The best Italian food on the Upper West Side and one of the best local restaurants in the City. Gennaro is an institution for Upper West Siders who have appreciated it for decades now. We practically live there, dining there at least once a week. The staff are friendly and helpful, the dining room has a vibe, and the food -- Aeolian island fresh pasta, marvelous sauces, great fish and meat dishes -- and wine are terrific. Note that Gennaro does not take reservations or (for the most part) credit cards. Prices are quite reasonable for the quality of the meals. read more

It pains me to write this review because when I first started coming here 20 years ago it was wonderful. But it's just not the same. And the value is not there. Our spritzes were half full (at $15 a piece). I ordered the tortoloni, which to me seemed just like ravioli, and I only got five (for $30!). We also ordered a chicken cutlet wrapped in prosciutto and it just fell flat. The one yummy dish was a stuffed sardine appetizer. Overall pretty lackluster food. It's a cute restaurant inside and service was attentive. read more

Warm lighting, close tables, the kind of room that makes you want to order another glass of wine before you've finished the first. This is a classic Italian neighborhood spot done right -- unpretentious, cozy, and genuinely welcoming in a way that feels earned rather than designed. The pastas are solid, though portions run a little small -- a sign of the times, most likely. The mains are where the kitchen really delivers. The lamb shank and pork chop both came out beautifully cooked: the kind of careful, unhurried execution that reminds you why Italian comfort food earned its reputation. Eating here feels like a meal at an Italian grandmother's table -- a fictional one, granted, but one who really knows what she's doing. The only friction is a persistent one: cash only. In 2026, it's the kind of policy that makes an otherwise easy recommendation suddenly require a detour to the ATM. It doesn't ruin the meal, but it does cost them a star and maybe considering another restaurant that takes Apple Pay. Come hungry, come with cash, and you'll leave happy. read more

Great place. Pros: It seemed like the bartender (possibly owner?) knew many of the patrons, and was a very convivial environment. The service was very friendly and they used a lot of Italian words - we were unsure, though, if everyone was Italian. I thought my husband's pork ragu noodles were really good. Cons: I was slightly disappointed by the kale salad, which had some leaves too overripe, but was nicely seasoned. Service was ok, although sometimes the staff seemed too busy chatting to take our order. read more

Gennaro Restaurant - Kale salad - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Great local spot- amazing service and really nice ambiance this is a great location either for an alone time or for date night. Really good food excellent service very expensive staff you won't be disappointed. read more

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I was here with my parents and some close friends of ours for dinner. I had never been to this restaurant, but our friends had been dining there for a long time and they highly recommended it. I love Italian food so I was really looking forward to the meal. I ended up splitting my appetizer and entre with my dad. I ordered burrata, and the rigatoni, and both were delicious. My dad ordered an appetizer with tuna and the gnocchi and that was good too. I loved the flavors, and I loved the burrata. Burrata is one of my favorite cheeses and I was excited to see it on the menu. The leftovers went pretty quickly, which was not a surprise. Overall I loved my dining experience, and I'm surprised that this was my first time here because it was so good. I don't come here that often but I think I need to change that. read more

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Delicious Italian food! Love this local spot. Came here with a cousin that lives in the area and enjoyed the ambiance and the pasta. Great place to go for date night or with friends. The service was so friendly and accommodating, our food came out quickly as well! Pasta was delicious, as well as the shrimp salad that we enjoyed! The pastas on the menu seem to be very creative/unique and I would love to come back and try more of them! read more

Gennaro Restaurant - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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My sister and I ate here with my son on May 11, 2026. We had a WONDERFUL MEAL! All three of us ordered completely different meal, from start to finish. We tasted each other's courses and all were EXCELLENT! Thank you Gennaro! read more

Gennaro is such a wonderful person and makes you feel at home every time you eat at his restaurant, which is beautiful inside with a cozy vibe! What can I say about the food? It's incredibly delicious every time I come here. Look at the photos; I don't think they need much explanation!! This is a must stop if you're in NYC read more

I love this mom and pop Italian restaurant! It's been in the Upper West Side neighborhood for about 30 yrs.. Atmosphere is perfect. Not too loud at all, clean, dimly lit and the temperature is always comfortable. The food is amazing! All my guests who I bring there enjoy their meals. My favorite go to is their chicken parmigiana... It's so amazingly delicious to me. Thinly sliced chicken and the cheese blend they use is all that. Along with the Cacio E Pepe you won't be mad.. I also enjoy the Crème Brûlée dessert as well! In any case, whatever you decide to order, I'm sure you'll enjoy your meal and experience. Hope this helped you! read more

Gennaro Restaurant - Chicken Parmigiana and Cacio e pepe! - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Excellent service, warm and charming atmosphere. The focaccia was heavenly. I had one of the specials, a pea ravioli - delicious! The polenta was over the top, like dessert. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal at this Upper West Side gem. read more

Gennaro Restaurant - Excellent olive oil - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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All around fabulous old world restaurant. Everything is great! Highly underrated restaurant!

Cute local Italian restaurant with good pastas and decent portions. Service is a bit brusque but overall friendly. Keep in mind the restaurant is cash-only. read more

I've noticed over the years that "home cooked" is quite a loaded term. When I say something tastes home cooked, it is the highest compliment: My mother was and is a phenomenal chef and we grew up nourished by the food she made for us with love. But sometimes the term "home cooked" seems almost pejorative: "XYZ tasted like home cooked" -- e.g unsophisticated and lacking in finesse. The food at Gennaro tastes home cooked in all its connotations. Fancy fare it is not, but it leaves you feeling warm and nourished, and we found the overall experience to be greater than the sum of its parts. We tried a number of starters and the insalata di cavoletti di bruxelles ($18.50; shredded Brussels sprouts with pecorino, hazelnuts, bottarga, and radish) was easily my favorite. Bottarga was there in only trace amounts at least that I could detect (perhaps contributing to the yellowish shade of dressing), but the umami in this dish was quite present, and the lovely textural contrasts. Crispy hazelnuts paired nicely with pleasantly al dente, bitter-sweet shredded sprouts, crisp-neutral jicama and crisp-bitter radish. This rainbow of textures and rich-but-light preparation really, really made me happy. There was a special bean soup made with pureed red or black beans, with some spaghetti swimming around, which was fine in my view (not as good as my own black bean soup IMHO ;). The Pardner enjoyed the thin, lightly textured soup very much, though, probably in part because we'd had a long, active day, and were ravenous and cold. Child 1 enjoyed the spaghetti alla chitarra ($19.50; fresh pasta with basil, garlic, olive oil, and cherry tomatoes), which was of course quite simple, but nicely prepared. Everything was in balance, the pasta pleasantly al dente. Child 2 had a lasagne bolognese special ($20ish range), which was rustic and enjoyable. I believe that the dish included no cheese; it was pasta layered with flavorful bolognese sauce that tasted -- yes -- homemade. I thought my scallops special (in the $20-$25 range IIRC) was just so-so: a few smallish sea scallops nicely browned (in olive oil, not butter), served over a soupy-ish cassoulet-like red bean preparation. For me, this hearty appetizer was substantial enough to be a meal, and I somewhat enjoyed it. The scallops were reasonably fresh and nicely seared. But I would've enjoyed the dish more had the beans not been so darn over-salted. I know it's a matter of personal preference, but I like my beans just a touch softer, as well. The Pardner loved his salsiccia con broccoli de rabe e polenta ($21.50; grilled Italian sweet sausage with broccoli rabe and polenta). I loved the rich, creamy polenta and the pleasantly bitter rabe to cut / balance the richness. I declined his offer to share some of the sausage, but it seemed juicy and he ate it with great appreciation. Of course I had to stuff some vegetables into my children. A side of spinaci ($10.50; sauteed with garlic and oil) fit the bill perfectly. The large plate of beautifully made, silky, garlicky spinach was almost identical to what we make at home (when we don't mess it up!). Our bottle of Montepulciano was reasonably priced and likeable for those who enjoy new-world style reds. This one was atypical of the varietal in that it was not very "chewy" or tannic at all. Not the best with scallops, but it did go quite nicely with the sausage and buttery polenta, reasonably well with the pastas. We loved the complimentary bread in a bag that this restaurant was still gracious enough to bring at the start of the meal, which included a focaccia-like bread (but non oily) and pane carasau, a thin flatbread of Sardinian origin that isn't at all easy to find at Italian restaurants, generally. What a nice touch! Pleasant servers (all of whom seemed to be of Desi descent, interestingly), airy outdoor seating area. The indoor digs were very old school, with scenic Italian murals painted on the walls -- a good place to bring the parents or grandparents, perhaps. Would appreciate cleaner bathrooms. Glad to have this in the neighborhood! read more

HOSPITALITY AND CONSISTENCY!! The benchmarks for all great restaurants, even more important than the food itself. This gem of an Italian restaurant specializing in Sicilian style cooking has been doing those exact deeds since 1996. That alone should speak volumes about this establishment. The owner/chef Gennaro is passionate about his food. Being a lover of Sicilian cuisine, I was wowed by his Caponata( ever so slightly sweetened eggplant appetizer) and Sicily's Chief pasta dish... Bucatini Con Sarde....a thick walled spaghetti with fresh sardines, raisins, and wild fennel. A taste and texture sensation for the soul. My dining friend ordered a half order of a different pasta which he left the bowl so clean that the dish could have been put back on the shelf. His main course was a pounded breaded veal chop with salad on the top. The veal chop was the size of Rhode Island and was moist, flavorful and satisfyingly memorable. Our waiter was intuitively available on a moments thought and answered all our food questions with an inviting attitude. My friend and I had not dined together for many years and our waiter seemed to pick up on that and never bothered us unless he was needed. The timing of the food was well tuned and the room had a good vibe especially for a Monday night. It had been too many years since I had been there last, but rest assured I will be back soon. I live in Northern NJ and only wish Gennaro was in my town. This is a true labor of love establishment. The owner cares about his food preparations and the restaurant has a welcoming, warm and alive feeling about it. You will leave with a fond memory of the dinner and hopefully in three hours you will burp and get to taste that glorious food againLOL. read more

A cash only restaurant that the waiter said they didn't have change of a $20 but he thought the change he gave us was appropriate. I could keep going.... read more

So-so service and food. Staff did not come by once after food was delivered. Paltry portion of meat sauce.

We've been coming here for thirty years and many of the staff still works here, so it's got a loyal following. The ambiance is a cozy and warm and the food is always delicious, traditional Italian dishes. read more

Another FABULOUS take out meal from Gennaro! Their ricotta stuffed ravioli with sage/butter - out of this world. And the fusilli with pork ragu was excellent - fragrant and flavorful with just enough delicate pork. We also split an order of sweet Italian sausage with creamy polenta and broccoli rabe. We split all three dishes for such a satisfying Friday meal. Dessert -- cannoli and flourless chocolate cake with homemade whipped cream. Cannoli was perfect - the shell nice and crispy and the filling had a subtle orange tang. The flourless chocolate cake was the best I've had. We thoroughly enjoyed every bite. And the meal arrived earlier than expected. We highly recommend Gennaro any time you'd like an amazing dinner to arrive on your doorstep. read more

Gennaro Restaurant - My husband and I split the ricotta ravioli with sage, fusilli with pork ragu, and sweet Italian sausage with polenta and broccoli rabe. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

We were getting together with friends, and I ordered food to be delivered. It was our first time ordering from Gennaro. I ordered half a roast duck and got what seemed to be two not very big legs. Some of it was tough. There was almost no breast. But there was plenty of not-crisp skin. The mashed potatoes that came with it were more cream than potatoes. I would have preferred polenta. This is, after all, an Italian restaurant. The dish was very unsatisfying and unappealing. Two of us got the lamb shank, which was good. When I called the restaurant the next day to complain, the person I spoke to was incredibly rude and told me that what I got was not what I indeed got and that it was wonderful. I was really looking forward to this meal and am very disappointed that it didn't work out. read more

Really good, honest and authentic UWS neighborhood place. Our party of 7 were served beautifully and all were happy with our meal. Terrific homemade pastas, vast wine selection and specialty entrees like lamb shank braised in red wine was great. My veal Milanese was very enjoyable as was our linguine and shrimp with garlic and oil appetizer. Be prepared to pay cash btw and no full bar...wine and beer only. read more

I noticed a Michelin star sign on their door from 2018 which was surprising considering the ambiance alone. When we arrived, the restaurant had plastic wrapped all on the outside and hanging off of the store front where the name is. The inside looked very outdated almost like your grandma's living room and smelled like a vintage store. read more

The food is outstanding. Old world Italian, especially the pasta dishes. A lot of options and the prices are good. Service was also very efficient. Wait staff could not have been friendlier. The restaurant itself is also very charming. The one MAJOR objection has to do with payment. Gennaro's claims it now takes credit cards, but they won't split the bill on two cards. The waiter said they use the Square for payment, and so they would only accept ONE card. How ridiculous is this. How does a restaurant with great food and service SCREW up on something fundamental in the restaurant industry? Gennaro's: Please come into the 21st century!! read more

Disappointed. While the wait staff was fun and entertained us along with the other locals, this long-standing restaurant has reopened its doors with outdoor and indoor dining. I've eaten here several times but tonight was just blah and hefty prices for what you get... We did have two glasses of mediocre house wine and fresh Italian bread that came in a white paper bag -- not rustic or Roman with a crispy crust -- it arrived at the table accompanied by a small dish of olive oil. The least they could do is warm up the bread before plopping the paper bag on the table. My dinner date and I were entertained by the servers and nearby diners (regulars) while we looked over the menu and specials. We both love fennel and citrus so we started with the special Fennel, Blood Orange and Olive Salad. It was fresh but not outstanding and the portion for the price was shockingly tiny. Minusculo! It was served on a plate that wouldn't feed a baby or a bird. We then ordered the Penne al Pomodoro Picante. The sauce was okay but nothing like my Italian mother's tomato sauce and worst of all crimes, it was made with BOX PASTA! The price on that dish is a whopping $18.00. We would have stayed for dessert but by then, we were so disappointed and suffering from the lack of quality and inflated prices, we left the restaurant short of cash for food that we could get in a pizza parlor. It's also important to note that we were told that it is "Cash Only" at the end of the meal and not when we were seated. A whole production ensued at the very end to settle our bill with a debit card. Shameful! I understand that restaurants are starting to reopen and costs are high to own and operate them, however, this experience was mediocre at best and way overpriced. I'll think twice before returning. Genarro has been in the neighborhood for a long time but it's simply not the same place. It will take a while for me to give them another chance or recommend this establishment. read more

Gennaro Restaurant - Weak fennel and blood orange salad. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Buon appetito! Cash Only. This local upper west side italian restaurant has got it all going on. When you walk in you will notice the dim lighting and a long bar to wait at before you are seated. They do not take any reservation so if you do not want to wait I suggest going early I went at 6:00pm on a saturday and there were a few tables left so we got seated right away but by 7:30pm when we left it was packed and a short wait. It is worth the wait and you will see why this is a local favorite. The were nice candle lit white cloth tables to give somewhat of a romatic vibe with the dim lighting and the waiters with the accent is a nice touch. Our waiter was Daniel or so it said on the receipt and he was very attentive and helpful in ordering. We got the special for an appetizer which was the burrata over tomatoes and it was perfect the cheese was not to gooey or watery and each bite was so rich and delicious. For the main course the grilled chicken with stuffed cheese and zucchini over mashed potatoes and spinach was mouth watering with every bite and the cacio y pepe was good with the thicker noodles and it was nice that it came out already split for the two of us. For the appetizer we got the chocolate flourless cake which was amazingly rich and decadent and made you wanting more. In short: - Cash Only - Delicious Italian food - Fair Wine Bottle Prices - Great for a date - Delicious Chocolate Flourless cake - Local Favorite - Great Service read more

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Solid Old School Italian joint. Cash only, and the ATM across the street gives only $10s so we paid with basically 27 $10s. Pretty hilarious, curious what line of business the waiter thinks we are in. Scores? Ricks? ha, I kid I kid. Great ambiance. Just the right lighting. Nice spot to have a cozy meal with great conversation. We ordered LOTS of things, the stars for me were the burrata, sardines, mussels and an off menu pasta creation we did with orchette. Mmmmmmmm! Also a nice wine list that didn't break the bank. Add in a helping of excellent service and you've got a wonderful dining experience. I can see why Gennaro's is a neighborhood institution. read more

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The food here very good Service was excellent did I say the food was too Hidden gem Amsterdam and the 80s Grilled Octopus Polenta top with mushrooms Ravioli read more

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Always excellent. They gave both the standards in the menu and innovative new offerings. I have been here over a dozen times and always have a difficult time deciding which appealing item to order and then have a wonderful meal. read more

This place and the FOOD lives up to long lines and the hype. It's southern med Italian and these guys know how to do it! It's a comfortable neighborhood spot wi th is exceptional food. read more

As soon as I mentioned a desire for Italian food, my friends perked up and said we should head to Gennaros for dinner. Apparently seating is usually tough on busy nights, but since it was a Monday night, we were able to get seated outdoors right away. Our waiter Mike (an absolute gentleman) served us bread and olive oil with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to start. Bread was phenomenal, and the olive oil they serve here really puts my whole foods one to shame. After shamelessly downing 2 refills of complimentary bread, I ordered pasta Aglio e Olio and some white wine to pair with per Mikes recommendation. Food was well worth the wait, as the linguini in the Aglio e Olio was fresh and cooked to al dente perfection. Two bites in, I realized how all my attempts of cooking Aglio e Olio at home were utterly embarrassing, as Gennaros showed me how well one can roast garlic to incorporate a subtle yet prominent flavor in the pasta. There was a generous amount of olive oil, but it surprisingly wasn't overwhelming at all. The white wine had a nice tang which paired well with the pasta, and I am thoroughly glad I now know what a well cooke Aglio e Olio pasta should taste like. I will definitely be back to taste the seafood pasta selection on the menu :) read more

Gennaro Restaurant - Aglio e Olio - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

This place is a very solid 4 stars, maybe 4.5 The food was outstanding, and if restaurants were reviewed solely on this basis, Gennaro would get 5 stars. Or 6. I thought the menu was extraordinarily creative, and incorporated seasonal ingredients in a way that most restaurants only pay lip service to. I suspect the chef has some autonomy to write the menu as s/he sees fit, using whatever ingredients are fresh and in season, and this is a good thing. The chef is to be commended. What was not perfect for me was the service. Or rather, the manager, I guess he was, Italian dude, who ran around barking loudly at the other staff. He was also my server, and in that respect, he was a failure-- unhelpful, inattentive, and cranky. But he wasn't interested in service to customers, he was interested in strutting around like a cocky rooster yelling at everyone else. Perhaps it is cultural, but here at a restaurant in NYC that bills itself as fine dining, I doubt too many customers appreciate all of his cockiness and barking at the staff, which was disrespectful. It really was off-putting. So listen up General Manager, your food is great, but keep your folks in check, because your floor staff can ruin it for you, despite the best efforts of the kitchen staff. read more

Decided to venture out on a Saturday night in the city and came upon Gennaro. We first sat at the bar for a quick drink, note this is not a full bar, just wine and beer but plenty of choices. Eventually sat down for dinner. Had the Tuscan salad, fresh, tasty and boy would I order that again. This was then followed by ossobucco and seafood risotto. The ossobucco was so tender and served with garlic mash. I almost liked the plate it was that good. The seafood risotto was good although the amount of seafood was somewhat disappointing. But flavor was definitely there. And to finish it all off, a flourless chocolate cake with a double espresso. Perfect dinner and if I am ever near by I would definitely come again. But please note come early as after sitting here for 1.5hrs there is a line out the door waiting for a table. Enjoy!!! read more

Hidden Gem - Undervalued! What a wonderful restaurant/experiance. My wife and I are so lucky to have this in our neighborhood!. Some, may say this is a simple neighborhood restaurant. That would be true - but it simply would not capture the aspects that meld to make this a fantastic place to dine. The atmosphere is alive with others like us who have been time and again and love the company of fans of True Italian Cuisine. The wait staff are experienced and professional. No waste of time like saying "Hi my name is BOB and I will be your server - which to me, sounds like... I know nothing about the meal you are about to get". At Gennaro's you get a pro who knows the history of each dish and help to select a delicious wine that compliments the food. Gennaro's Eggplant Parm is exquisite. Notice the silkiness of each bite and balance of flavors. The pastas taste as if they were boiled in Italy and magically transported to your table piping hot but not overcooked. The Kale salad may be a departure from old world Italy but the balsamic is sweet yet bright and rich with layers. If there is Lamb available .... Get it! Sure, this is a simple restaurant - just like a Ducati or Maserati or Lamborghini is a good way to get to point B. Magnificence is the culmination of many parts refined over the course of long history coalescing in elegant harmony. ITALY is a way of life and it is right here in NYC! If you are lucky you will meet Gennaro - he may quietly say - "Si- It's good food" but look into his eye and you will see and wry smile and the heritage and pride he built into your meal and the experiance. Keeping it simple.... Just go and Go Again. See you there! JT (the one with a Lemoncello or a Grappa and a big smile on his head) read more

Low key neighborhood restaurant. Great Italian food with friendly staff. The grilled calamari appetizer was awesome. While the menu is well rounded, just wait for the daily specials...I would recommend going with one of those. Please note: They are a cash only establishment. (Really no opportunity to earn points?!) read more

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My friend wanted to come here for her birthday and raved about how this place has great duck. Being that I love duck, I happily obliged. The area surrounding this restaurant is low key sketchy, but once you're inside the restaurant, it's nice. We ordered the burrata salad and octopus appetizer. Both were really good. Also the crunchy bread was perfectly warm and toasty, great with the burrata. For my main, I had the lamb chops and shared with my friend who ordered the duck. Our host shared with us that the duck is flavored with moscato, which sounded unique. Both were delicious, but slight edge to the lamb chops which were seasoned to perfection with fresh black pepper. The mashed potatoes and spinach were also yummy. Another selling point of this restaurant is the bathroom was clean. A+ All in all, I would definitely come back here if in the area. read more

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I have not been except for take out a few months ago and dinner a few years ago. Dinner there was not good a few years ago, and it was not good tonite. the service is similar to a cheap diner. It is not good. The food was mostly not good. The pasta was ok....cacio e pepe with not enough cheese. My entree was not good cornish hen with no sauce. The Affogato which was expensive was not affogato. It was ice cream not gelato, hardly any esperesso and just not very good at all. It was not worth it at all. The prices are high so at least there should be good service and good food. too bad. We live in the neighbohood.... read more

Simple and delicious Italian food. Great service and cozy ambience. The eggplant and ricotta pasta was really good and we also got a great tiramisu for dessert. read more

After hearing many times about this restaurant we decided to give it a try - in short, the food was a bit pricey but good, however the service was rushed and outright rude. I'm astonished that our particular waiter would be allowed to keep his job. Rushed to decide our choices (despite several open tables), forgetting who ordered what and just placing the food in front of the wrong person (there were only 2 of us), repeatedly asking if I would like some wine (I declined repeatedly and said I prefer water), rudely pushing me aside when I returned to the table after washing my hands before dinner and we came face to face navigating between tables, handing the check to my wife and the asking if we need change (gave 2 $100 bills for an $89 total - really? You really think your tip was intended to be $111?), then not returning with my change - and then bringing only $20 bills when I asked for change. Was he trying to force a $31 tip (the $11 plus a $20) ? I'd go back to explore their menu but if he were my waiter again I'd just walk out. read more

Honestly, some of the best gnocchi I have ever had, highly recommended. The burrata was fresh, light and incredibly balanced. Each bite was like a nice cool spring day. Honestly you can't go wrong with any pasta at this place. The Pinot noir is a great selection as well, balanced well with the food. And get the tiramisu! It's like a flavorful cloud in your mouth. read more

First visit, very impressed. Extensive menu, everything cooked in a very down-home style, utterly satisfying. Handy to Symphony Space for a pre-concert dinner. White asparagus appetizer, with fried egg, was outstanding. Monkfish special is recommended. Be sure to give careful consideration to the specials. Excellent, attentive service. Will be back. read more

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