Serafina Aventura | Italian Restaurant in Miami — Restaurant in Aventura

I'm not really the complaining type. I've never written a Google review before. I'm in my 30s, and I think I've only 'asked to see the manager' 2 or 3 times in my entire life. But I live and work in Aventura, and feel the need to share the poor experience my girlfriend and I had at Serafina the other night with my neighbors.

We chose to dine at Serafina to celebrate our anniversary on Sunday night. I noted in my reservation that we were celebrating an anniversary, though the staff did not acknowledge this whatsoever. I don't really care about that, I don't expect a song and dance (especially when they are busy), but I'm noting it here because other potential clients may care about such things. We came to Serafina hoping for a nice dining experience, but instead had one of the worst I can remember.

We ordered two appetizers, two entrees, and dessert. Our entrees came before we were even half through with our appetizers, already a bad sign. Both entrees went cold by the time we got to them, and because both dishes had cream sauces, they were essentially worthless. Most of the entrees got thrown away, as well as a large portion of the appetizers, since we had to rush on to the main course.

Meanwhile, our server didn't come by to check on us once until we had finished everything. We had to ask her to refill our empty drinks three times, only one of which actually happened.

Dessert was the exact opposite of the rushed entrees, as we waited over 30 minutes for an order of cannoli. When we finally saw our server again (she had a habit of disappearing off the floor completely, so it was difficult to flag her down) to ask for the check, it took another 15 minutes to arrive. Look, everyone has bad days. Perhaps she was having one. Maybe she is new. We're all human. I just sincerely hope that she is not coming into work if ill, especially in the middle of the COVID pandemic.

After receiving the check, we had to play 'hunt for the waitress' again to try and pay, waiting another 15 minutes. By this point, we had already missed the reservations for our post dinner plans. Oh well, anniversary ruined. Luckily, we love each other, there will be others.

After we paid the bill, I asked to speak to the manager. If I was disappointed in the server, I was downright shocked at how poorly the manager handled the situation. Not only was he defensive and combative, but he basically blamed it on us for not 'doing a good enough job of getting her attention.' I guess I shouldn't be surprised, you know what they say, 'the fish rots from the head.'

So, if you are planning to visit Serafina to celebrate a special occasion, don't. Or, at least, be prepared to walk around the dining room shouting your servers name if you...

Serafina Miami, an Italian cuisine restaurant, is located within Aventura Mall, a shopping center known even globally. Although its outdoor setting overlooks a parking garage, it has a charming atmosphere and the interior is nicely decorated, fully reflecting the ambiance of an Italian restaurant.

My spouse and I went there for lunch. The restaurant’s menu is diverse and filled with various Italian dishes. However, since it was noon, we opted for lighter and quicker meals. I ordered Fettuccine Al Tartufo Nero pasta because I’m very fond of truffle mushrooms. My spouse chose the Shrimp ‘San Pietro’ Salad. Alongside, I ordered a red Chianti wine, and my spouse ordered a white wine, Savignon Blanc. We intended to have a light meal, but despite my truffle mushroom pasta being very tasty, it had a bit too much cream, making it somewhat heavy. I also tasted the shrimp salad my spouse ordered. The sauce of this salad, called Sweet House Sauce, was truly wonderful. The brandy and lobster broth they added to this sauce made it very delicious.

Our waiter’s name was Gerlan, who was both cheerful and well-versed in the entire menu. The service was quite fast.

I’d like to highlight a particular observation: In the tradition of wine service, a new bottle typically warrants fresh glasses. However, this restaurant went a step further. Even when we merely ordered our second glass of wine, not a new bottle, our attentive waiter presented us with new glasses. This practice, which I seldom encounter in many restaurants today, speaks volumes about their attention to detail. It’s a commendable aspect that I believe will be appreciated by all wine enthusiasts, especially those who, like myself, enjoy their wine with meals. This subtle yet significant gesture greatly enhances the dining experience.

After the meal, as we usually do, we both ordered a double espresso. Although I prefer other coffee brands to the one I drank here, the double espresso was quite generous, which is another important point for me.

Additionally, the availability of both valet parking service and a free parking garage right next door is, of course, a very nice feature.

In conclusion, I can say the following. Yes, this restaurant does not have a view, but it is important that it is located inside the significant and well-known Aventura Mall. More importantly, this restaurant offers the closest taste to original Italian cuisine, and yet at reasonable prices. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all Italian...

I would give this restaurant a 3.6 stars.

A little dissappointed in the service. The place is beautiful and apparently Mel B owns it (scary spice (from the spice girls)) , in case anyone is interested to know. We drove for quite a while and I was starving to have dinner. I asked for a Kahlua and cream and they did not have it. Then I asked for Tia Maria they did not have it. I asked for creme de coco they did not have it. I asked for any coffee or chocolate liqueur they did not have it. 4 strikes and I am still thinking enjoy your friend and not the drink, give it a chance. Finally they had Chambord for the fourth try. They have a beautiful bar and the stools looked comfortable but I was baffled how they no coffee or chocolate liqueur after all we are in Miami. The seating area was not very comfortable but I did not mind since I was meeting a dear friend and her family whom I have not seen for a long time so the excitement took over. We ordered the meatballs they were good bruschetta tasted ok but was a little soggy not enough basil for me. Hubby and I ordered the chicken Alfredo. There was a lot of Alfredo and not enough pollo. It was amazing but quite heavy. In the middle of the meal a DJ came with a lady and a karaoke machine. It was lovely the music played it was 80's music and Chaka Khan was playing. We decided to get up because we wanted to catch up. We did not opt for desert. Make sure you call to make a reservation. They become quite busy quite quickly. They were rude when I checked in the man dressed in a tuxedo said I had no reservation. He mumbled something about a fee for not reserving or showing late, I am not quite sure. I told him I called last night. Then miraculously my name appeared on the sheet of paper when the lady fiddled with some papers and keyboard. The male greeter was extremely beligerant and pompous. The decor is beautiful and inviting, quite stunning, it made a statement. I loved the colours scheme.The restaurant was very clean. The service was moderate and the waiter had a hard time understanding our order because of the loud music. In case you are not into music call...