Gander & Ryegrass is downtown Spokane’s contemporary Italian fine dining room. It occupies the historic Liberty Building at 404 W Main Ave, right beside Auntie’s Bookstore. Diners come for Chef Peter Froese’s cooking and for what local critics call the city’s only true tasting menu (Foodie Spokane).
The kitchen builds an ever-evolving seasonal menu from raw ingredients, with house-made pasta and bread anchoring Italian technique layered over a French foundation (Gander & Ryegrass). The flagship Marathon Tasting Menu runs six courses and roughly fifteen plates, and dishes such as roasted duck with peppers and corn show how closely the cooking tracks the season. For a shorter evening, a 3-Course option and a full à la carte menu draw from the same kitchen (Yelp), while the bar pairs craft cocktails with the food. The room suits anniversaries, birthdays and couples planning a long, unhurried dinner.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Gander & Ryegrass serves both lunch and dinner. Book ahead through OpenTable, especially for Friday and Saturday nights or the tasting menu, which takes several hours. Weekday lunch offers the easiest way to sample the kitchen with less competition for tables. Arrive early to browse Auntie’s next door, then walk a few blocks north to Riverfront Park after the meal. Check the restaurant’s website for current menus, since dishes change with the season.
