PHOTOS: Pizza By Ruffin Weaves Global Black Flavors into Seattle's South Lake Union
What happens when classic culinary training meets the rich, soulful flavors of the Black diaspora? You get Pizza By Ruffin, Washington State’s first Black-owned pizzeria and a bonafide phenomenon in Seattle’s South Lake Union.
Back2Besa host Besa Gordon recently chopped it up with co-owner Isaiah Ruffin to get the 411 on why this spot is constantly selling out. Isaiah’s journey, from cooking for Army generals to earning a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales, has brought a whole new level of intentionality and flavor to the Seattle food scene.
Here’s the breakdown on why you need to pull up early:
The Legendary 48-Hour Dough: Isaiah is in the kitchen between 4 AM and 5 AM every day, hand-making a special cold-fermented dough that sits for a full two days. The payoff? A light, crispy crust that will seriously "change your life" without leaving you feeling weighed down.
The Diaspora on a Slice: Forget your basic pepperoni. The menu is a rotating canvas of global, Black-inspired flavors. We’re talking slices loaded with Trinidadian Curry and potatoes, bold Jamaican Goat Curry, and even Feijoada (a Brazilian black bean stew) topped with collard greens and a slice of orange. It's a flavor map on a pizza.
Inclusive & Intentional Eats: Everyone gets a seat at this table. All the meats, including the pepperoni, are Halal, and there's a fresh, inspired vegan option available every single day.
Community First, Always: Pizza By Ruffin isn't just serving food; it’s building with the community. They support local, sourcing wine from Vashon Island, beer from Metier Brewing, and they proudly accept the Buy Black Card!
As Besa put it, "It looks like it speaks for itself!" Whether your vibe is a simple "Plain Jane" or you're ready for a spicy Ethiopian-inspired slice, you need to get down there before 1 PM to catch the full spread before it's gone for the day.
Stop by Pizza By Ruffin at 400 Fairview Ave N, Seattle (Fairview Market Hall) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at pizzabyruffin.com
Stay tuned for the full story on Back2Besa coming soon.
