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Serafina Long Island CityB+Worth Trying

Name: Serafina Long Island City
Address: 28-40 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, Long Island City, United States
Rating: 4.7

28-40 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 · Italian restaurant, Bar, Cocktail bar · 4.7/5 Google (360 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Modern Italian in LIC with polished vibes, crowd-pleasing pastas and pizzas, attentive staff, and occasional service/kitchen inconsistency; expect mid-to-high prices and generous portions.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Serafina Long Island City delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with strong food quality in pastas and seafood risotto, paired with genuinely attentive service and polished, attractive decor. However, inconsistent kitchen execution and occasional pacing issues prevent grade A territory. The restaurant excels at hospitality and classic Italian comfort food, making it a reliable choice for date nights and celebrations in the area.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and pretty, with golden lighting and a polished look that suits date nights and group celebrations. Service is often genuinely attentive—guests mention staff by name—and plates like bolognese, carbonara, and seafood risotto draw praise. One diner summed it up: "Decor pops and the team makes you feel looked after." The cooking leans classic Italian with a few modern touches—think comforting pastas, crusty pizzas, branzino, and Faroe Islands salmon. The culinary approach is traditional with subtle flourishes (innovation level 4.6): familiar flavors, quality ingredients, and truffle or limoncello accents rather than theatrics. It suits diners who want well-executed staples over experimental fusion, though occasional doneness and pacing hiccups appear in reviews. Families will do fine here thanks to kid-friendly choices like margherita or pepperoni pizza, spaghetti pomodoro, fries, and a burger. The menu offers vegetarian, some vegan, and gluten-free options (marinara pizza, spaghetti squash, salads), but no formal kids menu is listed. Portions are generally generous, so sharing works well for younger eaters.

At a Glance

Attractive, polished interior with welcoming vibe
Pastas and seafood risotto earn consistent praise
Attentive staff with strong accommodation for allergies
Kitchen pacing and doneness can be inconsistent at times
Pricing is mid-to-high for the neighborhood

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Warm, personable service
Comforting pastas with depth
Seafood risotto that stands out
Pretty room that feels special

Points of Concern

Occasional slow ticket times and course bunching
Isolated reports of undercooked or overcooked proteins
Some feel pizzas are just ok versus standout pastas
Payment frictions with QR app in one case were stressful

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$48-64 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Truffle Whipped Ricotta ($14) or Calamari (price TBD) to share
Pair a mid-priced pasta ($21-26) with a shared salad ($14-19) for balance
Value play: Margherita pizza ($19) plus side veggies ($9) to round out a meal

Perfect For

Date night with classic Italian plates
Birthday or work celebrations
Casual brunch with cocktails
Group dinners needing reservations

Location Insights

Area: Rapidly developing waterfront-adjacent neighborhood with mixed residential towers and creative offices; lively after work and weekends.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic near Jackson Ave and transit hubs.

Nearby: Near Court Sq/Queens Plaza subways, high-rise apartments, hotels, and arts venues; strong happy hour and brunch demand.

Court SquareCourt Square is a dynamic neighborhood within Long Island City characterized by a blend of commercial offices, luxury residential buildings, and a growing number of trendy restaurants and bars. The dining scene is diverse, catering to both local residents and commuters, with a focus on contemporary and international cuisines in a modern urban setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–22:00 Friday12:00–22:00 Saturday11:00–22:00 Sunday11:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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