Yes :-) Remi's review (Aug 17th 2008)

Ambrosia Bistro was responsible for one of the worse meals I’ve had in recent memory, yet adventurous as I am, I decided to give Cafe Neo a shot.

And while my impression is favorable enough to put Neo way ahead of its sibling eatery, the spot decidedly has some ways to go before it can join the ranks of Spokane’s better establishments.

Walking in, the first thing you notice is that the interior is decidedly rooted in early 2000s decor, and gives a very faux-trendy vibe. Think “upscale chain restaurant” like P.F. Chang’s. I suppose this kind of look goes well with the Northside crowd, however, with Neo being located about as far north in Spokane as it is possible to get.

Regardless, the menu selection fared better. Most of the items were unassuming and fairly simple, which in my mind is a good thing. The lunch options ranged from some interesting looking sandwiches to plenty of pasta dishes, and the only question mark I could come up with was an unseasonal salad with pumpkin seeds, but whatever. Definitely a decent selection then, though I think the prices are a bit high for being a stripmall restaurant all the way up north. Almost $14 for the penne pasta dish I went for, and closer to $18 for the mushroom ravioli my dining companion chose. That probably won’t get the crowds flocking from downtown.

That’s not to say the food wasn’t good; it definitely was. My penne was perfectly al dente, and was not drowned in the cream sauce, which, sadly, seems to be the more typical way to do pasta in Spokane. The onions and peppers added just that little extra that was needed and, again, there were no attempts to make the dish more complex than it needed to be. I highly approve of that.

Sampling the ravioli, my impression was equally favorable. Nicely seasoned with fresh herbs, the flavors were simple and tasty. Any fool should know that the two “secrets” behind pasta are freshness and simplicity. Cafe Neo does both right.

In fact, the only issue I really had with the food, was that the plates were decorated with parsley around the rims. It’s 2008. Let’s get over that.

Cafe Neo, then, is definitely worth some love. It’s not perfect, but then again, nor are most people, so go give it a shot.

Yes :-) Jenny's review (Aug 14th 2008)

Cafe Neo has everything going for them: snazzy ambiance, delicious salads and entrees, appetizers like creamy crab cakes and arugula-pecan bruschetta, and a fine wine list. They have a nice outdoor patio and helpful wait staff. What they don’t have is prime location. I’ve enjoyed every meal I’ve had there, and I’ve taken full advantage of their happy hour (every day 4-6), but it’s usually not as full as I’d like to see it. Come try it! I bet you love the crab cakes. :)

Yes :-) spokanite's review (Aug 20th 2008)

I enjoyed my lunch at Cafe Neo. I agree – the prices are a little steep and it’s not the greatest location, but I thought the food was simple and good. Service was also good. I’d definitely give it another shot. I did try the crab cakes and they were good.