Additionally, we weren't offered any bread and butter, even though our crab cake appetizer was delayed. The crab cakes were decent but slightly overcooked. Since nobody checked on us, we ended up pouring our own wine.
Regarding the main courses, they were merely acceptable—not impressive. The scallops and pork tenderloin were flavorful but nothing memorable. The pork tenderloin was a special of the day, but when I inquired about it, our server appeared flustered and awkwardly referred to her notes, assuring us it was good. The risotto was inconsistently cooked; some grains were crunchy while others were chewy.
Throughout the meal, our server rarely checked on us, only stopping by sporadica...
We had some family visiting from out of town who had never been to Leader Block, so we thought it would be a fantastic spot for dinner. I wasn't aware that the restaurant was under new ownership until we met Roberto, the new owner. He was fantastic and incredibly entertaining, with extensive knowledge of the wines on the list, and his recommendations did not disappoint. I was the only one to opt for white wine, and Roberto suggested a glass of Anthilia, which was crisp and delicious, pairing perfectly with the scallops and wild mushroom risotto I ordered. My meal was excellent and just the right portion size for me. The rest of the group chose red wine, and although I don't recall their spec...
Now, onto the less favorable aspects: The dishes were a bit too heavy on the sauces, leading to a muddled mix of flavors that overshadowed their individual identities. For example, the pesto pasta was overwhelmed by the strong tastes of lemon, white wine, capers, and other ingredients, drowning out the pesto itself. The puttanesca had the potential to be great but was unfortunately also overloaded with sauce. The salmon dish, regrettably, suffered from being overcooked, which is a significant flaw for a dish that should highlight fresh fish.
Moreover, the restaurant leans toward the pricier side and aims for an upscale vibe. I would suggest swapping out the cheap paper napkins for linen one...
Feeling frustrated, I paid the full price for my drink and decided to leave. The restaurant was entirely empty at that moment, which really speaks volumes. Based on other reviews, it appears that this place has a reputation for overcharging customers. To make matters worse, the restrooms were in awful shape, filled with mops, cleaning supplies, and other equipment right next to the toilet.
As someone with Italian roots who grew up in the restaurant industry in New York, I feel embarrassed that this restaurant represents Italian culture in Ferndale. The significant markups on menu items and the misleading happy hour policy are clear signs of a struggling establishment.
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I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this restaurant, and the owner was wonderful—he took the time to chat with the guests, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, I found the food to be overrated. The bread was quite disappointing; I was hoping for delicious, crusty bread but instead got something lackluster. The steak also came without the accompanying sauce, and since they were too busy to check on us, we ended up eating it without. I would hesitate to return. If they could improve the details and provide better, more knowledgeable service, I would definitely be interested in coming back.
This has quickly become my new favorite restaurant, situated just a mile away from my home. It serves the best Italian cuisine I've enjoyed in quite some time. They are currently providing takeout options due to Covid, but have recently introduced an outdoor seating area for dining on-site. The food and wine are both exquisite, and the owners and staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. If you’re in the Ferndale area, I strongly recommend paying them a visit and supporting them if possible.
I had a terrible experience on Valentine's Day. They seated us in a freezing back room. We ordered the four-course Valentine's dinner, but after waiting 99 minutes, we only received the first course. We inquired several times about the second course, but it never arrived, so we decided to leave. This was the worst experience I've ever had at a nice restaurant.
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience! My wife and I shared a bottle of wine with a three-course meal, and everything was simply delightful. The waitress was outstanding, and the food was exceptional! We will definitely make this our go-to place for special occasions.
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The food was good. Worth the price? Maybe some menu items. The lasagna was quite greasy. The automatic 22% gratuity was a surprise. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $20–30 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Service: Dine-in
Meal Type: Dinner
Price per person: $100+
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
