Genaros Restaurant & Pizza — Restaurant in Branford

I write again as the first attempt never made it on to the Internet. I had promised to do so in October, 2017 on my second visit. Con tutto rispetto, as a Tolli's devotee since the 1950's, I must say that Genaro's is an all-around superior experience, although I have not yet tried their pizza (plain-no mozz'). I would give Genaro's six stars if that were possible. On my first visit I was pleasantly surprised at how good the eggplant parm' was-even without a drink as Genaro's lacked a beer & wine license at that time. On my second visit on Friday, October 20th,2017, in town from MA for a party at the Owenego, I was able to swim in the Sound at our beach at Little Bay Lane and then WALK (parking in Short Beach is a challenge) up to Genaro's for an al' fresco dinner that proved that the first iteration was no fluke. Non-native Short Beachers can stay at Kelsey's and walk over also) The Veal Parm' was superb, as was the side of pasta-portion of spaghettini pasta just right sized, as well as the serving of Veal and cooked al'dente and the sauce was at least as good as what I make, if not better-and that is saying a good deal. Bottom line: Genaro's is the best thing going for Italian food on the CT shoreline and best of all, you don't need to deal with East Haven traffic (and cops) if you are on the east end of Branford and plan to go back after dinner-just nip over on 142 and back. Just be aware of parking difficulties-the places are there if you know where to look-and BYOB until such time as they are licensed. Cent'anni da'...

I only go into Gennaros to pick up my order. There isn't much room to dine in with my whole family and be able to have any privacy at the same time but that's just because it's a small restaurant. They have a dots card that every time you make a purchase you scan your card and you build up points for a free topping or free soda with purchase etc. This concept makes me feel better spending my money because atleast Im able to build up for a perk here and there!! The pizza tastes great. I usually get a large pepperoni. I use to get small gluten free pizza but it does not taste as delicious as it use to so hopefully they can do something to fix that up. The steak and cheese sub is decent! All in all the workers are very nice and I like going to pick up my orders at Gennaros very much. Or getting the delivery...

Only reason for a four star is because it was our first time ordering, hoping to bring that to a five star over the next few orders. Ordered a small pepperoni pizza and a calzone, plain bc I like to try the cheese mix to see if it's anything like my family would do. Pizza crust was fantastic. Pizza a little greasy for me but not a big deal, I mean, pepperoni right. Cooked perfectly. Calzone was a little blah but the amount of cheese was good, not over the top. Again, the crust for my liking was fantastic again. The sauce was a bit thin, but reminded me of how my dad makes his sauce, not too heavy. All in all, I look forward to trying more things. Good to know during the summer the kids and I can take a short walk for some...