La Ginestra - NY

I've lived in Glen Cove for quite some time now and have often thought about going here for dinner. My friend and I finally decided to go and are we glsd we did. The food was remarkable and the service was top notch. Thank you for a lovely dinner!

What was once a favorite place is sadly no longer. As someone with a food allergy, I would be concerned about dining here. I was not always, but as a newly gluten-intolerant individual, I was sadly given and ingested a lot of gluten unknowingly. While it was not the fault of the waiter, but the busser, it nonetheless ruined the evening and part of the next day. The busser thought that whole wheat and gluten-free bread were the same, so when we asked if they served gluten-free bread, he happily said yes and came right back out with some.

Luckily, I asked the waiter where they got such delicious gluten-free bread. Turns out they don't have any and the busser was wrong. While the staff was deeply apologetic, it affected me the rest of the night. Had I had full-blown Celiac disease I would have been writhing in pain on the floor. That was a serious mistake that should have been avoided with proper education of the staff. Apologies only were verbal and there was no attempt to make up for this mistake in any other way.

The appetizer I ordered of mozzarella and eggplant was served without mozzarella because they were nervous that the Polly-o cheese may have gluten in it somehow; it doesn't. What upset me was that it wasn't until I was being served the plate that I was informed this. I was charged full price and got half of my appetizer. Since I was a starving pregnant woman, I ate it because I didn't want to wait for them to make something else. I was never asked if I wanted something else or if they could put something different instead. In fact, the entire meal we paid full price for, despite the inconvenience and mistake.

I was concerned that the staff was not well trained- if trained at all - in how to approach food allergies and sensitivities and now, unfortunately, we will not be dining here in the future. One positive note was that the waiter did seem to know something about gluten and offered to grill the fish instead.

We live near by and love the updated decor and food and service was fabulous love this place

Our waitress was amazing and so was the food

Always welcomed by Gus as if you are a family member sitting at his dining table. Amazing food and service. Hands down the best Italian food in Long Island.

We've been there several times and are never disappointed. The service is outstanding, and you won't find a better meal on Long Island.

We had dinner on Saturday 7/20. Our table was waiting for us. The food and service was great as it always is. We had the swordfish special which was pounded, lightly breaded and grilled and the halibut special - just good old halibut. Both were outstanding. Like no place else. Excellence is par for the course at this restaurant.

We had a delicious dinner and everyone was so nice and accommodating to us. The place has a nice atmosphere very updated Italian farmhouse. The food was very delicious and we were happy with everything and we will definitely be going back.

Excellent food and service.

All excellent

the food was better than average. the tables are MUCH MUCH too close to each other. the noise was unbearable - we could not have a conversation! it was a Friday night - one can only hope that weekday nights are better!

Best Italian restaurant!

This used to be a neighborhood staple, but not any longer. The food choices are tired, the creativity is stale and the value simply isn't there anymore. Overrated and underachieving restaurant.

We felt rushed. The waiter was impatient. The food was of average quality. The martinis were tiny

Excellent from start to finish. Food, service and seating was perfect.

We were regulars at La Ginestra till we moved away over 30 years ago. Having returned recently, and being able to dine there with friends after such a long absence is a testament to the restaurants ability to maintain its high level of satisfying palates for so many years. Food preparation and service remain top notch. Owners were on site and still make it their business to greet you and seat you and prepare you for an excellent dining experience. This restaurant will hopefully remain tops on the list in the area as they truly know how to do it right.

Everything was great! Especially the food and the service

Excellent food preparation and very attentive service. Owners know what they are doing.

La Ginestra is one of the finest Italian restaurants, anywhere. My wife and I have traveled far and wide and dined at great restaurants in many places. La Ginestra is definitely in our Top 10 list. And we have the added advantage of having it right here in Glen Cove, where we live on Long Island. Highly recommended.

Great menu with hard to choose selections. Friendly and professional service in a vibrant, comfortable dining room.
A Glen Cove jewel!

Delicious food and excellent service!

One of our favorites. Food always delicious and fresh

Food was excellent. Branzino was excellently prepared. Servers are always friendly and attentive.

This restaurant is always one of the best on Long Island.

Consistently delicious food and great service. Highly recommend.

This was my first visit to La Ginestra- and a business meeting as well, so the pressure to impress was high.

La Ginestra came through with flying colors. The wait staff was attentive, the food, delicious, and the owner was very warm and congenial.

I will be back and so will my clients. Bravo, La Ginestra!!

It’s always great. Yummy food. Excellent service.

Always consistent delicious food. Owner Enzo and Gus always welcoming and accommodating to any dietary needs.

Our reservation was honored right on time. The restaurant was very busy-not an empty table-but service was gracious, prompt & non-obtrusive. Food was absolutely delicious. Was a little noisier than our last visit because it was so busy but we were in a lovely corner table and you could still have a conversation without raising your voice. Tables are well spaced. Excellent dining experience. We have been there before and will definitely be back.

Always great!
We always arrive a bit early to relax and enjoy a cocktail before going to the table. Wonderful service.
My favorite appetizer is Carpachio of Salmon, topped with fresh cheese over shredded greens.
Entrie whether pasta, poultry, beef, veal or fish all great anyway you order.
Great wines, espresso and biscotti.
Super servers. 5 Star!

Always get a delicious meal there. The service is amazing

This place has been showing up on the Open Table email recommendations so I figured I’d give it a try. First off they made me wait 15 minutes to seat me. The acoustics and noise were piercing The food was mediocre at best and was overpriced for the quality The place is also right out of central casting for the Sopranos but I can assure your Artie Buco is not the chef The bartender was equally as unremarkable too. Pass on this place.

Charming place. Great mix of food and service. We will be back.

From start to finish, an absolutely fantastic evening! Atmosphere, service and most importantly the food were at the absolute highest level! One of the best restaurants on Long Island!

Great food and very good service

All good - food was delicious , service was great. This is what we always expect and what we’ve always received

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT ON LONG ISLAND
My wife, friends and I have be going to La Ginestra for years. The food has always been excellent. Last night the dinner for four was superb. My friend had the Pollo Scarpariello. Not only did he say it was the best Scarpariello that had ever had, but also said "I finally know how this dish should taste." I had the Zuppa di Pesce. The seafood was perfectly cooked. My wife is always a fan of the Insalata di Long Island and the Linguine con Vongole. Gus is always there to greet you with a smile, a handshake and there to say goodnight. Julie is one of the hardest working waitress I have ever seen. She is always sweet and she makes certain that the food arrives promptly .
La Ginestra, is without question the best Italian restaurant on Long Island.

You feel like you're in the city at a real Italian restaurant and not a Long Island knock-off

This was the first time we went to this restaurant and enjoyed it very much. Will return.

took my wife for her birthday on a wednesday night, we were greeted at the door cordially by the owner Enzo and a wonderful evening commenced. we started with vokda martinis, a wonderful full pour, next a special eggplant lasagna, excellent. my wife's dover sole superb, and my veal chop perfectly cooked excellent. but desert, a home made napoleon, the best. attentive but not intrusive wait staff. all in all a great dining experience