No :-( Remi's review (Dec 24th 2007)

Well this was no good…

I’m sure measurement of quality is a bit different in the Valley, particularly when the restaurant is located in a strip mall. Fact remains, however, that the “Braised Beef Short Ribs” from Ambrosia is one of the worst meals I’ve had in recent memory.

I can only assume the meat was thrown into a crockpot with the mirepoix (fancy word for carrots, celery, and onion) with a sauce mixed from powder out of a bag, as this really had very little flavor. One can argue that braised anything is more of a comfort meal than a journey in complex flavors, but if I pay $15 for a lunch, I expect a little bit more than something I can do at home. The beef was as dull as it could be at least.

Worse yet was the accompanying polenta. Maybe I’m too picky, but I expect a polenta to be creamy, not liquid. When you borderline need a spoon to eat it, that’s when you know something has gone wrong during preparation.

I’m sorry, I really did try to like this place, but this meal was a disaster. Often I will give a place a second chance after a bad meal, but I see little need to go back to Ambrosia.

At least the waiter provided friendly service.

No :-( tara's review (Jan 12th 2007)

Food was good. Slow service. But decent for price.

Yes :-) Tyler Joel's review (Jan 14th 2007)

We went on Friday night and the restaurant was very busy, but we got right in. There is nothing else like it in the Valley. Great ambiance, nice wine list, and the food and service were awesome. The salmon baked Alaska was wonderful as was the Cajun pasta. We’ll definitely go again.

Yes :-) bob's review (Jan 20th 2007)

Ambrosia Bistro is the best food experience to happen to Spokane in years. The food, atmosphere, and service is truly amazing. Not to mention the prices. I go whenever I can and you should too.

Yes :-) flygrrrl95's review (Jan 21st 2007)

I went to Ambrosia for a bridal shower. I arrived early and sat in the bar for while. The bartender was very nice and gave me several wine samples until I found one I particularly liked. They were very attentive to the party and the rest of the restaurant seemed fairly busy. We had good service, but things didn’t come quickly. Could just have been a confusing situation. I wouldn’t make the trip out there from the downtown area since there are so many options downtown, but if I lived out there anyway, it would be a great spot. I found it to be fairly pricey with trendy menu items, but no more so than any other “bistro/wine bar” around the area.

Yes :-) Bryan 7's review (Feb 11th 2007)

Super happy hour! Friday was our first time, we sat the bar, and we had a treat with the happy hour. The bartender was knowledgeable and attentive. GREAT experience! I recommend going there for a spell in the lounge and a talk with the staff. You’ll have a great time!

Yes :-) Mary S's review (Feb 23rd 2007)

IT’S ABOUT TIME!!! Finally, the Valley has an upbeat (non-chain) bistro. Great food, contemporary atmosphere, stylish martini bar and the works. Everything has been great so far.

On the down side, they could expand the menu somewhat and add a few wines to the list. We are so thrilled to have something close. We just love it.

Yes :-) Emmers's review (Jul 19th 2007)

I took an ex-Spokanite to lunch here on a balmy afternoon and surprised her with this great little place. We enjoyed the patio seating and neither of us could stop raving about the butternut squash ravioli. As a vegetarian living in Spokane Valley, I found it refreshing not to have to make a trip downtown, as the menu has plenty of options beyond the standard bread and cheese fare.

Yes :-) Chelsea's review (Jan 4th 2008)

Ambrosia has wonderful and often varying menus (both wine and food) and the staff are always very helpful. I thoroughly enjoy the warm atmosphere and the creativity the chef uses in creating their wonderful dishes. I’ll continue to go and encourage other people to, too!

Yes :-) Retired Chef's review (Feb 20th 2008)

Spokane is a culinary wasteland, finding good restaurants in really hit and miss and when we lived elsewhere we used to look forward to trying a new place. Not here, many times it is with a foreboding feeling when we venture out to have our taste buds assaulted and our wallets raped.

When we walked into Ambrosia we were expecting the usual fare, overpriced, poorly prepared food, but wow, we were pleasantly surprised.

We arrived for a late night dinner and the restaurant was obviously winding down and beginning to clean for the night, usually a bad time for service and food. Instead we had prompt service with a very knowledgeable server. Wines were suggested to be paired with the food, two apps, one salad, and two entrees and one dessert was ordered.

In each and every case the plates were a stunning success, flavors were clear and seasoned appropriately, the salad, praise God, was not soaked in dressing. The one entrée that was requested to be done to a certain temperature was, get this, actually cooked correctly. The dessert was not overly sweet and the flavor was allowed to shine and an after dinner port was not oxidized and served at the appropriate temp and then a small cheese plate was given, gratis to pair with port.

We walked in with fear and walked out amazed, maybe there is hope for Spokane, Ambrosia keep it up.

Yes :-) Ashley's review (May 7th 2008)

Love this place! Finally a non-chain restaurant in the Valley! Great food, great service, beautiful decor.