Highly recommend this restaurant. The food portions were filling, service was excellent and the ambiance top notch. This restaurant was recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed. Parking is valet and tight so we were grateful to have someone take care of that. Highly recommend the calamari... the BEST we've ever had! read more

La Ginestra Restaurant - Ribeye - Italian Near Me - Glen Cove, New York

See all

The only reason im not leaving 1 star is because the staff is nice, but the food portions are tiny and the cost is way too high. Half a lettuce head of Cesar for $20, and the shrimp/calamari dish has 2 shrimp in it. I'm surprised this place is still open. read more

We reserved the private room upstairs for my son's 50th birthday. We had 16 people. It was perfect. The food and service was great. The table was set and the waiter and staff were very accommodating. Would definitely recommended if you are looking for an intimate private family dinner. read more

La Ginestra Restaurant - Table set with my decorations. - Italian Near Me - Glen Cove, New York

It's been many years since our last visit to La Genestra. We had a lovely time with friends. The best compliment I can give them is I didn't send back the food or get food poising. I'm not a fan but I'm very picky about my food. I won't encourage or discourage a visit. There are many better choices in the area. read more

Best part of the restaurant is the staff, they are incredible. Started with drinks which I hate to say we're not properly made. Apps and main courses were good but there are much better Italian restaurants around. read more

Venue is loud and small Valet is a one person show and takes too long Owner/manager cannot handle overflow of people We spent $$$$ as we were conversing the owner asked us to leave so he could accommodate more people A diner would never ask a patron to leave obviously he doesn't need our money read more

Solid food. Love the flavor of their meat, chicken and fish from the grill. Always juicy and cooked to perfection. Gotta love their in house made chocolate mousse and Napoleon made fresh to order. Also love their grilled calamari appetizer read more

Very Good. One of the best Italian restaurants on Long Island. I had the spaghetti with meatballs amazing. We also got the cheese raviolis with Mariana sauce delicious.Everything else we got in the pictures we're absolutely delicious. read more

See all

I came here on a few recommendations from friends who live in Long Island.. I gave them 4 stars based on the food, the host who made an accommodation when I didn't notice that I chose Sunday instead of Saturday on the Open Table app and I was all the way out near Glen Cove when I called to confirm. My waitress Julie was a 2 or 3 and was an acquired taste. The restaurant appears to be a converted house and was warm and inviting. They have valet parking with a nice bar. We had a very good table and everyone accept for our waitress was on the ball. The problem with Julie was she presumed that I had come to the restaurant before. She had a puzzled look when I asked her about specials saying "we have thousands". REALLY??? At one point towards the end of the meal she stood talking to 2 or 3 other tables that were regulars. She was with one for almost 10, minutes just talking crap while we were waiting to order desert and tea. That's just RUDE!! I hope the manager and owner read this because that behavior can destroy a business. She never asked how the food was after the runner put the food down. There was another waiter who came by who was great. He was outgoing, served us bread, refilled the water which our waitress did not do. The food was excellent although I am not sure I would make a trip from Bay Ridge Brooklyn for that type of service. We started with the grilled Calamari and Eggplant Lasagna which were outstanding. The main course Filet of Sole called Sogliina Ginestra and the Lamb chops Costoletta De Agnello were very good. The vegetables that accompanied them could have been prepared better. The string beans were dark and steamed. I had a glass of Pinot Noir that was flavorful and not expensive. The Napoleon for desert t was great as well. I would recommend them although if you get Julie ask for a different server or you will probably be disappointed. read more

See all

Great food chef is old school some of the dishes he makes my grandmother used to make it just brings me back . Service is great from the Bar till you are seated. The place is very clean owner is always updating something every year love the valet parking that a plus read more

Food is very good , prices are a little high. But for a nice night out I would recommend. Not a everyday spot but good for a special night out read more

Nice spot in Glen Cove for Italian food. Quiet restaurant that feels like you're sitting at home. We were a party of 4 on a relatively quiet Friday night. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. We had a minor mishap halfway thru our meal which required us to be moved to a different table. Sh*t happens - the staff was very quick to get us reseated! We started with calamari in tomato sauce. For entrees we shared chicken parm, chicken and sausage in balsamic and a pasta with sausage and rabe. Everything was delicious! Chicken and sausage was my favorite...it's the second time I've tried this dish and it's just as good as I remember. Definitely worth a try! For dessert we had the chocolate tartufo which was awesome if you're a chocolate lover. I'll definitely be back to explore the rest of this menu! read more

See all

My husband and I took some close friends to celebrate a birthday here . When we arrived at 6 pm it wasn't to busy . Manny the waiter was personable and attentive in every way . We started off with nice Pinot Noir . Appetizers were orders lasagna ,spicy calamari , Prosciutto and figs . and there house salad . Calamari was chewy and sauce was tangy . Lasagna was pretty good , The appetizers were literally served on bread plates so skimpy . I ordered a salad separately. I could not believe it was literally 5 forkfuls . At this time around 7 the place is getting busy . We ordered our Entree . We didn't get the food until 30 min later . (2 )Veal chop , Grilled swordfish , Calf's liver and onions . Veal chops were tender smothered with onions to hide size of the chop . 4 bites and they give you a ONE roasted potato . My husbands swordfish was sliced super thin , it looked dried out but he said it wasn't . My friend ordered the calf's liver he seemed to like it . On to desserts, at this time the place is close to packed and noisy . For desert i asked the waiter to put a candle in the napoleon for my friends birthday . Italian cheesecake which was the best I ever had . It's usually dry most places and Tiramisu. The Italian cheesecake was the star , the other deserts were good , not a Omg ! moment . The food was ok not worthy of its prices . After we ate , I discreetly paid the bill by the bar and gave a generous tip to our waiter. Ten minutes after I paid the bill , the owner comes to the table ,and asks my husband in front of our guests, "Buddy, We need you to leave we have people waiting for a table ". We all looked at each other mortified . I just paid over 500 dollars for a meal that was not even great . Very rude and tasteless . . If your customers are waiting for a table then sit them at the bar and give them a complimentary drink for the wait . What does that cost.!!!!We won't be coming back anytime soon .. Do yourself a favor ig your going to drop 500 dollars go to Parkside in Corona or Chris and Toni's in Syosset . You will even have food to come home with ! And save some $$. Way overpriced and not great !!! read more

This is definitely a 'neighborhood' type restaurant - owners are present most nights and the servers are familiar and unpretentious. Crowd is mostly local, either from Glen Cove or neighboring Locust Valley. The ambience is warm...nothing fancy but welcoming; building is an old house and one has the feeling of being in a dining room of an affluent relative. The restaurant is packed most weekend nights...getting busy after 7pm. Food if always good...no exception on our last visit: we shared the eggplant lasagna (basically eggplant parm) and the roasted artichokes to start. I had the stuffed pork chop as an entree...which was quite delicious. A little salty for my liking but the pork was perfectly cooked. read more

La Ginestra Restaurant - Artichoke appetizer - Italian Near Me - Glen Cove, New York

See all

Upon entry, you receive a warm welcome to the dining area. The waiter was very attentive in all aspects of the meal. I highly recommend this place to those who would desire a true authentic Italian experience. read more

Good food and fine service from Manny the waiter. He is knowledgeable and helpful. The food is well done and consistent.

Outstanding, very classy, and they have valet parking. Highly recommend for traditional Italian classics

Outstanding food!!! Great Service. Nice decor. It gets a bit loud, when it's a busy night though... it's not cheap, but it is absolutely worth the expense once in a while!! One of the best things on the menu is the pasta with mushroom sauce. OMG, so good! read more

Enzo and Gus are consummate hosts in their elegant dining Italian restaurant. Reservations are always honored within minutes of arrival, with warm greetings from their valet, both hosts, wait and bar staff. Gus seats us with Manny, our favorite waiter, and returns with our usual beverage while we get comfortable with our table and peruse the menu we can recite by memory, but scan specials for the evening. The word "specials" at La Ginestra is an understatement as everything here is special! Atmosphere is intimate, lively, bustling, and filled with laughter, good conversation, and guests visiting others as the crowd will often contain lots of folks who have been welcomed as well and often as we have. Everyone here is treated like family, the family that you want to surround yourself with. Recently Enzo, in his white chef's jacket, sat down at a neighboring table of family who were enjoying a family style service with him, and he filled a plate of pasta and delicious sauce for me to share . . . not ordered or requested, just given! Bread sticks are homemade . . . always delicious and a great sign of the goodness to follow. Our app faves include Grilled Artichokes (a special that is so special and literally a meal in and of itself), Eggplant Lasagna with rich tomato sauce, Pappardelle Ai Funghi . . . rich broad fresh and homemade bands of pasta in a thick brown gravy with plentiful mushrooms, a wide variety of salads to choose from, and modifications are welcome as per your palate on any given evening. Our main course faves include Salmon, Shrimps Orreganate, Shrimps Marinara over Broccoli Rabe, Veal Milanese topped with a fresh chopped garden salad and mozzarella, Pollo Valdostano, and some of the best Grilled Veal Chops topped with peppers, onions, and mushrooms that you can find anywhere . . . long bone and all! Everything is cooked to perfection, and all you do is share how you would like it done, and they never fail. Desserts are to die for . . Napolean and chocolate mousse! La Ginestra is a winner! read more

Oh my goodness what an incredible meal! I grew up in glen cove but moved to Cali 8 years ago, still visit home frequently and finally tried this restaurant (crazy I know). My husband and I absolutely enjoyed the delicious meal, seafood, pasta, dessert and wine were incredible. Our server was so sweet and gave wonderful recommendations! Forgot how lucky Long Islanders are when it comes to food since Cali Italian food just can't compare! Can't wait to come back on our next trip! read more

Really do not know why they keep reviews from 2014 from people who had personal issues. 2022- service was amazing, food was amazing. We ordered the calimari appetizer whichwas fantastic, the salmon with arugula and lentils was delicious and the rest of my group raved about their chicken and their pork dishes. Great wine, great service. Will be back read more

My husband and I went here for dinner late on Thursday and there were plenty of tables. The waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu and all the specials. The food was delicious and we will definitely be returning. read more

See all

I've lived on the north shore of long island for 20 years. If you have read and enjoyed Nelson Demile's book entitled Gold Coast then you will appreciate this restaurant. This is a gem of a restaurant full of character, interest and charm that is unique to this part of Long Island. It is almost a theatre experience to attend because any night will have unique characters present. So go enjoy the delicious food, warm service, and the people watching. Its a joy. Once the owner, manager and staff know you then you will be family. Yes, a menu exists but rarely do we use the menu sticking to the specials or requesting a past special that may not be advertised that evening. My children now order "their special requests" and they make it for them. Then for the truly loyal patrons there are some "secret" offerings. This is a restaurant that could sell tables. I believe that because they have such a loyal following. The food is delicious, unique, and consistent. From their more casual Sunday meatball and spaghetti family dinners to the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening specials you cannot go wrong! It is a special place. Harder to get a table on Friday or Sat but midweek is easier. Mangia! Highlights: Limoncello Napoleon Spaghetti and meatballs Swordfish rolatini Veal milanese Any of the specials.. read more

I'm not a fan of driving to glen cove and believe me it's a hike however very cute restaurant that looks like it's a house from the outside! The service is really good and everyone was super friendly! As far as food pretty on point! Fresh garlic in the meals but def smaller portions for an Italian restaurant! The sausage rabe pasta was excellent. The balsamic chicken was very tasty! The napolean for dessert was spot on! The menu has a decent selection to choose for! Def worth a try! read more

La Ginestra Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Glen Cove, New York

It's great to go to a restaurant for the first time and look at the menu and specials and find many entree's you want to order. That was what happened to my party. I had the linguine Mariciara w/ shrimp and it was excellent. Mid week so dining room sound at a level that you could talk. We will be back. read more

Really good meal and attentive service. No reservation on a busy Friday night and they were able to seat us, valet my car and serve a fantastic and leisurely meal. Excellent drinks and tasty meals. New to the area and this restaurant is a must go for Glen Covers. read more

For the past 20+ years I have dined at La Ginestra. Enzo and Gus have put their heart and soul into every aspect. They have weathered tough times, and have always remained truly genuine and passionate. Yes at times, we all can fall short of 100% perfection....they are human, and sometimes the road, throws some bumps ....this is part of life....But when all is said and done, La Genestra has stood the test of time restaurant and is 1st class in my book! I recommend it highly, and hope I can still get reservations after this review...lol read more

This place is the absolute bomb! Simple put, if you know what real top notch Italian food is, than go here, you will be ecstatic. if you dont know what top notch Italian food is, dont waste your time. your just not worthy! Its amazing! read more

I'm proud to be the first one to review this establishment. First off, I'd like the start this review by saying that the owners, waiters, valets, etc. here have become like family to me. My family has been coming here for about 4 years and we still receive the same great/quick service and familiar smiling faces each time we go out for family dinner. This place, in short, is a neighborhood establishment. Every Sunday (and only on Sundays), the chefs prepare only around 70 meatballs and a traditional Italian marinara. I personally order it with spaghetti because I'm still young at heart, but it can be prepared with any type of pasta available. These meatballs in particular have become very famous to those living in the area and they commonly do run out before dinner service is even half way over. For this in particular, get there early. As for the regular menu, I don't think that there's even a need to open it. It's certainly not that the things featured on the menu aren't good. On the contrary, the food on the menu is incredible, but if you've eaten fine Italian food before, then I'm sure you'd already be familiar with what is featured, with the exception of a few innovative dishes. Instead, just wait for your server to come over and he will tell you all about the very original and new takes on traditional plates that they have daily. If you can't find something incredible from the daily specials, I'd be rather shocked. In short, this is a small, beautiful little restaurant that should not be overlooked. After becoming such a staple for my neighborhood and it's residents, I can't possibly imagine my life without it anymore. Recommendations: Zucchini Flowers (when in season) Mozzarella della casa Pasta primavera (white) Ossobuco (when they have it) Branzino Veal Marsala read more

First disclaimer - we were a party of 24. Second disclaimer - the server making so many mistakes it might have skewed my review. The chef came to talk to us and he was a character but unshaven and slovenly. Sausages - these delicious morsels saved this review from being only 1 star. I would probably go here again to just order grilled, perfectly seasoned, Italian sausages. Better yet - if I could buy them in bulk and ship them to CA! Probably the most perfect Italian sausage I have ever had. Appetizers - nothing really special - we tried most of them. Entrees were nothing really special and I was disappointed in mine as the server had swayed me away from the sausage to get Chicken Saltimboca. Desserts were overly sweet. The waiter brought everyone's cocktail except mine! I made do with water until wine was served with dinner. The assistant server did not know what kind of wine they were serving beyond red or white! At the end of the meal, they brought out a wonderful - my quibble is that when she asked me if I wanted any (I was the last person to be served) and I said only if there was some left in the bottle - no sense in opening a new bottle when we were about to leave - I glanced up and she was opening a new bottle that we did not finish and I am sure we paid for the entire bottle! Also the cardinal sin of servers - my water glass was empty more than it was full! read more

Been going here for years and years and even more years. Top level all the way. Great Italian food - Enzo and Gus have a gem. They will make anything you want and their food simply rocks! Always a million specials in addition to the menu and definitely save room for dessert. read more

Cannot believe it is so hard to get a res here. Standard Italian fare in a cute but very noisy space. This could be so much more, I'm disappointed read more

This neighborhood jewel remains outstanding. We've reviewed it several times before giving them the same ratings, which speaks to their consistency even on their busiest night. We were a table of 4 on a busy Friday evening. We first enjoyed cocktails/wine, the bread basket & Bruschetta. We then started by sharing a Cesar and house salad and 1 of their appetizer specials - all were outstanding. I had the branzino topped with pine nuts, which as usual was great. My husband, who was celebrating his birthday had the veal chop parmigiana (the best ever!) while the other couple had the Veal Scaloppine Alla-Ginestra and a chicken special. As always, there were plenty of leftovers not for lack of loving everything - we were stuffed but did order a slice of Sicilian cheese cake for the birthday boy, which as usual was outstanding. Espresso's and cappuccino's were also enjoyed. Service was on point, as it always seems to be. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable and pleasant. If there were 6 stars instead of 5, they would have earned them all! Highly recommended. read more

The single most greatest dining experience Ive ever had. The valets were more than gentleman and very helpful after I left with directions. Gus and enzo were very polite and down to earth.I would recommend this place to anyone read more

I have ate at this place several times. This place has great food however it's in a bad need of renovation. As much as I love the food there I stopped going there since your reservation never means anything and after waiting more than an hour to be seated they get rude to you if you complain about why you are waiting for an hour when you have a reservation. I would give this place a much higher rating for the food but because of how rude they had been to me it leaves me no choice but to lower my rating. It is unfortunate because I really love the food there but I will never go back read more

Terrible, terrible experience. Never have written bad review, but after up all night- first, the good. Place looks charming; willing to bring soups off menu; biscotti brought gratis with bill. That's all for good. You arrive to a one way valet entrance from busy 45mph Forest ave, if cars coming out, u r down a driveway u have to back out to let them out. Insane and dangerous. Park on street and have to walk all the way around to back. Owner/chef in white jacket greeting you as you arrive - turns out he should have stuck in kitchen. Tables very crowded together and place although looks charming, very, very loud. Our party of 4 yelling the whole night to be heard. Order off wine list (pricey but ok selection) - waiter can't understand wine name - it's a montepulciano - says he doesn't speak Italian (can't make this up). Eventually, we flag down another waiter to take our order. Bread basket, cold, hard.Apps - soups ok, hot and adequate, gnocci bolognase wad very overcooked gnocci and tasty sauce - definitely not worth the average $15 for apps on menu. Table cleared and then, 65 minutes, 3 - 4 where's my food inquiries later, main course shows up. 8pm res and main course arrives at 10. Oops - one of the diners who had specifically asks for no butter, no lemon, gets entree drenched in lemon. Of course no waiter for 15 min so although, eventually, they offer to recook or replace (and do take off bill), waaaay too late. My $38 veal chop (which I asked whether that would be a large chop) comes as about 6oz without bone). We get coffee, I order a decaf espresso, and the last joy of the evening, I learn when I get home and I'm up all night - it's caffeinated. Worth $230 with tip (1 bottle of wine, 3 apps, 3 entree and no desert)? Not in hell read more

We have been going to la Ginestra in it's various locations for many years. Gus and Enzo, the owners, are great guys and treat us like family. The chefs will make pretty much anything you feel like having--the menu is merely a great suggestion! We live part time in NYC, and travel extensively,but ALWAYS come back to la Ginestra for a wonderful dinner in comfortable surroundings. We highly recommend it!! read more

Absolutely fantastic! From start to finish, great customer service, excellent food, and a top notch atmosphere. We had grilled octopus, eggplant lasagna, a veal chop, and calves liver. Everything was great. Manny, our server, was knowledgeable, pleasant, and never pushy. I would come back if Manny would serve us PB &J's, he was that awesome. The place gets very busy after 7:00 on weekends, and now I know why. I will definitely be back, and if you live within 50 miles of Glen Cove, make this a place to visit!! read more

Manhattan prices for decent Italian food served in a house. I dont think so. Not going back.

Good part- food is consistently great- fish, veal and pastas are always winners! Bad part- very small, tables too close together and a nightmare for someone very tall Worst part- the crowd on a fir or sat night- horrible obnoxious and loud so pick your days! Best part- the Napoleon read more