As we enter the holiday season, we’re going to talk about something that makes Italian dining absolutely magical – the whole family-style experience.
When you visit Ferlito’s, you’re not just getting a meal… you’re getting an incredible journey through authentic Italian flavors that are meant to be shared. Our customers become family the moment they stop in, whether for a special occasion or just because they’re craving our scratch-made dishes.
Family-style Italian dining transforms everything.
When friends and families gather around the table at Ferlito’s, ready to devour platters of delicious food passed from hand to hand, they’re treated to impeccable service and an experience that feels like eating at someone’s home in Italy.
From our classic pizza to seasonal specialties, every dish on our menu is crafted to be shared, creating the perfect excuse for everyone to indulge and enjoy together.
The Magic of Sharing Plates
Plenty of people quickly learn why family-style eating is a favorite way to enjoy Italian meals when they join us at Ferlito’s. The moment our great service team starts serving those delicious platters – from classic pizza to specialties wrapped in unique flavors – the whole experience transforms. Whether you plan to share with your crew or not, seeing the other plates your family and friends ordered will definitely inspire you to sample a little bit of everything.
That’s just how it goes with Italian cuisine – everyone wants to try each other’s plates!
But why is sharing food such an essential part of our dining experience at Ferlito’s? We believe that food is meant to be shared, especially when it comes to Italian cuisine. It brings people closer together and creates a sense of community and connection. When we gather around a table, pass around plates of delicious food, and engage in conversations while savoring each bite, we create memories that will last a lifetime.
There’s something about having all these taste experiences happening at once… watching hands reach across the table for another slice of house-made perfection, or seeing someone’s eyes light up when they taste their first bite is everything!
Honestly? Time basically disappears when you’re sharing food this way. For an intimate party of four or a big celebration with reservations for twenty, the magic is how the food brings everyone together.
The Best Options for Sharing at Ferlito’s
Let me break down the perfect sharing combinations from our delicious menu (because my brain loves a reason to organize things into clear categories):
Smaller Groups (3-4)
- Start with a party-ready appetizer spread – our Breaded Calamari, Arancini, and Bruschetta are basically the perfect trio
- A classic House or Antipasto Salad for the table (seriously, the flavors in our Antipasto hit all the right spots. From the salami to the garbanzo beans, it’s a classic for a reason!)
- Choose (at least) one of our favorite pasta dishes like Tortellini Palomino or Fettuccine Alfredo. Why waste time on Italian if there isn’t pasta?
- Add a great entree like our Chicken Siciliano or the Sicilian Sampler (which is literally perfect for sharing since you get to taste our Lasagna, Ravioli, Meatball, and Rinaldi Italian Sausage all at once)
Larger Groups (5-8)
- Start the meal off right with multiple appetizers like the Ricotta Dip, Breaded Zucchini, and Brussel Sprouts. These are all great choices to add for variety!
- Two different pasta options (try pairing our Shrimp Portofino with Rigatoni Pesto for a great variety)
- One of our specialty pizzas (the Supreme or White pizzas are made for sharing)
- A couple of our restaurant’s signature entrees, like Chicken Marsala and Eggplant Parmesan
- Don’t forget to add sides like our 3-Cheese Cheesy Bread or Garlic Toast or
- Never forget dessert!
Pro tip: Our service team can help you customize based on your group size, and trust me – save room for our Carrot Cake or a gift of Cannoli for everyone at the table (when they’re available – they’re basically everyone’s favorite way to end the meal).
Tips On Ordering Like a Pro
I’m going to give you the inside scoop on ordering family-style at a restaurant:
- Start with a headcount and make a reservation – especially during peak season when everyone’s craving Italian flavors
- Look at the menu beforehand and ask for recommendations from your server. They know what’s popular and can help guide you toward dishes that are perfect for sharing.
- Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Get a variety of appetizers, entrees, and sides so everyone gets a variety.
- If there’s anything specific you’re craving or have dietary restrictions, let your server know so they can accommodate accordingly.
- Enjoy every moment with your family and friends – share stories, make memories, and savor each bite of delicious Italian food!
- Family-style meals are a gift that keeps on giving. It’s not just about the food – it’s about creating an experience and lasting memories with your loved ones.
Beyond the Food
Family-style dining rewires how we experience flavors together.
When someone at your table discovers the perfect combination of Chicken Marsala sauce with fresh bread, everyone suddenly reaches over to try it. These shared moments of flavor discovery become a little gift we give each other.
First dates turn into proposals over shared plates of Tortellini Palomino.
Business meetings transform into genuine friendships while passing around a Sicilian Sampler.
There’s something magical about someone saying, “oh my gosh, you have to try this,” and sharing their latest flavor discovery with the whole table. When you exclaim, “Have you tasted the Arancini yet?” or watch someone’s eyes light up as they try their first bite of our famous Carrot Cake, you’re creating memories beyond just sitting down with your family to eat dinner.
These little moments of sharing and discovery are the priceless gift that makes family-style dining feel like being part of something special.
Making It Special
Want to make your family-style dining experience even more enjoyable? Here are a few perfect ways to elevate the experience:
- Ask our servers about daily specials that work well for sharing (they’re the experts at creating the perfect combination)
- Consider timing your dishes – starting with appetizers before diving into pasta and entrees creates this natural flow.
- Save room for our dessert selection – splitting a Tiramisu or Cannoli is the best way to end the night.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors – Sharing your dish is what makes family-style dining so fun!
Gather your crew, come hungry, and make memories over plates of authentic Italian cuisine. That’s what Ferlito’s is here for!
Join Us at Ferlito’s Italian Restaurant in Grosse Pointe
Ready to plan your family-style experience? Call us at (313) 882-1600 or contact us online for reservations or to-go orders.
We’re so excited to host your family!