Ferrando's in Richland: Thin-Crust Pizza and Italian Classics in Downtown Columbia

What Ferrando's offers and where to find it

Ferrando's is a long-standing pizzeria in downtown Richland (the downtown Columbia area) known for thin-crust pizza, Italian sandwiches, and pasta dishes. The restaurant sits on Main Street and has operated in the same location for decades, making it a fixture in Columbia's dining landscape. The space itself feels like stepping into an older Italian-American neighborhood restaurant—wood-paneled walls, red vinyl booths, and a casual counter setup that invites both quick stops and lingering meals.

The menu centers on pizza, but extends to Italian sandwiches, calzones, and a small selection of pasta and entrees. Ferrando's uses a traditional approach: thin, crispy crust (not Neapolitan-style, but closer to New York or New Jersey tradition), standard red sauce, and straightforward toppings. The kitchen does not attempt modern interpretations or unusual ingredient combinations. What you get is consistency and familiarity—the kind of place where regulars have been ordering the same thing for twenty years.

Key Takeaways

• Ferrando's serves thin-crust pizza with a crispy base and traditional Italian-American toppings in a casual, vintage dining room.
• The restaurant is located on Main Street in downtown Richland and has been operating in the same spot for several decades.
• Beyond pizza, the menu includes Italian sandwiches, calzones, and pasta dishes, though pizza is the primary draw.
• The atmosphere is unpretentious and old-school, with red vinyl booths and a counter where you can watch the kitchen work.

Pizza styles and signature orders

Ferrando's pizza comes in small, medium, and large sizes. The crust is thin and crispy, with a slight char on the bottom—the result of a traditional deck oven. The sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, applied in a moderate layer that does not overwhelm the crust. Cheese is standard mozzarella, melted evenly across the pie.

Topping options follow the classic playbook: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, and combinations thereof. A pepperoni pizza is the most common order—the pepperoni cups slightly when it hits the oven, creating little pools of grease that soak into the crust. The sausage is crumbled and cooked through, not chunky. Vegetable toppings are fresh but not trendy; they are there to add flavor and texture, not to be the star. Ferrando's also makes calzones—folded pizza pockets filled with cheese, sauce, and your choice of meat or vegetables. These are baked until the outside is golden and crispy, then served with a cup of sauce for dipping. They are substantial enough for a full meal and popular with people grabbing lunch or dinner to go.

Italian sandwiches and other menu items

The sandwich menu includes Italian cold cuts (ham, salami, capicola), meatball, sausage, and chicken parmesan options. These are built on Italian bread—not a thin hoagie roll, but a thicker, more substantial loaf. The cold sandwiches come with lettuce, tomato, onion, and oil and vinegar. The hot sandwiches are topped with sauce and melted cheese.

Ferrando's also serves pasta dishes—spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, baked ziti—though these are secondary to the pizza and sandwich business. The portions are generous, and the pasta is cooked to a soft, traditional texture rather than al dente. These dishes appeal to people looking for a sit-down meal rather than takeout. The menu is straightforward and does not change seasonally; you will find the same offerings year-round.

When to go and what to expect

Ferrando's is busiest during lunch (around noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.). Lunch draws office workers from downtown Columbia; dinner brings families and casual diners. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis—there is no reservation system. During peak hours, you may wait 10 to 20 minutes for a table, though the counter and takeout line move faster.

The dining room is small and can feel crowded during busy times, but that is part of the charm. The noise level is moderate—conversation and the sound of the kitchen, but not loud enough to make talking difficult. Service is friendly and efficient; staff know many of the regulars by name and order. Ferrando's is cash-friendly but also takes cards. Hours are typically lunch and dinner, closed on Sunday or Monday (check ahead, as hours can shift seasonally). The restaurant is located on Main Street in downtown Richland, with street parking available nearby.

Why Ferrando's matters in Columbia's food scene

Ferrando's represents a style of Italian-American dining that has largely disappeared from newer restaurant districts. It is not trying to be trendy, farm-to-table, or Instagram-worthy. The appeal is consistency, affordability, and the comfort of knowing exactly what you are going to get. For people who grew up eating pizza like this, Ferrando's feels like home. For newer residents or visitors, it offers a window into how Columbia ate decades ago.

The restaurant also anchors downtown Richland's dining culture. Main Street has evolved over the years, but Ferrando's has remained, serving as a landmark and a gathering place. It is the kind of place where you run into neighbors, where business deals happen over lunch, and where families celebrate small occasions. The consistency of the food and the space creates a sense of continuity in a neighborhood that has changed significantly.

Parking and accessibility

Street parking is available on Main Street near the restaurant, though spots can be tight during lunch and dinner hours. There is no dedicated lot. The restaurant entrance is at street level, and the interior is accessible once you are inside, though the space is compact and can feel crowded during peak times.

The restaurant's small footprint means that busy periods can feel tight, but this is typical for neighborhood pizzerias of this style. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening before 5:30 p.m.) will give you more breathing room and faster service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ferrando's take reservations?

No. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak lunch and dinner hours, you may wait 10 to 20 minutes for a table, but the takeout line typically moves faster if you are in a hurry.

Can I order Ferrando's pizza for delivery?

Ferrando's does not operate its own delivery service, but the restaurant accepts takeout orders by phone. Some third-party delivery apps may list the restaurant, though ordering directly by phone is usually faster and more reliable.

What are the hours?

Ferrando's typically operates for lunch and dinner, but hours vary by day and season. Call ahead to confirm, especially if you are planning a visit on a weekend or holiday. The restaurant is usually closed one day per week (Sunday or Monday).

Is Ferrando's good for groups or family dinners?

Yes, though the space is small and can get crowded. For larger groups, calling ahead to give a heads-up is a good idea. Pizza and sandwiches are easy to share, and the casual atmosphere works well for informal gatherings.

What makes Ferrando's different from chain pizza places?

Ferrando's is independently owned and operated, with a consistent recipe and approach that has not changed in decades. The crust, sauce, and toppings are made in-house, and the restaurant has deep roots in the Columbia community. It represents a style of neighborhood pizzeria that predates modern pizza chains.