By Scottie Thomas Sieg 
Evansville offers a plethora of restaurants and dining locations for the family, couple or individual. Few capture the essence of the experience in their menu, culture and presentation.  Raffi’s accomplishes all that and more.
In terms of Restaurant Appearance, Raffi’s outside appeal possessed curb appeal off its Burkhart Road address just as much as it did internally.  Extremely clean, friendly and welcoming, the staff and interior layout is very attractive as it is appealing for guests.  At Raffi’s you will not feel like just another customer, but they make one feel very special.
The owner (Raffi) came out to greet us as soon as we walked in the door. The interior design was an inviting and tranquil experience, where it is less busy and noisy compared to the chain-type establishments.  Raffi’s manager, Kurt Schnautz greeted and seated us promptly, providing us with a pleasant and timely dining occasion.
Our group was well taken care, with suggestions even made by the server, indicating what appetizers and cocktails were available.  The wine list was outstanding.  Complimentary bread was placed on the table for us without us having to ask, as well. Our order which was kindly recommended to us was the toasted Ravioli stuffed with Ricotta Cheese, a hint of jalapeno and marinara sauce. The Stuffed Mushrooms with shallots, garlic and Romano Cheese with bread crumbs and the combination of basil and oregano was also ordered at our table.
The entrees were the Atlantic Salmon, blackened, served with steamed vegetables as well as the Mahi -Mahi, accompanied by Parmesan Pesto Pasta. Our salads we ordered were crisp and cold with Raffi’s own homemade citrus vinaigrette dressing. Another amazing selection made at our group was the Lamb Shank from New Zealand, served with garlic mashed potatoes.
When looking through a checklist one may have for their experience at a restaurant or dining event, Raffi’s hit all the points that one would imagine. The server was presentable and appropriate to our occasion, the food arrived in a timely and accurate manner, the table was pre-bussed and our server came back periodically to make sure that everyone at our table was beyond decent and satisfied.
From the arrival to departure, Raffi’s exhibited consistency and displayed professionalism top to bottom. This is not your once a year destination for the anniversary or birthday splurge.  Raffi’s is a riveting restaurant with full flavor authentic Mediterranean atmosphere you should enjoy year around.  Oh, the prices are very affordable.
We give Raffi’s an A-Plus rating and are happy to say that this restaurant is the best home owned and home grown Mediterranean Restaurant in this region.  It’s a must restaurant for you to take your family and friends for an evening of culinary delight.
I have always been treated well at Raffi’s and the food is always spectacular as well. It’s a fine restaurant Raffi deserves the success from all their hard work.
Oh yes. Raffi’s has the best Osso Buco in the world and I have literally had that dish all over the world. I always try to stop in and see Raffi any time I visit Evansville.
My wife and I love RaffI’s. Great article on this outstanding local restaurant.
I like the new manager Kurt because he really knows his stuff.
A must place to have a great dinner.
Good writeup—I will be checking it out.
I will make another vote for Rafi’s as Evansville’s best restaurant. I had a steak there this summer which I place on my top five best steaks of a lifetime list. And since I am not a spring chicken plus have traveled substantial portions of the planet, to be in the top five list is a strong endorsement.
I recently returned from a week in Tuscany at our ten bedroom villa where we brought local chefs in to prepare meals. Rafi’s can easily hold its own against that caliber of meals.
What type of meals do they serve ? I’m not really into pasta that much. Do they have other light entries.
Great food and service. The prices are extremely affordable. Thanks CCO for put me and my wife on Raffi’s.
You must try Raffi’s Lamb Shank, it is out of this world. I also like that the CCO is pushing our “home grown and home owned” businesses. Thanks CCO.
Always a wonderful time, delicious food, & great wine! On nice days the patio is perfect.
Raffi’s is a Great place to eat and hang out! Raffi is that guy that everyone loves to be around.
Raffi’s is our FAVORITE restaurant, bar none, Rarely do you find a varied menu of delicious foods, a splendid bar, full wine list, classy atmosphere and great entertainment (on selected nights) all rolled into one…you have all that at Raffi’s. For large or small celebratory banquets to casual dining with friends, Raffi’s is the place to be.
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