For over 40 years, we’ve been welcoming neighbors through our doors at Ferlito’s, serving up a taste of la bella vita right here in Grosse Pointe Woods.
Just minutes from bustling Detroit, our little corner of Italy has become the go-to spot for families craving authentic Italian food without needing to dust off their passports! When people search for Italian restaurants in Detroit, we’re proud to be a name that generations of locals have come to trust.
The Old World Charm of Metro Detroit’s Favorite Italian Restaurant
The moment you walk in, you’ll feel it—that warm embrace that says you’re family now. The intoxicating aroma of our simmering sauces, perfected over decades. The cheerful clinking of glasses during animated tableside conversation. The laughter is flowing as freely as the wine.
This isn’t just a meal, amici—it’s an unforgettable dining experience that’s made us one of the most beloved Italian restaurants in Detroit.
Our dining room creates the perfect atmosphere for everything from romantic date nights to boisterous family gatherings. As we love to say, borrowing wisdom from our ancestors: “A tavola non si invecchia“—at the table, one does not grow old.
Pull up a chair, there’s always room for one more!
Homemade Pastas: The Soul Food of Italy
Our homemade pastas aren’t just made—they’re crafted with love. Every morning, we roll up our sleeves and create magic from scratch.
- Our traditional baked lasagna?
Layer upon layer of fresh ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses that create a symphony in your mouth. - Don’t get us started on our gnocchi alla vodka, we’ll never stop!
Those little potato pillows swimming in creamy tomato basil sauce might just change your life! - Want something with a bit more zing? Try our Rigatoni Pesto!
This dish combines basil pesto cream sauce with earthy mushrooms and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. One bite and, suddenly, you’re walking through the Italian countryside. - Or, maybe you’ll try our fettuccine alfredo…
With its velvety, heavy cream sauce that clings to each strand of pasta, this dish is literally the definition of comfort food elevated to art. Mamma mia!
The Art of Olive Oil: Our Liquid Gold
Great Italian cuisine starts with exceptional olive oil; it’s the heart and soul of our kitchen. This isn’t just any oil, folks. It’s liquid gold that we drizzle, sauté, and finish our dishes with to bring out every nuance of flavor.
When you taste our fresh Caprese salad or savor the wild mushrooms in our Chicken Marsala, you’re experiencing generations of Italian wisdom in every drop of that beautiful olive oil.
In Italy, olive oil isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a way of life, and we’ve brought that passion to Grosse Pointe Woods. Our love of olive oils would make any Italian grandmother proud. Each is chosen specifically to enhance the bold flavors of authentic Italian dishes.
From Ocean to Table: Seafood That Makes Waves
Our Branzino is a little slice of Mediterranean paradise—cherry tomatoes, capers, white wine, lemon, basil, and olives dance together in perfect harmony.
And our Shrimp Portofino? Those plump shrimp nestled alongside cheese ravioli in a roasted garlic alfredo sauce with fresh spinach might just have you envisioning the Italian Riviera. Bellissimo!
Fresh fish has always been central to Italian cuisine, especially in coastal regions. At Ferlito’s, we honor that tradition by sourcing only the finest seafood for our dishes.
When you’re craving the bright, clean flavors of the Mediterranean, our seafood selections deliver an authentic taste of Italy right here in Detroit.
Beyond Pasta: Prime Cuts and Classic Favorites
While we could talk about pasta all day (and sometimes do!), there’s so much more to love on our menu.
Our Osso Buco is fall-off-the-bone magnificent!
We braise short ribs over creamy risotto, which we cook low and slow until they’re so tender you could eat them with a spoon. This is the kind of dish that showcases what Italian food is all about—transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary through time, technique, and tradition.
And our Chicken Parmesan? It’s legendary around these parts!
We start with the perfect chicken breast, coat it lovingly in Italian breadcrumbs, top it with our house-made meat sauce and melted mozzarella, and serve it over al dente spaghetti. It’s comfort food that hugs your soul—the kind that makes you close your eyes and say “mmmm” with every bite. No wonder it’s been our most-requested dish for decades!
For meat lovers, our Veal Marsala and Veal Picatta offer prime cuts carefully prepared with the perfect balance of delicacy and bold flavors. Each bite is a testament to the care we take with every single dish that leaves our kitchen.
Pizza Perfection: Hand-Tossed Heavenly Pies
Let’s talk pizza, Detroit!
Our dough isn’t just made daily—it’s a labor of love that begins with flour, water, and a whole lot of Italian know-how. We top each pie with our special three-cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, AND Tuma cheese!) before sliding it into our stone-lined oven.
Whether you’re craving our fresh Margherita with basil so aromatic it’ll transport you straight to Naples, or our signature White pizza with creamy alfredo sauce, roasted garlic, and spinach—each pizza represents generations of Italian tradition.
Our Supreme pizza, loaded with pepperoni, Dearborn™ smoked ham, black olives, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions, is a celebration of abundance, just like Sunday dinner!
One slice and you’ll understand why our pizzas have people coming back week after week for forty years! When you’re looking for the best Italian restaurant to satisfy your pizza cravings, Ferlito’s delivers that authentic taste that chain restaurants just can’t match.
Fresh Ingredients: The Foundation of Italian Excellence
At Ferlito’s, we believe that excellent Italian cuisine starts with the best ingredients.
Our farm-grown vegetables arrive at our kitchen bursting with flavor, ready to be transformed into vibrant salads, robust sauces, and perfect pizza toppings. From the crisp romaine in our Caesar salad to the seasonal tomatoes in our bruschetta, freshness is never an afterthought—it’s our starting point.
We source locally whenever possible, building relationships with producers who share our passion for quality. This commitment adds flavor to every bite, whether you’re enjoying our antipasto salad loaded with premium Italian meats and cheeses or savoring the brightness of lemon in our Chicken Picatta.
La Dolce Vita: Because Life’s Too Short to Skip Dessert
In Italy, we believe every meal should end on a sweet note!
Our tiramisu is the stuff of legends—espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with cloud-like mascarpone and whipped cream. When our cannoli are available (they go FAST!), grab one or three—that crispy shell filled with rich, creamy sweetness is pure joy.
Pair either dessert with a perfectly pulled espresso or velvety cappuccino and—chef’s kiss—that’s more!
These aren’t just desserts; they’re the perfect finale to your Italian dining experience. After all, what’s a visit to your favorite Italian restaurant without indulging in a little dolce vita?
A Place for Family to Gather, Just Like in the Old Country
In Italy, meals aren’t just about food—they’re about connection. They’re unhurried opportunities for family and friends to come together, share stories, laugh until it hurts, and create memories that last a lifetime.
At Ferlito’s, we’ve created a space where Detroit families can do exactly that. Our dining room isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an extension of your home, where generations gather and everyone belongs.
Whether it’s a casual lunch with colleagues, a warm dinner with friends, or a celebration with the whole family, our restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for those moments that matter. The business lunch becomes more productive, and the family dinner becomes more meaningful, all within the embrace of our Italian hospitality.
Wine & Cocktails: The Perfect Complement
No Italian meal would be complete without the perfect glass of wine.
Our thoughtfully curated wine list features selections that complement our food beautifully, from crisp whites that pair perfectly with our seafood dishes to robust reds that stand up to our heartier fare.
Not in the mood for wine? Our bar serves up classic cocktails with an Italian twist.
Try our Limoncello Mule or Ferlito’s 75 for a refreshing start to your evening, or end your meal with an espresso martini that combines Italian coffee culture with American cocktail craftsmanship for the best of both cultures!
A Great Italian Restaurant in Detroit? It’s All in the Little Things
What makes Ferlito’s stand out among Italian restaurants in Detroit?
It’s our obsession with getting the details right.
From the farm-grown vegetables in our antipasti to the heavy cream in our perfectly executed fettuccine alfredo, we don’t cut corners.
Ever.
Our service is impeccable yet warm—we’ll remember your name and favorite dish, but we’ll never rush you through your meal. For over four decades, we’ve walked that delicate line between innovation and tradition, ensuring that while our menu evolves, the soul of Italian cooking remains untouched.
When guests enjoy a meal at Ferlito’s, they’re experiencing more than just dinner—they’re participating in a tradition of excellence that spans generations. That’s why so many Detroit families consider us their favorite Italian restaurant for everything from quick weeknight dinners to their most memorable celebrations.
Mangiamo! Join Our Italian Family Table
We want to welcome you to our table!
Whether you’re joining us for a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or grabbing takeout to enjoy at home in your comfy pants (we don’t judge!), you’ll taste the difference that passion, tradition, and quality ingredients make.
Located just one block north of Vernier & Mack in Grosse Pointe Woods, Ferlito’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a Detroit institution where Italian food, family values, and warm hospitality come together to create dining memories that last a lifetime.
Come taste what has made us one of the most beloved Italian restaurants in Detroit for over 40 years.
At Ferlito’s, you’re not just a guest—you’re family. Buon appetito!