Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pizza By Ruffin – Seattle
Pizza By Ruffin - Seattle
Photo from Pizza By Ruffin
Pizza By Ruffin at a glance
Seattle South Lake Union
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 65 of the guests
#42 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#2 Pizzeria out of 43 in Seattle
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
414
Reviews
92.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inventive pizza
- Great service
- Welcoming atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Food freshness
- Slice price
The restaurant Pizza By Ruffin, a popular pizzeria in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood, invites you to experience a slice of perfection. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With an impressive array of vegan options alongside classic favorites, this spot caters to every palate. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Pizza By Ruffin
Pizza By Ruffin offers a compelling experience, largely driven by its inventive and flavorful pizza creations, often praised for their tasty crust and creative toppings . The owners are frequently highlighted for their friendly demeanor and the exceptional service they provide, making for a welcoming visit.
While the culinary offerings are generally well-received, some patrons have noted occasional inconsistencies with the freshness of certain slices or specific toppings . Additionally, a few opinions suggest that the price for individual slices might be considered a bit high, though this is not a widespread concern.
Excellent
9
out of 10
414
Reviews
92.3%
Satisfaction
14
negative
18
neutral
382
positive
Pizza By Ruffin earns an excellent overall Restaurant Score of 9 , reflecting a consistently positive experience for most diners. This high rating is reinforced by an equally impressive Customer Satisfaction of 92.3% , indicating that nearly all patrons leave content.
These strong figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 414 opinions, with 382 positive remarks far outweighing the 14 negative ones. The individual aspects of the dining experience also perform admirably.
Service (9.5) stands out as particularly strong, with Ambience (9.1) also receiving high marks for its inviting feel. The Food (8.9) itself is rated very well, showcasing its quality, while Value (7.2) is considered good, though it’s where some of the more mixed feedback emerges.
What people like
- Inventive pizza flavors
- Exceptional customer service
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Occasional food freshness
- Perceived high slice price
If you’re seeking a spot with creative pizza and genuinely friendly service, Pizza By Ruffin is certainly worth considering. With a robust Recommendation Score of 9.2 , it clearly resonates positively with most who visit, delivering a satisfying experience across the board.
While there are minor points regarding occasional food consistency or slice pricing, these are generally overshadowed by the overall quality and hospitality. It’s a solid choice for those prioritizing inventive flavors and a pleasant atmosphere over the absolute lowest price point.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pizza By Ruffin
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot is truly hitting it out of the park! With an excellent score of 8.9 and an outstanding customer satisfaction of 92.4%, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Out of 275 total opinions, a whopping 254 rave about the unique flavors, creative toppings, and the consistently delicious focaccia-like crust, often calling it the best pizza theyve had.
However, even excellent places have minor hiccups. A small number of 11 opinions mentioned concerns like undercooked beef, lukewarm food, or pizza that felt a little dry with a tough crust. While these instances are rare, its worth noting for those who prefer their food piping hot and perfectly cooked every time.
Food
275
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
11
negative
10
neutral
254
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique flavors
- Creative toppings
- Crispy, fluffy crust
What people don't like
- Undercooked meat
- Lukewarm food
- Dry, tough crust
Often praised
- pizzaI LOVE this place! The incredibly inventive and flavorful pizza they create is such an art, and it's SO YUMMY. It's sort of a small space that they occupy but what they have done with it + the outside/hall seating provides so many options for large gatherings or company events.
- crustIt's a great addition to the neighborhood. The pizza had a very tasty crust and fun creative toppings. The prices were solid, and the owners were super friendly.
- toppingsI had a pleasant conversation with one of the owners while waiting. Both slices were DELICIOUS, featuring very tasty toppings that paired well together, and the crust was nice and crispy! I highly recommend this place if you're ever in the South Lake Union area for great quality pizza!
- foodThe food, service, atmosphere was all on point
- slicesIt's a great new and much needed pizza place here in Seattle. Chef Isaiah offered some great suggestions on must try slices, and Colleen was polite, friendly, and attentive, even during the busy lunch rush. My partner and I will definitely be back very soon.
- Foodwe thoroughly enjoyed it!
- flavorsI'm a huge fan of the food, friendly folks, and location. I 10/10 recommend this place to anyone looking for a great lunch option with unique and exciting flavors! 🍕
- Roman-style pizzaHere they serve Roman-style pizza by the slice.
- Jamaican curryThis is a great spot in the neighborhood for lunch. I found good options for flavors, and I'm super excited that I've got a new pizza spot 😄 I especially loved the "fun guy" slice with the Jamaican curry.
- delicious pizzasweet family making delicious pizza together!
Frequently criticized
- pizzaThe crust was crispy and somewhat fluffy, reminiscent of focaccia, and the toppings were savory and plentiful (tomato sauce, olives, and onions, no cheese as they were vegan). However, the pizza tasted old, despite the owner's assurance that pizzas are made fresh daily. My slices might have been an anomaly, as the crust was tough to chew and the tomato sauce appeared dried out, suggesting it had been sitting out.
- beef and onionsthe beef and onions were charred too much to really taste them
- crustthe crust was tough to chew into
- foodFood:3
- meat slicesMy experience at this restaurant was unfortunately negative due to a severe issue with food quality. I am pretty sure I got pretty bad food poisoning from two meat slices I had here back in early January. The beef was undercooked.
- pepperoniwasn’t a huge fan of the pepperoni
- sauceI wish the pizza had more sauce.
- temperatureeven 2 minutes after getting the slices, they were at a lukewarm temperature
- toppingswithout enough flavor/toppings
- undercooked beefundercooked beef
If youre looking for an adventurous and delicious pizza experience with unique flavors and a fantastic crust, this place is definitely worth trying. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely be delighted, though a rare few have noted issues with food temperature or texture.
Service (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.5 and a fantastic 95.7% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 92 total opinions, a whopping 88 rave about the experience, highlighting the incredibly friendly staff and owners, speedy service, and genuinely helpful customer service that makes every visit a delight.
While the service itself is overwhelmingly praised, theres a tiny note to consider: a single opinion mentions that popular items can sell out quickly. This isn't a flaw in the service quality, but rather a testament to how good they are, meaning you might want to arrive early to snag your favorites!
Service
92
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Speedy service
- Amazing owners
What people don't like
Often praised
- ownersWe placed a large order, and it couldn't have been easier! The owners were great to work with, providing stellar communication about menu options, including gluten-free choices, which made me feel confident everything would go smoothly. The pickup process was a breeze, and our order arrived hot with all boxes clearly labeled.
- serviceTheir "craft" pizza was really good. The owners are friendly and they have great service. I'm not from the area (from the south), and they exceeded my expectations.
- peopleNo pizza will ever be the same after Ruffin’s gumbo. It is a great honor to share this city with such wonderful people and amazing food artists as the couple behind the counter. I would say I will be much more frequent here, but I’m sure the good word will spread fast and we’ll start to see long lines, similar to what we've experienced at Moto or Carlson Block.
- ServiceService:5
- Colleen and IsaiahWe ordered catering for a business meeting this past week and we could not be happier with our experience. Colleen and Isaiah were extremely helpful! They were super communicative and gave us plenty of options to fulfill our many requests.
- cateringcatering for a business meeting this past week and we could not be happier
- customer serviceThe flavors here are out-of-this-world delicious! The customer service is fantastic; the two owners are incredibly friendly and contribute to the local community. The space is small but clean and cozy.
- staffThe staff are always so nice
- wait timeWait time was not long at all
- ColleenColleen was polite, friendly, and attentive
Frequently criticized
- sell outI really enjoyed the brisket pizza. Get there early because they tend to sell out. We’ll definitely be back.
If you value top-notch hospitality and efficient service, this place is an absolute must-try. You can expect a warm welcome and quick attention, making your visit smooth and enjoyable. Just remember that their popularity means some items might go fast!
Ambience (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place absolutely shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 96.9%, its clear guests adore the community feel and inviting setting. Out of 32 comments, a whopping 31 were positive, praising the atmosphere and vibe that makes dining in a real pleasure.
Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. Zero negative comments among all the discussions mean patrons consistently find the environment welcoming and enjoyable, with no complaints about noise levels or space. It seems they've truly nailed the perfect dining atmosphere.
Ambience
32
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting setting
- Community feel
- Chill vibe
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereEach bite was a masterful blend that left my taste buds begging for more. With exceptional ingredients, passionate owners dedicated to their craft, and an inviting atmosphere, Pizza by Ruffin is a gem worthy of regular rotation in my lunch routine – a game-changing addition to Seattle's pizza scene that's long overdue.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- spaceThe incredibly inventive and flavorful pizza they create is such an art, and it's SO YUMMY. It's sort of a small space that they occupy but what they have done with it + the outside/hall seating provides so many options for large gatherings or company events. The owners are just the salt of the earth, every business that shares space next to them loves them.
- awesome, small, black-owned businessfrom an awesome, small, black-owned business
- communityall about community
- dine-in spaceit’s comfortable and while open to the public space, easy to have a relaxing lunch
- dining inA rotating menu means you can try new stuff often, which is a draw for me. I would definitely suggest dining in, as it's best at its freshest, but it's still great with a reheat at home, too!
- establishmentwoman and Black-owned establishment celebrates diversity and inclusivity
- food courtlooks like a cool food court
- indoor dining areaIndoor dining area
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a spot with an absolutely stellar atmosphere, this is definitely it. The welcoming vibe and community feel make it a fantastic choice for a relaxing meal, whether youre dining solo or with family. You won't be disappointed by the inviting setting here.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 60%, its clear many find the pricing to be quite appealing. Out of 15 customer remarks, 9 were positive, highlighting aspects like "reasonably priced, " "great value, " and "affordable" options that are truly wallet-friendly.
However, its not a perfect score, as 2 negative comments suggest some folks found specific items, like a single slice, to be a bit pricey. Terms like price and slice popped up in these discussions, indicating that while overall value is good, there might be a few exceptions where the cost feels a little high for what you get.
Value
15
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
2
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonably priced
- Wallet-friendly
What people don't like
- Expensive slice
Often praised
- pricesPizza by Ruffin is a must-try when you’re in the neighborhood. With a great menu and very wallet-friendly prices, this place is quickly making a name for itself.
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- affordablekeeping it affordable for folks in the area
- great valueA great value for the quality of food
- pricingThe pricing is spectacular too
- reasonably pricedThe pizza, while described as “Roman style, ” was made with higher quality ingredients and demonstrated more care and attention to detail than typical pizza places. It was also consistent, reasonably priced, and served with fast, nice service in an inviting setting. Earning five stars for a lunch place, not a fancy expensive restaurant, truly shows real talent.
Frequently criticized
- pricepaying $8 for a slice seemed expensive
- sliceOwner mentioned some pizzas change out biweekly. $7 is high for a slice, but that's only because I'm from the south where everything is cheap. Try the Africa Burger if it's still available.
If youre looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, especially with its main offerings, youll likely be pleased. Just be mindful that individual items, like a single slice, might feel a bit steep to some, but overall, it's a solid choice for value.
How are the prices at Pizza By Ruffin?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 65 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Pizzeria, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending in this $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though there are some budget-friendly options and a few premium choices available too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 65 reviews.
How this Pizzeria’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a Pizzeria in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pizza By Ruffin
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Jerk Pizza Experience
I had a yummy and great pizza experience at this restaurant. Upon walking in, I received a warm welcome. I ordered the jerk pizza and was thoroughly impressed.
The pizza had great flavor, a satisfying density, and an excellent sauce to cheese ratio. Thank you for the wonderful meal!
- jerk pizza10
- great flavor9
- density9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Roman Pizza with Unique Toppings
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Great Roman style pizza with unique toppings. I especially loved the BBQ Brisket pizza; both the toppings and the crust were a hit with my whole family.
It's a great addition to the Seattle pizza scene and definitely worth a stop for any pizza lover. The restaurant is kid friendly, offers paid street parking, and has a price range of $10–20 per person. We enjoyed our meal in the indoor dining area.
For vegetarians, I highly recommend it, as they have a large vegetarian selection. We experienced no wait time. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5.
There were plenty of parking spaces.
- Roman style pizza9
- unique toppings9
- BBQ Brisket pizza10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Exceptional Roman-style pizza with talent
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The pizza, while described as “Roman style, ” was made with higher quality ingredients and demonstrated more care and attention to detail than typical pizza places. It was also consistent, reasonably priced, and served with fast, nice service in an inviting setting.
Earning five stars for a lunch place, not a fancy expensive restaurant, truly shows real talent. Well done!
- higher quality ingredients10
- care and attention to detail10
- consistent9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Private Event Experience!
If I could give more than a 5-star review, I would! We held a private event at Pizza By Ruffin, and it was amazing. The food, service, and atmosphere were all on point.
We hold multiple events per year, and this was by far the easiest, incredibly smooth setup we have had. We will be back for more events and, of course, pizza! Thank you Colleen and Isiah!
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Delicious Pizza with Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I ordered the spicy pep and shroom pep pizzas, and they were Freaking DELICIOUS! The bread was so good, and the sauce and toppings were incredibly fresh.
They also offer vegan and vegetarian options, which is a huge plus. The wait time was not long at all, and the service was 5-star! Colleen and Isaiah were so nice and made our experience 10x better.
I appreciated learning about their passion for bringing culture to their slices while keeping it affordable. It's also great that they support local distributors. If you're craving pizza, this is definitely the place to go!
11/10!
- spicy pep10
- shroom pep10
- vegan and vegetarian options9
What Pizza By Ruffin offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Pizza By Ruffin accessible, and what are the parking options?
Absolutely! Pizza By Ruffin in South Lake Union offers wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, you’ll find both paid parking garage and paid street parking available nearby.
What kind of dietary options and dining experiences can you expect at Pizza By Ruffin?
At Pizza By Ruffin, you’re covered with a wide range of choices including vegan, vegetarian, and halal food options. You can enjoy a quick bite, happy hour food, small plates, or even catering. They also offer wine, beer, and organic dishes.
How does Pizza By Ruffin generally perform?
Pizza By Ruffin achieves an excellent overall Restaurant Score of 9 , with Customer Satisfaction at 92.3% . This is driven by strong scores in Service (9.5), Ambience (9.1), and Food (8.9), with Value (7.2) also rated well.
What kind of pizza can I expect at Pizza By Ruffin?
You can expect inventive and flavorful Roman-style pizza with tasty crust and creative toppings . While generally praised, some experiences noted occasional issues with freshness or specific toppings.
What is the service and atmosphere like at Pizza By Ruffin?
The owners and staff are consistently described as friendly and attentive, contributing to exceptional service . The space , though sometimes small, offers an inviting atmosphere with options for various gatherings.