Spokane diners didn’t just “discover” Gander and Ryegrass—they followed the buzz from one ambitious downtown chef who turned long, leisurely Italian-inspired meals into a full-on event. 🍷
What began in late 2019 as a refined multi-course experiment inside the historic Liberty Building quickly drew in-the-know locals with its handmade pastas, whole-animal butchery, and ever-evolving chef’s menus that feel like a dinner party gone deliciously off the rails. 🍝✨
How Spokane’s Long-Course Pasta Party Keeps Food Lovers Coming Back For More
From the start, chef-owner Peter Froese built this contemporary Italian fine dining spot around long-course meals instead of the usual in-and-out dinner rush, a concept that feels right at home in downtown Spokane’s growing food scene.
Those marathon meals—offered as a three-course option or an epic chef’s tasting menu—gave Spokane something it didn’t really have: a place where the evening is the main event, not just a prelude to a show at the nearby First Interstate Center for the Arts or a stroll through Riverfront Park. 🥂
Word spread fast.
Food lovers and travelers browsing sites like Visit Spokane and Restaurantji started comparing notes about long, leisurely meals that might move from silky pasta to delicate seafood to rich meats without ever feeling heavy.
Soon, the restaurant’s “Marathon” tasting experience became the move for anniversaries, celebrations, and those “let’s go all out” nights, while à la carte and three-course options kept lunch and dinner accessible enough that regulars could justify coming back again and again. 😍
And then Spokane’s food-obsessed corner of the internet took over.
Detailed online reviews and other dining guides gushed over everything being made from raw ingredients in-house—from bread to pastas to yogurt—and praised the attentive staff who guide guests through long, adventurous meals without a hint of stuffiness.
Add in Sunday-style suppers, a thoughtful beverage program with wine and cocktail pairings, and devoted repeat customers posting photos of glowing scallops, delicate octopus, and impeccable pasta, and this “hidden” downtown spot quickly became the insider restaurant people brag about booking. 🍾
Food Highlights
-
Scallops: These seared scallops are described by diners as “cut like butter,” sometimes paired with wheat berries, dandelion greens, and mushrooms for a rich, earthy balance that makes them a must-try entrée.
-
Octopus: A frequent starter in long-course dinners, this tender octopus showpiece is plated with elements like white beans and arugula, offering smoky, bright, and creamy contrasts that keep guests talking long after the plate is cleared. 🐙
-
Tagliatelle: House-made tagliatelle has become one of the restaurant’s defining bites, showcased in early tastings with anchovy, tomato, and basil, highlighting an Italian-inspired approach that focuses on seasonal ingredients and pure, concentrated flavor.
-
Pappardelle: Another beloved handmade pasta, the pappardelle earns raves for its chewy ribbons and rich sauces; guests often mention how the texture and depth of flavor make it one of the most memorable plates of the night.
-
Duck Confit: This duck confit is celebrated for crispy skin and succulent meat, often paired with thoughtfully prepared vegetables or grains, turning what could be a heavy dish into something indulgent yet surprisingly balanced. 🦆
-
Steelhead: The steelhead entrée is popular with seafood fans who appreciate its delicate texture and careful seasoning, framed by seasonal sides that showcase the kitchen’s respect for both local product and precise technique.
-
Pork Tenderloin: Frequently mentioned as a standout, the pork tenderloin is praised for being juicy and perfectly cooked, served with accompaniments that lean into comfort while still feeling refined and composed on the plate.
-
French Toast with Walnuts and Apple Pieces: On daytime visits mentioned by reviewers, this French toast option wins points for its hearty slices, crunchy walnuts, and sweet apple pieces, delivering a dessert-like plate that still feels right at home in a leisurely lunch. 🍞🍎
Atmosphere
Gander and Ryegrass offers a contemporary, intimate dining room in the Liberty Building, right next to beloved local fixture Auntie’s Bookstore, giving it a slightly hidden, insiders-only energy right in the heart of downtown.
Guests describe the vibe as unhurried and welcoming, the kind of place where staff guide you through a long tasting menu like friendly hosts at a dinner party rather than servers rushing from table to table.
Soft lighting, polished yet comfortable décor, and the gentle hum of downtown Spokane traffic create a warm backdrop for lingering over multiple courses and pairing wines from the restaurant’s thoughtful cellar.
It feels special-occasion worthy yet approachable enough that passionate food lovers happily turn it into their go-to spot for slow, memorable meals. ✨
Bottom Line
Visit for handmade pastas, a unique long-course tasting experience, warm service, and a relaxed downtown Spokane setting that turns dinner into the night’s main event.
Address:
404 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
📞 +1 509-315-4613
🕔 Open Daily, Mon–Sun, 11 AM–9 PM