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Pizza By RuffinA-Worth Trying

Name: Pizza By Ruffin
Address: 400 Fairview Ave N #107, Seattle, WA 98109, Seattle, United States
Rating: 4.9

400 Fairview Ave N #107, Seattle, WA 98109 · Pizza restaurant · 4.9/5 Google (133 reviews)

Takeout

Inventive Roman-style slices with standout crust and global flavors, friendly owners, and solid value for a quick SLU lunch.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Pizza By Ruffin delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored in a distinctive airy, crunchy Roman-style crust paired with globally inventive toppings, combined with exceptionally attentive owner-led service that creates a warm, personal experience. Consistency shows minor variation with occasional lukewarm slices, and the modest market-hall setting lacks the ambiance to elevate this to grade A territory, though it remains competitive with the area's better neighborhood dining destinations.

Restaurant Summary

Set inside a modern market hall, Pizza By Ruffin feels warm and buzzing at lunch, with a tight display of Roman-style slabs and owners who learn names and swap stories. One diner gushed that the crust had a "perfect crunch" while the staff made pickup feel smooth and personal. The scene leans office-casual: quick lines, counter smiles, and fresh trays cycling through the ovens. The culinary approach leans contemporary and globally curious: fusion toppings like Jamaican curry mushrooms, Doro Wat, brisket, and jerk show up on a classic Roman base. Fans praise the airy, crisp crust and the way sauces often sit under the cheese for layered flavor. If you value creativity more than tradition, this is a target; conservative palates can stick to Plain Jane or pepperoni and still walk away happy. Families are welcome here: kids reportedly loved the pepperoni, and the cheese slice is an easy win. Menu data confirms several vegetarian choices and at least one vegan potato slice, though vegan feedback suggests it benefits from extra sauce or careful reheat. Seating is market-hall style; it is comfortable for a quick family bite rather than a long sit-down meal.

At a Glance

Airy, crunchy Roman-style crust with inventive global toppings
Exceptionally friendly owner-led service
Great for office lunches and catering with smooth coordination
Slices can be lukewarm if not reheated long enough
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

fusion_topped_roman_slices
owner_led_hospitality
office_catering_expertise

What People Love

Crust that balances crunch and airiness
Bold, unexpected flavors that still feel balanced
Owners who remember names and guide choices
Rotating menu that keeps regulars excited

Points of Concern

Occasional lukewarm slices; ask for a longer reheat during busy times (medium frequency, moderate impact)
Vegan slice feedback notes dryness or low sauce on some visits (low-to-medium frequency)
Pricing can feel high to out-of-region visitors, but aligns with SLU and quality (medium frequency)
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters given creative rotations (mitigated by cheese/pepperoni availability)

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$18-$24 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Pair The Pep with a veggie-forward slice like A Fun Guy to balance richness and spice.
Value combo: two slices (e.g., Plain Jane + rotating special) lands around $12-$15 before tax.
Heat preference: ask for a longer reheat on thicker or sauce-under-cheese slices.

Perfect For

Quick weekday lunch in SLU
Office catering or team events
Adventurous pizza tasting with rotating specials
Families seeking casual, kid-pleasing slices

Location Insights

Area: Busy tech-centric district with weekday office crowds; modern market hall setting attracts quick lunches and casual meetups.

Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic in daytime with well-maintained commercial spaces.

Nearby: Inside a market hall near offices, apartments, and SLU waterfront; convenient for company lunches and events.

South Lake UnionSouth Lake Union is characterized by a mix of tech offices, upscale apartments, and trendy restaurants and cafes. The dining scene is modern and diverse, catering to professionals and residents seeking contemporary and innovative cuisine in a lively but polished atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–16:00 Tuesday11:00–16:00 Wednesday11:00–16:00 Thursday11:00–16:00 Friday11:00–16:00 Saturday Sunday

Available: Takeout

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