If you are already familiar with Ruffino’s Fine Italian Restaurant then I do not have to explain to you how terrific and special this place is because you will already know, for those readers who have not yet experienced Ruffino’s Italian Restaurant then here it goes. Imagine all the elements of an elegant upscale Manhattan Restaurant, first class all the way were talking linen table cloths, candles, very intimate with perfect lighting and seating everywhere, a place where you might see popular movie stars or celebrities dining or having drinks at the bar. Folks the finest restaurants in New York City have nothing on Ruffino’s except they are much more expensive. I can say this with certainty because I have had the good fortune to visit many fine restaurants over the years. If one could physically move the entire structure, including Chef Peter Scalafani, the entire staff, and of course the menu I would challenge anyone to say Ruffino’s was not born in the heart of the Big Apple, not that the geographic change would make it any better. I’m just happy that Ruffino’s is here in Baton Rouge where we can all enjoy the unbelievable cuisine and atmosphere and where guys can continue to propose to their sweetheart’s the way they have been for the past twelve years. Did I mention romantic, I don’t know the exact number but I hear it is around fifty proposals a year and that number is growing. If you’re contemplating a marriage proposal or just want to show her how much you love her and impress the heck out of her, Ruffino’s is your only intelligent choice. If you want to treat your Mom, Dad, Grandparents or siblings to a night they will never forget it’s got to be dinner at Ruffino’s, believe me there are a whole lot of wonderful restaurants in Baton Rouge but there is only place for that very special celebration and that is Ruffino’s. A place where you can make lifetime memories with the most important people in your life, this is so much more than just a restaurant, it is an experience. Come out for a one night vacation and escape the everyday stresses of life.

Ruffino’s Italian Restaurant was born in October of 1998 when renowned Chef Peter Scalafani, LSU all American Ruffin Rodrigue and restaurant owner TJ Moran became partners, this winning trio of very talented driven professionals created a truly remarkable one of a kind establishment. Like all great things there can only be one, and Ruffino’s is certainly in a class by itself, I doubt very much that you will find another restaurant quite like Ruffino’s anywhere on the planet. Ruffino’s is a unique place that possesses those intangible qualities, characteristics, elegance and personality that lends to greatness. The actual dining experience is an exciting evolutionary process of culinary ingenuity that is forever moving forward and getting even better with time. Chef Peter is continually challenging himself on a daily basis, learning, teaching and experimenting with new, old and traditional methods, styles and cooking processes with remarkable creativity and success. This is definitely a one of a kind upscale eatery where the marriage of two exceptionally delicious flavors blend together perfectly to create fabulous cuisine that would be impossible to duplicate or find anywhere else. Service that you can only receive at a three star restaurant, add a wine list containing over a hundred and eighty choices of the very finest wine from as many countries and “wow” is all you can say.

Most of us have a favorite restaurant that serves a particular dish that you love and you would never think about ordering it anywhere else because you think it wouldn’t be the same, well don’t be afraid of ordering it or anything else at Ruffino’s because chances are it’s going to better, in fact all the entrees are do die for, the Italian specialties like the Chicken or Veal Parmesan are the tastiest I have ever had. Growing up with this kind of food and living on the east coast, the Veal Picatta, Chicken Marcela and even the Spaghetti and Meatballs would get a thump’s up from my Mom and Grandma. The lasagna is reminiscent of those very special Sundays when my mother would spend the entire morning cooking while my dad sat their watching and helping her just a little while he listened to his Italian music. The smells in my mother’s kitchen I will never forget, Ruffino’s Lasagna along with so many of their other entrees could have been served at our table on those special Sunday afternoons. It does not matter what you order, you are not going to be disappointed in fact the food will meet and far exceed your expectations on every visit, I promise you that.

Ruffino’s is the place where everything is done first class because they do not know how to do it any other way. You will find the highest standards, where everyone is at the top of their game all of the time. It all starts in the kitchen where a restaurants reputation is created along with the unique recipe’s created by Chef Peter, he has managed to develop and create a wonderful mixture of traditional Creole and Italian food that is unlike anything you will find anywhere else. There is not another individual that is more passionate and creative about what he does, a simple chicken breast or a fresh piece of fish can be quickly transformed into a masterpiece by Chef Peter. It’s all about the flavor and presentation. A lifetime of learning from generations of talented chefs, studying and most importantly practical application, creation and adaptation of the art of cooking. This Chef has been known to drive an hour and a half out of town to personal select his produce, the average Chef would probably use the not so perfect produce, but not Chef Peter because he is not average, only far from it. Buying only the very best of everything all the time even when it isn’t convenient, personally inspecting not only all the produce but all the meats, the poultry and fish must be the very freshest and of the highest quality if it is going to be used and that extends to anything else that he uses in his kitchen. He often incorporates a lot of imported items because of the taste and quality. Chef Peter is a hands on Guy and you can see it in everything he does.

Appetizers and drinks, a business lunch or meeting, some quality time with your closest friends, you can do all that at Ruffino’s, the bar is incredible with everything you can imagine and the bartenders are there for only one reason, your service. The prices should be much higher but don’t tell Ruffin or his good friend and partner Chef Peter we don’t want to give them any crazy ideas.

If you are looking for not only a fabulous meal, a great night out and an opportunity to make lifetime memories with your friends and family then there is only one place to go and that is Ruffino’s Italian Restaurant. Three separate party rooms that can accommodate a huge number of guests. Whatever the occasion you deserve the very best of everything and at Ruffino’s you will surely get it.

Last but not least the magical ingredient that makes Ruffino’s an exceptional restaurant and extraordinary success is a well-seasoned longtime relationship forged between two very good friends, personalities, talented businessmen and winners heading in the same direction. These two men who trust and respect each other and have built a wonderful experience for us all to enjoy over and over again. We didn’t see firsthand all the blood, sweat and tears, but I promise you it was there all the way and played a key role in the continued success of one of Baton Rouges premiere restaurants.

Recently Ruffino’s was voted the best Italian Restaurant, Best Appetizer, and Best Date Night Restaurant in Baton Rouge by the readers of The Advocate. Additionally, Chef Sclafani was voted Chef of the Year and Ruffino’s was voted Restaurant of the Year by the Baton Rouge Hospitality Association. Chef Peter Scalfani the III was born to be an artist and his medium was to be food, it all started in New Orleans with his grandfather Peter SR‘s first restaurant back in 1945, his dad Peter Jr. opened his own restaurant in 1965 and in 1990 Chef Peter III and his brother Gino joined in the family business full time.

A little history;
At the request of the Chateau LeMoyne Hotel, the Sclafani family took over the food service operation in the hotel in January of 1995. Chef Peter Sclafani, III was the General Manager and Chef at this new venture. Chef Sclafani is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in finance and has attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He served on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s New Orleans Chapter and is a member of the American Culinary Federation. He has won several culinary awards including the Celebrity Chef of New Orleans Cook off, Chefs in America Medallion, “Best of Show” and “Most Creative Use of Seafood” at the 1997 Superbowl Players’ Party, and was named on the “Five Rising Star Chefs” by food critic Tom Fitz Morris. He was also a celebrity guest chef participating in the Southern Flavor Festival in Montgomery, Alabama. In addition, Chef Sclafani was a winner of the silver medal in the Louisiana Gold Culinary Classic in November, 1997. Sclafani’s in the French Quarter was named one of the 10 best Nouvelle Creole restaurants in New Orleans by the MacMillan Travel Guide, The Unofficial Guide to New Orleans, in March, 1998.

Contact Numbers:
225-753-3458 Tel
225-755-8827 Fax

Address:
18811 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

American, Italian, Seafood, Bar

Meals Served:
Brunch. Dinner.

Cost:
Inexpensive

Other Info:
Reservations Accepted. Reservations Recommended. Full Bar on Site. Banquet Facilities.

Credit Cards Accepted:
[American Express] [Discover] [EuroCard] [MasterCard] [Visa]

Hours:
Open daily at 4:30pm
Sunday 11:00am-9:00pm