Excellent Food!! Excellent Service!! Casual dining experience with a GREAT menu and lots of choices! Garlic bread was good but left a bit to be desired, kind of dry-- this was the ONLY part that we werent sold on.... Clams Oreganata-- YUMMMMM! Chicken Francese was amazing!! Also i love that you can sub pasta for a vegetable.. of course for a nominal fee but i like the option! Other dishes were Shrimp Francese and Veal Marsala.... both looked great and we all 3 had empty plates when we were done!! Coming back here is not even a question! I actually cant wait til i can dine here again! Great authentic Italian food!
(4)
Ruffino's M.
REPLY TO JOHN C. (RUFFINO'S MANAGEMENT ) We want to sincerely apologize for the mistake that was made the other night. We are in the process of training new employees with season coming, and should've kept a better eye on making sure every order went out right ( which we really try to do). We addressed the situation by speaking with our employee on how to better handle these matters in future. We strive to be the best and take pride in being our local neighborhood favorite! We hope you are able to forgive us for this discrepancy and return to our establishment in the near future! WE GREATLY APPRECIATE ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND THEIR BUSINESS!
(5)
Misty H.
I absolutely love their pasta and bean soup. Everything I've had here has been great. Plus the staff is really nice
(5)
T B.
Excellent food. Good service. We always have a good meal there. So far, it is the best Italian meal in PSL.
(4)
sheldon k.
When there with a small group a weekday evening and it was full. Must be a reason. It's the food and the service. The fish was fresh and cooked just right. The pasta was perfect the meats excellent and the owner came over constantly asking if everything was good and what, not if we needed anything. This is a family restaurant that has become a weekly visit.
(5)
John S.
Excellent food and service. South Florida suffers from a dearth of authentic Italian cuisine, and Ruffino's came as a pleasant surprise to my girlfriend and I. Sorrentina and Galante dishes were wonderful, veal was perfectly prepared, chicken was tender and juicy, and seafood appetizers (clams oregenatta and zuppa di mussels) were fresh and flavorful. Service was friendly, attentive, and perfectly timed; Brittany was an absolute pleasure. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ed R.
A pleasant surprise! Our dinner started off with a salad and soup, both were very good. The garlic breadsticks are home made, and were very good. I had the linguini with red clam sauce and my wife had the...forgot the name...shrimp in marsala sauce over linguini, covered with melted provolone cheese. Very good, and HOT right from the kitchen. I had the Tiramisu and we both had cappuccino. The Tiramisu was home made (!) and very good. The cappuccino was OK, but not remarkable. The service was very good also. Recommended based on this visit.
(5)
RL M.
Been there three times and every time has been great. Their veal parmigiana and pasta dishes are excellent. Very good service. I have the baked clams every time I've been there, delicious. There's usually around six of us when we stop in and we try each other's dishes. Never been disappointed by any of them. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, priced well and great food. What else could anyone want from a restaurant!
(5)
Sean M.
Mediocre at best. We had pizza, penne/vodka, chicken francese and a few other items. I wasn't impressed at all with any of the food we ordered. Roma is much better in this area imo.
(3)
John C.
We've been living in PSL for 24 years and Ruffino's has always been one of our favorite Italian restaurants, but lately they've been lower than our expectations. I agree with most of the reviews here and when we eat at the restaurant it's always good. The Eggplant Parmigiana and Mozzarella Caprese is the best in town. But if you order take out double check your order before leaving the restaurant. Last night we ordered take-out and the order was completely fouled up and came with an argument! We were running late last night and decided to order take out for dinner. My girlfriend decided to pick up the order since she needed something at Publix, in the same plaza. She checked the order before leaving the restaurant and found they had forgotten to include the salads that come with the dinners. This wasn't the first time and when she said something she got grief from the counter help! She's one of the most non-confrontational people in the world and came home quite upset. When she got home we found we had gotten regular Italian dressing and not creamy Italian dressing as requested. Not a deal breaker, but not the first time. I ordered Chicken Francese and asked for the Francese sauce over the spaghetti, as I have many times before. So, I got a tin with three lovely pieces of chicken swimming in sauce (very good), a tin with my spaghetti covered in marinara sauce (?), and an extra cup of Francese sauce (??). There was also $2.00 added to the bill for the extra sauce (???). I ended up having to wash the spaghetti, put it in with the chicken and sauce and reheat it. And I still have enough sauce for another meal?!? At least her Baked Ziti was ok. This order was placed and picked up after the usual dinner rush, so there should have been no excuse for the service. Granted, the food was good, but Ruffino's is more expensive than a lot of other Italian restaurants in PSL and that's what we're paying for. The owners need to say something to the counter help because there are way too many choices in town. Ruffino's is convenient, since we pass it on the way home from work, but we pass a different Italian restaurant in almost every plaza. It might be time for a change.
(3)
J. R.
Ordered a pie here, some of the best pizza I've had since leaving NY. Looking fwd to trying some dinner entrees next time. Edited: I've had a chance to eat here a few times since my last review. Bottom line, this is NY Italian food. I almost can't believe how good everything was. The scungilli salad is insane: fresh, light, lemony, with a hint of garlic and EVOO. The penne a la vodka was perfect as well. Will def be returning!
(5)
Jody R.
Ruffinos hands down is the best NY style Italian food in PSL. I have lived here for 10 years from Brooklyn and would not think of going anywhere else when I want authentic Italian. The chicken parm is awesome. Seafood dishes are fresh always. Great service every time. Even just going in for a pizza is a treat. And if you don't feel like going out they deliver. My only complaint if you can call it that is the desserts. I love ricotta cheese cake but there is something off on theirs. The New York cheese cake is a better choice. Most of the time we are way too full to get dessert anyway. Go and enjoy. You won't be disappointed. Call for reservations if you are a large party and its a weekend!
(5)
Mike G.
Best italian food ive had since i was back in nj.... i usually think the food sucks down here in florida but this place has it down pat... and they give you free garlic bread lots of it. havnt tried their pizza but it looks good. me and my family come here on holidays or birthdays... we all get the bruschetta and fried calamari its always amazing and all their entrees are great we have a big family so we have tried pretty much everything on their menu... hate eggplant but they have an entree thats chicken parm with eggplant on top and its amazing... decently priced too and big portions.. great pasta sauce too. Try their specials because they are always the best.
(5)
Bob G.
Very impressed. Slow start, but by the salads, everything was nearly perfect. The bread was to die for, and I was ecstatic that they had Tartufo! Drinks, dinner, and dessert for two for under $70--can't beat it. Staff was friendly and attentive, though the place was so busy when we got there, things slowed down a bit. It was well worth it.
(4)
Chris C.
Great tasting pizza. We get the Mon/Tue carryout special, and it is very good. The pepperoni is tasty! We recommended it to friends and they love it.
(5)
Erin M.
I have never had a bad meal here! Tonight we had the spaghetti carbonara and a pepperoni Stromboli. OMG what a fantastic meal!! If you've never had a Stromboli, this is the place to try it. Good service and reasonable prices.
(5)
Amy G.
I am not one to write reviews but this gem is too good to not spread the news. I came here while traveling for work and it has been the best meal I've had all week. The portions are gigantic and the prices are reasonable. Friendly staff too.
(5)
Brett F.
Perfect pit stop - my pregnant/picky wife was in dire need of food on a recent business trip and Ruffino's def fit the bill. Good service, good food, all that u would expect. A pleasant surprise to be sure.
(4)
Craig B.
Ruffinos is a staple in PSL. We have been living here for 11-years after leaving NY. Pizza is excellent, more so when dad the owner is there preparing it. Their only competition, Ninos, left for Stuart. Stay away from Big Apple and all that other wannabe "Italian Restaurants" - Ruffinos is it!!!
(4)
Peggy B.
I thought the food was good and waitress was very friendly. The garlic bread was excellent. Casual relaxed atmosphere.
(4)
Russ N.
Ruffino's is a super solid local pizzeria/italian restaurant.
(3)
C P.
Great pizza either eat in or take out. Family owned and operated and always great service. Menu is basic Italian and the food is good.YELP site needs to be updated it list closed on profile, Ruffinos is not closed.
(4)
Lois D.
Eat here at least once a week. Wait staff is always friendly and efficient. I love cheese Pizza and white pizza and they will accommodate me and give me half and half. Stuffed rigatoni special is fantastic. Shrimp or grouper francaise are over the top. Fettuccini Alfredo is as good or better than I've had anywhere. Eggplant parmesan excellent. Maybe i should just list the whole menu since I've never had anything bad .
(5)
Elizabeth S.
Solid Italian restaurant. My dad and I both had a francese dish - dad had the flounder and I had the shrimp. Both very good. Dad also really liked his pasta fagioli (sp?) soup. Definitely worth a try if you're within a 10- to 15-minute drive.
(4)
Joan C.
I love Ruffinos. The food and family atmosphere make it one of my fave places when I am in PSL. It is nothing particularly fancy, but you will never leave hungry or disappointed if you are in the mood for Italian food. It reminds me a lot of the family opeated Italian restaurants in New York. Mangia! Keep up the good work, Ruffinos.
(5)
Bob K.
Pizza and garlic bread are both outstanding.
(4)
Robert S.
I must admit this, Food was good but unfortunately The service i would rate it Totally negative. My family and I have to come to this restaurant every Friday for the past 3 years and from time to time we have noticed that their service has declined to make us as customers feel we aren't really important. We do not go cheap with foods because we do enjoy dining out. unfortunately My brother had a birthday cake at the restaurant which his wife baked the cake and asked Ruffino's if it was okay to have a little birthday cake for my brother. They said they're good with it. We had the cake, just us family only. What comes to a shocking surprise for us was they charged us 50 cents per person who eats the cake and add it to our bill. We approach to the owner of the restaurant and asked why this? He says thats the policy of our restaurant and we told him but you never get to let us know it will be a charge for per person. What he implied was well sorry Business is Business. I think its a crock of bull! My brother said well we've been coming here for a good 3 years and now you're fussing over 50 cents per person.. It makes us feel were less important to you. Perhaps we could just stop coming here all because of the 50 cents that matters to you. The owner said well thanks for coming here ( with a smirk attitude ) and said take care and waved bye in front of his face. i was in disbelief and now it gets me to write this in Yelp! The whole point was He fret over 50 cents per person while we come every friday spending 100 to 150 dollars a table. Customers should be a priority to their company and we have dedicated our loyalty and it turned out we were just the money pit to them. SAD! I wouldn't recommend this place ever again. I would rate their service and greed to 1
(1)
Lauren K.
I don't know how Ruffino's only has one review and two stars. They are the best pizza you can get in Port St. Lucie, hands down. I haven't tried much other than their pizza or subs in years (seriously, they've been around foooorever) but what I have tried is seriously one of my favorite parts of coming back to visit. Can't go wrong with a cheese or meatball or pepperoni pizza - their sicilian is also great!
(5)
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Address :1145 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd
Port Saint Lucie, FL, 34952
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Shelly H.
Excellent Food!! Excellent Service!! Casual dining experience with a GREAT menu and lots of choices! Garlic bread was good but left a bit to be desired, kind of dry-- this was the ONLY part that we werent sold on.... Clams Oreganata-- YUMMMMM! Chicken Francese was amazing!! Also i love that you can sub pasta for a vegetable.. of course for a nominal fee but i like the option! Other dishes were Shrimp Francese and Veal Marsala.... both looked great and we all 3 had empty plates when we were done!! Coming back here is not even a question! I actually cant wait til i can dine here again! Great authentic Italian food!
(4)Ruffino's M.
REPLY TO JOHN C. (RUFFINO'S MANAGEMENT ) We want to sincerely apologize for the mistake that was made the other night. We are in the process of training new employees with season coming, and should've kept a better eye on making sure every order went out right ( which we really try to do). We addressed the situation by speaking with our employee on how to better handle these matters in future. We strive to be the best and take pride in being our local neighborhood favorite! We hope you are able to forgive us for this discrepancy and return to our establishment in the near future! WE GREATLY APPRECIATE ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND THEIR BUSINESS!
(5)Misty H.
I absolutely love their pasta and bean soup. Everything I've had here has been great. Plus the staff is really nice
(5)T B.
Excellent food. Good service. We always have a good meal there. So far, it is the best Italian meal in PSL.
(4)sheldon k.
When there with a small group a weekday evening and it was full. Must be a reason. It's the food and the service. The fish was fresh and cooked just right. The pasta was perfect the meats excellent and the owner came over constantly asking if everything was good and what, not if we needed anything. This is a family restaurant that has become a weekly visit.
(5)John S.
Excellent food and service. South Florida suffers from a dearth of authentic Italian cuisine, and Ruffino's came as a pleasant surprise to my girlfriend and I. Sorrentina and Galante dishes were wonderful, veal was perfectly prepared, chicken was tender and juicy, and seafood appetizers (clams oregenatta and zuppa di mussels) were fresh and flavorful. Service was friendly, attentive, and perfectly timed; Brittany was an absolute pleasure. Highly recommended.
(5)Ed R.
A pleasant surprise! Our dinner started off with a salad and soup, both were very good. The garlic breadsticks are home made, and were very good. I had the linguini with red clam sauce and my wife had the...forgot the name...shrimp in marsala sauce over linguini, covered with melted provolone cheese. Very good, and HOT right from the kitchen. I had the Tiramisu and we both had cappuccino. The Tiramisu was home made (!) and very good. The cappuccino was OK, but not remarkable. The service was very good also. Recommended based on this visit.
(5)RL M.
Been there three times and every time has been great. Their veal parmigiana and pasta dishes are excellent. Very good service. I have the baked clams every time I've been there, delicious. There's usually around six of us when we stop in and we try each other's dishes. Never been disappointed by any of them. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, priced well and great food. What else could anyone want from a restaurant!
(5)Sean M.
Mediocre at best. We had pizza, penne/vodka, chicken francese and a few other items. I wasn't impressed at all with any of the food we ordered. Roma is much better in this area imo.
(3)John C.
We've been living in PSL for 24 years and Ruffino's has always been one of our favorite Italian restaurants, but lately they've been lower than our expectations. I agree with most of the reviews here and when we eat at the restaurant it's always good. The Eggplant Parmigiana and Mozzarella Caprese is the best in town. But if you order take out double check your order before leaving the restaurant. Last night we ordered take-out and the order was completely fouled up and came with an argument! We were running late last night and decided to order take out for dinner. My girlfriend decided to pick up the order since she needed something at Publix, in the same plaza. She checked the order before leaving the restaurant and found they had forgotten to include the salads that come with the dinners. This wasn't the first time and when she said something she got grief from the counter help! She's one of the most non-confrontational people in the world and came home quite upset. When she got home we found we had gotten regular Italian dressing and not creamy Italian dressing as requested. Not a deal breaker, but not the first time. I ordered Chicken Francese and asked for the Francese sauce over the spaghetti, as I have many times before. So, I got a tin with three lovely pieces of chicken swimming in sauce (very good), a tin with my spaghetti covered in marinara sauce (?), and an extra cup of Francese sauce (??). There was also $2.00 added to the bill for the extra sauce (???). I ended up having to wash the spaghetti, put it in with the chicken and sauce and reheat it. And I still have enough sauce for another meal?!? At least her Baked Ziti was ok. This order was placed and picked up after the usual dinner rush, so there should have been no excuse for the service. Granted, the food was good, but Ruffino's is more expensive than a lot of other Italian restaurants in PSL and that's what we're paying for. The owners need to say something to the counter help because there are way too many choices in town. Ruffino's is convenient, since we pass it on the way home from work, but we pass a different Italian restaurant in almost every plaza. It might be time for a change.
(3)J. R.
Ordered a pie here, some of the best pizza I've had since leaving NY. Looking fwd to trying some dinner entrees next time. Edited: I've had a chance to eat here a few times since my last review. Bottom line, this is NY Italian food. I almost can't believe how good everything was. The scungilli salad is insane: fresh, light, lemony, with a hint of garlic and EVOO. The penne a la vodka was perfect as well. Will def be returning!
(5)Jody R.
Ruffinos hands down is the best NY style Italian food in PSL. I have lived here for 10 years from Brooklyn and would not think of going anywhere else when I want authentic Italian. The chicken parm is awesome. Seafood dishes are fresh always. Great service every time. Even just going in for a pizza is a treat. And if you don't feel like going out they deliver. My only complaint if you can call it that is the desserts. I love ricotta cheese cake but there is something off on theirs. The New York cheese cake is a better choice. Most of the time we are way too full to get dessert anyway. Go and enjoy. You won't be disappointed. Call for reservations if you are a large party and its a weekend!
(5)Mike G.
Best italian food ive had since i was back in nj.... i usually think the food sucks down here in florida but this place has it down pat... and they give you free garlic bread lots of it. havnt tried their pizza but it looks good. me and my family come here on holidays or birthdays... we all get the bruschetta and fried calamari its always amazing and all their entrees are great we have a big family so we have tried pretty much everything on their menu... hate eggplant but they have an entree thats chicken parm with eggplant on top and its amazing... decently priced too and big portions.. great pasta sauce too. Try their specials because they are always the best.
(5)Bob G.
Very impressed. Slow start, but by the salads, everything was nearly perfect. The bread was to die for, and I was ecstatic that they had Tartufo! Drinks, dinner, and dessert for two for under $70--can't beat it. Staff was friendly and attentive, though the place was so busy when we got there, things slowed down a bit. It was well worth it.
(4)Chris C.
Great tasting pizza. We get the Mon/Tue carryout special, and it is very good. The pepperoni is tasty! We recommended it to friends and they love it.
(5)Erin M.
I have never had a bad meal here! Tonight we had the spaghetti carbonara and a pepperoni Stromboli. OMG what a fantastic meal!! If you've never had a Stromboli, this is the place to try it. Good service and reasonable prices.
(5)Amy G.
I am not one to write reviews but this gem is too good to not spread the news. I came here while traveling for work and it has been the best meal I've had all week. The portions are gigantic and the prices are reasonable. Friendly staff too.
(5)Brett F.
Perfect pit stop - my pregnant/picky wife was in dire need of food on a recent business trip and Ruffino's def fit the bill. Good service, good food, all that u would expect. A pleasant surprise to be sure.
(4)Craig B.
Ruffinos is a staple in PSL. We have been living here for 11-years after leaving NY. Pizza is excellent, more so when dad the owner is there preparing it. Their only competition, Ninos, left for Stuart. Stay away from Big Apple and all that other wannabe "Italian Restaurants" - Ruffinos is it!!!
(4)Peggy B.
I thought the food was good and waitress was very friendly. The garlic bread was excellent. Casual relaxed atmosphere.
(4)Russ N.
Ruffino's is a super solid local pizzeria/italian restaurant.
(3)C P.
Great pizza either eat in or take out. Family owned and operated and always great service. Menu is basic Italian and the food is good.YELP site needs to be updated it list closed on profile, Ruffinos is not closed.
(4)Lois D.
Eat here at least once a week. Wait staff is always friendly and efficient. I love cheese Pizza and white pizza and they will accommodate me and give me half and half. Stuffed rigatoni special is fantastic. Shrimp or grouper francaise are over the top. Fettuccini Alfredo is as good or better than I've had anywhere. Eggplant parmesan excellent. Maybe i should just list the whole menu since I've never had anything bad .
(5)Elizabeth S.
Solid Italian restaurant. My dad and I both had a francese dish - dad had the flounder and I had the shrimp. Both very good. Dad also really liked his pasta fagioli (sp?) soup. Definitely worth a try if you're within a 10- to 15-minute drive.
(4)Joan C.
I love Ruffinos. The food and family atmosphere make it one of my fave places when I am in PSL. It is nothing particularly fancy, but you will never leave hungry or disappointed if you are in the mood for Italian food. It reminds me a lot of the family opeated Italian restaurants in New York. Mangia! Keep up the good work, Ruffinos.
(5)Bob K.
Pizza and garlic bread are both outstanding.
(4)Robert S.
I must admit this, Food was good but unfortunately The service i would rate it Totally negative. My family and I have to come to this restaurant every Friday for the past 3 years and from time to time we have noticed that their service has declined to make us as customers feel we aren't really important. We do not go cheap with foods because we do enjoy dining out. unfortunately My brother had a birthday cake at the restaurant which his wife baked the cake and asked Ruffino's if it was okay to have a little birthday cake for my brother. They said they're good with it. We had the cake, just us family only. What comes to a shocking surprise for us was they charged us 50 cents per person who eats the cake and add it to our bill. We approach to the owner of the restaurant and asked why this? He says thats the policy of our restaurant and we told him but you never get to let us know it will be a charge for per person. What he implied was well sorry Business is Business. I think its a crock of bull! My brother said well we've been coming here for a good 3 years and now you're fussing over 50 cents per person.. It makes us feel were less important to you. Perhaps we could just stop coming here all because of the 50 cents that matters to you. The owner said well thanks for coming here ( with a smirk attitude ) and said take care and waved bye in front of his face. i was in disbelief and now it gets me to write this in Yelp! The whole point was He fret over 50 cents per person while we come every friday spending 100 to 150 dollars a table. Customers should be a priority to their company and we have dedicated our loyalty and it turned out we were just the money pit to them. SAD! I wouldn't recommend this place ever again. I would rate their service and greed to 1
(1)Lauren K.
I don't know how Ruffino's only has one review and two stars. They are the best pizza you can get in Port St. Lucie, hands down. I haven't tried much other than their pizza or subs in years (seriously, they've been around foooorever) but what I have tried is seriously one of my favorite parts of coming back to visit. Can't go wrong with a cheese or meatball or pepperoni pizza - their sicilian is also great!
(5)