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Mussels - Serafina by The Water, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Serafina by The Water

4.5 (4092)
$31 to $50
Italian
926 Notheast 20th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

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A photo of Serafina by The Water restaurant

Serafina by The Water

4.5
$31 to $50
Italian
Victoria Park

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 p.m.
Booked 27 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Great for outdoor dining
“SERAFINA” in Italian translates to both “angel of the sea” and “fine evening”. Those who have been there completely agree! This beautifully romantic, candlelit trattoria is nestled in Victoria Park on a gorgeous view of the Middle River. Its doors open to the most irresistibly charming ambiance and aromas of fantastic Mediterranean flavors. Serafina has a covered and heated patio so guests can enjoy their surroundings in every season!

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Fabio Lazzari
  • Private party facilities
    Host your next private event at Serafina Waterfront Trattoria. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, personalized service, and a charming atmosphere—ideal for celebrations, corporate dinners, and special gatherings.
  • Private party contact
    Nona Gudjova: (954) 463-2566
  • Neighbourhood
    Victoria Park
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Offers

  • Brunch

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,Sat - 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Come Enjoy Brunch on the Water at Serafina, $17.00 all you can drink Mimosas and Bellini's! No better way to spend your Saturday and Sunday. Make Reservations now while they last!

  • Martini Madness

    Multiple dates available
    Thu - 5:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
    Join us every Thursday for an exquisite Happy Hour experience at our fine dining Italian restaurant, perfectly situated on the waterfront. Indulge in the serene ambiance as you savor our delightful $8 martinis, expertly crafted to enhance your evening. Come and experience the magic of Thursday nights with us, where every sip and every moment is designed to delight.

  • Wine Wednesday

    Multiple dates available
    Wed - 5:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
    50% off any bottle up to $80.00 and $8 Glasses of Wine on Select House Wines every Wednesday between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm!

Concierge
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Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 4,092 people are saying

Serafina by The Water reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Fort Lauderdale Central

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Fort Lauderdale Central

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Fort Lauderdale Central

    Romantic

  • Fort Lauderdale Central

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Serafina by The Water offers a cozy dining experience with a "waterfront view" and "warm patio vibes." Guests appreciate the "superb service" and "authentic Italian cuisine" that feels like "homemade dinner." Despite occasional service hiccups, its charm and "delicious food" make it a "hidden gem" worth visiting.
4,092 Reviews
  1. Paul Gold

    Fort Lauderdale13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always love dining there. Lasagna is amazing. My Angel Hair with shrimp was perfect. The staff could not be nicer.

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  2. Domingos

    Unspecified2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Extremely disappointing. Food was no more than mediocre and service was very slow and server seemed to not like his job.

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  3. James

    Nashville52 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had heard a lot of very good things about the restaurant. However, our experience was to the contrary. To begin with, we had an 8:15 PM reservation, we arrived 15 minutes early, but did not have a table until 8:40 PM. I’ve heard a lot about the octopus appetizer. Ordered it. Was not impressed. Very rubbery.  One  person in our party ordered a veal ravioli special. It was very salty and wasn’t particularly very tasty. Would not recommend it all. We had heard a lot about the Brozino. Two of us ordered Briozino. I would say it was average . We did have the arugula salad, it was excellent. Really enjoyed the dressing on that.  our waitress was very, very good. 

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  4. jennifer

    Denver3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Estuvo espectacular, 100% volveremos!!! Estuvo espectacular, 100% volveremos. Excelente comida, ambiente increíble y un servicio impecable. Muy recomendado.

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  5. Florri Gold

    New York City92 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Wait for reservations. Server was really nice. Food was fine but not worth the wait.

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  6. Alan

    Yorkshire73 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I rarely give 5 star ratings but have to say this restaurant is superb. Service excellent, location great, food on a high consistent level. Can only recommend people to try it

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  7. Alexis

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 5, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Serafina was absolutely wonderful. It has that cozy mom and pop restaurant feel, paired perfectly with a beautiful waterfront view and warm patio vibes. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, making the whole experience even better. My friends and I had a lovely time, and the food was so delicious, it honestly felt like my Aunt Sofia was back in the kitchen, whipping up a beautiful homemade dinner.

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  8. Audree

    Philadelphia3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 3, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant never disappoints. We have been there many times and keep coming back

    Is this helpful?

  9. andre Gold

    Fort Lauderdale12 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on January 2, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Terrible service Told hostess and waiters it was our 45 wedding anniversary! Didn’t care and placed us in noisy area waiter was horrible! Used to be a better restaurant Food was ok But nothing special Overpriced Terrible SERVICE

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Maureen Gold

    New York City481 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on January 2, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The grilled octopus appetizer was outstanding. The veal osso bucca was very disappointing and it was a whopping $55. The pork chop was good. Good bottle of wine for only $52.

    1 person found this helpful

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Fabio Lazzari
  • Private party facilities
    Host your next private event at Serafina Waterfront Trattoria. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, personalized service, and a charming atmosphere—ideal for celebrations, corporate dinners, and special gatherings.
  • Private party contact
    Nona Gudjova: (954) 463-2566
  • Neighbourhood
    Victoria Park
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Busiest: weekend evenings (Friday and Saturday) and popular dining times, guests report sold-out nights and long waits. Quietest: early dinner seatings and weekdays tend to be calmer and more relaxed. If you prefer a quieter experience, book an earlier weekday reservation or an early weekend seating.

Yes, Serafina by The Water is frequently recommended as a romantic date-night spot. Guests praise the candlelit, waterside tables, classic Italian dishes, and knowledgeable servers, which make for an intimate evening. Expect a cozy, slightly upscale casual vibe, outdoor dockside seating is especially romantic. Because tables can be close together and it gets busy on weekends, book ahead and request a waterfront table if the view matters.

Portions at Serafina are generally generous, many guests note large servings, especially pasta dishes that can easily be shared. Expect hearty plates like large pasta bowls, veal chops, and big entrees (several guests said one pasta could feed 2–3 people). If you prefer lighter portions, consider sharing an entrée or asking about half servings for kids.

Serafina offers indoor dining plus a charming outdoor waterfront patio with tables along the Middle River. The owner notes a covered and heated patio so guests can dine outdoors in cooler weather. Indoor space is cozier and can be quieter; the patio is the popular spot for water views. The restaurant also accepts private parties and large groups, call ahead to discuss private or large-group arrangements.

Warm, romantic, and distinctly waterfront, most guests praise Serafina’s intimate, candlelit vibe and the dockside tables. Expect classic Italian music, friendly service, and a cozy trattoria feel. Note that the outdoor patio can be lively (and occasionally a bit noisy or tightly spaced), while indoor seating feels quaint and quieter. The setting is often described as a hidden gem with an authentic Italian feel.

Yes, families do dine here and guests report that staff are welcoming to children. While there's no formal kids’ menu listed, servers will prepare half portions of adult dishes for kids on request. Keep in mind the patio tables can be close together and the atmosphere is more adult-oriented, so an early seating may be more comfortable for families with young children.

Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) or an early-weeknight are often the best choice for a relaxed meal with fewer crowds. If you want the full lively waterfront experience, Friday or Saturday evenings deliver atmosphere but expect busier service and possible waits.

Serafina by The Water serves brunch and dinner on a weekly schedule. Brunch: Sat–Sun 11:30 AM–3:00 PM. Dinner: Mon–Thu and Sun 5:00 PM–10:00 PM; Fri 5:00 PM–11:00 PM; Sat 3:00 PM–11:00 PM. For holidays or special events, call ahead to confirm service.

Yes, guests frequently request outdoor, waterfront seating and recommend calling ahead to make that request (some guests said online bookings don’t always guarantee patio seating). Serafina also accommodates private-party needs and large-group requests. For dietary needs, special celebrations, or seating preferences, call the restaurant before your visit to confirm arrangements.

Smart casual is the listed dress code, so dress neatly but comfortably. Many guests dine in smart casual attire for date nights and special occasions; the atmosphere is upscale-casual rather than formal.

Yes, Serafina lists that it allows private parties and accepts large parties, so they can accommodate group events. For private dining options, capacity, and menu planning, call the restaurant in advance to discuss specifics.

Yes, Serafina is well known for its outdoor waterside seating along the Middle River. Guests repeatedly praise the dockside patio, and the owner notes a covered and heated patio so outdoor dining is available in different seasons. Waterfront tables are popular, so request them when booking.

Serafina by The Water offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (954) 463-2566.

Serafina by The Water is rated 4.5 stars by 4092 OpenTable diners.

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

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Fort Lauderdale
  4. Fort Lauderdale Central
  5. Victoria Park

Make a reservation

A photo of Serafina by The Water restaurant

Serafina by The Water

4.5
$31 to $50
Italian
Victoria Park

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 p.m.
Booked 27 times today
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