Volterra
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Message from the Business
Inspired by the warm, traditional Tuscan hilltop town by the same name, Volterra features the bold-flavored, Tuscan-inspired menu of award-winning Chef Don Curtiss.
Chef Curtiss has a long history and following in the Northwest. He received acclaim as "One of America's Most Innovative Chefs", from Wine Spectator while serving as the opening chef of Andaluca. He was also named "One of America's Top 26 Chefs" by Italian Cooking and Living.
Volterra's dining room is inviting with rich red walls; chocolate-brown leather and textiles; and dark woods offset by alabaster light fixtures hand-carved in Volterra, Italy.
"Don Curtiss' lush, imaganitive eats bring a breath of fresh air to the local Italian restaurant scene." Zagat America's Top Restaurants 2006
"That fine tuned quality is part of the welcome suprise that is Volterra." Nancy Leson, Seattle Times
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Customer Reviews (225 reviews)
CChan
on Citysearch Aug 08, 2009We had my friends' graduation dinner here. The food was great and the service was attentive but not pretentious. We had a couple bottles of wine, one of them tasted funny and they gladly exchanged it for a new bottle.... (more)
Zak
on Citysearch May 22, 2009I had relatively high expectations. Just as another reviewer noted, I too have been to Volterra, and this is not that food. That said; we were built up very well at the bar for our mild disappointment in the food. It has... (more)
corepilates
on Citysearch May 20, 2009I was there last night for dinner and had a great time. The waiter tended to our needs as my date and I sat and chatted taking our sweet time.. He never once made us feel rushed and the food was great. Two cocktails and i... (more)
RetChef
on Citysearch Mar 26, 2009I hate for the first review I write, after moving here and signing up with citysearch, to be a one-star business but that's the way it goes, I guess. As it happens, this is the first restaurant my new neighbors took me to.... (more)
GolfGirl73
on Citysearch Feb 05, 2009I am surprised at the recent posts regarding bad service and food because I just had a great experience last weekend. I had been wanting to try this restaurant for quite some time and think it's one of the better... (more)
girasole55
on Citysearch Jan 21, 2009I highly recommend this restaurant. It was cozy, the food was excellent, the service was attentive. In fact the food exceeded my expectations -- the menu descriptions don't do it justice! For a "fine dining"... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Oct 29, 2008We have visited Volterra 3 times hoping the satisfactory would change to an outstanding, but it has yet to impress us. The food is good, not excellent, the atmosphere is nice, but the prices are extremely high for the... (more)
seattlefoodluvr
on Citysearch Oct 22, 2008Best meal I've had in Seattle. Outstanding food, service, ambiance. The real highlight was the Wild Boar Tenderloin with Gorgonzola sauce. But, we were greeted warmly at the door by 2 cute hostesses, our server was... (more)
MGourmet
on Citysearch Oct 17, 2008I asked if the sturgeon on the menu was the endangered kind. The waitress asked the chef and returned with the message that it was and that I should read "The Zen of Fish" to get over my concerns about endangered fish. I... (more)
ClemondWu
on Citysearch Oct 05, 2008This place was not as I imagined. The decoration is pretty general, no special at all. The food is pretty good, but just regular. The service is not bad but they charged for cake cutting (I brought birthday cake from... (more)
SpecialPhysX
on Citysearch Sep 19, 2008We love this place! One of the best places anywhere for a special occasion or celebration. It is utterly reliable. Never had a bad meal or a "kitchen nightmare" at Volterra. I love everything they do AND the way they do... (more)
VRGal
on Citysearch Sep 13, 2008If you believe you'll learn all you need to know about a restaurant by visiting its restrooms, stay away from Volterra! The ladies' room was nasty and unhygienic. 'Nuff said. Plus our server was snotty and had the "I'm... (more)
karenwd
on Citysearch Sep 09, 2008This is a real Italian restaurant. Not an Americanized version. The menu is what you would find if you were in Italy. It's very well rounded and the meat dishes are outstanding. I loved the rabbit leg wrapped in... (more)
dineoutguy
on Citysearch Sep 03, 2008This has got to be one of the biggest jokes in town. I went after reading all these great reviews. the service is flat out terrible. The food is hardly better and parking is impossible!!!! No reason to go back. Just an all... (more)
jrbritt
on Citysearch Aug 29, 2008My family and I went to Volterra?s to celebrate my husband?s birthday after being away for a year and a half, and the food and service was just as great as ever. We have been going to Volterra?s since the beginning and... (more)
Euroeats
on Citysearch Aug 27, 2008I went here once with friends and sat outside on a day that wasn't too busy and my experience was ok - not remarkable but OK. The second time I went was with my gf and we sat inside. The tables are so close together that it... (more)
billycar
on Citysearch May 14, 2008Volterra has been on my list of places to try for ages. My friends rave about this place and so we went for my boyfriends birthday and it was the perfect choice. I asked the hostess for a romantic table and I think they gave... (more)
salmakahlo
on Citysearch May 07, 2008I will start with this statement: I love breakfast food. Brunch is by far one of my favorite times to dine. BUT, the problem is that is that in Seattle most restaurants that offer brunch do the same old boring fare.... (more)
sennuki
on Citysearch Apr 20, 2008We often treat our out-of-town guests to dinner at Volterra because of the great service, wonderful food, and splendid atmosphere. Our guests are not only pleased with Volterra but also find the surrounding... (more)
mexicanablue
on Citysearch Apr 20, 2008Ive been searching for a good authentic italian restaurant for a long, long time and finally my co-worker brought me to volterra recently. I cant believe it took so long to find this place. its in trendy Ballard which... (more)
dncfoodiednc
on Citysearch Mar 14, 2008I found this place in the top ten places for brunch in Seattle and was excited to take my friends. The location was great and the place has a wonderful environment. The menu was short but packed with good choices. I was... (more)
justin70
on Citysearch Mar 11, 2008Ballards a drive from Madison Park so I hadn't been to Volterra in over a year but was glad to see that the food and service were still just as good as I remembered. We were in for an early dinner and started off with the best... (more)
momolli
on Citysearch Mar 08, 2008We picked Volterra based on their video. This was our wedding anniversary and since we spent our 1st one in Tuscany, we always pick a special Italian restaurant for this occassion. The restaurant is very noisy, not... (more)
bellastella
on Citysearch Dec 19, 2007Eating at Volterra makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. There are alot of restaurants with good food but there are very few that make you feel like you are going to dinner at a friends house. My husband and I eat at... (more)
jtripper22
on Citysearch Dec 18, 2007I took my girlfriend here for her birthday, and we just loved it. No waiting, even on a Sunday night, because there is a lot of room. We made reservations and managed to get a great little corner booth. We were given ample... (more)
likesatellites
on Citysearch Dec 07, 2007My roommate and I went to Volterra on a Friday night. It was her birthday and we wanted to try something special, and we'd heard many good things. We had an 8.30 reservation, and came in a few minutes after that. First red... (more)
munchalot
on Citysearch Nov 21, 2007Nice place ok, Tables way too close. service unrefined and random. However, food was tasty and authentic. It was a decent experience , But after reading all of the gushing accolades I expected much much... (more)
milehighheels1
on Citysearch Nov 14, 2007We visited Volterra last weekend based on the great reviews I'd read. It exceeded my expectations,which is pretty unusual. Everything was outstanding - from the food through the service. For whatever reason,... (more)
ewhitish
on Citysearch Nov 07, 2007I'd had several great experiences at Volterra for dinner, and thought the brunch would be consistent... I was wrong, and truly embarrassed because I told my new-to-town guest that this place was... (more)
leen21
on Citysearch Nov 05, 2007Very good on all levels. The service was welcoming and professional and the food was delicious, very good wine list and the ambiance charming. My guests and I were thoroughly impressed with the quality and attention... (more)
Joann M.
on Judys Book Nov 03, 2007Recently, I made a reservation at Volterra for 6:00 p.m. on a Friday night. My date was a bit late to pick me up due to traffic, so I called the restaurant to advise that we were at 4th & Blanchard which was still at least 10... (more)
margueritaville
on Citysearch Oct 20, 2007Great dining destination! Their food is quite tantalizing - although we have only been twice as of yet, we have gone with medium sized groups and as we all like to share, we have tried many dishes on the menu. I do have to... (more)
munny76
on Citysearch Oct 01, 2007I have heard rave reviews and read them here as well forever now. I've met Michelle a couple of times and had just not been able to get the time to drive to Ballard for the best dang food, dang near ever! My boyfriend and I... (more)
dinner_and_drinks
on Citysearch Oct 01, 2007for me to write the immaculate review of this spot that i should is like spoiling the end of a really great love story. so i'll just be straight. getting a table here can be tricky, reservations can be made, etc. but... (more)
warnerdave1
on Citysearch Sep 11, 2007my daughter is a food hound and for my b-day she suggested their brunch. (we are always on the hunt for wonderful food experiences). This brunch was a gift from God. I enjoyed the chestnut pancakes w/ apples. I had them... (more)
blywyn
on Citysearch Aug 28, 2007I had what was possibly the best drink in the history of mankind at this restaurant: the pear cosmo. Not too sweet w/many layers of spices. Fabulous. I wish I could say the same for the saffron risotto w/slipper... (more)
sevenlayer
on Citysearch Aug 26, 2007A group of us dined at Volterra last night and everyone at our table said it was the best Italian food they've had in Seattle. This was my 2nd visit to Volterra and the food, atmosphere and service blew me away. Our server... (more)
di_alba
on Citysearch Aug 25, 2007Each course at Volterra was a disappointment. The bread was underbaked and tasted like a floury paste. It's hard to imagine how you can go wrong with a wild mushroom salad, but it was terrible (Asaggio's is far... (more)
markde
on Citysearch Jul 04, 2007Volterra's food, menu and wine list are outstanding. What impressed me the most is that they are willing to go the extra mile for their guests. They were happy to accomodate my wife's wheat & dairy allergies by... (more)
seasurfergal
on Citysearch Jul 03, 2007My friends and I were lucky last night and obtained a coveted seat on Volterra's patio. We did arrive at 5:30pm but dining early was well worth it. The patio is surrounded by planters filled with beautiful trees and... (more)
wolfieboy
on Citysearch Jul 03, 2007We found this restaurant to be one of the best we've tried in Seattle. The wine list is extensive and extremely well priced. I am in the wine business and eat at many restaurant across the country and they have no crazy... (more)
linlin000
on Citysearch Jun 27, 2007This is such a great restaurant. Great ambience, amazing food, good service and prices to boot - what more can you want. I have tried so many high end restaurants that charge ridiculous amounts and get so much hype.... (more)
chefgabriel
on Citysearch Jun 26, 2007You can sum up this restaurant in one word: Superb!!!!! The food is mouthwatering. The cocktails are delicious. The service is amazing. Michelle Quisenberry and Chef Don Curtis have a real gem within their hands.... (more)
itsteveg
on Citysearch Jun 25, 2007I finally had my first outing to Volterra and I wasn't disappointed. This is clearly a nice "casual fine dinning" experience. Casual in the sense that I wouldn't go there all dressed-up for a unique occasion... (more)
janeham
on Citysearch Jun 19, 2007We had brunch at Volterra this weekend and couldn't believe they were using fresh morels with the eggs benedict! The truffle holandaise was incredible, hash browns crispy and grainy toast tasty. Very... (more)
ejackson22
on Citysearch Jun 19, 2007My family suprised me with a graduation celebration at Volterra and it was the best experience I've ever had. The restaurant was packed to the brim but we got seated right away and our server made my big day a memorable... (more)
shannamiller
on Citysearch Jun 19, 2007I discovered this place shortly after it opened and I continue to be a loyal custormer. The food is always consistent and the prices are reasonable. My favorite on the menu is the fetticuine with lamb ragu. The tiramsu... (more)
collectortour
on Citysearch Jun 19, 2007My wife and I had the pleasure of attending a private event at the Chihuly Boathouse recently. The food was the best that I've had served at an event and so I asked who was catering. It turns out that Volterra does the... (more)
iheartsc
on Citysearch Jun 18, 2007Sadly, there will be no more chances for Volterra. What was once believed to be an "off night" or "off morning" has proved to be the norm. Father's Day Brunch was the final straw. First, our waiter forgot the drinks.... (more)
ballarddining
on Citysearch Jun 09, 2007I've been a regular since they've opened and it's my favorite restaurant in Seattle. The only other restaurant that comes even close in terms of quality is Cafe Juanita. The food is excellent and the staff and owners... (more)
kid10tsavant
on Citysearch Jun 07, 2007The flavors didn't stir any excitement beyond what I might get in the frozen food section at Metropolitan Market. The service was friendly and accommodating. The ambiance felt formulaic--another restaurant... (more)
hirokon
on Citysearch May 31, 2007My favorite restaurant in Seattle is Volterra because the food is exceptional and consistent every time. Not many restaurants anywhere can pull off the same high quality food night after night like the staff at... (more)
mfuntanilla
on Citysearch May 30, 2007Ambiance: cozy. Service: good. Food: good but not good enough to come back. The signature wild boar and the beef cheek ravioli were good, but not spectacular. I had to send the caramel napoleon (dessert) back. The... (more)
lord_humongous
on Citysearch May 27, 2007We recently had brunch at Volterra and had an excellent meal. The french toast was awesome, the chestnut pancakes were great, and Volterra served us perhaps the most amazing bacon I have ever eaten. Everyone in my... (more)
johnnali
on Citysearch May 20, 2007I am disappointed to see that some people have had substandard experiences at Volterra. My fiance and I absolutely love this restaurant. We started going their when it first opened and have gone countless times... (more)
mzfoodie
on Citysearch May 13, 2007After reading so many reviews of Volterra, I would say the food and overall experience definitely lived up to the hype. Started with the truffle custard with culatello served with micro greens salad on top. It was... (more)
swalker12
on Citysearch May 13, 2007When we got to the restaurant to celebrate our anniversary, we were ushered in like VIPs and were seated at a table that was in the corner allowing us to have easy conversation. The service was friendly. Courses came on... (more)
mdegoo
on Citysearch May 11, 2007I love great food and obsess about it all the time. And yet, when the experience is a little too formulaic and the service is cold, bordering on rude, that ruins any good work from the kitchen. While the food was tasty... (more)
bussjc
on Citysearch May 11, 2007I went for the first time yesterday, it was delicious. I wasn't especially hungry, so the wife and I skipped the appetizers and we each had the house salad, which had plenty of cheeses in a unique and tasty Chianti... (more)
gregdicum
on Citysearch Apr 04, 2007The food is excellent, place is beautiful, and the service is good. We went early on a Saturday right at 5pm because we couldn't get in at any other time. The waitstaff was very attentive, knowledgable, and... (more)
jamelmel
on Citysearch Apr 04, 2007We went to Volterra for the first time this week and were quite impressed. Our wine person helped us pick the perfect wine in our price range and was extremely helpful pairing it with the menu items we ordered. The... (more)
kromes
on Citysearch Apr 04, 2007I'm jealous of all the people who seemed to have good experiences here. We've been to Volterra twice. The 1st time was just ok, & the 2nd was terrible (we only returned b/c all the nearby restaurants had a wait & they... (more)
lovato
on Citysearch Apr 03, 2007I experienced Volterra last night and had a wonderful time. The service was warm and hospitable and they really knew how to take care of a guest. The menu was thorough, clever and enticed me to come back to try more. And... (more)
meg72
on Citysearch Apr 01, 2007I just planned a corporate dinner for several very high profile clients at volterra. the catering person was great to work with and came up with a 4 course menu that was exactly what i was looking for. our food was... (more)
desian
on Citysearch Mar 09, 2007My husband and I went to Volterra early last Satuday. Everything was wonderful! Our server was great, and the food was fantastic. We had the chef's small bites appetizer which was interesting and allowed us to try... (more)
lovegoodchow
on Citysearch Mar 08, 2007I am a jaded Bostonian who studied in Milan and relocated to Seattle recently. I have been disappointed by the Italian restaurants in Seattle until I found Volterra. Last night had dinner here and was amazed by the... (more)
djshrew
on Citysearch Feb 08, 2007Lastnight I was fortunate enough to have an early Valentine's Day dinner at Volterra. Walking by numerous times in the last year, it has always been busy and had heard it was a wonderful restaurant from family and... (more)
denster
on Citysearch Feb 05, 2007My girlfriend went to a charity event at the chihuly boathouse and discovered volterra as theye the caterers there. She raved about the food that was served so we visited the restaurant last weekend. It was extremely... (more)
pmshaw
on Citysearch Feb 03, 2007This is our second time for brunch. (Our first experience was better.) Our server seemed half asleep and could not even recall what herbal teas were available. My husband's pancakes (buckwheat & chestnut flour)... (more)
tasclambert
on Citysearch Jan 29, 2007Food was fantastic..However I agree with some of the other users...the hostess was "a little too big for her britches"...refused to add one additional person to our table, even though we called ahead...very short... (more)
afnole
on Citysearch Jan 27, 2007Though I did not think so for the first 50 minutes, this is a great place for a romantic dinner! Took the wife there for our anniversary dinner, & (in the end) was not disappointed. Let me address the faults first, & get... (more)
cloew
on Citysearch Jan 16, 2007One of the best dining experiences I can remember. Emphasis on Northern Italian fare; the mussels and sausage are worth it just for the sauce to dunk your bread in. And you've never tasted mashed potatoes like this.... (more)
windy_city
on Citysearch Jan 16, 2007On my recent 2nd visit to Volterra (the first being an early weeknight, ouside on the patio), my husband and I were extremely disappointed. Our experience started to go down hill as soon as we sat down and the wine... (more)
sandradeen
on Citysearch Jan 12, 2007I am usually not a huge fan of going out to eat Italian and find a lot of it kind of boring. I never order a tomato sauce dish out (even lasagna). It's usually something simple I could make at home. However, this experience... (more)
lauramay
on Citysearch Dec 26, 2006I came here for dinner on a Friday night with a group of 6. The hostess seated us the moment we walked in and from then on everything went perfect. We were seated at a fantastic booth in the rear dining room which was fairly... (more)
m_lopez
on Citysearch Dec 25, 2006I went to Volterra for dinner last weekend with a friend. We both knew very little about the restaurant going in and we enjoyed a truly exceptional meal. The front room/bar was cozy and easy to have a conversation in,... (more)
drfreds
on Citysearch Dec 21, 2006Our group went for dinner on a Saturday night, and greatly enjoyed the experience. Lovely handmade pastas, wonderful meats, the Porchetta - wow! Ingredients are of the highest quality, and the service was... (more)
mike456
on Citysearch Dec 20, 2006It was my second time visiting Volterra and I was excited because my first time was so delicious. Right off the bat the waiter was short and provided no value in describing the menu. The highlight of the night came when... (more)
zachlee
on Citysearch Dec 12, 2006I dropped in for a quick dinner at Volterra last night after shopping in Ballard. I hadn't been before and I was shocked to see lights and camera crews all around the bar. The host said that Rachel Ray just finished... (more)
rsteele29
on Citysearch Dec 08, 2006My company had our holiday lunch at Volterra and we had sucha great time I took my fiancee there the next night for dinner. THe staff treated us like royalty. They created a special cocktail for our group and it was... (more)
red_west
on Citysearch Dec 08, 2006Volterra is by far the best Italian food in town. The owners have brought typical Italian fare found in Northern Italy to Seattle using the freshest local ingredients, very high quality meats, and unique products... (more)
abaz
on Citysearch Dec 07, 2006This place is so over-rated, it's not even funny. The food was mediocre at best -- we had to return our main courses because they were cold, not even lukewarm; the sauce on the pasta was literally cold. The busy... (more)
lubmisura
on Citysearch Dec 03, 2006I've been to Volterra 3 times and they were all equally wonderful. The food is fantastic, even the simple dishes; my husband ordered the Sauteed Spinach salad twice on one night because he liked it that much. I... (more)
brit223
on Citysearch Nov 19, 2006I went to Volterra once...we had a large group and the restaurant did an excellent job of accomodating us. Everything we had was wonderful...beet salad, mussels, wild boar, pasta, dessert....everything. I would... (more)
fun4uandme
on Citysearch Nov 10, 2006A group of 6 of us celebrated a special occasion at Volterra last night. The bar was packed when we arrived and people were waiting outside the door. I thought we would have to wait for our table but we were seated within... (more)
24griffey
on Citysearch Nov 08, 2006with an overrated series of reviews, I literally came back from Italy and the town of Volterra, hoping for a repeat experience. Instead of hospitality, I found a slick waiter who was arrogant and inattentive and kept... (more)
laurencovey
on Citysearch Oct 28, 2006Volterra has an amazing array of drink flavors and specialties. The service was fantastic and the white pear martini was AMAZING! I would reccomend going with a date or with family, unless you live in Ballard! Its not... (more)
dirtymartini4me
on Citysearch Oct 28, 2006I've always experienced great service, great wine (try the Volterra Red) and great food at Volterra. Last night, my gf and I ordered the daily Antipasti and Polenta with Mushroom Ragu to start...the server was very... (more)
redcentral
on Citysearch Oct 28, 2006I absolutely love Volterra and always know that I can satisfy my yearning for a beautiful meal there. The food is delectable, unique and flavorful to the roof! The cocktails are delightful and I've never had a... (more)
naomijansen
on Citysearch Oct 28, 2006This quaint, elegantly casual dining spot reminded me of the trattorias Ive visited in Italy. Our experience was perfect from start to finish. We arrived promptly for our reservation at 7:00 on a busy Friday night... (more)
digita6
on Citysearch Oct 24, 2006We had the scallops on a bed of black rice as an appetizer, lamb sauce with ribbon pasta, and ear pasta bolognese...all of it was fantastic. The Panna Cotta for dessert had a nice consistency, although the hazlenut... (more)
alicianoele
on Citysearch Oct 10, 2006Lately, I've been experiencing a veritable epidemic of poor service at local restaurants, and Im pleased to say that Volterra has no signs of this disease. Whereas my friend Karen and I didnt have a Saturday evening... (more)
Sheila G.
on Judys Book Sep 27, 2006Last night was a fab evening out. The 26th of Sept. is my husband and my anniversary. 14th to be exact! We decided to give Volterra a shot and we were not let down. We arrived promptly at 7:25 for our 7:30 reservation and... (more)
bluejeanbaby22
on Citysearch Sep 24, 2006Volterra is my favorite spot to drop in at the bar for a glass of wine and bowl of pasta or my 1st pick for gathring my friends for a leisurely dinner. The lamb ragu and wild boar are unbelievable. Huge Wine list and nice... (more)
nunnbob
on Citysearch Sep 24, 2006Great Food - Boar, Eggplant Pasta, Beet Salad, Chocolate Cake!!! Great Service - Anthony was the best. Beautiful Dining Room! Volterra moves to the top of my list. Give it a try. (more)
iloverioja
on Citysearch Sep 23, 2006Probably the best meal we've had in years. My wife (the food critic of the family) always has a nit pick about every restaurant we go to. This is the 1st time she thought everything was perfect from beginning to end. The... (more)
zenstateofmind
on Citysearch Sep 23, 2006After reading the raves, I drove all the way from the Yakima Valley to eat at Volterra and it was worth it! There is a large menu which appeals to both the adventursome or picky eater. The entree special- Lamb served... (more)
wuki3
on Citysearch Sep 23, 2006We got there at 5.35pm and the minute we sat down, our waiter told us that he was expecting another reservation at 8.30pm. Is this mandatory at Volterra? I would say yes just by reading the previous reviews. They... (more)
Anna Roth
on Citysearch Sep 21, 2006<b>The Scene</b><br>Named after the Tuscan hill town where the owners were married in 2004, this upscale trattoria re-creates the town's atmosphere through framed photos, Italianate wall sconces and an elegant... (more)
slappygoodtime
on Citysearch Sep 16, 2006Amazing food at an appropriate price. Treat yourself to sauces infused with morels or the taste of wild boar. By the time your meal is over, you'll feel like a Roman after the feast.... (more)
jonval2004
on Citysearch Sep 16, 2006Great meal and great service. Everything we expected and more. Polenta app is amazing!!Cocktails were delicious and service attentive but not intrusive. Everything on the menu sounds great. We'll be back to try it... (more)
abonn
on Citysearch Sep 16, 2006My boyfriend took me to Volterra to celebrate my birthday. We were seated immediately at a great table in the corner, our waiter was charming, the wine steward picked out a perfect bottle of wine for us and the bus boys... (more)
kari730
on Citysearch Sep 15, 2006After reading on City Search that this was supposed to be a very romantic and fabulous place to eat, I quickly made reservations and was expecting something great. My husband, father-in-law, and I celebrated my... (more)
bfawn
on Citysearch Sep 05, 2006Consistently excellent food, great service, creative drinks, delicious fennel salt and olive oil for the bread. Tried the chef's choice appetizer plate for 2 last time and despite a slightly higher price, found it... (more)
getfuzzygurl
on Citysearch Sep 05, 2006I went to Volterra with my boyfriend and we LOVED it! Everything a patron could want in a nice restaurant- yummy creative entrees, friendly servers, and a delightful ambience! I had the eggplant pasta and my... (more)
menuhappy
on Citysearch Sep 04, 2006We went there for our anniversary. We arrived just after 5:00 on a weekday, and were seated immediately in their large, and almost empty, dining room. The service was fast and polite, and our waiter was quite possibly... (more)
Seattle Photo C.
on Judys Book Sep 02, 2006After meandering around Ballard this afternoon, my husband and I stopped into Volterra for lunch. We were seated out on the patio which was lovely on a nice summer Seattle day. I am a photographer and pay a lot of... (more)
scarlettfeverac9
on Citysearch Aug 24, 2006The patio at Voltarra is a urban oasis. It feels like an outdoor dining room with nice chairs / tables, sheltered by a large overhanging tree with white lights, and thoughtfully designed pots with small trees and... (more)
spudsocks
on Citysearch Aug 23, 2006Based on all the buzz about Volterra, I went here for a fancy dinner... and I hate to say it, but I didn't see what all the fuss is about. Our polenta appetizer WAS completely tasty and they have nice cocktails (though... (more)
rocknrollbaby
on Citysearch Aug 23, 2006What a suprise to find Chingiale on the menu --we haven't had Wild Boar in years and it was worth the wait. The pastas were delicious and perfect aldente but the Wild Boar was our favorite. We couldnt' get enough of the... (more)
nancysee
on Citysearch Aug 13, 2006Delicious restaurant in a quaint, boutiquey neighborhood of Ballard. You can't find Banana Republic here but there is a Tully's near by. Definitely make a reservation before heading here. It's very popular among... (more)
David N.
on Judys Book Aug 06, 2006I'm amazed by two things:1. How good wild boar is2. How accurate the other JB reviews were in describing the experience, especially Suzanne's.If you're still deciding whether or not to go to Volterra, read the other... (more)
Max C.
on Judys Book Aug 02, 2006My girlfriend booked a dinner at Volterra for the 4 of us. I was already feeling the pain of another overpriced bad italian restaurant...as most in Seattle.Instead I found it pretty decent. The apetizers were ok. The... (more)
caymanislandmama
on Citysearch Aug 01, 2006After battling a serious flu and existing on bland food for a week, dinner at Volterra was just what I needed. The flavorful wild mushroom ragu on the polenta custard was like nothing I've ever tasted and the house... (more)
barbaramcmahon
on Citysearch Aug 01, 2006The manager and wait staff are great! We find many Seattle restaurants are challenged in this area. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and level of service. Oh, yes! The food is good also! We have been back... (more)
jjen1999
on Citysearch Aug 01, 2006My wife and I were at the Ballard Seafood Festival this last weekend and stumbled across this fantastic place. The decor was warm and inviting, the food was delicious and the staff very friendly. Didn't know we had... (more)
hhyyente
on Citysearch Jul 31, 2006went with a friend and the service was a bit stand-off-ish, our server seeming to have better things to do than to provide us with specials or reccomendations (even when asked!) The food was good but seemed to be not... (more)
David R.
on Judys Book Jul 22, 2006Perfect food. Only complaint I could have is it was so noisy that it was hard to talk to my friends. Wine steward was great! PS. Try the grapefruit martini if you are so inclined.... (more)
tspag
on Citysearch Jul 21, 2006Volterras patio is my new fave spot to spend a summer evening. The patio doesn't get too hot cuz it's shaded by big trees and it's a great place to relax and people watch. Start off with a Cherry Mojito. This drink is made... (more)
johnboychef
on Citysearch Jul 20, 2006I am a chef in New York and on a recent trip to seattle I visited Volterra after reading the reviews on Citysearch. What a great addition to Seattle's lackluster restaurant scene. The ambience was invitng and warm. The... (more)
gohuskies
on Citysearch Jul 20, 2006I read the reviews and decided to check it out for a low key but romantic anniversary. We peeked in and it looked packed, so we decided to grab a drink at the Matador down the street before hand (excellent sangria!) Once... (more)
stephbrom
on Citysearch Jul 17, 2006I agree with a previous review: the gushing raves are a bit overdone. It is almost like friends of the owners are peppering this site on purpose. Simply put, Volterra is just another restaurant in a city oversaturated... (more)
dickknows
on Citysearch Jul 15, 2006Love love love this restaurant. To start: the service was more than great. the waiter and even the busser were so frikkin' funny -- we were friends by the end of the meal! The sommolier lacked any sort of snobbery and... (more)
danandglo
on Citysearch Jun 24, 2006Hands down the best italian around. Now I understand why everyone raves about Volterra. We were lucky to be seated at a table in the corner which was perfect for people watching. Thankfully we had the forsight to make... (more)
rickydsadler
on Citysearch Jun 22, 2006It's a Perfect "10" Volterra is a must do!!! If you want a want a quick trip to Italy Go To Volterra Ricky D Sadler (more)
bonzaitree
on Citysearch Jun 14, 2006My boyfriend and I dined at Volterra and our experience was unsurpassable. I recommend sitting on the patio if the weather cooperates. We happened to be there on a warm evening and between the candle light and the... (more)
vinoluvr
on Citysearch May 29, 2006The food, space and staff are amazing. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and made it a fun evening. It's hard to get a reservation since they have received so much press but it's definitely worth all the buzz that it's... (more)
seatown7
on Citysearch May 26, 2006We wanted to go here for our anniversary but I was worried about the negative reviews posted. No problems with reservations. We arrived and were promptly seated. The wine steward helped me find a red, and my wife with a... (more)
Annika M.
on Judys Book May 26, 2006I've been here three times. Not tons and tons, but enough to appreciate the consistently good fare and the fact that Volterra offers both modern twists (sweet salt on the gelato!) and classic dishes (the... (more)
trh1224
on Citysearch May 07, 2006Three of us dined at Volterra on Saturday evening and it was wonderful! The entire staff (host, sommelier, waiter and bus staff) was very friendly, professional and unobtrusive. Our food was fabulous. Two of us... (more)
Elise H.
on Judys Book May 01, 2006One of the best meals I've had in Seattle in a while was at Volterra last week. This quaint, romantic little place was nearly perfect from beginning to end. The service was excellent, they were both excited and... (more)
amieb
on Citysearch Apr 27, 2006It was my birthday last weekend and my husband made reservations several weeks ago to get a few of my closest friends together. I'm pleased to report that our dining experience exceeded our expectations. The... (more)
jewala
on Citysearch Apr 22, 2006My husband & I chose to try Volterra to celebrate a special occasion and was highly disappointed. My entree was the evening's special of juniper rubbed pork tenderloin with huckleberry chutney. The pork was dried... (more)
bwmemail
on Citysearch Apr 19, 2006My fiance and I decided to check this highly hyped spot out, and were pleased to be able to make a reservation with short notice on a Friday night. The ambience is great, we got a perfect corner table. The service was... (more)
Amie B.
on Judys Book Apr 19, 2006After reading all of the rave reviews locally and nationally, I was very excited to dine at Volterra. It was my birthday last weekend and my husband made reservations several weeks ago to get a few of my closest friends... (more)
krobinson42
on Citysearch Apr 19, 2006Just got home from having an exceptional dinner at Volterra. The food was spectacular with wonderful subtle flavors. We had the wild mushroom and polenta for an appetizer, the wild boar (highly recommended) and... (more)
marwhite
on Citysearch Apr 18, 2006Best pasta ever! the tagolini dish is incredible! Waiter said they buy only organic eggs from Rickman Gulch Farms. That's quality! Service friendly and very helpful with a long wine list. Glass pours excellent and... (more)
savvydining
on Citysearch Apr 15, 2006I have been to Volterra on several occasions. I have to say, it just keeps getting better. The addition of the Wine Steward (David?) was a nice touch because he is always able to recommend a great wine in my price range.... (more)
Suzanne S.
on Judys Book Apr 12, 2006Volterra is a hot spot in Ballard and I have been looking forward to dining there for about a year. Recently my husband and I joined one of my clients for dinner there.ANTICIPATION:The reservation was made about two... (more)
Jessica C.
on Judys Book Mar 31, 2006I hate to buck the trend here but I don't think Volterra was all that great. The service was excellent, the decor is nice but my food was mediocre. The salad had way too much cheese and was too salty. My pasta was... (more)
skydiver11
on Citysearch Mar 22, 2006What a great place! Really delicious food, great wine list, beautiful decor at a good value. The pappardelle with duck sauce and the chestnut panna cotta were to die for. Super experience.... (more)
andrasj
on Citysearch Mar 20, 2006Volterra transported us right back to Tuscany. The dining room is so warm it feels like your in someones home. Our server was fantastic and explained the background of the dishes in addtion to the ingredients. I can't... (more)
ghouck
on Citysearch Mar 19, 2006There aren't alot of restaurants that make me say "WOW" but Volterra is one of those places. I can't believe it took me a year to find them but I'm so glad that I did. We had a superb server who made good recommendations and... (more)
clifftone
on Citysearch Mar 17, 2006From the time we were greeted to the time we left the service was excellent. We loved our meal and even our 5 yr old ate every bite of her pasta. The owners came over and talked to us which made it really fun. The prices are... (more)
JENIFER H.
on Judys Book Mar 17, 2006I BELIEVE A TREND IS RE-FORMING IN THE SEATTLE AREA; HOW TO EXTRACT THE VERY HIGHEST DOLLAR AMOUNT FOR NOT ENOUGH FOOD...OH, AND GET AWAY WITH IT.NOW IN THIS CASE, I WILL SAY THAT THE FOOD WAS OFF THE CHARTS DELICIOUS.... (more)
susie f.
on Judys Book Mar 17, 2006Probably my favorite restaurant in Seattle. I've been dining at Volterra at least 2 times a month since they opened and I never get tired of going there. The menu changes frequently so there are always new dishes to... (more)
Lorraine G.
on Judys Book Mar 13, 2006I finally had the chance to try the restaurant in Ballard that everyone is talking about, Volterra. I'm in love!Think sexy but classic. My dinning companion mentioned that the restaurant felt like a home dining... (more)
enjoyfinefood
on Citysearch Mar 12, 2006I've never been treated so RUDELY! They don't care about you as a customer, they just want your money. I made reservations to meet friends there this past Friday night for dinner at 6:30pm and we were all stunned when... (more)
Nicolas F.
on Judys Book Mar 03, 2006It doesn't look like too many people disagree here on the quality of the food offered at Volterra. I too thought it was very well done, and feel that if you are going to go, you should plan on ordering a fair amount of food.... (more)
Latife N.
on Judys Book Mar 01, 2006Volterra is worth hiring a babysitter and putting on your good perfume. But don't wear anything tight, because if you have the time and the money you should go all out with starter, main, dessert (and salad! and bread!... (more)
spiceneedle
on Citysearch Jan 24, 2006Our server was great - very charming. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The menu offered a ton of great-sounding stuff. But...the food was not good! Very bland. My friend's duck was so tough, he could barely cut... (more)
Nick M.
on Judys Book Jan 18, 2006I'd have to say Volterra has been a good addition to Ballard. Although not the absolute best place I've been to, it is in the top 10. Their food is great. They have a good selection of wine and drinks and the atmosphere is... (more)
seattlejuan
on Citysearch Jan 15, 2006I was really let down after a dinner at this highly (by other citysearch reviewers) rated restaurant. Volterra served decent food. The service was perfectly fine, not exceptional. I'm sure I will eat here again as... (more)
meowhiss
on Citysearch Jan 09, 2006This was truly the best dining experience we've had in a long time. The service was outstanding, the food was impeccable and the atmosphere was warm and very personal. Our server was friendly, made excellent menu... (more)
seapark
on Citysearch Jan 09, 2006We highly recommend a trip to Volterra. Not only is the food fantastic, but also the service! Our waiter was very attentive even though it was a busy night and he was very knowledgeable of each dish. The ingredients are... (more)
caitlynw
on Citysearch Jan 08, 2006My husband and I have dined in fine restaurants all over the world and our dinner at Volterra was hands down one of the best meals of my life. You can tell that alot of thought and passion went into creating the menu. The... (more)
adickson99
on Citysearch Jan 08, 2006People don't often take the time to say "Thank You" when they've had a memorable dining experience. I want to express my gratitude to the staff of Volterra for providing my family with an amazing experience on... (more)
mwtransplant
on Citysearch Jan 05, 2006I've visited Volterra twice and was satisfied both times. I'm surprised to read that others have experienced poor service, as both visits I experienced exceptional service. I appreciate that the variety of menu... (more)
mtseattle
on Citysearch Jan 04, 2006Our experience at Volterra was atrocious. 25 minutes after being seated and we didn't even know who our server was because no one but the busboy had even stopped by our table. The table behind us had consumed an entire... (more)
Sunil S.
on Judys Book Jan 01, 2006To celebrate my birthday, my wife and close friends suggested that we celebrate at Volterra. We had been there before and the food was superb. We were there on a Monday and found the service very rushed. Our waitress... (more)
Kristen R.
on Judys Book Dec 27, 2005I've now been to Volterra for brunch and dinner, and both times the food and service were excellent. Last night I ordered the shrimp and porcini risotto; it was so refreshing to order a dish with shrimp that actually... (more)
vpitren
on Citysearch Dec 14, 2005We had our company holiday party at Volterra and it was the best we've ever had! Kudos to the staff for putting together such a memorable event. Our 5 course meal was executed perfectly. We could not believe how... (more)
flhinebaugh
on Citysearch Dec 02, 2005I seldom drive to Ballard, but Volterra makes the drive worthwhile. Since first eating there several months ago, it has become my favorite place not only for an excellent menu and unequivocally wonderful food, but... (more)
iwannabefed
on Citysearch Nov 23, 2005I was excited about eating at Volterra, but was sadly dissappointed. The food was okay, some even good, but I have had better. The service. Atrocious. If you want people to return to your restaurant, then make them... (more)
lindleythomas
on Citysearch Nov 23, 2005Although we didn't enjoy our dinner we still managed to have a fun time at Volterra. Good company pays off! The wild boar was very flavorless, even the creamy sauce on it was blend. Italian food is usually much more... (more)
mishka m.
on Judys Book Nov 21, 2005Seattle has lacked an authentic and consistently good italian restaurant over the years. Finally, there's Volterra. Almost as authentic as you're going to find in Italy and the owner/chef, Don Curtiss, buys as... (more)
snarkles
on Citysearch Nov 18, 2005I've been to the restaurant five times now. The experience starts with the horrid parking situation--there is absolutely NO parking within a five block radius. That's fine in the summer, but in winter, in the rain,... (more)
kyleandfiona12
on Citysearch Nov 17, 2005Food was just not good! $18 for an antipasto for two that had a bunch af french little things on it at a restaurant that claims to be 'authentic' Italian but there are no Italians there to be found?? Super salty... (more)
janetsmith1
on Citysearch Nov 17, 2005My husband and I are excited to have found a "real" Italian restaurant close to our home. The parking was a challenge but as soon as we bit into the delightful antipasti "palatte" we forgot all about it. The lobster... (more)
popsinger99
on Citysearch Nov 13, 2005we stopped by on sat night during art walk and the restaurant was fully booked for the evening but the tables in the bar area were left for people who walked in. the hostess was friendly and quoted us an hour wait but took... (more)
iluvrazz
on Citysearch Nov 12, 2005Stopped in for dinner before a movie and had a great time. Got us in and out with a four course meal with plenty of time to spare. Surprising since they were packed. The entire experience was perfect from the food to the... (more)
supernova
on Citysearch Nov 08, 2005no suprise that volterra has already acheived a national buzz. i read about them in the new york times and when i saw the write up in gourmet magazine, i knew that it was a place to check out. the lamb ragu was superb and the... (more)
londoncalling
on Citysearch Nov 08, 2005We missed a movie and wanted to grab a bite ...since it was a weeknight we thought we'd try to stop into volterra since its so busy on the weekends. We were happy to find a great new drink (White Pear Cosmo), friendly,... (more)
Lisa C.
on Judys Book Nov 07, 2005OK, I admit it, the food was good. In fact very good. But the service was so bad at Volterra that I have a hard time imagining going back, and it takes a lot to dissuade me from a delicious meal opportunity. My party and I sat... (more)
gormet_guy
on Citysearch Nov 07, 2005After a long wait to actually try this new place, I was quite impressed! The service was very attentive and knowledgable, especially on the extensive wine list. We had the burrata with prosciutto and found it... (more)
daveoconnornyc
on Citysearch Nov 07, 2005I found Volterra in the new Zagat Best Restaurants in the US guide. I am in Seattle a few times a year and it was one of the new additions for 2005 so I wanted to check it out. The thing about true italian food is that although... (more)
lcsea
on Citysearch Nov 06, 2005The service was so bad at Volterra that I have a hard time imagining going back. Soon after we ordered, at 7:30 or so, our waiter informed us that we needed to clear out by 8:45 since our table was reserved for another... (more)
Tanya D.
on Judys Book Nov 06, 2005We love this new hot spot in Ballard! I don't know I just don't get excited about going out for Italian....but Volterra is definitely and exception to my rule.My husband and I have eaten dinner several times and always... (more)
nikpickles
on Citysearch Nov 01, 2005I live in Ballard and support local businesses. Ive been going to Volterra nearly every week since they opened. The addition of Volterra has brought dining on Ballard Avenue to a new level. Volterra has support from... (more)
foddnazi007
on Citysearch Oct 31, 2005Volterra has brought a glimpse of Tuscany to Seattle. I'm a big a fan of Tuscan wine and dining here brought back great memories of a wine tour in Tuscany that I went on last summer. I was impressed with the reasonably... (more)
francescocoppo
on Citysearch Oct 31, 2005I had the first of many experiences at Volterra and it was an evening I won't forget. The food was outstanding and the wine list is impressive and afffordable. We started with the Polenta filled with fontina cheese... (more)
tkc7148
on Citysearch Oct 31, 2005We have been several times over the last four months and Volterra's popularity has quickly grown. Having spent time around Tuscany and the city of Volterra I find the food very authentic. I think the service is... (more)
luigiippolito
on Citysearch Oct 29, 2005Our unpleasant experience was a bummer considering that it was our first anniversary. The whole atmosphere in the place is dull and sterile. We were on the phone for 5 minutes just to figure out if they could give us a... (more)
guisepped
on Citysearch Oct 26, 2005A friend took me to Volterra on Friday and I am extremely impressed with the authenticity of the food. It reminded me of home. My mother grew up in Arrezo, not far from Volterra. I grew up in L.A. but spent each summer in... (more)
richardtator
on Citysearch Oct 23, 2005So I call on Saturday to reserve a table for 12. Am told I will get a call back from the caterer to discuss a "menu", apparently my odds will be narrowed if i bring in business. Don't receive a call back after two days, so I... (more)
aechols1
on Citysearch Oct 22, 2005A neighborhood gem. The buckwheat pasta with beef tenderloin and morels was divine & the Wild Boar with gorgonzola sauce knocked my socks off. Server was friendly and extremely knowlegable. He helped us select the... (more)
anderjon
on Citysearch Oct 19, 2005I had the good fortune of experiencing Volterra last night and had an incredible meal. The food is extremely authentic just like I enjoyed while travelling in Northern Italy. The flavors are bold yet the ingredients... (more)
deannamartini
on Citysearch Sep 08, 2005I read about Volterra in the New York Times and when I noticed they were on the front page of Seattle Citysearch, I knew that it had to be on the top of my list for my next trip to Seattle. I'm in the process of moving from L.A.... (more)
Ben H.
on Judys Book Aug 30, 2005Dear GOD! This place is good. No, it's sublime. And I'm not some Applebee's kinda guy. It takes a lot to ruffle my feathers when I go out - I expect a lot. The only negative thing I could say is that the Gelato was in fact... (more)
gwfoodlvr
on Citysearch Aug 21, 2005A beautiful space and the best pasta I've had in Seattle. This is not a sloppy red sauce joint. The beef tenderloin melted in my husbands mouth and was cooked perfectly medium rare. Large selection of wines by the... (more)
pursel
on Citysearch Aug 18, 2005It is worth driving to Ballard to dine at Volterra. Our dinner couldn't have been better. The seafood in parchment was extremely fresh and like nothing I've had before. And the fresh ravioli filled with pears was... (more)
David Z.
on Judys Book Aug 15, 2005Normally, I tend to be extremely skeptical of Italian restaurants in Seattle. And this was no exception, especially since we tried Volterra for the first time about a month after returning from two weeks in Tuscany.... (more)
foodstallion
on Citysearch Aug 14, 2005My group of friends had a superb experience at Volterra. We arranged a 40th birthday celebration for a group of 20 and everyone raved about the evening. They worked with us to create a pre fix menu beforehand that made... (more)
bv_daniel
on Citysearch Aug 08, 2005Just a wonderful new restaurant that has a different flair than so many other places in Seattle. As a fan of Tuscan wine, I was impressed with the reasonably priced and highly rated wines that were available. The... (more)
nyfoodlover01
on Citysearch Aug 08, 2005just returned from a 4 day trip to seattle. i read the article on seattle in the new york times before i left home and naturally had to check out the dining recommendations. we had an outstanding meal complimented by a... (more)
Jeff R.
on Judys Book Aug 04, 2005My wife and I had the rare night to ourselves (twin 4-year olds got to stay at home with Kyla the sitter.) Looking for a chance to sit down and have a meal where we weren't doing the cooking, the serving, the cleaning and... (more)
brunellolover
on Citysearch Jul 28, 2005Just moved to Seattle a year ago and happened upon Volterra during a visit to the Ballard Farmer's Market. I hadn't spent any time in Ballard prior to this visit but the restaurant was highly recommended by several... (more)
madyb
on Citysearch Jul 28, 2005I really don't know what happened. We (party of 4) were very disappointed in this resturant. After reading review and recommendations I was looking forward to trying it. The food was bland, the service was just OK.... (more)
radish1
on Citysearch Jul 19, 2005I can't remember when I've eaten a better meal. Our appetizer (wild mushrooms over a polenta custard) had the most fabulous sauce, as did the sauce with my beef tenderloin. And the mashed potatoes made me swoon, they... (more)
sassy31
on Citysearch Jul 05, 2005From the incredible food to the perfect wine list, Volterra is one of the best Italian restaurants to grace the Puget Sound area in years! The service is was perfect as well. (more)
profwho
on Citysearch Jul 04, 2005Very good restaurant. I'm medium on Italian food to start but thought they did a very nice job. Lots of bread, good wine selection, good food. No complaints. Very tasteful decorating in an old building.... (more)
mrsshock
on Citysearch Jun 27, 2005We are so happy to have a restaurant like this so close we can walk. We enjoyed everything so much and can't wait to go back. I must go for brunch next Sunday. We had antipasto, panzanella bread salad, papardelle in duck... (more)
jimmyjim
on Citysearch Jun 13, 2005What a place!!! Absolutely packed!! Beautiful decor, Excellent service, unbelievable wine prices! I wanted to eat everything on the menu. Chose the boar with gorgonzola sauce. Best meal I have ever eaten!! You... (more)
shamoy
on Citysearch Jun 13, 2005This place is fantastic! Great food, service and staff! The menu items are very different than what you find on a traditional Italian's restaurant - there are some standards, but they have interesting twists! And... (more)
coskypilot
on Citysearch Jun 12, 2005I went to meet a couple friends there and the staff was so very friendly. We sat at the bar until a table became available for us. Funny thing is the bartender there, 'Jason' was so wonderfully excellent we decided to... (more)
sea_diner
on Citysearch Jun 09, 2005We don't complain much because I used to work in the restaurant industry, but after dinner here tonight I felt I had to post to share with others. It took 20 minutes to get our first round of drinks (apps made it before... (more)
lauramae
on Citysearch Jun 05, 2005I heard that Volterra was good but had no idea. I ordered the sauteed spinach salad with currants then the steak as the entree. The steak was good quality and cooked just as I ordered it; it was so tender and flavored... (more)
darthrabbit
on Citysearch May 29, 2005Happened across this place with some out of town guests of ours, and we could not have been happier with our food. The flavors of everything were perfectly balanced, the drinks were tasty, the wine selection great,... (more)
wanderlust99
on Citysearch May 11, 2005Have made 5 visits and absolutely love the food at Volterra. I find myself craving the house bruschetta and the oil soup. Beautiful atmosphere, informed and friendly service, excellent food. I will be back again... (more)
grhodes
on Citysearch May 10, 2005The food was truly outstanding. The bruschetta was the best I've ever had, and the prawn/fennel salad was extraordinary. This is a great, new place!! (more)