This was our first time visiting this restaurant, our son has been requesting us to go since it opened last fall. I'm glad that we did. 3 of us were in our party, 1 ordered Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp, 2 ordered Lasagna, and 1 appetizer was ordered and split among us. Each of our meals were on point as was the appetizer. The serving size was large, 2 of us took some home. The service was excellent, our waiter was very kind and courteous, our beverages were brought out very quickly. The appetizer came out first, followed by our salads, then our main meal. The time between each was perfectly timed, we didn't feel rushed to get to the next course, nor did we have to wait real long to get the next course. The atmosphere was a perfect mix of old world charm and elegance making our visit a relaxed and comfortable experience. We will revisit this establishment again! read more

First, let me say we noted the birthday we were celebrating on the reservation and then also to the woman who sat us. Food wasn't great. The lettuce in our salad was translucent, the Italian sushi used string cheese mozzarella, the lasagna sauce would best be described as tomato paste, the $29 cheese ravioli was drowning in sauce and the cheese was super dry, the fettuccini was tasteless, and the meatballs were heavy on breadcrumb filler. The meal end with a simple deposit of the check no "Happy birthday", no "would you like dessert?" Also, the restaurant had flies everywhere, the open kitchen was dirty, and we complained that it was uncomfortably warm inside. We won't be back. read more

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Servers were outside of the restaurant smoking right before we walked in. They extinguished their cigarettes by throwing them right out in to State Street. We did not have a reservation, but we were early and seated right away. We were seated at a table where the sun was shining right in the window and we had to sweat through dinner. But, who really wants to complain about the sun when we live in a place where winter seems to last too long. The drink that I ordered was a frozen drink except that it did not come frozen. They really should have said that it wasn't ready to be served or noticed that it was off. It came with a comically short straw that kept falling into the drink. After about a quarter of the drink, I could no longer suffer through the gel like chunks ofthe piña colada mixture and did not finish it. The bread, dipping oil, salads, and our server were the positives of the evening. My husband ordered the lasagna. It did not seem fresh. It was dried out, not very much cheese and just lots of chunks of meatballs. He also didn't care for the red sauce. It had a lot of tomato flavor, but not much else. It was also extremely thick. I ordered the lobster ravioli. The Alfredo sauce there is nice. There wasn't a ton of flavor to the lobster ravioli and I think I would've liked it. more had it been more clump type of lobster rather than what seemed like an already macerated lobster. Textually it was just off for me, but the ravioli noodle itself was also good. read more

Burned old sauce on the lasagna, such a shame , wedding soup had 3 little meatballs, no chicken very little pasta. Unfortunately last visit

On Saturday 10/02/26, my boyfriend and I went to dinner there with 2 friends. It was about 60 degrees or less outside and we were seated on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. There were bugs flying all around us. The service was beyond slow and our waitress didn't seem like she knew what she was doing and had to go back inside to get the list of specials because she had not clue what they were. We started with an appetizer that was meh at best followed by bagged salads that the lettuce was either brown or translucent. I had the gnocchi special and it was good until about 20 minutes later (not so happy stomach) the rest of the table had cheese ravioli. Every single plate was undercooked, chewy and tough. You could see the discoloration in what was cooked and what wasn't on the underside of the ravioli. It was not al dente. The couple with us shared a plate and only ate one ravioli between the two of them. They were given half off but still paid $19 for ONE ravioli. That is outrageous!! My boyfriend managed to choke his down because he had not eaten all day and was needing something. He felt absolutely terrible later that night. I paid $129.00 for 2 people to sit out in the cold, have bugs fly around us, eat a meh Bruschetta, brown and clear lettuce and undercooked ravioli!! My son was also there eating inside for Homecoming with a group of his friends. Everyone single one of the high schoolers that came out walked over to us and ask if our food was as terrible as there's had been. My son came out with a to go box filled with his entire meal of spaghetti and meatballs because he could not eat any of it. He tried 2 bites of the pasta, but it was beyond undercooked and chewy and the meatballs were hard as rocks. He couldn't even get the pasta out of his teeth. His girlfriend had the Fettuccini Alfredo and added Chicken. She attempted 2 bites of hers and was done. The chicken was dry, the sauce had no taste, and the pasta, yet again, was undercooked not al dente. She wouldn't even take hers to go. Because their party had however many students the tip was already added to their bill. So, my high school son and his girlfriend ended up paying nearly $80 for a meal they didn't even eat. That is not cheap for any high schooler. Who knows how much they made off of the rest of the students that didn't eat their meals either. Plus, they didn't know to address the situations with the waitress. I tried to call the restaurant last Tuesday 10/06 to speak with the manager or owner about all of this and here I am a week later 10/12 still waiting on a returned call because neither were in the building. I know at least 6 people that will NOT be going back and anyone that asks for a recommendation, I will be sure to tell them not to go there. read more

Tried this Italian spot with a couple friends and we were seated quickly without a reservation on a Sunday night. There's mood lighting with green and florals around. There's a few tables and a large bar area. We ordered the rigatoni, fettuccini, and Italian fries. They also brought complementary side salad, bread and oil. You're in a great location for a date night to eat and walk around state street for dessert and vibes. read more

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Our evening started as a birthday celebration last evening. The decor of this restaurant was beautiful and inviting... however, it's all downhill from there. I'll start with the ambiance, instead of listening to classic Italian dining music, we were listening to loud pop music by various artists with inappropriate vocals. Upon being seated at our table, the server appeared to be annoyed and rude (from the very beginning) as if she did not even want to be there. Upon ordering beverages (cocktails), she offered us water (served warm in a heavy awkward bottle with two warm glasses and no ice). Honestly, who wants to drink warm water? After reviewing the menu, we ordered an appetizer, served fairly quickly by another server. Overall, the appetizer was good; not great but good. After our appetizer, our server stopped by our table and we proceeded to order our entrees. The entrees arrived fairly quickly, and were served by another server (this will become relevant a little later in this review). I'll start with her entree. The lasagna was served in a bowl, drowned in spaghetti sauce to the point you couldn't even see the entree. After taking a spoon to remove the majority of the sauce, which was overwhelming (placed on a small plate), the pasta was clearly burnt (charred) and the filling inside the lasagna was less than appetizing to even enjoy. For my entree, I had ordered the veal parmigiana. The veal was flavored nicely and tender; however, the side of spaghetti (pasta) was undercooked (chewy and tough), far less than al dente. Both entrees fall well below acceptable standards of authentic Italian cuisine. Did I mention, we never saw our server again until the end of the meal (after we had enough of our dismal dining experience) and only after I asked another server, which was clearing another nearby table to have our server stop by our table. Shortly thereafter, our server appeared and asked if we enjoyed our meal. After communicating the quality of our entrées, the server was unapologetic and made no effort in any facet towards customer satisfaction. My family and I used to dine at the original Serafini's on W. 12th St. in Millcreek Township over the years. Unfortunately, this restaurant closed during Covid. There is no comparison to the quality of entrées and exceptional service offered by the original owner and family of Serafini's. This restaurant was a disappointment in epic proportions, especially while attempting to celebrate a special occasion. There are many options for authentic Italian cuisine rather than wasting your time and money at this establishment. read more

This is a difficult and long one to write, we really wanted to love this place but, why in the world does any restaurant need plugs in under the table? I think we all would rather smell the aromas of an amazing Italian restaurant than some pungent plug in fragrance that wreaks of funeral homes and old lady perfume!! Why???? We unplugged it and took it to the hostess stand because we have MCS in our family the last place we would ever imagine. That was our first "sign" to leave, unfortunately we stayed. The server seemed very nervous and shaky, another unexpected red flag. As if they didn't train her and if that was the case, it was apparent. Because we really didn't see much of her. The next red flag was our martinis and cosmos... the glasses aren't even 1/3 full. Never in my 50 years of dining out and ordering those drinks have we ever had 1/3 glass when served a martini. We all had a good laugh and were ready to leave, for the second time. Two of us ordered some good old fashioned until the second one came and what a joke that was. Significantly shorter than the first old fashion that we ordered and the ice cube looked reused. It was half the cube of the original drink. The flies coming in the restaurant were annoying, I'm not sure why you leave the door open to the outdoor dining. The spaghetti was underdone... not Al dente. The Italian sausage was overcooked and dried out (and we like our sausage on the drier side) The antipasto salad was a couple tablespoons at some gardenia mix and slabs of meat. Meatballs were ok, nothing I'd go back for. The fettuccine was delicious, along with the Italian wedding soup. Why do you serve WARM water?? And when asked for a sparkling water they serve you a $9 bottle of Pellegrino that they won't even cap for you to take with?? Please don't only have one offering for one guest to order an entire large bottle that they can't take with them. It's fine for a table but one guest that's wants sparkling water?? Another oddity is the music. The youngest at our table (25) was laughing at the "millennial" music. It's definitely another first for us to not have the classic Italian tunes playing in the background at an Italian restaurant. Maybe it's the vibe they are going for, and that is perfectly fine, just not expected. The chandeliers are beautiful and wish that was the focal point but they were surrounded by the most hideous fake hanging flowers. Please, let this beautiful chandeliers be seen. $245 for 5 people is only worth it when the service is outstanding and the drinks aren't skimpy. I'll take my money to another Italian restaurant. read more

We had sausage and peppers, chicken parm and fettuccini with chicken. Nothing special but was tasty. Service was a bit slow as well as the food delivery..,but server was very nice and accommodating.The restaurant is beautiful.Hopefully they do well in this new location. read more

Serafini's Trattoria - Chicken Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Erie, Pennsylvania

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If you love a good bold sauce, this is the place. Great service and food was on point. Veal Parm was a large portion, cooked perfectly and delicious. Small workable wine list. Casual but fresh decorated space. Definitely will return. read more

The ambiance is great, however, the food was nothing to write home about. I had the ravioli and a meatball with a side of wedding soup. The wedding soup had a good flavor, however, it was extremely salty. I was given a generous portion of ravioli, however, the noodle was hard and the sauce was bland. The meatball was bland and dry. Very expensive meal, btw. The frozen martini was very good. Do not recommend this restaurant. Maybe ok for drinks and an appetizer, but certainly not dinner. read more

Service was great, Isabella was wonderful, food was good, corner table to close to next table no privacy.Front door wide open , flies everywhere. read more

I ate here Friday December 19th with a group of 7. We had a reservation and were seated on time. I ordered the rigatoni with meat sauce. It came with a small side salad and bread (upon asking). I found the portion size very reasonable, especially considering the price. It was delicious and the pasta was not overcooked at all ( as some of the previous reviewers commented). Everyone in my party was delighted with their food, which included the Lasagna, Alfredo with shrimp, Alfredo with chicken, meatballs, Italian sausage and pasta. I will definitely return and recommend to my friends. read more

This was only my second visit to this restaurant, and unfortunately it was a much different experience than the first. When we sat down, there was hair on our table. Later, I found a piece of plastic in one of the meatballs, which was very concerning. Our waitress mentioned that the door was open and kept swatting bugs away from herself throughout our meal. Another issue was that we were handed a very hot plate directly into our hands without any warning that it was extremely hot. It burned our fingertips and easily could have been avoided if it had simply been placed on the table or we had been warned. We tried two different pasta dishes, and neither was very good. The noodles had a strong starchy smell and taste, almost as if the same water was being used repeatedly to boil different batches of pasta. I also ordered a meal to take home for a friend, but after trying it, they told me they ended up throwing it away. On a very hot day, we were served warm water with no ice, and the dining room felt sticky and uncomfortable. It didn't seem like the air conditioning was running enough to keep the restaurant cool. We also tried to reach out to the restaurant afterward to share our concerns, but we never received a response to our email. The one highlight was the bread, which was still very good. Unfortunately, because of the cleanliness, food quality, and overall experience, I'm not sure I'll be returning. read more

Overall it was fine but I really think it's just surviving on nostalgia. The experience does not justify the cost. Service was average, spaghetti was average (though the sauce was quite good), and the meatballs were below average and overcooked. Needs far more Italian wine choices--pretty weak pour for $12 as well. Also noted, as other reviews do, the fruit flies. Thought the salad and the bread/oil were quite nice. The customs house is gorgeous, the setting really is lovely, I just don't get the appeal of an average bowl of pasta for $27. read more

While the food was good last night our service was awful. Our server took her hair down and put it back up in the lobby,ignored us for refills,never cleared any dishes, had to be chased down for our check and sp we nt most of the evening talking to the Hostess. When I sent them a message instead of apologizing they told me she.was sad because her dog died . While I am sorry for her tragedy I do t see how it keeps her from doing her job or following health codes. We won't be going back,especially because it was my husband's birthday. read more

Stopped in for a quick drink and appetizer. Sat at bar and immediately felt at home. Unfortunately we just had time for a quick bite so we went for the meat balls and some bread. The meat sauce was great and meatballs were just as good. The oil with the bread was a treat as well. Definitely will be back!! read more

I have been to Serafini's three times since it opened. Each time the food was delicious and the service great. The lasagna and the rigatoni with meat sauce were excellent. Fine dining in an elegant atmosphere is always a plus. And you have to try the lemon cake for dessert, OMG. read more

Service was good the meatballs were really good had spaghetti was really good husband had chicken parm and spaghetti he liked his meal to a friend told as about you read more

The good: Nice atmosphere. Attractive furnishings. Good salad & bread. Good meatballs. The not-so-good: lasagna ( most expensive entree) was mush...noodles were way overcooked and the sauce was a bit bitter. Alfredo noodles were quite good but the sauce was bland. Overly generous with sauce. Wait staff needs to be more informed about the menu and learn how to pour a glass of wine. read more

I really wanted to like this restaurant. Location is fantastic and the people are extremely nice. Atmosphere is a little cramped but top-notch. But sorry the food is mediocre. Everything way too heavy. Food quality-wise it is no match for Peppino's or Colao's. I hope they can improve the food and broaden the menu because location-wise it is a gem. Good luck to them. read more

I was recently in Erie for 2 weeks during the holidays. I'm from a large city with lots and lots of choices of restaurants, especially Italian. I was blown away by Serafini's; it was so good I requested we return for a second visit for my final night in town. It's absolutely gorgeous inside. My service both times was great. Both times I had the lasagna (and I'm not really a lasagna guy usually, but it's the best lasagna I've ever had anywhere in my life) and the portion is huge (it's dinner and lunch the next day) and their famous Serafini is as good as the locals who've been in Erie their whole lives say it is. The bread with the oil and seasoning mixture was warm and so delicious and the included side salad was perfectly fine. On my first visit, we sat at the chef's tables in the kitchen because we waited too late to get a table in the dining room. Last night, we sat in the dining room. Both visits were great. I was so excited my second visit I forgot to take a picture of my food before diving in. The prices are very reasonable. I'd pay double this easily in Houston. I highly recommend and from now on this will always be my first night and my last night restaurant in Erie. FYI: If you try to reserve online and there are no tables available, call the restaurant. Online it showed all tables booked but we were able to get a table when we called. read more

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Beautiful restaurant. Outstanding service. Great specialty drink selections and a really nice bar.

Just like the original. Great food and friendly service. Big addition to downtown Erie.

First timer. A group of lady friends chose Serafina's for this month's dinner out, and I was happy to dine at this historic site, the old Cashier's House, with its recently restored Greek Revival interior. I had the rigatoni with a delicious meat sauce. Pasta was cooked just right. Service was great (thank you, Oveida!). Overall, an enjoyable evening. read more

Spent $200.00 on food I wouldn't feed to my dog. Pasta wasn't cooked. Lasagna was a bowl of garbage. I'd set my money on fire before spending it here again. read more

I have been reading the reviews and just wanted to say I had the lasagna and loved it. We had eaten in the kitchen. I was impressed at how well the kitchen staff work together. The owner was helping behind the line, and also was helping serve food. It was really busy the nightmare we were there. It is a new restaurant and it is Erie. That means everyone is showing up, and unfortunately, it's hard to get staff trained for perfection that most diners are looking for. However, I'm sure a time the staff will become more experienced and used to the crowds that they're getting since it is a new restaurant. I'm actually making reservations for this evening to go back to get the lasagna again.. I would definitely recommend trying it for yourself, but also with the understanding that they are a new business, even though the family has been in the restaurant business for years, this is a new location and staff so hopefully, your approach it with the attitude of love and supporting a couple in their dream read more