A week of nostalgia, wine specials, and family legacy marks the milestone for this Las Vegas institution.
In the Las Vegas restaurant world, lasting a decade is an incredible achievement. For Ferraro’s Ristorante — a Las Vegas institution since 1985 — forty years is worth raising a glass.
Speaking to the Food And Loathing podcast, second-generation owner and chef Mimmo Ferraro says the milestone officially arrives on November 5, but the family is stretching the celebration over an entire week to make sure everyone gets a taste.
“We’re going to start off the festivities on the seventh, and we’ll be doing some [promotions] to give back to the community and a lot of our following over the 40 years,” says Ferraro, before proudly noting, “We still have customers from 40 years ago supporting us.”
Throwback Lunch Prices & Bargain Wines
What began as a small Italian-American deli and pizzeria has grown into a fine-dining destination with more than 300 seats, an award-winning wine list, and a reputation for authentic Italian cooking. Ferraro’s has long been known for its dedication to tradition — from housemade pastas to its extensive wine collection — and this anniversary week embraces such tradition.
The restaurant is kicking things off with a major throwback lunch special on Friday, November 7, offering 1985 prices on three of its classic dishes. Eggplant Parmesan, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Homemade Lasagna will all be available that day for just $4.99 each. The offer runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., one per guest.
“It’s insanity,” Ferraro laughs as he contemplates what that offer will mean for his team. “My kitchen is already trying to figure out how we’re going to keep up and where we’re going to put these people. But it’s an exciting time.”
After that nostalgic lunch rush, wine lovers will have their turn. From November 10 through 13, Ferraro’s will offer select bottles of red and white wine for $40 — a nod to the restaurant’s 40th year. Some of those bottles typically list between $68 and $125, making the deal as generous as it is symbolic.
“Our wine list is extensive,” Ferraro says, “but we’ve got about 15 wines that we’re offering [during that time], and it’s just an amazing deal.”
Ferraro’s will also be bringing back its 50% off wine program for locals every Friday and Saturday, reaffirming its place as a family-owned fine-dining restaurant that still caters to the community that built it. And longtime patrons who are part of the restaurant’s Diamante loyalty program can expect a few extra surprises.
“We’ve got a little something special for the people who have been our customers for years,” Ferraro teases. “If you’re not part of Diamante, come down, get signed up, and be involved with what we have going on — from wine dinners to truffle dinners and everything else.”
The Next Generation
As Ferraro’s toasts four decades of success, the family is already looking toward the next generation. Mimmo’s 14-year-old son has already begun busing tables and cooking in the kitchen, just as his father once did.
“He’s very passionate about the business,” Ferraro says. “He loves to bake and wants to follow in the family footsteps. Hopefully that’s the future.”
After forty years, Ferraro’s remains true to its roots: heartfelt hospitality, authentic food, and a commitment to keeping family — both the one in the kitchen and the one in the dining room — at the center of everything.
To read about Ferraro’s year-round Happy Hour offerings, check out HappyHourVegas.com.
Read about more great off-Strip Italian restaurants on the Neon Feast restaurant guide, or right here at Food And Loathing.
For a list of great Italian restqaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, check out Neon Feast or this Food And Loathing Article.
