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San Fermo, Seattle, WA
San Fermo, Seattle, WA
San Fermo, Seattle, WA
San Fermo, Seattle, WA
San Fermo, Seattle, WA

San Fermo

4.7
4.7
1375 Reviews
$50 and over
Italian
Top Tags:
We have 15 intimate indoor tables. Reservations can be made for parties up to 5 guests. Larger groups are politely declined. Please understand when making your reservation that we cannot guarantee a specific table or area of the restaurant. We recommend 5pm reservations for parties with specific table requests.
If you are having difficulty finding a reservation you are welcome to stop by for walk-in seating. We seat our bar and covered/heated patio for dinner nightly.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 46 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (206) 342-1530
  • Website
    http://www.sanfermoseattle.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Sam West
  • Private party facilities
    We do not offer private dining.
  • Private party contact
    info@sanfermoseattle.com: (206) 342-1530
  • Location
    5341 Ballard Ave, Seattle, WA 98107
  • Neighborhood
    Ballard
  • Cross street
    Ballard Ave and 22nd Ave NW
  • Parking details
    Parking in Ballard is limited, however, there is a paid lot and several free parking spaces behind our restaurant on Shilshole Ave NW. Street parking on Ballard Avenue is metered through 8pm, free on Sundays and holidays.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 1,375 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Seattle / Eastern Washington

    Romantic

  • Seattle

    Romantic

  • Seattle

    Italian

1,375 Reviews

  1. RebeccaS

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved San Fermo! Stuart really made our evening :) The food is soo good. Dreaming of the mortadella raviolis and the chestnut crab pasta, truly superb. Cocktails were also outstanding, best mule I've ever had. You can taste the ginger beer and the perfect amount of alcohol. Chestnut cake with butternut squash ganache was the cherry on top, going to figure out how to make that at home <3 Will definitely be back, worth the price point absolutely. Beautiful small low light space with a nice soft choice of music, would be a great date, anniversary, or small celebration spot. Sad the party limit is 5 people but totally understandable given the size of the space! Gives me more opportunities to come back and try their rotating menu.

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  2. Alis

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had such a nice time at San Fermo! The food was good. The atmosphere was a delight. Very delicious spirits selection. Outstanding service! Can’t wait to go back!

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  3. HillaryS

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    lovely ambiance, great food, and an excellent time!

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  4. DavidH

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We both ordered their braised short ribs and polenta; it was one of the best meals we’ve ever tasted!

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  5. Erika

    Seattle

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience5
    The server was rude to us because we were young. We were extremely polite, yet we’re continuously pestered before ordering and had snark comments made at us throughout the meal. For example, when my boyfriend went to pay the server asked, “are you sure you want to pay all on one card?” The bill was only 90$. My boyfriend was the only POC in the establishment so the insinuation that he couldn’t pay on one card was presumption and racist. Food was okay, but nothing special. 23% auto gratuity seems high given the low quality service. I would eat else where.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. HigherHopes4Pasta

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    We booked a reservation for four to celebrate a birthday in our family. We had two adults and two very hungry kids. We sat and waited for the server to take our drink order for at least 15 minutes. Then, we waited for our drinks. We flagged down the server to order bread for the hungry kids. We were informed that we must place our entire order in order to get the bread (as she breezed by). We then asked if she could come back to take our order...and then waited. We managed to place our order. Three of the four meals arrived at the same time. The final pasta arrived nearly 10 minutes after the other meals. Overall, the food was just okay. The Carbonara was too salty. The short ribs had too much chili powder- it was like eating Texas style chili on a plate. The bolognese was delicious. Overall, this restaurant has great decor and isn't too big (though it is loud and you can hear every conversation happening). The food and service are both just meh. And, the automatic 23% service charge is steep for the quality. There are much better Italian restaurants in Ballard.

    2 people found this helpful

  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place was amazing. Delicious Italian food. Great cocktails and wine. We will definitely be back when we are in Seattle again!

    1 person found this helpful

  8. Russ

    New Orleans

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Excellent, well executed pastas using top quality ingredients with thoughtful nods to classics and a few novel dishes. Servings were well portioned for a first course. Shareable salads are balanced , well composed and satisfying and make great use of seasonal ingredients. Disappointed that pastas were served at room temperature, which detracted from the overall impact of the dish. The tiramisu had an outstanding texture and flavor set off by sea salt - among the best I’ve ever had. Servers were attentive, kind and knowledgeable but I experienced a few shortcomings with service - first course (salad) arrived shortly after cocktails were served, much too soon and in contrast, there was an extended gap in service between first course and entree. The upstairs seating space might have contributed to some of the service lags and the space is either cozy or claustrophobic (depending on your disposition) with seating a bit too close together for my preference - the upstairs space is spare and lacks character - seating downstairs has a much better ambiance. I do plan to return as I believe there is much to enjoy appreciate on the menu but will be forthcoming with asks of the host to ensure an even better experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. BruceR

    Seattle

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s always an awesome experience at San Fermo. Great menu choices and helpful friendly team members

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  10. RobynK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My girlfriends and I had a wonderful experience! From start to finish the food was incredible. The tiramisu was a must. We will be back again.

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  11. DubD

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Good pasta. Good service. Expensive prices. 23% Automatic Gratuity.

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  12. Daphne

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We shared the kale and farro salads; they were fantastic, as were the garbanzo-flour flatbread. But the capper, was the tiramisu. Best we'd ever had. Great service. Charming venue.

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  13. Cris

    Seattle

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    I've enjoyed numerous meals over the years at San Fermo but, sadly, the service on October 29 was poor. The substandard customer care was evident from the moment we arrived at the host station to the table service we received throughout our meal. We arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes early for a 7 pm reservation, and were informed by the host that our table was not ready. We offered to wait by the door, but the host informed us we would need to wait outside (an unseasonable 38 degrees) because of the impending dinner rush. It's worth noting that the restaurant was half-full, the tables nearest the door were empty, and the quiet street outside on that October Sunday night showed no signs of a crowd brewing. The host helpfully offered to text us when our four-top was ready. Over the course of the quarter-hour we watched two parties walk in and taken to their tables so, despite receiving neither call nor text, we concluded the surge must have passed and we reentered, whereupon the host proclaimed our table was ready. After being seated upstairs, our server offered to take our beverage order. When we requested sazeracs and asked what ryes were available, he replied theirs was a full bar and we were welcome to walk downstairs and select one (so much for table service), but he doubted they had the ingredients for that cocktail. Suspecting that he - and perhaps the bartender - was unfamiliar with whiskeys, we opted for wine. Unfortunately, we later learned that the bottle we ordered was out of stock, so our server returned with his recommended alternate . . . and sazeracs! When we requested olives for the table while deciding on entrees, we were told superciliously that all future orders had to be placed concurrently. Olives. Our meal proceeded mostly uneventfully thereafter, but I cannot help but conclude that once a restaurant gem with exemplary service, San Fermo has become a place where the staff and management simply don't care.

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  14. EvlinH

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated my birthday and it was amazing. We were placed in the attic - the vibes are so cute and cozy. The waiter was super kind and celebratory.

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  15. KaiM

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic in every way. Great service, perfectly curated menu and the variety was excellent in terms of options. Will return in the very near future.

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  16. Maddy

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Restaurant week specials were phenomenal! The wait staff was so kind.

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  17. yereader

    Seattle

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for Seattle Restaurant week. Have always had a wonderful eating experience here and they did not disappoint. Pasta was perfectly cooked. Loved the smoky roasted eggplant in the rigatoni. Portions are not large but just right to fill you. Tried a gluten free squash cake--I hated it. My husband LOVED it.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Very bad food and super expensive. We did not like anything we ordered - this place used to be good but current menu is really bad. Not worth it

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  19. TrayC

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a pleasure to dine at San Fermo. Keep up the great work, love that you guys have a service charge instead of tip line. Keep everyone happy and paid.

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  20. rsam

    Detroit

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful place for dinner. The dining areas are cozy and inviting. The menu, which changes daily, was top notch. I went with the one dish always on the menu - Saffron Spaghetti Bolognese. It was the best Bolognese I have ever had. The noodles were excellent, the sauce was delicious (could I ever do this at home?). Cocktails were interesting, wine list impressive, and service outstanding. I would gladly eat here every time I visit the Ballard area.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bolognese was absolutely amazing and the best octopus!

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  22. Sean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My partner and I recently moved to the Seattle area, and we are slightly disappointed that our search for a new favorite restaurant is already over. I blindly made a reservation here after a quick google search for Italian food, and I could not be more happy with this restaurant. Everything was delicious, the kale salad was so good we found ourselves going back to it during our main course. The braised short rib was one of the best I’ve had hands down, and the gnocchi was different than we were expecting, but rich and flavorful nonetheless. Our waiter was excellent, and was able to give us a lesson on the history of the unique building the restaurant is located in. We will certainly be back here for date nights and special occasions.

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  23. ElandraF

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fresh and delicious meal, drinks were wonderful and overall experience a 10/10

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  24. Clara

    Seattle

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Enjoyed the evening at San Fermo EXCEPT for the noise level. In a small space like that, with diners having conversations, I do not understand why the background music needs to be that loud and invasive. It was very difficult to hear the conversation at our table. Everything else was great!

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  25. Kemuel

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came here to celebrate a birthday and we loved it. It’s in a cute little house that feels very Italy. Great service great food.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Not the best pasta I’ve had, wine and bread were great. Go there for the vibes and ambiance. Great date spot !

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  27. SteveP

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic meal in every way .. as always. One of our favorites!

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  28. AnneM

    Philadelphia

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved it! First the bungalow which serves as the restaurant is so charming and romantic right down to the lighting. Second the food was delicious. The best Tiramisu we have ever ate. A great wine selection too. Our server was fun and welcoming. We really enjoyed him. He knew when to come to the table and when to let us enjoy the experience. I read here folks complaining about the 23percent tip. I support it. Let’s support the folks who serve us and provide a wonderful experience while we get a needed break from the challenges in the world. Thank you! We will be back.

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  29. Katie

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always love our time at San Fermo. The best special occasion restaurant. I loved the roasted red pepper gnocchi!!

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  30. Isaa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Was great food but the 23% obligatory service charge is quite steep. Maybe take a leaf out of Sea Wolf's book, since you serve their bead, & see how they ethically approach tipping culture...

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  31. KristineD

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We were greeted warmly and attends r to friendly and timely. Food delicious, music great classics loud enough for a festive feels but still great for conversation.

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  32. ArianaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service2ambience5
    Food was amazing and the overall experience was lovely. Only disappointment was from not getting what I requested on my reservation. I had stated it was a birthday dinner and I wanted a birthday dessert brought out at the end and no one did that. I was hoping it would be a surprise so I couldn’t bring it up to the waiter when he would come by.

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  33. TxPNWBird

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were originally seated by the front door which would have been fine, but upon request, management made our first choice seat at the cozy bar happen. Cocktails AMAZING. Best offshoot of an OF I've ever had. Bartender assisted us through the Italian wine list given our ignorance on on world wines .. 3rd was a charm and WOW. She was patient and kind. Bread was nothing special but it held the best butter I've ever had in the US. WoWzEr! Salad was perfect fresh dino kale from their garden with a perfect dressing and gorganzola. YUM. Next up, pasta perfection .. we chose Bognese but I'd bet they are all amazing. The noodle was perfect. Then a fresh nectarine some sort of pastry basically made to order .. crusty, flaky butter. DELISH. Cant wait to go back! They crushed it!

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  34. LigayaD

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful birthday meal at San Fermin. Everything we ate was delicious. The ambience was beautiful, quiet, great music. There was something for all of us to eat between my egg free diet, my moms celiac, and my daughter vegetarianism / major pickiness. Our waiter was so nice and awesome. This is a great special occasion place. My only thought is that the plates are a little small for the price but as long as you get a starter you should be good.

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  35. SueS

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat out on the patio, it was lovely, the heaters out there made it very pleasant. The food & service were fabulous!

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  36. DavidK

    Seattle

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    The food and service were great, we really enjoy this restaurant. However, the automatic 23% service charge was a bit disappointing and somewhat arrogant in my opinion. Also, I indicated a birthday celebration on my reservation and it was never acknowledged or even mentioned (it was tough to miss when we walked in with a large gift that was opened right after the meal). I would have expected more for the amount of money we paid.

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  37. MarjorieG

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed our evening. The waiter was attentive, the food delicious & ambiance in the attic fun and relaxing.

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  38. Jenny

    Seattle

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bolognese was to die for. We shared 5 dishes and each one was amazing. This is such a beautiful spot in Ballard, not too noisy for good conversation. Wait staff did an excellent job. Thank you!

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  39. ErinV

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a gorgeous restaurant and every dish we ordered was delicious. Highly recommend for a special occasion!

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  40. LisaR

    Seattle

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lover the appetizers, chickpea flatbread and their homemade pasta. Fun atmosphere.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

San Fermo offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (206) 342-1530.

San Fermo is rated 4.7 stars by 1375 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 46 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for San Fermo

5341 Ballard Ave, Seattle, WA 98107

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Ballard Ave and 22nd Ave NW
  • Neighborhood
    Ballard
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parking in Ballard is limited, however, there is a paid lot and several free parking spaces behind our restaurant on Shilshole Ave NW. Street parking on Ballard Avenue is metered through 8pm, free on Sundays and holidays.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Sam West
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.sanfermoseattle.com/
  • Phone number
    (206) 342-1530
  • Private party facilities
    We do not offer private dining.
  • Private party contact
    info@sanfermoseattle.com: (206) 342-1530

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