It felt like I had entered a time warp when I walked into Gene’s, an old-school white-tablecloth Italian restaurant on West 11th Street. My neighbors recommended it as they are regulars.

Once we sat down, our brusque waiter deposited a basket filled with breadsticks and sliced seeded Italian bread, a bowl of chilled butter and a relish tray with carrot and celery sticks and huge radishes.


With the old-world feel, we thought martinis ($16) would be apropos as our cocktail. They fit the mood. We started with a Ceasar Salad ($15.95), requesting anchovies, no croutons, and cheese on the side (my dining partner doesn’t eat dairy).

The kitchen was out of the mussels possillipo ($24.95), so my companion ordered littleneck clams in the same garlicky tomato sauce ($34.95). That dish came with veggies and a potato croquette. I had the eggplant parmigiana ($21.95).


If you miss those classic Italian restaurants with their efficient waiters, I’d suggest a visit to this neighborhood place for a comfy trip to the past.

Gene’s
Greenwich Village
73 West 11th Street
New York New York 10011
(212) 675-2048
genesnyc.com