Gene's Restaurant Reviews

Our party of 5 ate at Gene's last week. We were seated promptly at time of reservation. Service was attentive and timely, no complaints here at all. We chatted at our table for over an hour after dinner without any hint of being asked to open the table for other visitors. Decor was out of the 1940's - apparently not changed since, but clean and welcoming nevertheless. Table spacing very good for relatively quiet dining, an anomaly for NY and a big plus. Restrooms were also out the 1040's - if you weren't handicapped going in, you will be when you leave. Very tight...I could say "cramped" but that might imply you would get them. I was a bit let down with the food. It was no better than adequate, both in size as well as quality. I ordered veal parmigiana - relatively small. You should expect Italian restaurants to excel at sauces. At Gene's, the sauces are OK, not at all exceptional. Prices were perhaps a bit lower than expected for New York City. This is a place where locals go, not necessarily tourists. We would go again but with slightly lowered expectations.

Traditional neighborhood Italian restaurant. Classic service and the food was excellent. I had the mussels and they were great,

What a wonderful restaurant to ring in the New Year with friends. I've walked past this place many times and never had taken the opportunity to eat here. Not until tonight did I realize what I've been missing all of these years! A group of friends invited me to share in their traditional New Year's Eve celebration at Gene's. A great choice. I was truly thrilled with the attentive service and the fabulous food. The Ceasar salad is fantastic as were the Clams Oreganata. A friend had the herring in cream - the portion was really large and he was fascinated by his appetizer. The specials for the evening were DELICIOUS. I had the Duck a la Orange, one friend had the Osso Bucco - both were fantastic. Others at the table had the traditional shrimp or chicken parmigiano's and raved about these standards. Portions are BIG! Do not miss out on this old time, traditional Italian restaurant. You'll love it!

I lived in west village for two years and every time friends and family from out of town visit they always want to go back to Gene's. And they should. You can tell its run by a family and always the same people working there. They always remember a familiar face and make you feel like family (even after moving out of town and come back years later!). And omg pasta!!!! I love salmon but when I first read the description of "salmon a la pana" I was turned off. BOY WAS I WRONG. And then I died and went to heaven when I thought it couldn't get better with dessert. "Profierole" with homemade hot Belgian chocolate poured over ice cream filled delicate light pastry. That first time was in 2006 and it is still memorable. I can't wait to go back for the millionth time. Mmmm

Very nice restaurant with a great atmosphere. If tables are not available, make sure to get a seat at the bar. Menu has a mix of seafood, meat and a 3 course selective menu together with a list of todays specials. The spaghetti sidedish is not fantastic, but the softshell crabs was very good.

If you are interested in a 100 year old family run establishment in the basement of a brownstone in manhattan - this is the place for you. Food is always classic and well done ... wine list is a bit smaller than it used to be but the service is always good. The price is definitely not NYC pricing so be prepared to have great food at a good value.

This restaurant is a favourite of an aunt of mine who lives in the village. We were very well looked after and the food was good too. Nothing was too much trouble. we went early on a Friday night and it was packed. It has a great relaxed atmosphere.

We always make it a point to try to eat at Gene's when we are visiting NYC. It is always good and has such a great old style feeling to it. The meal starts off with a little tray of cold veggies and good bread and butter. We ordered oysters for appetizers and they were nice and fresh.The broiled scallops are delish as are the shrimp fra diavolo and the shrimp ala genes. Pasta was also very good. The service is nice too. We had to wait a few minutes for our table to be ready for our reservation and the manager sent over a round of drinks at the end of the meal to thank us for our patience.

have liked everything so far and superb value, bar manager is most competent. Always provides starters

We walked in 33 years ago and been going back ever since. It hasn't changed much - great people, wonderful food, nice atmosphere, very friendly and always a pleasurable experience. The owners and staff have always been awesome. Dad semi retired, but he can be very proud that his sons, Dave and Danny are doing a fantastic job. Try it you'll love it!!

My husband took me to Gene's for my birthday (someone recommend it to him). I'm Italian and was disappointed in the food. My veal tasted fine but was dry and my husband's salmon had no spices on it, not even salt & pepper. The appetizer and desserts were fine, but having lived in New York for many years, there are too many much better "old time" restaurants to choose from. I must add that the service and the atmosphere were nice and the wine was reasonably priced.

We found this great resturant. The food was excellent, service was good. A true Italian location.

This place is the best if you are looking for old school Italian. The decor is classic 50's with a beautiful patina. The staff is wonderful. They have regulars in the dining room and at the bar. There are not many places like Gene's left in NYC.

Gene's in Greenwich Village offers a truly authentic NYC dining experience. The restaurant serves up delicious, traditional red-sauce Italian in a warm and comfortable dining room. The cozy bar is perfect for an aperitif or nightcap with a date or friends. The dining room is a throwback to the late '60s early '70s and delightfully so. You won't find yourself tripping over strollers or navigating past the oversize handbags and backpacks or shopping bags of hipsters. If you want to dine among real New Yorkers, this is the place to go. The prix fixe is an excellent value and features many favorites, including clams oreganato, chicken marsala, and profiteroles. We went for our anniversary and will return with friends. I highly recommend Gene's.

Gene's has been around forever and Thank God it is still here! It is one of the disappearing classic New York restaurants -white table cloths, warm and inviting atmosphere, great continental food. I've been coming here for years since th price fix was $16,95. It is more t han double now and well worth it!

The food and service here were out of this world! Clams Casino couldn't be beat, and the veal scallopini was the most authentic I've ever tasted. Definitely a do-not-miss restaurant.

First, my Mom and Dad have been coming here for many years. They know the owner. They introduced me to this place a few years ago and I fell in love with this place. Why? The food is very good and reasonably priced. You can get the complete lunch or dinner for $22. to 32. per person. Prix Fix. Appetizers, entrée, dessert and coffee. I've eaten the veal masala and I also had the shrimp fra diavlo. Very Good. No complaints. The service is first class, the waiters and bus boys are very aware of the water glasses, bread, if you drop a fork, they are right there to replace it. The décor is dimly lit, romantic. They have about 20 to 25 tables, could feel cramped but the atmosphere, décor and the food are worth while. Do not pass up this place. Good food, great memories.......... Can't go wrong.

Great old fashion Italian restaurant with great food and great service. I will definitely eat there again on my next trip to NYC!

We took a friend here for a birthday lunch and it was lovely. It is a quiet unassuming kind of place with wonderful food. I had the Sole...anytime I have it from now on it will be compared to Gene's. They brought out a lovely homemade dessert and sang for our friend. It is located on a quiet street in the Village. It is certainly worth looking up for a special meal.

We had dinner here on Christmas night. The vegetables and bread were nice to start. We started with a green salad that was acceptable, then I had chicken piccata, while my husband had tortellini alfredo. My piccata came with a side of spaghetti with a tomato basil sauce. The piccata was quite bland, and bland would be a complimentary way to describe the spaghetti. The tortellni was flavorless, but the alfredo sauce was acceptable. Overall, I have had much, much better Italian meals--even at the Olive Garden, which isn't saying much. I would never recommend Gene's to anyone.

We asked one of favourite bartenders in the Village where do locals go for a decent meal. His suggestion was Gene's - that was 6 years ago and we've made a point of going there every time we are back in NYC. (which is 5 times a year) The façade is old and weathered as are the white marble stairs leading in from the street, you see how very little has changed in 95 years. The dinning room has classic brass wall mounted lights that give off just the right amount of ambiance. The bar is old and is showing it's age - but that is part of the charm in my opinion.The patrons that stroll thru the door heading to the same table they've been sitting at for decades also speaks to how much this establishment is a neighbourhood gem. Lunch is less crowded and no need for reservations. If you go for dinner request one of the 2 tops on the left side - you'll experience the full charm. Menu is right out of the 1960's with certain dish creations that most millennial’s will haven't a clue about ! I've eaten most of my way thru their menu but always come back to my favourite - Veal Parmesan with a side spaghetti with tomato & basil sauce. As simple and as good as it gets. The portions are generous & the prices very reasonable especially in NYC. Our waiter has been there for 35 years - that should tell you everything. This is true simple Italian food - nothing more nor less. If your self professed "foodie" side thinks otherwise, you have just missed the entire experience.

The group I was with picked this restaurant out in the hopes of good Italian food. Pretty much everyone was disappointed by the results. The food was way too expensive for the quality given. Prices would be reasonable if the food was up to par, but I could genuinely cook an equal or even better Italian meal on my own. We all ordered different things, and the only dish anyone really liked was one of the specials (and even that was relatively plain, it was just better than everything else on the table). Plus some of the menu pricing just didn't make sense (like they charge $5 extra if you want pasta with plain oil and garlic as opposed to sauce? You're paying extra for less?). On top of that, the service wasn't that great. The server was pretty grumpy and unfriendly. I'm the first to blame the customer, but we genuinely did nothing to warrant that- he was just like that from the start. Maybe he was having an off day, but it seems like the regulars get priority when it comes to good treatment.

Hard to believe this Village institution is still in operation, but it's very comforting to dine in such an historic restaurant. It's so old-fashioned that you can actually hear your friends talk! The service is very professional and the menu has everything you have ever wanted from an Italian restaurant. The appetizers were exceptionally good.

Had a wonderful dinner. Tables are neatly set with white cloths and cutlery. We had some Martini’s with fresh oysters and crudités for a starter. The saltimbocca was also delicious. The tomato sauce was a bit heavy on the garlic for my personal liking. Staff was very professional and nice.

This little restaurant was the perfect setting for the small reception after my friends' wedding. We enjoyed the atmosphere, though it is really quaint.

A Greenwich Village tradition since 1919, this classic old school Italian is still an area favorite. The service is friendly, the wine list extensive and the pastas a delight. If you enjoy Gene's, also consider Da Andrea on13th street. Not any "old school charm" like Gene's but the food is creative and delicious.

I thought this was a great restuarant. Service was good, could have been a little friendlier. The food I thought was well priced and quality was high. I had the steak and lobster, both were cooked perfectly and full of flavour. We went on a Monday night and place was very busy, I also liked the atmosphere. Well worth a visit

he menu brought me back to the early eighties when every restaurant in NY had Calv's liver with onions. Classic Italian menu, by most comes out of a can, sandy mussels, boiled veggies, the "creme brule" require a hammer to brake the layer of sugar only to find a very boring substance. The restaurant was full, don't know why, may be people didn't know that good food exist in the city. Our waiter, I think he is a retired soldier, worked at the DMV and was a correction officer once. He spoke in the same manner he was taught from his previous employers, he waters you dish with wine after filling your glass to the rim from across the table, knocks at your arm to get your attention to take when you are in conversation with your friend, he looks at the wall while taking your order, basically he would rather give them. No grace for his salt and pepper head, he must be union and the restaurant is afraid of firing him or the owner still believe that we are still in the age of new york waiters have to be rude. its the style.

Came in for a quick lunch with my teenager as we were checking out FlightClub. Excellent calamari to start, then a fresh salad with the prawns and some pasta. Very good service, excellent temperature and cold refreshing drinks as well. Not stuffy, yet elegant.

For nearly two decades, my wife, friends and I have been going to Gene's (open since 1919) when we want to go out "for nice" or take relatives to dinner, but don't want to dress up. Gene's is just that kind of place - classy enough that you can bring company and not be embarrassed, casual enough that you can come straight from work or home, and all in all a wonderful place to eat. The space, on 11th Street off 6th Avenue in the West Village, is a little small given the number of people it seats - but not reasonably so by New York City standards. The restaurant area is comfortable and well-lit, and not too noisy most of the time, so it's a great place to converse quietly while you eat. There is a small, dimly-lit fully stocked bar near the entrance, either for waiting for guests or for having a drink which shares its space with the restaurant foyer and coat check - it always seem there's a few people sitting there, although it appears a bit cramped to me. The French/Italian menu offers a comfortably wide variety of pasta, meat, chicken and seafood items, including a number of vegetable dishes for your vegetarian friends. Dinner service includes not only free bread but also a free crudité plate (very helpful for those on low-carb diets!). None of us have ever been disappointed all the times we've eaten there (even Christmas Day, when restaurant quality usually falls off sharply!) - and have often been pleasantly surprised at liking dishes we thought we'd hate, like Sole Meuniere for my wife or Sauteed Green Beans for me. While it's not cheap, it's not too expensive for New York City either - a couple could easily eat there for less than $100, including drinks, dessert and tip, especially if you order from the generous $32.95 "Complete Dinner" menu that includes appetizer, main course and dessert. If you order a la carte, appetizers (including salads or soups) run from $7 - $19 each, main courses $15 - $40 with the majority in the $20 - $30 each range, and desserts from $5 - $10. While we really enjoy Gene's, it's easy to overpraise its comfortable virtues. It's not a serious "fine dining restaurant", it's a bit too expensive for most people to eat there on a daily basis, and there's rarely any attempt by the chef to experiment with the menu. But if you want a comfortable, reliable place to have a good high-end meal on a special occasion, Gene's is as close to perfect as you can get in New York City's Greenwich Village.

Old is the word, you wont find many fashionistas here in this Argentine Italian restaurant. But it has always been my favorite place to unwind after work for a couple of drinks and a very satisfying dinner. The waiters are tux'ed but that is the only "fancy" thing about Gene's. It is in a basement in the heart of the Village and it's easy to imagine yourself in 1950. You can order a la carte or from a dinner minu (three courses, wide choice,and cheaper). It has a good bar, usually filled. It even has a telephoine kiosk that works!. Friendly and accommodating.

Gene's is a gem of a restaurant - old school, yes, but charming with its good service, generous Martini's, solid food inc. always excellent oysters. Since Cafe Loup around the corner closed it has become our go to for a comfortable, civilised Mediterranean meal in the area. I get that it isn't the 'best', the food comforting rather than modishly innovative...leave that to the hundreds of other places that come and go, and require negotiating annoying waits and pressing crowds - I like those too, sometimes. Look forward to our next visit to the city where we will head again to Gene's quick smart!

Very quaint and comfortable atmosphere. Got there early and were able to order from their lunch menu. There were many choices. The staff was excellent and friendly. It is a hidden gem in a residential neighborhood.. The food was excellent and the prices were surprising reasonable for a little New York restaurant. I would highly recommend Genes for a quite and romantic dinner.

Came here with family, we were looking forward to it due to the positive reviews. Unfortunately, the food was very average. The server was also kind of grumpy. I think this is the kind of place where you go if you’re a regular, and you insist is great because they give you preferential treatment. If you’re not a regular- there’s better options for less.

Superb, old-school Italian service and ambiance. Food was exquisite and we visited at lunch. We were a little after the normal lunch hour and the restaurant was quiet which allowed us to linger but based on the atmosphere and service - it appeared you would receive the same service at any time of visit.

Gene's is a gem. The food is good. Not amazing; but good. But the real draw of this place is the ambiance/vibe. NYC was no doubt strewn with this kind of Italian restaurant up until the 70's, but there just aren't that many of these places left any more. I'm never disappointed here. Go. Have a high-ball or Rob-Roy. Enjoy the pasta. And soak in a real slice of NYC history.

Gene's restaurant is my favorite Greenwich Village restaurant, which has been in operation BEFORE World War II. Yes, that is World War II, not the Korean war or the Vietnam war or the mess in the middle east. Great menu of mainly Italian food, superb attentive service, QUIET diners (unlike most Manhattan restaurants, where people talk loudly or scream!!!!). The restaurant is somewhat hidden on west 11th street, just off of Sixth avenue, so it rarely gets walk-in diners. Hooray !!!! Most of the time, I order vichyssoise, a rich, cream-based chilled leak and potato soup -- my favorite soup, even in the cold of winter. In the 1960s and 1970s, virtually all good Manhattan restaurants served this soup, but no longer, for reasons I do not understand.

Old time Italian, excellent. Ordered an eggplant parm and whole wheat pasta with clam sauce..so good!

The food is plentiful * the cost very reasonable,, ,but it needs to refresh itself, get better cooks in the kitchen...its a 1950/ 1960's vibe which is fun. the bar has good strong drinks(& its usual regulars) but its not enough to get you past the food....too bad.

This is the kind of place that you won't find in any guide books, but all the locals know about it. It's packed every night for dinner, for the best possible reason--it's fabulous. The food is divine, the waiters are old school, the bread is hot, and you can get half orders of pasta. The clams are out of this world. Even the salad dressing is excellent. For all this, the prices are eminently reasonable. This is one of our favorite standbys.

Gene’s is a very traditional New York Italian restaurant that I have known for over 30 years. Nothing seems to have changed during that time, and it was old-fashioned even then. Food, decor, even service hark back to a time of sidecars, Manhattans, and a cigarette between courses. It is solid, it is reliable, it is extremely unadventurous, and it is good. Just don’t go looking for anything too Italian or at all refined or modern.

When you sit they bring you bread and veggies. I ordered the traditional spaghetti and meatballs. Awesome! I'm Italian and it eS as good as my grandmas. Nice place for couples. A little loud but not too bad.

For hometown atmosphere, friendly service, and better-than-average food, Gene’s cannot be beat. No background music, so civilized conversation is possible. Run by the owners of the building, it promises to be around indefinitely (it opened in 1919). Let's hope. It's one of the last vestiges of the old-time Village.

We have been dining at Gene's for years and have never ever been disappointed in any of their dishes. Wonderful veal al la Romana, salmon, trout, sole, shrimp and many many other dishes. Both Danny and David the owners do take a personal interest in making certain that their patrons are satisfied. So good that we could easily dine many days a week however, we don't want to over do it. A must try.

We met a friend that lives in NYC for a meal here, this was their choice and wow- best meal we have had on our trip to NYC! would recommend in a minute and go back on every trip. Best caeser salad and pasta....."

We had only a weekend to take in the magic of Manhattan. For me, food is a major part of that. Gene’s restaurant did not disappoint. In fact, it went far beyond our expectations. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting. The wait staff couldn’t have been more warm and helpful. My companion and I shared a wonderful Ceasar Salad with the pefect mix of flavors and fresh, crispy vegetables. My companion had ravioli which she loved. I opted for veal picante’, which was perfection. The tender veal was infused with a lemony, buttery flavor which was outstanding. My compliments to a gifted chef. We will be back.

Gene's is a classic Italian-American restaurant from an era when restaurants catered to their neighbors. It does not have a tourist clientele. Its decor is from an earlier era. There is no TV. Guests listen to each other at their table and the room allows this. The wait staff, cook and bartender are long term employees. The last I checked their cook had been there for 28 years. (I ate at Gene's for 20 of those years when I lived in New York City.) I return to Gene's whenever I am in New York City. It is an unexpected gem. Table cloths. -- Cloth napkins. -- Water goblets. The room's ambiance is conducive to conversation. I bring people to Gene's for business meetings/planning and when I want to impress on someone what New York City was like before 1980.

It was dinner time (6-7p) with no reservations. My sister and i found this small cozy place which i found on tripadvisor! The staff was friendly and they were very attentive to our table during our meal! I had the chicken parmesan, salad,sidedish spaghetti and pinot wine! Loved the italian atmosphere and the bar at the entrance of the restaurant! Will return for sure!

The clientele was a mix of age and type (business, family, etc) but everyone was talking, eating, and laughing. If you're in NYC and you want Italian without the $30 bowl of spaghetti and $15 beer...Goto Genes'. My boss and I were catching a late dinner while out on business and were pleasantly suprised. Both of our meals were hot and homeade deliciousness. The servers were dressed traditionally and clean. I pictured the dining room filled with a different set of clientele and well, I'm sure that's who was in there back in the day. Great little spot!

I love this restaurant. Mostly regulars that have been eating there for years. Not trendy and doesn't get a crowd looking for that scene. Straight up old school Italian food, excellent red sauce, good portions and excellent service by waiters that have been there for many years.

Since we stay right up the street at the Larchmont Hotel, we always try to have dinner the first night at Gene's. It's one of those classic places that flys below the radar. It hasn't changed much since it opened. It has a loyal cadre of customers who eat there often. Some, who live in the neighborhood, eat there at least once a week. The room is traditional and charming. The waiters are friendy and competent. The food (upclass Italian) is excellent. I always have the classic Grilled Veal Chop. It's pricey but worth it. It also weighs in at 12 oz, which is huge.Large wine list with lots of reasonably priced Italian and American wines.

We are four couples who met in Sicily 13 years ago. We get together 3-4 times a year for dinner. We meet in the Village and have come to feel that Gene's is our place. The atmosphere is comfortable, the staff efficient and the owner welcoming. We are never rushed and the food is varied and tasty. A place that we hope to continue to enjoy for many more meals.

I was with a tour group in NYC and we were able to split off for lunch and so me and 5 people stopped here. We thought it was a real NY diner. I had a turkey sandwich (disclaimer that there was no description of what it had inside) which was just that. Chopped turkey on bread with lettuce. Not to mentioned it seems that the turkey wasn't fresh or seasoned and was saved from an earlier day. The sandwich was a really good size, they just piled turkey on it though. My friend ordered a gyro and onion rings with a drink and it came out to $14.... The service was alright, it didn't seem like the employees talked to each other really... I wouldn't stop here on desperation ...

Happy to say we've been going to Gene's for years and the consistency of the quality of the food and service has been amazing. Plus the comfortable atmosphere and friendly, efficient service.

I would definitely recommend this place either for lunch or for dinner. The food is absolutely delicious, the waiters are very polite, attentive and helpful, the ambiance is very nice and welcoming. Irrespective of the pretty big amount of visitors it is very calm and quiet inside as mostly locals have luck here, instead of noisy tourists. The price is good as for NY and more that appropriate for the quality, taste and amount of food provided. So, I would say it is must try!

This restaurant seems to have gotten consistently Very Good Reviews. The reason for that is that they are deserved. The ambience is carried over from the past. The food is very good. We tried 4 main courses at our table (fish, veal, pasta, etc.) and each was just right. The welcome was sincere and the service was competent and timely. The clientele is respectful of other diners. You can actually have a conversation here while others are doing the same. We visited on a Friday night and the restaurant and bar were nearly full. Everyone looked contented. I wish that I could be a regular. I will settle for being an occasional visitor and enjoy every experience.

lovely time w fine food and service... hi to David family-owner... many many years here since 1962.....................................................

Have to say the food was extremely good. I had maybe one of the best creme brulees ever. The rest was brilliant too. 2 elderly ladies on their own though a little help in getting a taxi at 11pm may have been appreciated.

Like most of Gene's customers, we have been eating here for years. It's probably full of people who like living in the past because that is where they grew up. Everything here is comfy. The menu isn't trendy; some would say "tired." Same for the decor. But the food is pretty tasty, and the noise level is tolerable even when the place is packed. The prix-fixe dinner last time set us back all of $35, which is pretty good for Greenwich Village in 2015. With wine, tax and tip, we escaped for $60 a head. We'll certainly be back. It's where we grew up...

I really wanted to like this place. I am a native New Yorker...born and raised in NYC. I am 1/2 Italian...so when a business friend said, can I take you and your wife to Gene's, I responded with excitement. Unfortunately, my excitement fizzled immediately. Although the place is charming, immediately upon walking in, I was stuck by the smell of ammonia, or some other cleaning product. Beyond this, I was surprised at how bland the food was. The three of us all ordered different chicken dishes. When we tasted each others, my friend said, "Seems like they do all the chicken dishes the same." VERY DISAPPOINTING, as I was so looking forward to a good Piccata...I was hoping for capers, a little lemon flavor, and parsley...I got NONE of these. Can you even imagine a Piccata sans the capers? My friend was going to pay the bill, and I was not about to make a stink...the chicken tasted good, but it was bland. It tasted like good, plain chicken. The side of pasta had a glop of 'tomato basil sauce'-- nothing I would expect from a good Italian restaurant. The clams oreganato were mushy, and my wife's mussels were chewy. The bread, at the beginning of the meal, had a fishy taste to it-- almost like cat food. The best thing we ordered? My friend ordered the chopped liver...can you imagine? The BEST at an Italian restaurant..chopped liver???? This is a nice place to take someone for a drink or salad. The desserts are better the probably the best thing on the menu. I won't eat there again, and I wish I hadn't eaten there to begin with. The food was from unremarkable to bad. If you like bland chicken, when you are ordering Piccata..this is the place for you...otherwise, AVOID.

My boss is italian american from NY and recommended this place. Im happy we decided to go! Great classic food, old school place. The bar is beautiful.

This was suggested by a colleague for when I was in NYC for work. Very much a "local's" place and well worth the taxi ride. Nice little bar at the front, knowledgeable and experienced wait staff, good food, quiet dinner. I'd go back.

I don't know how long Gene's has been on 11th Street but it harkens back to a bygone era. Waiters in red livery, very dark ambience, a regular clientele that made me seem but a young man (I'm pushing hard on 70!) Absolutely the best prime rib I have ever had. So tender I could but it with a fork! It was a bit pricey but worth the time.

Went to Gene's as part of a Haunted NYC tour. It is apparently built on a cemetery and haunted. With that said...the food was really good. Not a great looking place but we went there to eat, not enjoy the art. Had the price fixe dinner which included appetizer, dinner, and dessert and coffee. Food was very good. Wait staff was attentive but a bit overwhelmed with the large crowd. I would go again.

I have been coming to West 11th St. for more than twenty years for business, often staying at the Larchmont Hotel. I walked past this place many times to eat at other places nearby. Finally in 2014 and 2015 I went in to eat after finishing my meetings, at the bar one day and at a table another. Patrons tend to be mainly seniors, often quite well to do. The food is good American Italian fare served in the old fashioned way. I will eat there again when I visit the city again soon.

We had a lovely lunch, good food I had the mussels, veal marsala and vegetables. The green beans were fresh and not overcooked. The food quality for the price is reasonable for a NYC restaurant. The service was slow but we were a group of 55 seniors.

Three of us arrived just before our 7:30 reservation on a Saturday night. The restaurant was bustling, both the tables and bar stools near full. We were ushered to a comfortable table at 7:35 and given menus and water. The median age of the diners was probably in the middle 50s, most appearing to be locals (judging by the frequent friendly greetings between the staff and diners), not tourists. Don't expect anything novel or trendy here. The menu is full of familiar, conventional standards, largely Italian: veal, chicken, seafood, beef, pork, and lamb, the same menu you might have been presented 50 years ago. Service was professional and attentive, everything we ordered competently prepared, though a bit on the bland side. If you're looking for a welcoming, competent, surprise-free, time-capsule of a restaurant, popular with locals and easy on your wallet, this may be perfect for you.

I was here in the eighties and they have not changed a bit. Back then we wouldn't complain about overcooked food, because We did not know any better. But come on. Overfried zucchini with an overboiled sauce? Overcooked salmon. Overcooked veggies as a side dish. The trout was the best, just slightly overcooked. Cheese cake with a vague flavour accompagnied by a fake chocolate sauce? Coffee without a bite. A cocktail that tasted diluted. My friends were the main reason to be here. The service was adequate. But the cooking skills are substandard. Not for the majority of the clientele obviously because they seem to having been in an eternal traffic jam for 30 years...

The food is standard northern Italian scaloppine and pasta, the decor is attractive, the seats are comfortable and the service is good, and no one in the place is under 50.

I have been going to Gene's for many years. I have never had a bad meal. The food is delicious, although a bit pricey. Service is excellent and the waiters are friendly and courteous. The profiterole is the best I've ever had.

I have been patronizing Gene’s for several years now… never disappointed! Everything I wrote in my August 2014 review still holds true: crudites, entrée, dessert, and drink all first class. Celery and carrot sticks and radishes with fresh bread kick off the meal. My two entrees (yes, I visited Gene’s twice on this trip) were freshly prepared and nicely presented: chicken marsala one evening and eggplant parm the next. I gave in to my weakness for tiramisu on the first evening and was quite pleased with it. The bartender (who has been at Gene’s for over twenty years) makes the best stinger around. I am already looking forward to my next NYC excursion and visit to Gene’s.

The food is delicious and plentiful, the service is excellent, and my only 'complaint' is that the tables are quite close.

An old West Village standby. Classic attired waiters with an Italian menu that leans slowly towards updating but remains firmly rooted in the classics. Starts to fill up between 7 and 8.

Charming, old world Italian experience. Real roses on each table, cozy bar, a local hangout for locals. Lovely atmosphere with excellent food. Fine red sauces, carefully prepared. My favorite was the Sauteed Liver, my friend's was the Sphagetti Bolonese. Extraordinary service

Food and service were very, very good. Cesar salad was spectacular. Only complaint: franchese sauce was not flavorful enough. There was no info on the website re reservations, so we thought they were not taken. Meanwhile, they asked e wet e who arrived if we had a reservation. We will return. I won't order a franchese but I look forward to the Caesar salad!

Walking back from afternoon at broadway show to our hotel in the financial district we found this classic Italian restaurant. Very cozy and bar filled with couples eating - we were shown to a lovely table with a linen tablecloth . He had a fabulous arugula and tomato with blue cheese salad . I had a spinach and bacon salad . Both delicious We had chicken parmigiana and shared an excellent Italian cheesecake. The prix fixed menu 38.50 was a great deal with three courses Check it out !!!!

Reliable Italian fare at an old VIllage favorite. We had perfectly cooked golden Chicken Francaise and flavorful Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti. The portions are generous and the staff is attentive. White tablecloths are a plus.

It's an institution. You feel like you're entering a time warp when you walk inside, which is sort of fun. But, seriously, why waste your time here when New York has so many better restaurants. We were shocked how expensive it is compared to the value you get. If money is no object and you want to feel like you're sitting in a piece of New York from the 1050's, try it. But, otherwise, don't.

We were a party of eight celebrating FOUR birthdays, one of which was their 94th.To begin, Gene's doesn't offer anything complimentary for the individuals celebrating their birthdays.If we brought a cake to the restaurant, Gene's charges $2 per slice of cake just to cut your cake.The service was terrible.Waiters reached across my plate to refill water, deliver other's food, and when replenishing bread.Before ordering the stuffed pork chop, since someone had a dietary restriction of bread , we asked the waiter to describe its preparation.When it was served, it was breaded.After attempting to scrape off all of the bread, the mushrooms and prosciutto was inedible.Due to all of the breading, eating the pork caused the guest to become ill.The fried calamari was rubbery and unappetizing.The clams oreganata were all breading & insignificant clam.The escargots was also rubbery.There was a huge bone in my salmon that I almost choked on. This was a VERY expensive, extremely disappointing meal.

i was just walking around and found this magnificent place to eat, great attention, good food and excellent price

The atmosphere in Gene's is great. The ambiance is cozy, created by effective lighting, old paintings on the wall and a huge mirror. However, on a Friday night by 730pm the bar was full and the restaurant had few empty tables. Service was good. The food varied. The vegetables on the free relish tray were nice and crisp. The bread was delicious. My onion soup was tasty and extremely hot in temperature, making it hard to eat. My companions ordered the dover sole and liked it enormously. However, my veal marsala did not have a hint of marsala in the sauce. The sauce was more like a gravy with mushrooms rather than the sauce one envisions with a marsala dish. The mixed vegetables were okay. The broccoli and green beans were not over cooked but the carrots were a bit too soft for my taste. The baked potato was fine. Good coffee and complimentary anise finished the meal.

Gene's is a great traditional Italian restaurant! The food was great and the armosphere is family friendly. Service is mediocre (had to request drink refills multiple times) but we would go there again.

This place is one of my standbys. I go here for lunch a lot, and it's empty during the day. Nice and quiet. Full bar (classic liquors only, nothing frou-frou). The restaurant is a couple of steps underground and the eating space itself is not near any windows. The low lighting creates a safe, relaxing atmosphere for me to unwind from work. Minestrone soup is not as good as my dad's... but I still love it! Oh. and if you want pasta, get the appetizer portion. It's cheaper and still quite a bit of food!

I've been going to Gene's off & on since the 1960's,. I lived nearby for many years, but am now uptown, but still try to go here when I can. It has been consistently good all these years, & I can highly recommend it., Lorie Barnes O'brien

We had the three course fix priced dinner reasonable at $33 a head. Food was very good and the service was at well. Locals frequent the place and rave about it. Gene's has been open since the 30s and though the decor may be a little dated the food was well up to par.

1st visit, taken by friends who have been going there many years. The food was absolutely outstanding. The Profierole au Chocolate dessert is an absolute must if you like chocolate. House wine reasonably priced for NYC. Nice atmosphere, able to hear conversation from your dinner companions, and an extremely varied menu.

Its been here for years with a loyal clientele. Its survived the closing of St. Vincent's Hospital, 9/11, and lots of neighborhood changes for a reason...great food and friendly service at very reasonable prices. It's Italian in "flavor" owned and managed by a Spanish family with a consistent eye on producing excellent dishes in an old style of presentation and classic service...starting with the dish of celery, radishes and carrot sticks with warm crusty bread to initiate every meal. Reservations recommended and on Sunday afternoons they do a super Prime Rib, but you need to get there early before its all gone!

This review is based upon 6 years of dining at Gene's without a single negative experience. The space and atmosphere is a charming throwback to the 1960s, complete with waitstaff in half-formal burgundy jackets. The pricing also is a bit of a throwback, a surprising discount from 2012, especially in Manhattan. The food is consistently good and plentiful. The primarily Italian full course prixe fix menu is a value and long has been a draw to the older crowd. The a la carte menu is even better and, in my experience, holds one of the best veal chops in NYC. Service is attentive and guests are unhurried. Gene's has recently been "rediscovered" by the younger crowd and Greenwich Village resident fashion, theater, movie and TV celebrities can be spotted in the mix. For a quick or light meal, enjoy a drink at the bar from mixologist Francisco along with a spinach salad (warm bacon dressing with crispy chunks) or a warm mushroom plate.

The service and food was pretty good. We had a reservation which made great since it was NYE. The atmosphere was homey and clean. Very attentive wait staff. Enjoyed a delicious Tanqueray and tonic! We ordered calamari, very crispy and not greasy at all! I had the eggplant parm, others ordered the chicken and shrimp (unheard of) parm. And stuffed manicotti. All good.

Introduced to Genes last month on a trip to NYC. Eat there 2x and the food and service were excellent. This is classic old style Italian with prices to match. Most reasonable you will find in NYC. If you are looking for upscale this is not the place. If you are looking for high quality old style Italian food try Genes and you will love it!

I dined at this restaurant with a group of locals who have made it their favourite Italian Restaurant . The ambience and service was very nice and the food was tasty and well presented . Overall I would give this restaurant a 7/10.

absolutely old fashioned American idea of what Italian cooking is supposed to be. If you have ever been to Italy, stay away. Lousy gnochi and worse than a bottled pesto sauce.

Our group of 8 stopped by this small neighborhood restaurant to have several drinks prior to our dinner reservations in Greenwich Village . This place is 2 years shy of being 100 years old. Very friendly bar tender and good service. The menu is mostly Italian but the bar tender said the veal chop and osso bucco was excellent. Would like to try eating here sometime regardless of some of the poor reviews.

We use to go to Gene's many, many years ago with my husband's aunts. Finally went back and nothing has changed. It's like stepping back into the '50's, which is great,, and the food excellent. Love it here.

A very good West village Italian restaurant. Its been there forever and the food is delicious. Service is very good. And the prices are reasonable for what you get. Also, its not noisy. Hurray!! A restaurant for adults!

This is a very decent italian restaurant in Greenwich Village. The food is average to good for this kind of place and not expensive. The tables are well spaced so you can talk with our dinner partner, which is something of a find in NYC. The service was ok. The restaurant must have been in the same spot for many years and it shows it. Gene's can be recommended if you want decent italian fare at a reasonable price.

Service is great...food is wonderful. Veal milanise is the best. The prime is great too. Can't beat the prix fix menu for lunch or dinner. Can't wait to go back. Best kept secret in NYC

Solid good Italian food with ambience at its best. Locals line up at the bar with excellent service by Franco the bar tender

As a vegetarian, I got the eggplant parmesan, fried zucchini, and a side order of linguine with garlic and oil. I was supremely satisfied. My dad and sister ordered soft crabs--they were in bliss. We were all stuffed, so we shared a dessert of chocolate mousse--a magnificent ending to a great meal.

The combination of good food, & the "classic" 1950's décor make Genes a fun place for drinks, lunch or dinner. The menu is old Italian red sauce. The food is fresh & Franco at the bar makes a good drink & can suggest a nice wine pairing if you like. It is reasonably priced, in a great location just off 6th avenue. I tend to go during the week - but anytime its a good time!

Good and I imagine totally reliable food. Very good value on both food and wines. Would certainly go again.

The fettuccine alfredo is like pure silk cream....so delicious. I have never had alfredo this good. Our table of 3 had the penne with tomato & basil, veal parmesan, and the fettuccine alfredo. Everything was very fresh and tasted excellent. We we the only tourists in the small quant spot, which was fine with us. We tried 3 desserts, all very good. This will definitely be on our list to visit again.

I'm lucky enough to have Gene's within a 5 minute walk from my home in Greenwich Village. It is a regular haunt for me. Its nice to pass through the front doors and feel like your in the New York of the 50's or 60"s - nothing has changed from the interior with its linoleum floors to the waiters with their tight burgundy coats - its just wonderful. The menu is classic as well. The food is good from the pasta's to the meats. They will also prepare special items for you - just ask!

If you like good, traditional Italian food, a pleasant ambience, friendly service, without closely packed tables and having to shout over the din, then this nearly hundred-year-old Greenwich Village fixture is an excellent choice. Five of us gathered for dinner, and the whole experience was enjoyable. The restaurant isn’t ‘trendy’ or cutting edge, but the food is consistent, and you can actually have a conversation. (The chocolate mousse was especially delicious.)

I didn't eat here-- just stopped for wine a couple of times. The wine price was quite reasonable, especially for New York. Patrons at the bar seemed regular and were friendly, but not overbearing. Franco, the bartender, was an expert in his field-- he knew how to keep things moving along, encouraged the socializing, but didn't put himself in the middle. Always a pleasure to watch someone who is good at his job, and Franco definitely fit the bill! Definitely worth stopping in.

After a long search for an Italian restaurant where the food was real, where I could hear myself think and hear someone across the table speak, where there was a warmth in the room, and was near enough to walk to. Oops! No walking here. This was a short taxi ride, but so worth it. Gene's was a rediscovery for me. Years ago, this was my go to place for an early dinner when I was taking classes at the New School. Most recently. I was on my "search" to no avail on Third Ave in the 20's and 30's or nearby. No luck. But, last night, in the cold we ventured to Sixth Ave and 11th Street! Thank you Gene's for the food, the dim lighting, the white tablecloths and the attentive waiter. I ordered pork chops, so good, two beautiful chops, big enough that I took one home for lunch today. Still delicious! The salad was OK, just a salad, but a lot of places cannot get that right. My husband ordered chicken parm. Well, that's easily ruined in many places. But here, there was light breading over real chicken and a fresh tomato cause worth eating. I will be back. By taxi. Too bad I cannot walk here.

Olive tray and radishes to start...(I can't remember the last time I saw radishes in a restaurant) ... a nice touch! Excellent veal entree with fresh vegetables. And any bartender who does not have to be told how to make a "stinger" is aces in my book. Reasonably priced full dinner menu available.

I went there for lunch with a business assoc. and had some really fine vichyssoise. Their shrimp francese was unlike what I've had at other places, very tasty, and my profiterole dessert was rich and delicious. I was stuffed. My friend ordered the escargot, which smelled amazing :) and a calamari salad that she also liked very much. The place was quiet with no loud music. You could hear yourself talk. Gene's is a very good place for an excellent meal. Nice sized portions.

As a West Village local who eats at Gene's at least once a month I wanted to weigh in, too. I typically don't review restaurants in my own 'hood, preferring to save my critical eye for my travels. But reading the less than stellar reviews of this classic New York City establishment, I felt motivated to make an exception. The reason this place has been in existence for over 100 years is because locals like me know it is consistently warm, welcoming, and delicious. Of course there are fancier, hipper places than Gene's. If something more "gourmet" is what you're after, the options within a one-block radius are endless. If price is a concern, I can recommend a good ramen joint across the street on 6th. But if you want to relax, perhaps actually have a conversation, over a delicious meal served in an elegant, yet unpretentious atmosphere, Gene's is very special indeed.

Went for a walk around Greenwich Village and we stumbled upon this place and popped in here for a coffee at the bar. We experienced a warm and friendly welcome/atmosphere from the bar staff and owner. We didn't experience the food but the restaurant was full of locals the day after boxing day. They have a community feel and are run by two brothers and are open 365 days a year. If we had more time we would have definitely gone back for a meal. We have their card and will recommend it to friends who are planning to visit.

Pricey for what it is. With ridonculous upcharges,,,, for example the entrees come with a choice of vegetable but when you ask for the spinach there’s a $13.95 upcharge. Or if you want the pasta with garlic and oil rather than with marinara,,, that’s a $5.95 upcharge for what’s the simplistic dish in the Italian repertoire. The lady next to me had the spaghetti and meatballs. The orange glow of the entire plate of pasta expressed how it’s been bathing in sauce for hours. Between the lines, it’s a cafeteria style kitchen back there. Nothing is prepared specifically for you. I love the old school atmosphere,,, but they need a culinary do over.

We've been going to Gene's since 1971. It hasn't changed and that's a good thing. The food is consistently good, the staff is friendly, you can dress up or down, you can be alone or in a group, old, young - and you can hear! A real neighborhood restaurant and always reliable.

I am giving Gene's Restaurant a (generous) middling three score because the first time I ate there it was good and the second time it was terrible. The restaurant always seems to be crowded so there are obviously those who find something they like on the menu that is prepared consistently well. Not so for me. The meal that was memorably bad was their chicken parmigiana where the chicken was both crunchy and tasteless. Later I figured out that the chicken must have been frozen and defrosted too quickly so the meat was not able to soften and regain its flavors. One thing I like - they give you a bowl of crudite when you first sit down. Nice touch. But that is not enough to compel me to return, even though I live in the neighborhood.

Though I am a native New Yorker and have been on the street many, many times , I've never thought about Gene's until last week. But a few in this motley group of friends I was meeting have been going there for many years. Overall, it is a find---yes, a throwback to a quieter era (though the room did get quite noisy) - - but the friendly maitre d', white tablecloths, and attentive staff are a plus. Yes, the food is not extraordinary and the upcharge for pasta with garlic and oil--mentioned in another review--was indeed outrageous--something I've never encountered before. The house wines are decent and they come brimming to the rim--something unheard of in trendier spots where barely half a glass is a norm. The bread is good, too. The cheesecake was a decent size but it tasted a bit like it was in the refrigerator for too long.. The profiteroles are good. And let's not forget the very reasonable prices--surely a plus these days! And, despite my few negatives from my dinner last week, I returned last night with other friends...and everything was the same...warts and all...and worth that second trip.

One of my favorite places for over 25 years. Where can you go these days where they put a dish of carrots, celery and radishes on the table when you sit down? Gene's is a throwback to the best of a former time in NY...simple elegance, good food and a quiet, civilized environment sans loud clatter of talk and dishes etc. I'm tired of halogen lights, hard surfaces, cacophony and miniscule plates of over worked whatever. Not Gene's. Excellent food, distinguished service and a homey atmosphere full of people who probably dine here 5 to 6 nights a week. That should tell you something! So if you're "schlepping" around the Village, try this place that has been in the Village, when it was the "Village." It has a great "prix fixe" and menu. You'll be back as I have been for well over 25 years. And I live here!

This past Saturday we met travel friends for lunch in NYC. We decide on Gene's as one of our party had been there in the past and said it was quite good..... back then. This time we all agreed it was a disappointment. The service was good, the meals were average to below average and of meager portions. We were a party of five and had a reservation for 2:30P.M. and at the time there was one other occupied table who left shortly after our arrival. After our dessert dishes were cleared and being as how we all had not seen each other for a while we lingered over drinks until about 5:15 P.M. About this time there were maybe four occupied tables and perhaps a dozen unoccupied tables and we unanimously agreed that the staff had made us very uncomfortable by giving us the impression that we were lingering too long. Coupled with the mediocre food and small portions I rate this as poor and will not return.

Very little has changed at Gene's in 50 years except the prices. The waiters still wear red jackets. They still put out a relish tray of celery, carrots and radishes. There is still a complete prix fixe meal that includes coffee and dessert. The food is reliably tasty. Many of the patrons look like they have been coming for 50 years too.

went there with some friends to celebrate a 65th birthday as it is his favorite restaurant - love, love, love the vichyssoise

Great quality and very nicely priced!!! Loved the old-fashioned atmosphere!! Waiter and host could have been a little nicer...but will look beyond that. Look forward to returning