendly staff and comfortably stuffed after apetizer a main course and desert along with an excellent selection of wines. Defiantely a special occaision place for the price but what an excellent night. Hats off to the whole crew, kitchen and front of house. Well done! Pros: service was fantastic, menu changes, nicely romantic Cons: street parking, a bit pricey more
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Great Italian 12/12/2002

I love the rustic Italian food and the cozy atmosphere. Definitely will return. Pros: Food, Atmoshpere Cons: Parking more
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wonderful tastes and friendly atmosphere 11/1/2002

maybe my tastes are different but I love this place. the service has always been impeccable with the staff being very knowledgeable when it comes to recommending food and wine. the ambience can't be beat, lunch on the back patio in the sun with a good bottle of wine... it was heaven. the food and portions have always been just right. I clean my plate and don't feel overstuffed as happens in so many restaurants these days. Pros: knowledgeable staff, welcoming environment, tasty Cons: a bit pricey more
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Two words 10/12/2002

Two words for you...over hyped. Resataurant's number one priority is food, here it is average. Sounds awesome on menu, but when it gets to you, it doesn't measure up. more
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Don't believe the hype 8/4/2002

We have eaten at this restaurant a number of times over the past 3 years, and it has somehow become less and less fulfilling. If I was to pin it down on one thing it would have to be the service. The food is still decent (not as good as it used to be), and I love the ambiance, but the service is typically extremely slow. A couple of changes and this place could be fantastic. Maybe it's just me, because every time I drive by it is packed... more
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My favorite. 7/23/2002

While the food selection and quality is not always consistent, I can always count on excellent coffee and cocktails, without fail. In the summertime, have a greyhound at the bar. They squeeze the grapefruit right there and it is most refreshing. And if they have creme brulee on the menu, I recommend that as well. Pros: great music Cons: parking can be tricky, pricey more
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Nice, but not amazing 6/1/2002

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


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Authentic Italian Food and Wine on Eastlake - Romantic, Rustic & Charming

Owner Message

  • Enjoy the sunny weather on our patio!
    Located along Eastlake, just north of Downtown Seattle, Serafina opened its doors in 1991 as Seattle's intimate neighborhood restaurant. Its ochre walls, reminiscent of the Tuscan landscape, its romantic, sultry atmosphere & its authentic Italian cuisine make it a favorite with diners from around the Puget Sound and beyond.
    Serafina's philosophy is simple: Offer the freshest, highest quality ingredients, present the food in an honest & inviting way & provide the casual warmth & soothing ambiance that echoes the welcoming embrace of an Italian home.
    The ritual of coming together, sharing wine & food with family & friends is the central motif in our lives. Italian food has an immediacy, honesty and warmth; it possesses the spirit of a grandmother's wisdom & love. Italian food is about staying connected to each other, to the past, to the earth.

Editorial

  • The Scene
    On any given night, families, neighbors and lovers crowd this dim, candlelit space. Couples and singles crowd the cozy bar while waiting for a table in the relaxed dining...

  • 6/5/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Brunch Sunday only 10am-2:30pm Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm Dinner Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm Late Night Everyday till Midnight Bar serving until 2am every night
  • Payments: Master Card, American Express, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Eastlake, Lake Union
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