La Ginestra

Another fantastic dinner at our favorite restaurant. Perfect way to end the year

Best food service around the Short balled guy is great

We will be there tonight. Another evening of fine and fun dining

Delicious food, great service, lively atmosphere!

We’re regulars here! Cozy, casual and great food.

Excellent Italian restaurant. Food and service are always good.

Had a great bottle of wine, or two

Good food, pretty nice service, and nice atmosphere

Great italian restaurant. Delicious food and good service.

Amazing Italian spot, gnocchi was the best ive had

Wish went here years ago. Excellent

My favorite spot to go to in glen cove!

Unbelievably consistent delicious food

Always great food.

Best place to eat in Glen Cove

Awesome company, awesome food, awesome time

Food is excellent, as was the service

Mama miya

Delish

Delicious artichokes and muscles

Always perfect!

Excellent Food and service

We've been eating here for many years bringing numerous friends & family. Everyone loves La Ginestra. From arrival to dessert you are treated like an important family member. We were a table of 4 on a busy Friday evening. We first enjoyed cocktails/wine, the bread basket & Bruschetta. We then started by sharing a Cesar and house salad and 1 of their appetizer specials - all were outstanding. I had the branzino topped with pine nuts, which as usual was great. My husband, who was celebrating his birthday had the veal chop parmigiana (the best ever!) while the other couple had the Veal Scaloppine Alla-Ginestra and a chicken special. As always, there were plenty of leftovers not for lack of loving everything - we were stuffed but did order a slice of Sicilian cheese cake for the birthday boy, which as usual was outstanding. Espresso's and cappuccino's were also enjoyed. Service was on point, as it always seems to be. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable and pleasant. Yes, it may seem pricey but with their generous portions most people have enough for complete meal leftovers. There's a lively bar & valet parking, which is especially great in inclement weather. This one's a winner! If there were 6 stars instead of 5, they would have earned them all! Highly recommended.

Fabulous food and excellent service. Four of us went out for a birthday dinner here. They have an extensive number of specials and we ordered that way. All were very happy with their selection. The desserts were great as well. I can certainly recommend the Osso Bucco and Napolean! It can be on the noisy side so if you are looking for a quiet meal, it would probably be better to go a little on the early side.

The food and service are consistently great. There is a dress code, so don’t show up in shorts! I always order the grilled calamari and stuffed veal

Warm elegant multi regional Italian cuisine served by an efficient and welcoming staff. String Italian focused wine list with excellent offerings by the glass, especially the Randall Monroe Pinot Noir.

Amazing as usual...great food, great servers and just a quiet peaceful place to eat. Love it more each time!

Great menu and selection, went with a party of 10 and everything from appetizers to desserts was very good..Will go back.

Great nofthern Italian fare. Service is great. One of the owners seats you and offers to get you drinks from bar. I highly recommend it.

Beat overall Italian. Includes the city. Best. High end dining, with a wonderfully warm welcoming feel. You cannot go wromg!

An exceptional dining experience. Each course better than the one before, and not too expensive for the quality of the food.

Private room for family party, service friendly and gracious. Food delicious.

Amazing Food the one and only if not the Best Italian restaurant. You are in Italian Home with the Family. Must!

The waiter was awesome and the food was excellent. Extremely satisfied.

Excellent food, impeccable service (thank you Julie and Jose), welcoming management. A gem!

Always great! Enzo and Gus know how to get it done. Food great, atmosphere always hopping!

20 of us in a private room. Everything was great. Thanks!

Loved the food. Will definitely go back. Great afternoon with "Experience Sicily".

Always great food and service! Love this restaurant, a must.

An amazing meal. Great wine selections. Good service .

Good food, good service and a nice wine list. Go for one of the veal dishes

We had the most fabulous meal last night for a party of 13. Every person’s meal was perfect, the service was impeccable, Manny our server was especially talented. Can’t wait to return! Don’t miss it. Thank you for taking such good care of us.

every time i go to La Ginestra i'm happy i did. the food is great. the service is very good and they have valet parking to make it easy. the bar is a bit tight on a crowded night but not a big issue. on a cold, snowy wintery night it just feels very warm and almost vermont like (its a compliment !!). the baby artichoke appetizer may be my favorite dish in any restaurant that i eat in. it is a bit pricey but nobody leaves disappointed after a meal at La Ginestra.

Our favorite Italian restaurant This is where we go to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries etc. I have never had a bad meal at this restaurant. Their special homemade Napoleon is something you cannot pass up. It is beyond delicious

Food was absolutely delicious and service was outstanding, staff was very polite and friendly, every detail was on point!

We called and they stayed open late for Ross's birthday. Julie (100% five star service) recommended we start with the clams and the fresh made that day pasta. Both were off the charts amazing. Our group had the chicken, veal and Bronzino and the fish was some of the best I have ever tasted. Thank you guys. The only thing better than the food was the attitude and service of the staff. I would give them 10 stars if I could. Happy birthday Ross, hope you enjoyed your first night in NY. Now for the presents.

Beautiful, cozy, and delicious.

Frank

Food was absolutely delicious and service was outstanding, staff was very polite and friendly, every detail was on point!

Chris Reindl

We called and they stayed open late for Ross's birthday. Julie (100% five star service) recommended we start with the clams and the fresh made that day pasta. Both were off the charts amazing. Our group had the chicken, veal and Bronzino and the fish was some of the best I have ever tasted. Thank you guys. The only thing better than the food was the attitude and service of the staff. I would give them 10 stars if I could. Happy birthday Ross, hope you enjoyed your first night in NY. Now for the presents.

Mason Horn

Beautiful, cozy, and delicious.

love it here! delicious food, nice atmosphere, will certainly continue to visit

What a wonderful authentic Sicilian (not traditional Italian) dining experience. We were 3 for dinner and all ordered different meals. The drinks and appetizers were prompt and tasty. Each meal was well prepared and presented. Servers were polite and attentive. The price was more than fair for the quality and experience.

Been wanting to try this establishment for quite some time. Never had the chance or always a reason to put it off. Went tonight for birthday dinner and now I am so sorry we put it off for so long. One of the best meals I have had in this area in a while. Fast courteous service, no problems making kids food, on top of everything. Highly recommended.

Had dinner here several times last week with Bayville Rotary. Simply said amazing again, today going with my children five of us. Over the top food. Looking forward to a wonderful meal I’m very sure of. Julie one of the servers amazing service bar nothing great gal.

Got to stay in the upstairs room with several kids. They were able to move around without bothering everyone. Better experience for everyone.

Food was great. Staff was friendly. The appetizers we a little light in my opinion. The fried calamari was a little light in our opinion and should have had a lot more. But the main dishes were plenty full and the food was great. My wife and I both had separate chicken dishes which were great and my friend had the veal which was really good too. Lastly we had the tiramisu for dessert. That was very good as well. This place is a little gem and I would highly recommend it.

This little Gem in Glen Cove is an amazing place for best southern Italian cuisine at very fair price. Classy ambiance, great service and 5 star food. Highly recommend it.

Always a fabulous meal ! The veal chop parmigiana is amazing along with anything you order.

Rose KL

Got to stay in the upstairs room with several kids. They were able to move around without bothering everyone. Better experience for everyone.

Georgia Sam

love it here! delicious food, nice atmosphere, will certainly continue to visit

george Abi Zeid

This little Gem in Glen Cove is an amazing place for best southern Italian cuisine at very fair price. Classy ambiance, great service and 5 star food. Highly recommend it.

Joshua B

Been wanting to try this establishment for quite some time. Never had the chance or always a reason to put it off. Went tonight for birthday dinner and now I am so sorry we put it off for so long. One of the best meals I have had in this area in a while. Fast courteous service, no problems making kids food, on top of everything. Highly recommended.

Thomas Gonzalez

Food was great. Staff was friendly. The appetizers we a little light in my opinion. The fried calamari was a little light in our opinion and should have had a lot more. But the main dishes were plenty full and the food was great. My wife and I both had separate chicken dishes which were great and my friend had the veal which was really good too. Lastly we had the tiramisu for dessert. That was very good as well. This place is a little gem and I would highly recommend it.

Lou Giunta

What a wonderful authentic Sicilian (not traditional Italian) dining experience. We were 3 for dinner and all ordered different meals. The drinks and appetizers were prompt and tasty. Each meal was well prepared and presented. Servers were polite and attentive. The price was more than fair for the quality and experience.

Kevin Murray

Had dinner here several times last week with Bayville Rotary. Simply said amazing again, today going with my children five of us. Over the top food. Looking forward to a wonderful meal I’m very sure of. Julie one of the servers amazing service bar nothing great gal.

Karen Papasergiou

We had the most fabulous meal last night for a party of 13. Every person’s meal was perfect, the service was impeccable, Manny our server was especially talented. Can’t wait to return! Don’t miss it. Thank you for taking such good care of us.

Nice place. Cozy

great neighborhood restaurant always providing nice service and quality food

Great place fresh food always

Always good experience. Last time was a bit loud, all tables were taken, which is great news for the restaurant business, but some people don't have consideration for others. Just screaming their heads out.

Food was incredible and wait staff was friendly and attentive, but the environment was noisy and made it difficult to have a conversation. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a a quiet, intimate spot for a romantic dinner.

Beautiful spot. Very comfortable atmosphere and the food is fantastic. The tiramisu is outstanding.

Good service, fresh made pasta. Nice ambiance and host is friendly and accommodating to your meal requests.

Great food with an amazing service staff!

Delicious food at reasonable prices. My wife and I dined outdoors and although it was a little cold, we had a great meal. The salmon and the halibut were perfectly cooked and steaming hot. I took off a star for our confused waiter. He seemed overwhelmed and brought us the check without even offering us dessert. The owner or manager (not sure) was very friendly and accommodating. He greeted every customer and was going from table to table making sure everyone was satisfied. We will be coming back after Covid to dine indoors.

Food is amazing. Service is fantastic. I've never had any issues here. Except this past Saturday, we were told that the restaurant was really backed up on reservations and we really needed to order now. I was very taken back by that. That wasn't so cool. While, tge last member of our party was 15 minutes late and we did wind up ordering a half hour after our reservation time, I am still shocked that we were made to order. That never happened to me before. It will be awhile before I go back, at least on a Saturday night.

Unfortunately, my experience at La Ginestra didn’t quite live up to the hype. The ambiance was fine and the service was okay, but the food was underwhelming. For an Italian restaurant, I expected more flavor and freshness — the dishes just felt a bit flat and uninspired. It wasn’t terrible, but definitely not a place I’d rush back to. Glen Cove has better options for Italian if you’re looking for a memorable meal.

Louis Chibbaro

Great food with an amazing service staff!

Ashwin Ragupathi

Unfortunately, my experience at La Ginestra didn’t quite live up to the hype. The ambiance was fine and the service was okay, but the food was underwhelming. For an Italian restaurant, I expected more flavor and freshness — the dishes just felt a bit flat and uninspired. It wasn’t terrible, but definitely not a place I’d rush back to. Glen Cove has better options for Italian if you’re looking for a memorable meal.

George Peterson

Delicious food at reasonable prices. My wife and I dined outdoors and although it was a little cold, we had a great meal. The salmon and the halibut were perfectly cooked and steaming hot. I took off a star for our confused waiter. He seemed overwhelmed and brought us the check without even offering us dessert. The owner or manager (not sure) was very friendly and accommodating. He greeted every customer and was going from table to table making sure everyone was satisfied. We will be coming back after Covid to dine indoors.

Geri Hill

Food is amazing. Service is fantastic. I've never had any issues here. Except this past Saturday, we were told that the restaurant was really backed up on reservations and we really needed to order now. I was very taken back by that. That wasn't so cool. While, tge last member of our party was 15 minutes late and we did wind up ordering a half hour after our reservation time, I am still shocked that we were made to order. That never happened to me before. It will be awhile before I go back, at least on a Saturday night.

Very good the food was excellent the service was excellent it was enjoyable

Great food and service but they don’t really care about their customers. None of the wait or buss staff wear masks. They were told by their “boss, We don’t have to.”

Uneven food. My pollo scarpiello was dry but my wife's Veal was delicious

David Brensilber

Uneven food. My pollo scarpiello was dry but my wife's Veal was delicious

It's been many years since our last visit to La Genestra. We had a lovely time with friends. The best compliment I can give them is I didn't send back the food or get food poising. I'm not a fan but I'm very picky about my food. I won't encourage or discourage a visit. There are many better choices in the area.

Ivan Klugman

It's been many years since our last visit to La Genestra. We had a lovely time with friends. The best compliment I can give them is I didn't send back the food or get food poising. I'm not a fan but I'm very picky about my food. I won't encourage or discourage a visit. There are many better choices in the area.

Took almost 2 hrs to complete service and the food was tgif level. Very disappointing.

Good Italian food, management needs improvement.

Super disappointing. Thought it would be 5 star, but overpriced and mediocre. For an early dinner, our server was scattered and rushed and while apps came in no time, entrees took close to an hour to come. Dessert was the best part.

Had swordfish special. It was truly awful. Not even sure it was swordfish since I had three small pieces only quarter of inch thick. Never saw swordfish that small before. Also had Caesar salad which was very bland.

I came based on reviews and feel the food was barely even average, i can make what i was given at home from a frozen bag. The pasta was below average. i ordered the pesto, and i sent it back. The boss came and said it says it sells, like that's a justification for terrible pasta, wont be coming back but overal it tastes like ragu sause to be used for the pasta. Not homemade.

A few friends highly recommended La Ginestra to my wife & I, so I went in anticipating a good experience. We were disappointed, food was average at best. Service was just barely decent. Maybe it was a bad night, will try to visit again in the future.

Pete Santiago

I came based on reviews and feel the food was barely even average, i can make what i was given at home from a frozen bag. The pasta was below average. i ordered the pesto, and i sent it back. The boss came and said it says it sells, like that's a justification for terrible pasta, wont be coming back but overal it tastes like ragu sause to be used for the pasta. Not homemade.

A. (Alan Z.)

A few friends highly recommended La Ginestra to my wife & I, so I went in anticipating a good experience. We were disappointed, food was average at best. Service was just barely decent. Maybe it was a bad night, will try to visit again in the future.

Was asked to leave right after dessert. Very impolite .

I JUST CALLED 8/11/2020 AND I ASKED IF THEY HAVE SEATING FOR TWO. AND I ASKED "OH GREAT SO YOU DO HAVE SEATING FOR TWO ?" HE RESPONDED AGGRESSIVELY "YEAH WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M LYING TO YOU? I'M NOT DESPERATE FOR YOR BUSINESS" I couldn't believe my ears I was so polite. I worked in a high end restaurant and would NEVER speak to a customer who has eating there many times. This is NOT classy and we will no longer go back

Thought it was a Sicilian rest. Service very good. Underwhelmed by the food.

What’s all the hype about?? We THOUGHT we were going to enjoy a 5-star dinner for our anniversary, but instead we received 2-star food quality. The owner greeted and seated us, which was nice, but the waitress was pushy for us to order tons of food. My pasta dish was fishy smelling and tasting and my fiance’s Pesto Pasta was over-flavored and sticky. We left our table hungry, dissatisfied and $70 poorer for 2 bowls of pasta and 2 salads. Keep driving and hit the local pizza restaurant instead of wasting your resources here.

Tara Ann Lauro

What’s all the hype about?? We THOUGHT we were going to enjoy a 5-star dinner for our anniversary, but instead we received 2-star food quality. The owner greeted and seated us, which was nice, but the waitress was pushy for us to order tons of food. My pasta dish was fishy smelling and tasting and my fiance’s Pesto Pasta was over-flavored and sticky. We left our table hungry, dissatisfied and $70 poorer for 2 bowls of pasta and 2 salads. Keep driving and hit the local pizza restaurant instead of wasting your resources here.