The GM and Executive Chef
I met with Dillion Williams, the general manager, and a seasoned restaurateur with prior industry experience in Seattle, Chicago, and south Florida.
He explained Serafina as a place that provides an experience—the simplicity of quality ingredients in combination with a space that fosters connection makes for a dining experience you’ll want to repeat.
Their executive chef, Matt Greiner, focuses on simple, quality ingredients and takes inspiration from the cuisines of the northern and central regions of Italy when creating menu items.
Some guest favorites include Branzino, a mediterranean sea bass with brown butter piccata, smoked barley, and crispy capers; Bolognese, a hardy Sunday dinner dish; and lasagna with crispy eggplant.
The pastas are handmade, and the steaks are high-quality. They offer a very eclectic selection of by-the-bottle wines, and for their cocktails, all the syrups are freshly made in-house—from the blueberry basil balsamic to the chili agave.
Dietary Options
There are dietary options too, such as gluten-free pasta, made-to-order plates, nondairy and nonmeat menu items, and red sauce without butter. As Dillion explained it, if you were at family dinner at your grandmother’s, she would make sure there was something for everyone, and that’s what Serafina does too.
They are very happy to be part of the downtown Apex business community. Since opening they’ve taken part in all downtown Apex events, such as Witches Night Out and the Social District Sip and Shop, and they’re looking forward to upcoming events, such as the Snowman Stroll.
Troy and April McCall (& Mama Peggy)
While I was there, I also met Peggy Russ, affectionately called “Mama Peggy” because she is the House Mom to all who work there. Peggy worked for the prior establishment, and Dillion told me he knew they had to convince her to stay as she is an instrumental part of the operation.
Serafina is owned by April and Troy McCall, who also own Chef’s Palette and MacGregor Draft House, both in Cary.
April and Troy are friends with Dave, the owner of the prior restaurant, Peak on Salem, and were happy to step up when Dave called to let them know he was ready to retire.
Brunch and Thanksgiving Buffet
Sunday Brunch
Every Sunday starting at 10 a.m. Menu highlights include ricotta pancakes, hash bolognese, and strawberry bombolones.
Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Serafina is offering a chef-crafted buffet featuring traditional favorites and Italian inspirations.
Seating times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
You can make a reservation online by clicking here.
Some Final Things to Keep in Mind
Serafina is open seven days a week: Mon-Thur 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-9pm.
If you or anyone you know is interested in working at Serafina, Dillion told me they are always looking for rockstar employees. A great attitude and a true love of hospitality are key.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to try Serafina, add it to your list—you will not be disappointed.
Questions or Comments?
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