I'm pretty gracious when it comes to Italian food, and recognize that there are a great many interpretations. However, this place just makes me sad. The atmosphere is very cheesy, as though they used the cheapest available materials to try to create a very elegant ambiance...epic fail. The bar seems almost overwhelming and far more popular than the restaurant. In fact, when we entered the restaurant, everyone in the bar turned and looked at us, as though we weren't who they were expecting. I'm sure they are all regulars. I had the Shrimp Carbonara, which was a cream laden disaster. The dish was so drenched in cream that none of the other flavors was even recognizable. It allegedly had bacon in it, which I never tasted, and I did see a couple peas, but this dish was awful. I did have a cup of Lobster Bisque, which was very good, but not enough to overcome the atmosphere which seemed to be trying too hard and the poor attempt at an Italian staple. I was expecting a much better experience than this one.

I've been here a couple times and have had very good Italian food and service. The first time was with a large party of 28 people for a wine dinner. The waitstaff did a great job making sure everyone was served at the same time and the food was kept hot. They did a good job pairing the wine with the food. This is in keeping with an upscale Italian restaurant. The second visit was good but not great. We sat in the lounge area to take advantage of their very reasonably priced happy hour menu. The food itself is also very good with the exception of the escargot and fried mozzarella. The escargot was served in mushroom caps, which caused them to cool down too quickly. The fried mozzarella was just a big slab of fried cheese that initially tasted great, but quickly cooled down and then was not so appetizing. I'm thinking both of these issues could be solved with the right serving ware. We also had the baked meatballs and stuffed zucchini, both of which were excellent. The service was good other than letting water glasses sit empty for a very long time, after requests for them to be refilled. Carly, the assistant manager and bartender, makes great drinks and has a great, fun personality. The clientele is mainly retirees both in the dining room and bar, but the restaurant strives for old school charm and can be quite romantic if you focus on your dining partner.

I have been going to Ruffino's since my husband and I moved to Arizona in 2000. We came out in 1999 and asked the hotel we were staying out if they could recommend a good Italian Restaurant and they recommended Ruffinos. We have been coming here going on 15 years and it's just like the good Italian restaurants like back in NY. Since I'm Italian I know good Italian food and this is it! The staff and bartendars are freindly and they make a killer Martini! You can't pass up the dessert tray! The Creme Brulee is out of this world.

I absolutely love this restaurant. We feel like we are eating a a large family gathering. So many customers are regulars that you recognize and the staff treats you like you belong there. THEN, there is the food. momma mia it is wonderful. Fresh, flavorful and a creative menu. I enjoy happy hour, especially the prices, and also the wonderful entree's. The baked clams casino a couple of weeks ago were amazing and the Oysters Rockefeller are the best, so fresh. If you love good old-fashioned hospitality and great food, go to Ruffino's, you will not be disappointed. :)

Wonderful evening with family dining at Ruffino's Italian Cuisine E Warner Rd near 48th. The Lobster Bisque is scrump-delicious! The service is SUPREME!