Leader Block Trattoria - Ferndale

I wanted to order a glass of Chloe Pinot Grigio, but it was sold out, and all the other Pinot Grigio options weren't chilled—really surprising for an Italian restaurant. I settled on the Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc, which has always been reliable, but to my disappointment, there wasn't an ice bucket provided. We also weren't offered any bread and butter, even though our appetizer of crab cakes was delayed. The crab cakes were decent but slightly overcooked. We ended up pouring our own wine since no one came to check on us. As for the main courses, they were just okay—not impressive. The proteins, the scallops, and the pork tenderloin were tasty but not outstanding. The pork tenderloin was a special, but when I asked about it, our server seemed flustered and awkwardly referred to her notes before assuring us that it was really good. The risotto was inconsistently cooked; some grains were crunchy while others were chewy. Our server didn’t check on us during the meal, only stopping by randomly to clear plates—some of which weren't even empty. We weren't offered dessert or coffee at the end of our meal. We were using a gift certificate and presented it along with our credit card for payment. The server returned with the voucher for our signature and mentioned that our gift certificate was from the previous ownership. She seemed certain that if her manager were there, it wouldn't have been accepted, but she was doing us a "favor" by letting us use it. As long-time patrons of fine dining establishments, we were really disappointed with the experience. We were crammed into a small, overcrowded room despite having made reservations. This visit felt drastically different from our previous delightful experiences, which we now realize were under different management. Unfortunately, we won't be returning under the current management. No thanks!

I ordered a glass of wine and tried to relax, but within about ten minutes, the waitress returned with another message from the manager. She told me that unless I ordered food, I couldn't receive the happy hour price for my drink. Let me reiterate: you can't access happy hour pricing unless you also purchase food. This policy was nowhere to be found on their website and was mentioned only in fine print at the bottom of their menu. Frustrated, I paid full price for my drink and decided to leave. The restaurant was completely empty at the time, which speaks volumes. Based on other reviews, it seems like this place is notorious for overcharging customers. To add to the unpleasantness, the bathrooms were in terrible condition, cluttered with mops, cleaning supplies, and other equipment next to the toilet. As someone with an Italian background who was raised in the restaurant business in New York, I am embarrassed that this establishment represents Italian culture in Ferndale. The excessive markups on menu items and deceptive happy hour practices are clear indicators of a struggling restaurant.

Very good food! They do an onion soup that is unreal!!! Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $100+ Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 5/5

First, the positives: The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting ambiance that perfectly embodies what I envision in an Italian eatery. The soft red decor, gentle lighting, and the friendly, attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The wine selection is impressive, and I appreciated the server's recommendation, which was spot on and exactly what I was looking for. The salads were well-seasoned and fresh, adding to the overall positive experience. Now for the less favorable aspects: The dishes were overly heavy on the sauces, resulting in a muddled mix of flavors that lost their distinctiveness. For instance, the pesto pasta was overwhelmed by the tastes of lemon, white wine, capers, and several other ingredients, overshadowing the pesto itself. Similarly, the puttanesca could have been remarkable but was unfortunately drowning in sauce. The salmon dish, regrettably, fell victim to overcooking, which is a significant misstep for a dish centered on fresh fish. Additionally, the restaurant is on the pricier side and aims for a classy vibe. I would recommend replacing the cheap paper napkins with linen ones to match the atmosphere. I truly want this place to succeed; it has immense potential, and I wish I could give it a higher rating. I plan to give it another try in a few months, and I sincerely hope to be able to award it five stars then.