Just...not good. I want it to be good, but it's expensive and bland--the food has no character and you can make much better at home. A red sauce place with mediocre sauce...and $17 for a side of broccoli rabe, just...no. The only decent aspect is the bar where you'll probably be the youngest person and there's no need for a cocktail menu because they don't make anything besides old standards, which they do well. But unless you're with your (non-Italian) grandparents and don't know where else to go, skip it. read more

Gene's is your classic NY red sauce joint. They take reservations by phone only, and you can tell the patrons are regulars. This is not your trendy tik tok restaurant, but the food speaks for itself. I absolutely loved the fried calamari and the penne vodka, it was so classic and well done. Service was very quick as well, and they had a bunch of daily specials as well as a large range of menu items to pick from. I would love to come back to try more soon! read more

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walked in with no reservation on a thursday night around 7 and got seated right away despite it being busy! old school italian restaurant. cute bar in the front i'd love to sit at next time. crab cake was crispy which i liked. we split the chicken parm and they cut it and brought out on separate plates without us asking. only con was the wine was pretty bad haha read more

Gene's Restaurant - chicken parm - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Old school Italian, which means that if the waiters don't already know your name and if you can't easily walk here from your apartment, consider dining elsewhere. Couldn't find any way to make reservations and the website is probably the worst I've encountered since moving to NYC. The restaurant and bar were completely filled by 7:30 pm. Gene's transcends the likes of Villa Mosconi. The prices aren't terrible and the menu is a bit more varied than the other reviews would suggest. The big crab cake is good--lower quality crab but browned well. Shrimp Francese is pretty good, vegetables kind of a joke, penne with grilled chicken decent at the base price ($21) but crappy for $36 with the chicken. Bread better than Villa Mosconi but that's not saying much. Service started off decent but fell off badly once the restaurant filled up. Pretty good example of a place where the annoying old-er people who sit next to you can infringe on your enjoyment by how weird they act around waitstaff, their conversation topics, and the weird noises that they make. read more

The Worst!!!!!! Even a school cafeteria. The salad consisted of two whole radishes and dry sticks of celery and carrots, my side veggies were very large cut carrots, two old broccoli stems and a slice of zucchini. The eggplant was awful. The chicken was awful. Very cafeteria grade. This is not the first time I've been there but it's my Last! Beware!!!! read more

One of the best restaurants in the neighborhood for as long as I can remember. Consistently delicious. Old fashioned atmosphere. Lovely service. Love the place. read more

This is a small quaint family friendly restaurant, the food was amazing the flavors were ever present and very authentic Italian cuisine. Our waiter was excellent funny and friendly and very attentive. Will definitely be returning for another meal soon! read more

Gene's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

If you want a classic, old school Greenwich Village Italian resturant with great food, waiters in tuxedos, not cheap but not overpriced, eclectic, wonderful clientele, and a wonderful dining experience, then Genes this is your place. It's one of the last great ones standing. You will not be disappointed. Highly recommend this wonderful restaurant. And besides the food, they make a great Manhattan! read more

Has to be over 15 years since I was last at Gene's and it could have been yesterday. Nothing has changed, the bartender and most of the wait staff still there, and most importantly, the food and service still excellent. Gene's is a quintessential West Village establishment with all the character and charm of the neighborhood. If you want to experience the village as it used to be take a step down the stairs and back in time. You won't be disappointed. read more

The food here is excellent. The service is close but not overbearing. The ambiance is warm and friendly. Genes is the kind of restaurant run by very experienced restaurateurs. It's very relaxed and inviting . The food is very very good. My calf's liver was excellent. Tender, rare, flavorful and mild accompanied by onions. Properly sautéd both calf's liver and onions. If I could I'd stop cooking and eat dinner at Genes every night. BTW when I was younger I once had dinner at the same restaurant for two years. I was single...... read more

Haven't been here in forever. On a whim we walked over for an early dinner. Just as I remembered it. Soft and warm and welcoming. Easiest place to go hang out with a glass of wine and relax. Everything on the menu is so delicious. Waitstaff make me feel like I'm at home, being spoilt by my spouse on my special day. Nothing is nicer than feeling so welcome and thrilled to have a memorable meal. read more

Unfortunately just not good. Had really high hopes, but it fell flat. Everything needed seasoning!

If you go just order the special. It was pasta with lobster that was perfectly cooked. I ordered veal piccata and it was extremely thin and overcooked. Looked burnt around the edges and was dry. Drinks were good. read more

Amazing! Been coming to place since the 80s Never disappoints. Food is great! A must try.

This restaurant has friendly staff, reliably good food, and fair prices. It's clean and has a number of charming features that come with being family owned. Make reservations! read more

This place was founded in 1919 so, needless to say it is a remarkable piece of NY history still functional and kicking. Old school Italian (Continental cuisine) reminiscent more of Hollywood Italian bars and hideouts rather than rustic countryside food. Convivial friendly but small bar at the entrance and a cushiony comfortable warm spacious interior They also have outdoor seating when the weather permits. The staff is super friendly and efficient On a Friday at 8 we didn't have to wait for a table for two. I had the baked Ziti which was surprisingly good because it initially looked loaded with cheese but actually it did not feel overwhelming at all. The eggplant is scant or rather just the right amount. The ravioli is super tasty and feels home made entirely The cheesecake is just the right amount of sweetness (not overly sweet like most American cheesecakes are) and granular and again tastes like someone has just made a small batch in their kitchen at home. The relish plates and the bread which they bring out is a classic. I'd definitely come back read more

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Gene's is the restaurant everyone wants a block away from you. It's where you go to share a long dinner with friends. It's the place to show a first day you have game. It's the safest bet when your dad is in town and you know he's gonna talk for months about the relish tray and the tablecloths. You'll go there when you get fired, and you'll pick up the check for the table when you land a big promotion. Eat the menu. That's what I'm gonna do, and all with a smile on my face. read more

Service was pretty poor (server forgot our drinks) and the food was underwhelming. Ordered the calamari with diavola sauce, Caesar salad and veal parm. Both sauces were bland (and texturally kind of off putting) and hot dishes felt heated rather than made to order. That said nothing was BAD, but over hyped & priced. Ambiance was definitely the draw here -- it's for sure dated, but in a comforting, nostalgic way. Wouldn't rush back but if you feel you need to check it out I won't discourage you. read more

Very old but very good spaghetti with meatballs excellent Baked Clams Oreganato, also excellent as was rigatoni aglio olio Has a ton of regulars very charming old school Italian restaurant read more

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We have a very good dinner here. We were able to walk in with no wait on a Thursday night. The menu has a lot of classic Italian items but also some different options which is nice. The chicken parm was delicious as was the chicken liver appetizer. read more

Gene's Restaurant - Chopped Chicken Livers Mimosa and Fresh Roasted Peppers with mozzarella - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Great food and ambiance. Cozy bar! The service was excellent and efficient. Great martini too! read more

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Most of the stars are for the excellent wait staff, service and ambiance. Gene's is old school Italian New York in the best way. Unfortunately that usually means the food is just okay. If you grew up going to Gene's I'm sure you think it's amazing. I thought all my dishes were typical family style restaurant fare. Seasoning and flavor profiles from decades past. Nothing really elevated. Would I come back again and again? Absolutely! This place is charming as hell! read more

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Was back at my favorite old-school restaurant in NYC recently and wanted to rave about the dish I had: Duck a L'Orange. Had never seen it on the menu before and it was superb. Equally great was the lobster cocktail with crab cake appetizer. And of course, Franco is the best bartender in the universe. read more

Gene's Restaurant - Duck a L'Orange - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Without question the best Italian in NYC. The food is always consistent, fresh and prepared perfectly. Weed staff is incredible and the atmosphere is second to none. You must go. read more

Franco the Bartender is class! Spaghetti with Meatballs or clam sauce are both great.

I've been coming to this restaurant since I was born, (I'm 24 now). This place is old world Italian, and the wait staff has been here since before I can remember. My grandparents were Mr and Mrs Green in here, and the wait staff would always greet us by name and we got the best service. I moved to California at 14 and recently came to Genes on a trip to NY. The place HAS NOT CHANGED! It's so old fashioned I love it. Their martini is the best I've had, their eggplant Parmesan is delicious, and the profiteroles are yummy! A must come spot if you want an intimate setting and delicious food. read more

Gene's Restaurant - Martini - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Hate to say it but a major disappointment. We went with our friends who said they were recommended by someone they knew. We figured that an old school Italian NYC place was a no brainer. Well, we got chicken parmigiana and the quality of the chicken was lousy and the sauce had absolutely no flavor. Everything else that we ate was average at best. The only thing that I would give a high rating to was the service. read more

Such an amazing night! Top quality service with INCREDIBLE FOOD! Cannot wait to come back as as S GA Family and visit!!! read more

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An institution, and since 1919. I have been eating here for more than 25 years. I go to church about a block away, and this has often been an after-church destination for us. The menu is limited but comprehensive. The food is very well prepared, and most items are made to order so give them so understanding that your orders may not emerge from the kitchen instantly. The prix fixe is a bargain and is awesome. Be sure to have the profiteroles for dessert, and the pork chops and the mixed green salad are choice. One thing I must say is that I have had my birthday dinner here four times in the last two decades and am planning to do that again this year. It is that good. The uniformed waiters, while perhaps stuffy on the surface, provide excellent and friendly service. GO !! read more

Classic New York, I'm in love with this place! Felt like a step back in time. So happy we discovered it.

I live in San Francisco but my uncle lives nearby and this is always my first choice request for dinner. I have not had a bad dish ever. The staff is awesome (my uncle is a regular) and their food always delivers. I love the old school white tablecloths and vegetable table appetizers. Their red sauce is to die for. read more

The best old school Italian in the village. Genes is iconic because Genes does what it does best, great food for people who come back night after night to enjoy the best in Italian with the nicest people in the village. Don't miss a meal at Genes. read more

excellent food and service - great staff the main courses of meat and fish are perfectly prepared and tasty The cocktails are perfect!!! 5+++ stars read more

It's an interesting place. It's like you're going to your Italian grandparents' apartment for dinner. It really is. It's not a scene. It's quiet. The room is filled with loyal old timers. The waiters all look like they've been there for decades. The martini is incredible. The food is good. It feels homemade. There's nothing to dislike about this place. Old school Italian. read more

Heart and vibe booming at this iconic and historic Village scene. Great food. Awesome service. Really cool experience.

Franco is everything. Escargot is amazing. Danny the owner is amazing. Hey there early unless your a regular.

How many 100+ year old restaurants are there these days in NYC? That should be a clue as to the level of it's food, service and ambiance. Just go. read more

Old school italian joint with excellent old school italian service. The veal and chicken parmesan dishes were so good, we ordered seconds. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel safe and comfortable - going so far as to make us hot chocolate at the end even though it wasn't on the menu. Highly recommend! read more

Just the best of old world New York Italian. Great service and wonderful food. Will go back every time we are in NYC

One-of-a-kind. Places like Gene's are so incredibly rare in NYC. The food is consistently great as is the service.