Gene's Introduce
For a true taste of New York history and classic Italian fare, there is no better destination than Gene's. Tucked away on a charming, tree-lined street in Greenwich Village, this restaurant has been a local institution since 1919. Stepping through its doors is like stepping back in time—the well-worn stone stairs and the timeless, unchanged decor tell a story of a place that has been serving generations of New Yorkers. Gene's is a cherished "old-school" find, a place of historic charm and authentic character that has resisted the constant churn of city trends. It's a true hidden gem, known for its no-frills yet delicious food and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every guest feel like a regular.
The menu at Gene's is a celebration of classic Italian dishes, focusing on quality and tradition over modern gimmicks. From homemade pastas that are fresh and piping hot to a variety of seafood and veal entrees, the food is exactly what you hope it will be: consistently good and satisfying. The tenure of the staff, including a long-serving bartender, speaks volumes about the restaurant's commitment to its craft. The service is attentive and enhances the intimate, cozy vibe that makes Gene's so special. It's a place for a truly lovely dinner, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a reliable, delicious meal in a setting that feels both historic and comforting.
Gene's is ideally located at 73 W 11th St, New York, NY 10011, USA. This address places it in the heart of Greenwich Village, a historic and picturesque neighborhood known for its artistic legacy and charming streets. Its location on a beautiful, tree-lined block adds to the restaurant's romantic and historic appeal, offering a pleasant escape from the city's usual hustle and bustle. The area is easily accessible via the subway system, making it a convenient destination for a special meal from anywhere in the city.
The restaurant's historic nature contributes to its charm, and its service options are geared towards traditional dining. While specific accessibility details are not provided, the experience is a classic one. They offer seating both indoors and in a romantic outdoor seating area, perfect for a warmer evening.
Dine-in: The primary service at Gene's is its full-service dine-in experience. With a cozy and intimate atmosphere, it's perfect for a long, relaxed meal. The restaurant has both indoor seating with a historic, upscale feel and an outdoor seating area for enjoying the Greenwich Village ambiance. Dinner reservations are recommended to ensure a table at this popular spot.
Takeout: While the ambiance is a major draw, Gene's also offers takeout service. This allows patrons to enjoy their classic Italian comfort food from the comfort of their home.
Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Gene's provides delivery options, bringing its delicious dishes right to your doorstep. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the restaurant’s fare when you can't make it to the dining room.
Historic and Romantic Atmosphere: Gene's is a rare find in modern New York—a truly historic and romantic dining destination. The historic and cozy ambiance, complete with old-school decor, makes it a perfect setting for a special date or a memorable night out. The dim lighting and intimate seating create a warm and inviting vibe that is both timeless and unique.
Classic Italian Menu: The menu is a highlight, offering classic Italian fare that is consistently excellent. The focus is on authentic, well-prepared dishes like their homemade pastas and a wide range of seafood and veal entrees. From Linguine in White Clam Sauce to Veal Scallopine Marsala, the menu is full of traditional favorites.
Unique Complimentary Offerings: A charming and unique touch that sets Gene's apart is the complimentary plate of iced raw vegetables (carrots, celery, and radish) served alongside the bread at the start of the meal. This refreshing offering is a delightful surprise and a hallmark of the restaurant's old-school character.
Great Drinks and Service: The onsite bar is a key feature, known for its great cocktails and a fantastic wine list. Customers praise the bartender, noting their skill and charm. The staff, in general, is highly regarded for their friendly and professional table service, which adds to the overall pleasant dining experience.
Versatile Dining Options: Gene's is popular for both lunch and dinner and is also a great choice for solo dining. Whether you're a group celebrating or an individual seeking a comforting meal, the restaurant's atmosphere and service accommodate a variety of needs.
Address: 73 W 11th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: (212) 675-2048
What makes Gene's truly worth choosing in a city filled with countless Italian restaurants is its genuine sense of history and tradition. This isn't a trendy new spot trying to recreate an old-school vibe; it is the real deal, a place that has been continuously operating for over a century. Choosing Gene's means opting for a dining experience that is rich in character, cozy, and comforting. It's a place where you can relax and truly feel a part of a classic New York story.
When it comes to the food, the **Shrimp alla Gene's** is a must-try appetizer. As a popular dish, it's known for its "mighty tasty" creamy white wine sauce, which is perfect for sopping up with the complimentary bread. For the main course, you can't go wrong with their **homemade pastas**, which are always fresh and piping hot. The **Veal Parmigiana** is another classic choice that encapsulates the restaurant's commitment to timeless, delicious dishes. Beyond the food, the overall atmosphere, with its great cocktails and attentive service, makes for a truly special night out. Gene's is a place to go when you want more than just a meal—you want an experience that is both historic and warmly personal.
Gene's Menu
Appetizers
- Jumbo Shrimp Coctail $14.95
- Smoked Salmon $12.95
- Clams Casino $8.95
- Shrimp In Garlic Sauce $14.95
- Marinated Herring In Sour Cream $8.95
- Baked Clams Oreganate $8.95
- Fresh Roasted Peppers $8.95
w/ anchovy
- Mussels Possillipo $6.95
- Escargots $8.95
- Melon & Prosciutto $9.95
- Mussels Oreganata $6.95
- Mushrooms In Garlic Sauce $6.95
- Carpaccio Di Manzo $13.95
- Chopped Chicken Livers Mimosa $8.95
- Hot Antipasto Ala Gene's $18.95
- Blue Point Oysters On The Half Shell $10.95
- Fried Calamari $8.95
Soups
- Cold Vichyssoise $7.95
- Stracciatella $6.95
- Minestrone $6.95
- Onion Soup Au Gratin $7.95
- Consomme With Tortellini $6.95
- Soup Du Jour $7.95
Salads
Add $8.00 For Grilled Chicken, Add $13.95 For Shrimp
- Caesar Salad $7.95
- Mixed Green Salad $6.95
- Sta Luisa $6.95
- Endive And Arugula $6.95
- Mesculen Salad $6.95
- Spinach, Mushroom, Bacon $7.95
Pasta
Also Available In Appetizer Portions
- Penne With Tomato And Basil $13.95
- Linguine Ala Marinara $13.95
- Linguine In White Clam Sauce $16.95
- Rigatoni Matriciana $13.95
- Fettuccini Alfredo $13.95
- Tortolini Alfredo $13.95
- Ravioli Bolognese $13.95
- Manicotti $13.95
- Eggplant Parmigiana $13.95
- Penne Ala Vodka $13.95
- Fusili $13.95
- Gnochi Pesto $13.95
- Baked Ziti Ala Siciliana $13.95
Entrees - Seafood
Entrees Come With A Side Dish Of Vegetable And Potato, Or Spaghetti In: Marinara Or Tomato And Basil Sauce Only. Add $4.95 For Each Additional Side Dish, Add $3.95 For Garlic Or Bolognese Sauce
- Fresh Maine Lobster
- Seafood Fra Diablo $29.95
- Shrimp Parmigiana $24.95
- Shrimp Francese $24.95
- Shrimp Fra Diablo $24.95
- Broiled Shrimp Ala Genes $24.95
- Shrimp In Garlic Sauce $24.95
- Mussels Possillipo $14.95
- Clams In Green Sauce $18.95
- Sea Scallops $21.95
fried or broiled
- Fried Calamari $18.95
- Escargots Bourguignon $18.95
- Filet Of Sole $20.95
broiled or saute meuniere
- Filet Of Salmon $19.95
poached or broiled
Entrees - Veal
Entrees Come With A Side Dish Of Vegetable And Potato, Or Spaghetti In: Marinara Or Tomato And Basil Sauce Only. Add $4.95 For Each Additional Side Dish, Add $3.95 For Garlic Or Bolognese Sauce
- Veal Cutlet Parmigiana $19.95
- Veal Scallopine Marsala $19.95
- Veal Cutlet Milanese $19.95
- Veal Scallopine Francese $19.95
- Veal Scallopine Piccata $19.95
- Veal Saltimbocca Ala Romana $20.95
Side Orders
- Basket Of Garlic Bread $4.00
- Broccoli Florets Parmigiano $6.95
- Broccoli Rabe $7.95
- Fried Zuchchini $6.95
- French Fries $6.95
- Salad $6.95
- Spinach Ajo Olio $7.95
- Pasta Ajo Olio $7.95
- Pasta Bolognese $7.95
Gene's Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Gene's Photos










Gene's Location
Gene's Reviews
schoolbargemtableclothsclamswalkingdiningvealmeatballsbaked
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Really great old-school Italian find. You can tell when you walk in that the place has looked the same for decades. Note the worn slots in the stone stairs at the front door that can only come from millions of footsteps over many, many years. And you can also identify its tenure via the regulars who know the staff well.They start you off with bread, and something I’ve never seen elsewhere - a plate of iced raw veggies (carrots, celery, radish). This was a refreshing touch. The Shrimp alla Gene’s was a mighty tasty appetizer cooked in a creamy white wine sauce. You might want to save some of your bread to use to mop it up. The pastas are exactly what you’d expect - homemade, fresh, piping hot. Don’t miss the seafood, too.I have no complaints and only praise for Gene’s. It was a lovely dinner.
June 06 · Chad KlinefelterThis old-school Italian restaurant is a true hidden gem, offering classic Italian fare in a cozy, intimate setting. The tenure of the service staff speaks to their commitment, and bartender Franco is simply amazing—mixing drinks with skill and charm that enhances the whole experience. The menu is no-frills, but that’s what makes it so reliable; you know you’ll get delicious, authentic dishes every time. If you’re looking for a place with a warm, inviting atmosphere and consistently great food, this spot is a must-visit.
November 14 · Sally A.this place is one of my new favorite places. the food hits every time. the service is so nice. it’s white table cloth and all the waiters wear white button downs and stuff. pretty classy - old school. there’s a beautiful bar in the front. i recommend the clams casino
August 07 · Dominic De MartiniWhat can one say about a place that’s been around for over 100 years?From the well worn steps to the classic old school bar and dinning room this place reeks of authenticity. The regulars have their regular seats but we like eating at the bar by the window watching the neighbours go by.Never change ❤️
June 03 · Margo 1000Gene’s is a great old time restaurant that regulars cherish. It is understandable. They provide solid food at reasonable prices with the most generous pours of wine you’ve ever seen.
June 01 · James Napoli
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