Serafina is the quintessential neighborhood bistro - a place for the locals, who never mention it to the tourists - and one that no city person should ever, take for granted. There are nights when you just want to go out to eat, and Seattle has plenty of choices for that. But when you want to have the whole experience of dining out - the transporting atmosphere, the nuanced service and, of course, a truly exceptional meal, Serafina should be the destination.\r
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Much has been written about the atmosphere, as it is almost becomes another one of your dining companions. The colors and decor instantly evoke an intimate Italian bistro, and you at once feel like a welcomed regular. There isn't a bad seat in the dining room, which is small but not cramped, but I prefer the outdoor patio, where you can suspend your disbelief and imagine you are in Tuscany.\r
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The entire service staff is simply polished - knowledgeable, efficient, congenial and unobtrusive. I have taken the recommendation of my server on nearly visit and each time, the dish lived up to its description. Most recently, I had the crostini (topped with arugula and mozzarella) and the house cured pork belly (Pancia) as appetizers. The crostini was a great start to the meal, but the real star is the pancia - roasted, salty pork atop a bed of a creamy and savory corn salad. It is an amazing combination of flavors and one that you will order every time you return.\r
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The entrees were equally well executed. The Kobe beef special was tender and perfectly cooked, as was the unbelievably thick pork chop. What really stands out at Serafina is the freshness of the flavors and herbs that season, but do not overpower, the main attraction. You find yourself understanding the meaning of the phrase ""savoring your food"" better than you did before you sat down. If my experience is a guide, on future visits, you will probably order much more than you can eat, just to see what else they can do.\r
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