Yes :-) Jennifer's review (Apr 30th 2006)

The advertisement in the newspaper read “charming studio apartments near downtown.” I dialed the telephone number before I even finished reading. The voice on the other end assured me not only were the apartments in the safest part of town, but they were in a historic turn-of -the-century building and each unit featured hardwood floors. Within hours I had dragged Remi down from work to view the studios. But in retrospect my first clue should have been the adjective “charming.” Apparently, in classified-speak “charming” means soiled murphy beds, sex offenders, and showers the size of a kitchen sink.To make up for my real estate blunder, I had to at least treat Remi to a great lunch. The further away from The Dresden the better. So on Friday afternoon, after the viewing from hell, we ventured up the south hill past the television stations and fast food joints to Ferrante’s Cafe.

Ferrante’s is what I would call charming. It is the sort of place perfect for taking the team after a soccer match, or for meeting girlfriends for lunch, or for a first date. Come to think of it, Ferrante’s is a perfectly charming place for any occasion.Dim wrought-iron lamps hang from the ceiling and splash flattering shadows on the matte olive and chocolate painted walls. Small cafe tables dot the exposed aggregate. A small room in the back for families hides chalkboard walls and a video game console. Another area up front consists of a tiny knickknack shop for mom, and yet another corner serves as a make-shift bar with a small flat screen television. It is charming, not cluttered.
At Ferrante’s orders are placed upfront. I recommend ordering dessert first, as we did. The sweet and creamy gelato made a perfect appetizer. We split a thin mozzarella, sausage, and pepperoncini pizza. The cracker-like crust boldly stood up to the spicy toppings. We devoured the eight small pieces within minutes. Many different salads, pressed sandwiches, and calzones fill out the simple menu.
Ferrante’s charmed me. And, apparently, in the few months the cafe has been opened it has charmed many Spokanites. Rumor has it a table is hard to come by on Friday and Saturday nights. As part of the freshman edition of Dine and Dish, hosted by Sarah of the Delicious Life, I was charmed to have made Ferrante’s acquaintance. I’m sure I’ll be back for more.

Yes :-) Remi's review (Aug 2nd 2005)

Ferrante’s is definitely the place to go in Spokane if you’re in the mood for some classic European pizza. What sets it apart is the thin crust which is baked to perfection; it’s not too crunchy, yet not doughy like your average American crust. The proprietaries also understand that using restraint when it comes to the toppings is a good thing, and the subtle flavors complement the crust perfectly. In other words: this is a good pizza!

As it is, David’s Pizza is the number one choice when it comes to American pizza in Spokane, while Ferrante’s is where you should go for European style. Also make sure you check out their extensive gelato bar which is pure cold excellence.

No :-( Retired Chef's review (Nov 7th 2008)

The word OVERPRICED comes to mind immediately after our dining experience at Ferrante’s. We ordered a 12” pizza that contained no meat and cost $15 and there was truly nothing special about the pizza. The dough was a tasteless thin crust, that most anybody can make in the own kitchen in under a hour. The cheese has very little flavor and the sauce was very weak. Insipid would have been what my father would have called it.

We also had the Double Garlic Chicken which was basically decent but again we had to wonder “where’s the beef?” My wife who thinks a dinner salad is a belly busting event even commented that the entree was sized more like a small appetizer.

When you combine already high prices with measly portions and the fact that you have to walk to a counter to place your order and then the kitchen “yells” out your name and you pick it up the dining experience was less then satisfactory.