Bold Flavors of Black Diaspora

What started as a culinary dream on a converted school bus in Colorado has evolved into one of South Lake Union’s interesting eateries. Pizza By Ruffin, the creation of wife-and-husband team Colleen Constant and Isaiah Ruffin, is serving up Roman-style pizza al taglio with a powerful purpose: to celebrate and share the richness of the Black diaspora through food.

After relocating to Seattle in search of greater cultural diversity and creative opportunity, the couple opened their first brick-and-mortar in October 2024. Their cozy, lunch-focused spot at Fairview Market Hall quickly became a neighborhood favorite—not just for the fast-casual convenience, but for the inventive pizza combinations that reflect a global tapestry of Black culinary traditions.

“One of our top sellers was the Doro,” Colleen says, referencing a now-retired pie made with Doro Wat, a traditional Ethiopian stew. “That one always flew off the menu.” Other hits include the Gumbo pizza and the Fun Guy—a spicy vegetarian option made with Jamaican curry and mushrooms. “We like to play with flavors you’re not used to seeing on pizza,” Isaiah adds.

A trained chef who’s worked in kitchens from Denmark to Italy, Isaiah brings a fine-dining level of care to even the most casual slice. “I’ve always been drawn to using every part of an ingredient and making something special out of it,” he says. “But the best food is often the simplest—like the meals I grew up with that my mom would make—fried chicken and white rice. That’s the soul of what we’re doing here.”

Efficiency and intention guide the restaurant’s operations. Pizza By Ruffin uses a no-tipping, all-inclusive pricing model to ensure fairness for staff and simplicity for guests. “We wanted to take out the guesswork,” Isaiah explains. “And no one should have to rely on a tip to make ends meet.”

Pizza By Ruffin draws a strong lunch crowd from 11 to 4, Monday through Friday, and can also fulfill catering requests at their restaurant. With around nine pizzas on offer (three classics and six rotating inventions), there’s always something new to try—like a recent fan favorite topped with a savory, spice laden blueberry sauce, brie, and cheddar.

For Colleen and Isaiah, the goal goes beyond great pizza. “We’re not just building a menu,” Colleen says. “We’re building community.”

Pizza By Ruffin is open weekdays at 312 Terry Ave N. Stop by for a slice that tells a story—and maybe discover a new favorite along the way. Follow them on Instagram for slice updates and other news.