03/31/08

Yuck - strait out of the can ;(

by helena

Ordered a linguine with clams (canned clams)...i sent it back. Ordered the fresh clams and linguine (nasty over cooked rubber clam morsels). I would not tell anyone to eat here - Clearly not an Italian chef in sight!

• Pros: open late
• Cons: the food is not good

03/20/08

The Real Story

by TomCraig

I am a downtown Mill Valley business owner and a long time supporter of both the Sweetwater AND LaGinestra. I'm so tired of people like blondemv talking about something they know little or nothing about. If She and others knew the real story they would walk into theLaGinestra and thank Maria and Tino Aversa for assisting in providing Mill Valley with a venue to house the Sweetwater. I am a few doors up from the Sweetwater and was constantly hearing people complaining about a cover charge or trying to talk their way in without paying. They want the Sweetwater but don't want to support it. That is the reason Sweetwater, Village Music and others can't survive, It's not La Ginestra's fault.....Grow up! Eat at La G...you'll love it!

11/23/07

Best Italian in Marin Despite Service

by ashre1

this place has awesome food. the customer service is not great - they have had the same servers for a long time. the customer isnt necessarily right. still the pizza is awesome. as is most other stuff on the menu. i have no issues getting rid of sweetwater. then maybe they can expand and there wouldnt be such a long wait getting in.

08/07/07

I would NEVER eat here

by blondemv

I would NEVER eat here as they are trying to shut down the Sweetwater. The Aversas have put the current and former owners of Sweetwater through hell and back. There are plenty better italian restaurants in the area. I suggest you go to D'Angelo Restaurant around the corner.

08/06/07

Boycott La Ginestra for KILLING the Sweetwater

by freebonobo

Boycott La Ginestra and let them know you are doing so at (415) 388-0224. They own the building that is home to the legendary Sweetwater. La Ginestra is evicting the Sweetwater to do "seismic repairs". They have tried to use this excuse a number of times in the past 10 years in an attempt to get the Sweetwater to pay a higher rent. It's worked every time but this time the Sweetwater can't pay any more.

• Pros: What's good about the death of a cultural landmark?
• Cons: Eating here says "I am a music hater

11/13/06

Family Restaurant, Delicious Comfort Food

by rmboro

La Ginestra is a longtime institution in Mill Valley. It serves up authentic Italian comfort food in a cozy environment. The homemade ravioli is unbelievable. The downside is that there is always a wait since they don't accept reservations. However, there is a nice lounge with a bar to pass the time.

• Pros: Delicious Homemade Ravioli
• Cons: No reservations (so always a wait)

06/06/03

Italiano

by DJF

Really good food - from apps, salads, to entrees. I thought it was one of the better Italian meals I have had in the bay. The staff is helpful and pleasant. They have a bar in the next room, so waiting for a table can be a good thing. I will go again.

11/09/02

The Best for Hand Made Italian Food

by marinfoodsnob

In an age where a great deal of restaurant food is "assembled" and not "made", La Ginestra is a beacon of how to do it right. My friends, veterans of many an evening out to an Italian eatery are always amazed when they take their first taste of the La Ginestra caesar (the best), and the look of shock and disbelief (try this for yourself) when they take their first tasts of the Ravioli de Ginestra. The pizza is the best as well, no "wood fired oven" and psudo chefs running around in funny hats and funny pants. This is the real deal. And if you go on a weekend, you can enjoy Maria's hand made tiramisu. Like everything at La Ginestra..delicate and deliberate. Perfecto! By the way, this is the friendliest dining staff you will ever encounter. Family owned since the 1960's, you leave hoping to be adopted.

09/24/02

YUMMY!!!!!

by cristi_wheatley

This place has THE best pasta! The prices are GREAT, too, especially for the area it's in. I also love the atmosphere, very comfortable & friendly. Highly recommended.

• Pros: good area, dimly lit, romantic, nice family runs it
• Cons: not open for lunch

08/15/02

Quality Always Wins

by dborba

I have been eating at this restaurant for 25 years... excellent food...excellent service...highly recommended!