About
When your Idyllwild getaway needs authentic Italian cuisine, wood-fired pizzas, and live jazz, make a reservation at Ferro. Chef Frank Ferro and his wife, Mary, founded the restaurant in 2015. Since opening, the couple has continued to serve "modern Italian" cuisine in a relaxing setting.
Ferro not only serves homemade Italian classics, but has become a hub for friends, live jazz nights, and a taste of local culture. Housed on a historic site, the building blends the area's storied past with a fresh, modern approach to hospitality.
Chef Ferro leads a kitchen where everything is made from scratch, from the long-simmered sauces to the house-made pastas that get rolled out daily. Sourcing local ingredients when possible makes every dinner special.
As a mainstay in Idyllwild, it's easy to combine sightseeing with a tasty meal. Whether stopping in for happy hour after exploring Downtown Idyllwild or after a grueling hike at Deer Springs Trailhead, you're never far from a pizza or a plate of pasta.
For anyone planning a trip to Idyllwild, a meal at Ferro offers a genuine taste of Italy. Here, history, tradition, and hospitality come together.
Vibe
The restaurant occupies a historic 1933 building, adding to the allure of a visit. While the couple had it renovated in accordance with the Idyllwild Historic Preservation District guidelines, the exterior remained true to its original design.
Step inside and you'll find a modernized, cozy space that combines rustic beams, warm lighting, and wooden tables for a homey vibe. A brick pizza oven anchors the dining room and adds a warm glow throughout.
The main dining room is suitable for groups and families, while the bar welcomes solo guests and couples. The large outdoor patio is a crowd favorite, connecting diners with nature.
On select nights, a jazz trio sets the tone with music that doesn't overpower the room. It's little touches like this that make Ferro's atmosphere so appealing, no matter the occasion.
Ferro: Menu & Drinks
The antipasti choices are plentiful, perfect for tapas-style dining. A standout is the Vongole al Vapore, featuring steamed clams in a white wine sauce with minced onion, garlic, chili flake, and lemon.
Lighter fare, like the salads and soups, could also be combined to make a meal. A hearty choice is the Zuppa di Pesce, a saffron-tomato broth with mixed seafood, vegetables, and spices.
While there are plenty of traditional Italian dishes on the menu, it's selections like the Bistecca di Manzo that set this restaurant apart from the others. This entrée showcases your choice of an 8-oz or 16-oz prime ribeye, cooked to order with a porcini dry rub. It comes with roasted potatoes, broccolini, and charred lemon, promising to satisfy all steak lovers.
The wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are a signature, and many diners recommend the Margherita pizza. Its crust comes out crispy and blistered from the oven, with the tang of San Marzano tomato sauce, soft mozzarella, and a touch of basil on top.
The pasta dishes are just as popular, like the Linguine alla Bolognese. This satisfying meal features house-made linguine covered in a red wine and cream marinara with beef, pork, and soffritto. Topped with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, it will satisfy the most ravenous appetites.
Drinks at Ferro also get high marks, like the Spicy Gingerman, which is a local legend. This craft cocktail features vodka, ginger liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, ginger shrub, and ginger beer. Add spices like FloraLuna Apothecary Cardamom-Clove, a cinnamon-sugar rim, and candied ginger, and you have a refreshing drink with a spicy kick!
After a day of exploring, Ferro is a rewarding stop that will satisfy your cravings in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
Local Tips
- Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3:00-5:00 PM.
- Check Facebook for events like jazz night.
- Order multiple dishes to share.
- Reservations are encouraged for live music events.
