Rafagino’s is under new ownership. For context we have been loyal customers for 15 years and while every business undergoes some bumps when changing hands here are 5 reasons I would not go back. 1. The dining room lighting has become harsh. Part of Rafagino’s charm has been that you don’t feel like you’re in a suburban strip mall. 2. The new handheld digital devices the waitstaff now uses to take orders. Cheapens the experience and the server doesn’t make eye contact because they’re trying to type. 3. The “bread”. Previously classic Italian bread with butter or olive oil was served. I don’t know what this was but it was not good. Consistency of cornbread but had maybe pimento in it, and served with unrecognizable spread that was oddly spicy. 4. The pace of the meal. Appetizers took forever and once they arrived we still didn’t have our drinks,which we ordered first thing. And we only got our drinks because I pointed it out to the waitstaff that they were missing. 5. Taste. You used to be able to smell the garlic from the parking lot. While several menu items remain the portion size has gotten smaller and the taste of everything needed more salt, acid, garlic etc. I’m not opposed to change, updating a business is not a bad thing. But these notable changes took away from our previous stellar experience at Rafagino’s.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Brian Levis (Brian)
Since 2004, this has been “our spot” for my wife and I. Still great food, great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
william matney
Best restaurant in Burke and I’d even say the DMV! They always have excellent customer service, food, and a fun atmosphere! Regardless of the occasion, you can’t go wrong by coming here. You won’t be dissatisfied!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jackie Q
A great experience!!! Give them a try 😁😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ravee Kurian
Attentive service, a really good Old Fashioned, a fantastic dirty Martini, and really well-made, authentic, delicious food... A really wonderful evening out - highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ali
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! 😉
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.
Rafagino’s is under new ownership. For context we have been loyal customers for 15 years and while every business undergoes some bumps when changing hands here are 5 reasons I would not go back. 1. The dining room lighting has become harsh. Part of Rafagino’s charm has been that you don’t feel like you’re in a suburban strip mall. 2. The new handheld digital devices the waitstaff now uses to take orders. Cheapens the experience and the server doesn’t make eye contact because they’re trying to type. 3. The “bread”. Previously classic Italian bread with butter or olive oil was served. I don’t know what this was but it was not good. Consistency of cornbread but had maybe pimento in it, and served with unrecognizable spread that was oddly spicy. 4. The pace of the meal. Appetizers took forever and once they arrived we still didn’t have our drinks,which we ordered first thing. And we only got our drinks because I pointed it out to the waitstaff that they were missing. 5. Taste. You used to be able to smell the garlic from the parking lot. While several menu items remain the portion size has gotten smaller and the taste of everything needed more salt, acid, garlic etc.
I’m not opposed to change, updating a business is not a bad thing. But these notable changes took away from our previous stellar experience at Rafagino’s.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Since 2004, this has been “our spot” for my wife and I. Still great food, great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best restaurant in Burke and I’d even say the DMV! They always have excellent customer service, food, and a fun atmosphere! Regardless of the occasion, you can’t go wrong by coming here. You won’t be dissatisfied!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great experience!!! Give them a try 😁😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Attentive service, a really good Old Fashioned, a fantastic dirty Martini, and really well-made, authentic, delicious food... A really wonderful evening out - highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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! 😉
Restaurantji Recommends
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.
Loading...