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Da Gennaro
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Da Gennaro
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
A busy Little Italy dining room that works for families because the menu sticks to familiar Italian-American comfort and the portions lend themselves to sharing. Keep the order simple—one pasta, one parm-style main, one side—then split dessert to end on a clean win.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken parmigiana, Lobster ravioli, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume Little Italy comfort that stays easy for families.
Who should go: Families who want classic red-sauce favorites
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner for easiest seating
What to order: Chicken parm, a pasta, tiramisu
Insider tip: Order one extra side early so kids have something immediately.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is easy early, tougher at dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, faster if you arrive early
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable sides can be ordered without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—simple pasta with tomato sauce and vegetable sides if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some proteins and salads work, but pasta substitutions are not always available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than a romantic one—lively, busy, and focused on comfort food rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes if you aim for late lunch or early dinner; peak dinner hours can mean a significant wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—best for elementary-age kids and up. Familiar pastas, big portions, and fast service make it manageable, though strollers can be tight at peak times.
Best For
Better for: Straightforward Italian-American classics, shareable portions, and handling family groups efficiently.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, modern Italian cooking, or strong accommodations for dietary restrictions.
Da Gennaro
8.2
A high-volume Little Italy standby that can still land as a solid date when you treat it like a comforting, no-stress Italian dinner. Stick to the classics—one baked pasta, one parm, one bottle—and you’ll get a steady, dependable night with minimal friction.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Chicken parmigiana, Gnocchi
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A classic Little Italy room where ordering is simple and reliably satisfying.
Who should go: Couples who want straightforward Italian comfort
When to visit: Weeknight dinner to avoid peak crowds
What to order: Lasagna, chicken parm, gnocchi
Insider tip: Split one baked pasta and one main for the cleanest order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages on Mulberry and Lafayette are the safest bet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the room better.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy, but it’s not a hushed, intimate room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak tourist hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable sides can anchor a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some pastas and sides can be modified, but not a deep vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free pasta availability varies; best to ask before committing.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want low pressure. It’s comfortable, familiar, and forgiving—great for conversation without overthinking the menu.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings; weekends are much tougher without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—classic pastas and chicken dishes work well for kids, though the energy skews more adult at dinner.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Italian comfort, easy ordering, and a classic Little Italy atmosphere that doesn’t demand planning.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, candlelit experience or more modern, chef-driven Italian cooking.