Rafagino Italian Restaurant
| Address: | 9570 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA 22015, USA |
| Phone: | +1 703-451-1570 |
| Site: | rafagino.com |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Working: | Closed 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–9PM |
Location
Photos 49
Reviews 14
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Skirma Thompson
0 friends 4 reviews Richard A. Alexandria, VA 1/15/2013 This placed was busy on a Friday night...I believed that to be a good sign...I was WRONG! Though our server was lovely and polite she was extremely rushed. Not her fault, they were evidently short staffed. Dining space was cramped. I rarely write a negative comment but here it is warranted. Lets begin with the Bread. ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. I am positive that they purchased this from the Safeway next door..how, you ask? Because a part of the Safeway brown paper was cut off into our bread bowl. I am left asking, how can an establishment that portrays an image such a this, having considerably high entree and wine prices...have the audacity to serve their patrons dollar bread? Absurd management decision. Secondly, I must speak of what I ordered which was the Filet with Gorgonzola (it is 2 small pieces) and was horridly tough. I could barely cut it with a knife. It was Medium Rare. Need I say more?. The salad served prior was just ok and the Wine (which was Italian Chianti), was decent. Several people at my table were disappointed as well, one person having the Meat plate which looked like deli meat and cheese squares you buy in a bag (Maybe Safeway strikes again?) My Co-worker ordered the Pasta with Red Sauce and Calamari, which she says was edible, though she didnt finish. What happened next is the most off-the-wall, horrifying experience of the night. Seems as I had a very interesting view from a reflection in the Wall Mirror because I see the Manager (who I presume is the owner- expensive suit on, greeted us at the door) huddled with a waitress by the bar, in the corner. He angrily pointed his finger in her face, yelling, until she starts to cry. I read his lips say something about "Stupid". She left and walked towards the restrooms. This incident was incredibly disturbing to me and because of it (and the food), I will never return to this restaurant and neither will my colleagues or friends. Now I can see why the staffed performed like Robots...and I feel apathy for them. Such a shame, find a new job young ladies and gentlemen and people of Burke, find a new restaurant. Was this review …? Useful (6) Funny (1) Cool (3) Add owner comment Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
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Nicholas Jordan
Service was very attentive. Almost to a bothersome level. It seems the waitress is on a timer to zoom around the restaurant. Honestly, at times it seemed like jaws was sweeping by for the kill. The food is great though. Chicken Parm absolutely on point. The appetizer of scampi and fungi was also really tasty. The Caesar salad lacked any sense of Caesar. Especially for a restaurant trying so hard to be so fancy. At first I felt underdressed. But quickly realized that my appearance wouldnt change the ambiance of this place. Which really was a relief. This place is much more of a traditional family Italian place like I had found in Verona, Medona, and other Italian adventures I used to have. The owner appears to be a former Senator, so pay attention and you are sure to hear him tell some stories of old Washington days. All and all the place is nice. A bit over priced but this is authentic Italian food.
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A Private User
Simply outstanding Italian cuisine in a small suburban strip mall. Quite a find that requires reservations most Thur-Sat...tells you right there. All pasta dishes are prepared to perfection. I have not had the seafood or meat dishes because I like the pasta so much. However my guests have and each raved over their meals...they want to come back next time they visit. I especailly like the mini-outdoor set up in the warmer weather. Too bad they could expand on the sidewalk for more tables...but it is the burbs! Wine list is excellent but typically pricey - you have to try the "Face wine", the waiters will know!! The homemade fruit sorbet is simply the best!
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g
If I could write a negative Stars review I would. This establishment claims homemade when it buys everything from Restaurant Depot. Seriously ask if the Pasta is made in house. The chef is so caught up in her ego she cant take constructive criticism. Apparently shes been doing this for years. (so have I) Everything about this place is fake. Please dont pay for fake hand made pasta or ravioli when you could buy them at the grocery store. From what I saw, they treat their employees like garbage. Mediocre "Olive Garden" caliber with an attitude. This place should be embarrassed to be serving "Itallian Food"
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Kevin Turner
An absolutely EXCELLENT authentic Italian Restaurant! The food is absolutely wonderful and the staff is truly Excellent! The owner and manager, Paulo Carvalho, is really wonderful person and a great host. He personally introduces himself to each guest, and seats them himself. Also, the atmosphere is the very romantic, with soft lighting and soft music. It is truly a wonderfully excellent experience!
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Margaret Haynes
The staff are attentive and friendly, the owners are amazing, and the food is delicious!! I have dined there with my family several times over the last several years and have never had a negative experiece. This is a fine dining, hole in the wall restaurant, and not a chain restaurant where they try to feed you and get you out asap. My favorite dish is the appetizer bacon wrapped shrimp!!
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Mike Davitt
Outstanding restaurant in Burke VA. It is awesome to have such a delightful spot in the suburbs where I dont have to drive into the city and worry about parking. The host is warm and charming, the food is absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. I wish I had the time and waistline to eat there every night.
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A Private User
Overpriced food...awful service!! Bad bad really overpriced ..ordered Chilean Seabass and it was so so....my wife ordered a dish that was priced at 19.95 on the menu, after 10 minutes we were informed that the price was $25.95 that the menu had a typo...WTF? Never going back!!! My dish was lukewarm and the rice was old!!
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Martin Rieman
This is one of the nicest surprises since moving to Burke. The food was excellent, the staff was awesome, and the atmosphere was pleasant and inviting. Others complain about the price, but I think it is a fair price for the excellent presentation and delicious food. My hat goes off to the chef.
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A Private User
Wonderful food, and presented with style. Restaurant is small, but the staff makes you feel comfortable. We go to Rafaginos several times a year, and have yet to be disappointed. They also have a monthly wine dinner, using a virtual tour of Italy as a way of introducing food and wine.
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Maya Jerome
Nice quiet restaurant with friendly staff who appear to be knowledgeable about the menu and tastefully try to upsell, but not obnoxiously. The food, however, is hit or miss. The last couple of times its been a miss and when complained about, nothing is done to remedy.
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Deidre Pistochini
My family and I have been coming to Rafaginos for nearly 20 years. The owners have provided a welcoming, warm and romantic setting for their clientele. The wait staff is impeccably trained/attentive and the food is first class. Five stars!!!
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Terry Chen
Bit over priced and too pretentious for the quality of food and atmosphere. Its only a neighborhood strip mall joint after all. Maybe bring it down to earth a bit and give it a more mom n pop feel.
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Annie Batumbakal
Good food. Wonderful staff. Poor decor. Pricey. Italian boss in a suit & tie definitely thinks lowly of Asian customers, but would personally welcome and speak to Caucasian customers. Wow!
