Volterra
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 789-5100
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 22nd Avenue NW
- Specialties:
- Brunch, Fine Dining, Italian Food
- Best of Citysearch:
- Italian Food 2007, Outdoor Dining 2006, Upscale Casual Dining 2005
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 9am-2pm, 5pm-1am, Sun 9am-2pm, 5pm-9pm
Message from Volterra
"One of America's Most Innovative Chefs" Wine Spectator
- Tuscan menu
- Best of Citysearch 2005
- Gourmet 11/05, NY Times 7/05
Paid advertisement by Volterra.
Editorial Review for Volterra – by Anna Roth
The Scene
Named after the Tuscan hill town where the owners were married in 2004, this upscale trattoria re-creates the town's atmosphere through framed photos, Italianate wall sconces and an elegant marble floor. Well-heeled patrons sit at tables in the large dining room and on the tree-canopied outdoor patio; seats in the bar attract a more casual crowd. Servers are very friendly, almost to the point of obsequiousness.
The Food
The menu centers on traditional Tuscan dishes, including olive oil soup and tomato and bread salad. An indulgent appetizer is the creamy polenta custard glazed with wild mushroom ragu--like a savory lava cake, the inside oozes fontina. The house specialty, wild boar tenderloin with gorgonzola sauce, comes achingly tender and accompanied by fingerlings. Pastas are house-made and tossed with lush sauces like lamb ragu. For dessert, the spiced Panforte di Siena cake comes perfectly paired with a dessert wine.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThere's a lengthy wine list, but try a European-influenced cocktail--the white peach thyme Bellini, made with prosecco, peach juice, bitters and fresh thyme, is a winner.
Where to SitOn a nice evening, a spot on the patio is worth its weight in gold--reservations are necessary to guarantee a seat.
When to GoVolterra also offers a popular weekend brunch, featuring Italian-inspired breakfast dishes like chestnut pancakes.
The ExtrasThe tabletop fennel salt is for sale at the restaurant and at gourmet markets around town.
Group DiningGroups up to 30 people can be accomodated; a buy-out of the entire restaurant is also an option. The space is also available for private events on weekdays before 4pm.
User Reviews for Volterra
05/15/2008 Posted by billycar
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.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
05/08/2008 Posted by salmakahlo
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!!
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nothing
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
