Good food quality, Our server girl was very friendly and provided good service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mimi Sauceda
Last night’s dinner at Rafagino was nothing short of extraordinary. I ordered the Halibut, and from the first bite, OMGoodness… I was transported back to my time living in Sicily. The flavors were beautifully balanced-delicate, sweet, savory and deeply satisfying. The fish was perfectly cooked, nestled atop a creamy risotto with a drizzle of sweet chili cream that added just the right touch of sweetness.
Having lived in Sicily for four months, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for authentic Italian cuisine, and Rafagino absolutely delivered. The ambiance was elegant yet welcoming, with attentive service that made the entire evening feel special.
This particular dish reminded me of meals I’d savor in a Sicilian trattoria-fresh, vibrant, and full of soul. Rafagino is a hidden gem in Burke, VA… and I’m already planning my next visit. I’m a foodie and I highly recommend anyone seeking true Italian flavor in a fine dining setting.
Grazie mille, Rafagino! 🇮🇹
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kathryn Goldsmith
I rarely leave a review, but our family of four had a fabulous meal here tonight after a rough week. We walked in early without a reservation, after randomly finding the restaurant on google, and were lucky to get a table. We sat near the door and it seemed that every table that came in was a regular, though we were still treated with the same attentiveness from staff and the manager (owner?) - it made us want to be regulars! We brought our 2 and 4 year old girls with us (who felt so fancy) and the staff could not have been more kind, even though this really does have a more sophisticated atmosphere. The food was delicious. Our girls shared the chicken parm and my 4-year-old (who doesnt eat much in general) ate every morsel and proclaimed it to be the best chicken she's ever had (and I'm a good cook!). I had the linguini al frutto di mare which was perfectly seasoned, and my husband had an off-menu spaghetti and meatballs which he enjoyed. We had the calamari app which was maybe the best - I had to fight my 2-year-old for a piece - and a rich chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. We will surely be back!
James “Andy” Strickland
Super friendly staff. Amazing food. The owner will personally engage with you. Worth dressing up for!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Bruschetta, Lamb Shank, Squid as Food, Burrata Di Andria - Fresh Mozzarella Pouch w Creamy Mozzarella Center on a Bed of Greens
Sheila Cuadros
WOW! We were extremely impressed with this restaurant. We have been wanting to go for a while now. It is an authentic Italian restaurant with a suited Maitre'd who makes everyone feel like they are part of the family. The food was cooked to perfection. The bread pudding was unlike anything I had ever tasted. I love bread pudding yet this one is on a completely different level. It was out of this world! Compliments to the Chef, she out did herself. We will be back..... Often! 😉
J P
The food was outstanding. Being in a strip center is a bit weird for the atmosphere. The waitress was kind and efficient.
Mike Thomas
Host is always there and attentive. Food is legit and prices are good. On our rotation when family is in town.
Martin Schmidt-Bremer Jr
Want to go to Italy and eat in a ristorante, but don't want to get on a plane? Rafagino is the place for you. The owner will greet you in his suit and is ever-present, making sure his staff is on point and guests are taken perfect care of. The food is outstanding and prices very reasonable for what you get. Ask the owner to make you a house special drink, if you don't have to drive. One last thing: I recommend wearing business casual or better.
Ethan Cooper
The red ragu sauce was the highlight of our dishes. The restaurant is pretty narrow and they put a lot of focus on the reservations, so please plan ahead of time as there is not a ton of room inside.
Brendan61
This was our first time here but definitely not the last. We started with the white anchovies and blue cheese/citrus salad, very tasty. I ordered the lamb special and my wife had the shrimp entree. Both meals were exceptional. I would highly recommend. The service was perfect, not too much. The deserts, both the lemoncello cake and the raspberry sorbet were outstanding. Wonderful evening, highly recommend.
Love this fabulous restaurant! Hidden gem! Everything was spectacular! I had the rainbow trout Franchiese (sp?). Melt in your mouth delicious. I had a bite of the pumpkin ravioli and that was so delicious, too! The desserts were so yummy and large portions. The 4 of us easily shared 3. Service is outstanding!! We had three people helping us - our main server was so helpful and attentive, a kind man Manuel brought warm bread and the butter, refilled our water glasses, etc. AND the owner Paul! Paul had us laughing with his humor and I loved hearing Paul speak Italian to another guest. Here's an example of their attentiveness. We had talked about this amongst ourselves and they listened. Pacing ourselves, we had ordered 2 cups of the onion soup to share for the 4 of us - they were so kind to bring it individually for each of us! I was also going to split a salad with someone and they brought that plated for each of us. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soup of the Day, Tiramisu, Bread Pudding, Lemoncello Cake, Cod Francois Special
John Fredrickson
11/5 stars for the staff alone. Phenomenal people.
Service: 5
Philip Montefiore
Rafagino is a neighbor gem not to be missed, Recently, our group of 5 celebrated birthdays on a Saturday evening. We were all impressed with the entire staff, our wines, appetizers, entrees - made to order from scratch Italian delicacies, and our desserts. Desserts were presented to our birthday celebrants with a candle, lights were dimmed, and many in the restaurant took part in singing Happy Birthday. A truly moving experience. Best of all, we were never rushed to finish our stay, in order to flip the table. They were there for us. Thank you to all at Rafagino!
Parking: restaurant is located in a large shopping strip center.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata Di Andria - Fresh Mozzarella Pouch w Creamy Mozzarella Center on a Bed of Greens, Tiramisu, Pollo Alla Parmiggiana, Lemoncello Cake, Bocconcini, Lamb Shank
Belikebilly P
Definitely try this place. We tried d calamari app and was fresh n great. Entrees came out hot n well seasoned, lamb was soft off d bone n d stuffed shrimp awesome! Service was great and everyone polite n patient. Will go back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marina Kessenich
I don’t usually have high hopes for restaurants in Burke but was pleasantly surprised at our experience. Meal was really tasty and the flavors were complex, service was great, I enjoyed the ambience. Will definitely be back!
Good food quality, Our server girl was very friendly and provided good service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Last night’s dinner at Rafagino was nothing short of extraordinary. I ordered the Halibut, and from the first bite, OMGoodness… I was transported back to my time living in Sicily. The flavors were beautifully balanced-delicate, sweet, savory and deeply satisfying. The fish was perfectly cooked, nestled atop a creamy risotto with a drizzle of sweet chili cream that added just the right touch of sweetness.
Having lived in Sicily for four months, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for authentic Italian cuisine, and Rafagino absolutely delivered. The ambiance was elegant yet welcoming, with attentive service that made the entire evening feel special.
This particular dish reminded me of meals I’d savor in a Sicilian trattoria-fresh, vibrant, and full of soul. Rafagino is a hidden gem in Burke, VA… and I’m already planning my next visit. I’m a foodie and I highly recommend anyone seeking true Italian flavor in a fine dining setting.
Grazie mille, Rafagino! 🇮🇹
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I rarely leave a review, but our family of four had a fabulous meal here tonight after a rough week. We walked in early without a reservation, after randomly finding the restaurant on google, and were lucky to get a table. We sat near the door and it seemed that every table that came in was a regular, though we were still treated with the same attentiveness from staff and the manager (owner?) - it made us want to be regulars! We brought our 2 and 4 year old girls with us (who felt so fancy) and the staff could not have been more kind, even though this really does have a more sophisticated atmosphere. The food was delicious. Our girls shared the chicken parm and my 4-year-old (who doesnt eat much in general) ate every morsel and proclaimed it to be the best chicken she's ever had (and I'm a good cook!). I had the linguini al frutto di mare which was perfectly seasoned, and my husband had an off-menu spaghetti and meatballs which he enjoyed. We had the calamari app which was maybe the best - I had to fight my 2-year-old for a piece - and a rich chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. We will surely be back!
Super friendly staff. Amazing food. The owner will personally engage with you. Worth dressing up for!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Bruschetta, Lamb Shank, Squid as Food, Burrata Di Andria - Fresh Mozzarella Pouch w Creamy Mozzarella Center on a Bed of Greens
WOW! We were extremely impressed with this restaurant. We have been wanting to go for a while now. It is an authentic Italian restaurant with a suited Maitre'd who makes everyone feel like they are part of the family. The food was cooked to perfection. The bread pudding was unlike anything I had ever tasted. I love bread pudding yet this one is on a completely different level. It was out of this world! Compliments to the Chef, she out did herself. We will be back..... Often! 😉
The food was outstanding. Being in a strip center is a bit weird for the atmosphere. The waitress was kind and efficient.
Host is always there and attentive. Food is legit and prices are good. On our rotation when family is in town.
Want to go to Italy and eat in a ristorante, but don't want to get on a plane? Rafagino is the place for you. The owner will greet you in his suit and is ever-present, making sure his staff is on point and guests are taken perfect care of. The food is outstanding and prices very reasonable for what you get. Ask the owner to make you a house special drink, if you don't have to drive. One last thing: I recommend wearing business casual or better.
The red ragu sauce was the highlight of our dishes. The restaurant is pretty narrow and they put a lot of focus on the reservations, so please plan ahead of time as there is not a ton of room inside.
This was our first time here but definitely not the last. We started with the white anchovies and blue cheese/citrus salad, very tasty. I ordered the lamb special and my wife had the shrimp entree. Both meals were exceptional. I would highly recommend. The service was perfect, not too much. The deserts, both the lemoncello cake and the raspberry sorbet were outstanding. Wonderful evening, highly recommend.
Restaurantji Recommends
Love this fabulous restaurant! Hidden gem! Everything was spectacular! I had the rainbow trout Franchiese (sp?). Melt in your mouth delicious. I had a bite of the pumpkin ravioli and that was so delicious, too! The desserts were so yummy and large portions. The 4 of us easily shared 3.
Service is outstanding!! We had three people helping us - our main server was so helpful and attentive, a kind man Manuel brought warm bread and the butter, refilled our water glasses, etc. AND the owner Paul! Paul had us laughing with his humor and I loved hearing Paul speak Italian to another guest.
Here's an example of their attentiveness. We had talked about this amongst ourselves and they listened. Pacing ourselves, we had ordered 2 cups of the onion soup to share for the 4 of us - they were so kind to bring it individually for each of us! I was also going to split a salad with someone and they brought that plated for each of us.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soup of the Day, Tiramisu, Bread Pudding, Lemoncello Cake, Cod Francois Special
11/5 stars for the staff alone. Phenomenal people.
Service: 5
Rafagino is a neighbor gem not to be missed, Recently, our group of 5 celebrated birthdays on a Saturday evening. We were all impressed with the entire staff, our wines, appetizers, entrees - made to order from scratch Italian delicacies, and our desserts. Desserts were presented to our birthday celebrants with a candle, lights were dimmed, and many in the restaurant took part in singing Happy Birthday. A truly moving experience. Best of all, we were never rushed to finish our stay, in order to flip the table. They were there for us. Thank you to all at Rafagino!
Parking: restaurant is located in a large shopping strip center.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata Di Andria - Fresh Mozzarella Pouch w Creamy Mozzarella Center on a Bed of Greens, Tiramisu, Pollo Alla Parmiggiana, Lemoncello Cake, Bocconcini, Lamb Shank
Definitely try this place. We tried d calamari app and was fresh n great. Entrees came out hot n well seasoned, lamb was soft off d bone n d stuffed shrimp awesome! Service was great and everyone polite n patient. Will go back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don’t usually have high hopes for restaurants in Burke but was pleasantly surprised at our experience. Meal was really tasty and the flavors were complex, service was great, I enjoyed the ambience. Will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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