Gennaro's 5 North SquareWe were unable to get a reservationWe were unable to get a reservation for Mama Maria's so this was our second choice. Not anymore. It exceeded our expectations.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe chef came out severalThe chef came out several times to check on tables and say hello. Food was perfectly cooked and service was attentive. Wish they had a full bar license and valet but prices were reasonable so can't complain.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMRandom act of kindnessAs if the fantastic dinner with my family was not enough, on our way out my wife struck up a conversation with the maître d and mentioned that we were celebrating 2 birthdays. Since we did not mention it earlier (and did not ask for a cake) he personally escorted us around the corner to Café Vittoria (same owner) and set us all up with complementary pastries. Very memorable evening!4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Locals' FavoriteGennaro's -THAT'S Italian! Hand-made pastas, amazing Bolognese, lambchops Scottaditta. Not to be missed: grilled calamari "steak" on fingerling potatoes and green beans - appetizer, or starter. A wine list built to deliver a decent selection at a user-friendly price point. Desserts: all home made; bread puddings excellent, affogato a perfect ending to another delightful meal at our favorite neighborhood place.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMNice new find in the NorthNice new find in the North End (for us, at least). We had the eggplant parm and pasta alla matriciana, both delicious. We dined on the first floor, but I understand the second is nicer. As we had made a reservation, I was surprised they had not placed us upstairs. The restaurant seemed welcoming and accomodating - a young couple came in only wanting coffee and dessert, and they were not turned away but seated next to us. I thought that was nice.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, location, serviceGreat location, food and service. We had a party of six with 2 kids and had a great table by the window. Even though it was busy, the service was attentive.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a fantastic time! TheWe had a fantastic time! The food was phenomenal, and we really enjoyed the atmosphere4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMRomantic evening for twoMy husband and I had a lovely dinner here after he picked me up from the airport. I was a little frazzled but we were seated at a lovely table for two by the window. It was a drizzly cold night in Boston. But, the atmosphere and the food were perfect.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMNorth Square Gemmain floor dining room trattoria- style - informal, brightly lit. family- friendly. Upstairs: softer lighting, romantic, intimate. Everything coming out of the kitchen is amazing. I live in the North End and this is my new favorite place. My only wish: that the bread served at table was equal to the caliber of the rest of the food and wine here.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding ServiceGreat experience all around. Food and wine were good but what made this visit a great experience was the very professional and friendly wait staff. Will definitely be back.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMA GemTerrific offering of new Italian flavors with delicious traditional dishes. Portions are perfect - not too small, not too big. The staff is warm and it's refreshing that they seem to enjoy serving their guests. It's my new North End favorite.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWe ate here with our teenagedWe ate here with our teenaged children. They really enjoyed their dinners. We recommend the chicken Marsala and anything with the marinara sauce. It was quiet enough for us to enjoy our conversation but not too quiet.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGennaro's, located in NorthGennaro's, located in North Square in Boston's North End, is delightful site for an evening out. It shares its setting with Paul Revere's house, and an Italian Catholic Church, formerly a Seamen's Bethel. Dining is on two levels both of which afford views of the square. It is tastefully decorated and service is efficient and knowledgeable. The food is very good and includes many carefully prepared, interesting dishes. The wine list, while not extensive, is sufficient. It is also grouped by price and offers several selection at a reasonable level.
Gennaro's is suitable for a romantic evening or for a small goup of friends. We are glad it is in our neighborhood.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely Easter dinnerWe had Easter dinner here and loved it! Had a table by the window downstairs which was an added bonus. The chef's special bolognese pasta is absolutely delicious. My husband loved the lambchop [Easter special] and I heard the classic meatball and pasta was great. Dessert mango sorbet was a big hit. Reasonable pricing as well. I would love to return on another trip to Boston and highly recommend it.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for Restaurant Week.Went for Restaurant Week. The menu had some great items that I have not tried there before. The Cesear Salad was very good. My husband and out-of-town friend stated that the fish with olives, olive oil in parchment paper was very fresh and plentiful. The pasta with pork and sausage was good, but I did not like the meatball that came with it at all. Not sure what kind of meat was used in it. The chocolate bread pudding with ganache inside (like a lava cake) was excellent. The vanilla bread pudding that my husband had was really good and the ricotta/strawberry dessert was apparently good, too.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMQuiet setting away from Hanover St.Delightful restaurant one block off the Hanover Street and away from hubbub. Server was attentive, and yet properly distant to let my business associate and I enjoy a casual dinner to unwind from a busy day. There was no pressure to turn the table. Score is down 1 star as one of our dishes (chicken stuffed with spinach and smoked mozarella) was a bit dry, and a bit on the smaller side. When you spend +25% to eat in the north end versus the suburbs, you expect to get a reasonable portion. All other aspects of the evening were wonderful. One nice feature is the wine list is broken into groups of $30, $40, etc. Just pick the bottle from the price range that suits you. No need to disect over dollar bills.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMEnded very loud but deliciousWe have eaten here before and love the food. Last time we were here, it was summer, we were downstairs by the windows and they were open. This time, we were put upstairs by a window and all was good until a huge and extremely loud party arrived. They were literally yelling to the point we could not hear each other talk. No one should have been seated anywhere near them. Fortunately, we were about 3/4 through our meal. Food was delicious. There were five of us. Several had salads, which were good. I had the beets and they were delicious. I also had the papardelle bolognese and it was excellent. All entrees were excellent and we had several bottles of reasonably priced italian reds.2/16/2013 12:00:00 AM