Da Gennaro — Restaurant in New York

Unmemorable yet worthwhile.

It's difficult to find a distinct description for this place other than "does not excite, does not offend." It falls into the category of establishments where you have a pleasant time, enjoy decent food, but won't find yourself remembering its name weeks later. That being said, it doesn't mean it's not worth a visit.

We stumbled upon this place for a Friday dinner with a couple of friends and opted to sit outside on the curb. If the weather is good and you appreciate being part of the bustling street life, I would recommend doing the same.

Initially, I had intended to have wine, but I was discouraged by the lack of description of the available options. Simply listing the names of various varieties without any additional information raised a red flag for me. Instead, I decided to try a cocktail, and I must say, the Frozen Italian Margarita with tequila, amaretto, and limoncello was an absolute delight. It was one of the best frozen drinks I've had this year.

As for the food, it was decent. The thin pizzas were tasty, generously topped, but lacked seasoning with salt and pepper. The same can be said for the bruschetta—they became quite flavorful once I added some salt and pepper. On the downside, the bread provided was stale, not exactly a great introduction to further meal courses.

The service was okay - neither distant nor overly friendly, simply doing their jobs. You get decent food for decent money - that's the deal, plus you get to enjoy a lively neighborhood on the side.

Visited in June....

Well after taking a look at several places to eat in Little Italy, (and being aggressively courted by assorted hosts) we saw an old school Italian building on the corner that was Da Gennaro, looked like a possibility. The host Douglass was engaging and his softer sell closed the deal. Best decision of our trip. We were given a great table that got our ladies out of the wind, but yet allowed us to take in the sights and sounds of the street as well. The host Douglass (not Sal or Giuseppe!) came by to check on us more than once, and I have to say the blood orange martini was the best I have ever had. All the food was great, and the octopus appetizer was especially good with a lighter presentation. What was going to be a quick snack, drifted into a full meal ending in a dessert course of Expresso Martinis, Cannolis and some Pistachio ice cream concoction that was mind blowing. I guess the best review I can give is that we liked the place enough to come back for a second meal two days later returning from the Statue of Liberty. Again all the food was top notch. Next time we are in NYC, we will make sure to stop by again! A family run place with the old school atmosphere we were looking for. The attention from the host Douglass made us feel like we were instant regulars. Good food, and great location, and the vibe of old school...

Da Genaro’s Ristorante is a hidden gem in the heart of New York! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and the cozy, welcoming feel of a true Italian family restaurant. The ambiance is charming—intimate enough for a romantic dinner, but still lively for a family outing or a night out with friends.

The food? Absolutely delicious. Every dish we tried tasted fresh, authentic, and made with love. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the sauces were rich and full of flavor. The Linguine alle Vongole and Chicken Parmigiana were standouts—generous portions and beautifully presented. Their homemade tiramisu is also a must-try—light, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Service was excellent. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, and you could tell they take pride in what they do. We felt truly taken care of from start to finish. Thank you Castro from Prishtina and thank you Victor!

Whether you’re a local or just visiting the city, Da Genaro’s is worth a stop. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel at home and keeps you coming...