I have been here twice in about a month. The first time, I came for dinner with coworkers. I had an excellent pasta dish called Capesante Allo Zafferano Con Tagliolini-- Sea scallops sautéed with saffron and tossed with tagliolini in a spicy tomato sauce...on the pricey side for like $28. We also shared salad nona which had endive, apples, pears, gorgonzola, walnuts--it was fine but it sounded better than it tasted. The waiter was very chatty and friendly. Funny thing that happened was I called for a reservation for 9pm on a Monday night and was told it was fine, but when we arrived there was a private family party--Greek birthday party--that occupied the main dining room with Karoke, band, and dessert. We ended up sitting outside, which was fine but odd. We found out from the waiter (nephew?) that the owner (uncle) was answering his cell away and didn't know about the private party. The second time I was with my husband and 4 year old daughter. We were the only ones in the dining room. I made a reservation online but it didn't work. I had Linguini Doria -- Linguine sautéed with jumbo shrimp and sea scallops in a chardonnay and aromatic tomato sauce, also pricey for $28 -- and tasted very similar to the dish I had on my first visit. My husband had Pappardelle Con Salsiccia E Carcioffi -- Pasta with Italian sausage and artichokes tossed in a tomato, basil sauce -- which was a little disappointing, not bad, but we expected more. The same waiter was there-- this time not so chatty at all but was still nice--did charge us for marinara sauce that came with the bread we ordered, even though he said he wasn't going to. The restaurant was walking distance from my hotel and convenient. read more

We ate dinner here on a Thursday night for my mother-in-law's birthday. I am giving 4 stars because of the waiter. He was so helpful especially when we found out the parking below was already closed! He went out and tried what he can to help and we were able to get our car. He also recommended a good red wine for us. -1 star is for the food. Most of us found the dishes really salty. I got the Smoked Salmon with Toast and Minestrone Soup. Was both salty but if it weren't it would have been a really great dish bec I loved the texture of the Salmon with the Toast and arugula. Interior is nice. read more

Graff Gennaro's - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

I tried this place 2 years ago, was still ok, but everything was old interior. Was passing 2 days ago saw its has different name Graff and inside was newly remodeled, food they offering Italian and it's fantastic. Definitely will go again, nice romantic place. read more

Graff Gennaro's - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

This is an intimate Italian restaurant with good food and decent service. The decor is a bit gaudy and the only parking available is street parking which is very limited. I went for lunch on a weekday and it was quite empty so you don't have to worry about any waits. As for the food, I ordered the chicken penne alla ligure from their lunch menu. The portion size is incredible and the dish was very flavorful. Would come back again for this dish! read more

Graff Gennaro's - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

The best experience with the best service. I feel so special here and it is gorgeous. The best best coffee and food. I felt like a Queen today. Thank you Marina!!!! I will tell everyone about this place and your exceptional service!!!!!! read more

Graff Gennaro's - Gorgeous machine!!!! - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

Oh My God the food is delicious and they are open in Sundays! The service is amazing n the taste of the food authentic italian. Great date night or any other special occasion. It reminded me of the great the service Velvet Restaurant from days of olde. read more

Graff Gennaro's - Penne pasta special - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

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Wow, can you find a more accommodating place? I think not. My first time here, motivated by good yelp reviews, was great. The staff, in my case sisters Ani and Karen, were friendly and attentive. They were more than willing to customize my meal in any way I wanted. I had a wonderful salad with walnuts, the lamb special, and for dessert Karen made me a plate with two types of cake (since I could not decide). Then when the conversation went to Armenian coffee, Ani went back to the kitchen to make me some. Incredible. I felt like they had welcomed me into their home. What a wonderful evening, and a wonderful meal. read more

Graff Gennaro's - The lamb chop special - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

Decided to try this place on a Saturday night at 7:00; white linen,we a charming little place. There was a single woman and one other couple. We ordered cocktails which the hostess/bartender/waiter did not know what rum was much less how to make it (rum and coke and a vodka seven), so my husband went to the bar and made them with her. At one point she did say she was new. Food was a salad for me and shrimp cocktail for him, Shrimp were not cold and the salad, although very good would easily have served 4. Filet for him, salmon for me (both plates came with sliced potatoes and a full head of broccoli. My salmon was very tasty, steak overcooked. The bill comes for $180.00 2 drinks each at $18 a piece. The hostess/bartender/waiter was very pleasant and smiled the entire time we were there, but we honestly felt like we were in the Twilight Zone. Won't go back too bad could have been a great find. read more

The best staff and delicious food, highly recommended, Hookah and special cocktails from the friendly bartender

Okay...let's talk about good service and what that means. I came to Graff's with my boyfriend for our anniversary dinner. The place was empty and at first we were wary. Narek, our waiter is the epitome of great service. He was charismatic, engaging and quick with recommendations on wine and his favorites on the menu (and even his faves NOT on the menu). The emptiness in the restaurant honestly didn't end up bothering us at all because of Narek and the LIVE piano music in the background. Upon telling him it was our anniversary, Narek comped our second glasses of wine and a dessert. What a guy! Seriously. Can't say enough great things. The food was fantastic. The complimentary margherita bread is good enough that I could eat a basket all by myself. Despite eating a lot of bread, I annihalated my Linguini Doria and my boyfriend inhaled his marsala chicken so fast I didn't even get the chance to try a bite. The decor is super luxe and gorgeous. Honestly, it looks like a mini ballroom and I've found myself already thinking of occasions to rent out this place in the future. Long story short: Great food. Great service. Made my night extremely special. I'll be back again to enjoy this hidden gem. read more

Very welcoming and amazing atmosphere. Great drinks, food and hookah for a night out with family and friends

THIS RESTAURANT BELONGS ON KITCHEN NIGHTMARES. WHERE ARE YOU GORDON RAMSEY!!! It was a Sunday afternoon me and my Wife went to watch a movie and have dinner. Sunday was cheat meal day so we did a search for highly rated Italian food in the area and Gennaro's came up. We had eaten here about 12 years ago and we had great memories. Unfortunately that's what they were. Just memories. I called in and asked for a reservation and asked about our attire. The man on the phone said it was fine. As you walk in, the lobby/bar had this smell like something died in the walls. We were greeted by the host/owner who brought us into the dining room and asked us where we would like to sit. As the entire room was empty. We sat and proceeded to look at the menu. Hasn't been updated since our last visit... 12 years ago. The ambiance was dim and old. We ordered the Calamari to start. Got our wine and sparkling water and bread. The bread tasted like it was reheated in the microwave. So we enjoyed the solitude for a minute. Calamari came to the table with a gravy boat full of marinara sauce. At first glance you can tell the Calamari was frozen. Also tasted frozen. For a restaurant with a $$$ rating I expect better. The Marinara sauce tasted like it came out of a can. Main dishes. I ordered the Grigilata Mista and my wife ordered the Tatilioni Frutti De la Mer. (I'm pretty sure I butchered the names). We asked if the pasta was fresh. He replied "fresh yes. We make it twice a week." We received our meals. My wife's pasta was drenched in oil. The scallops were inedible, the mussels were grey just like the clams, the shrimp was rubbery, the squid circles were disgusting. All indicators to a frozen meal. My entree consisted of, a lobster tail that was grilled to a rubbery consistency, shrimp that felt like chewing on a tire, scallops that were disgusting and yellow and grilled salmon, which looked like it came from the Vons up the street. The steamed vegetables looked and tasted microwaved. We let the owner know of the issues. He offered a desert on the house. The only reason this review deserves a 1 star rating was that tiramisu. I killed 3 flying gnats at the table. The guitarist helped a little. Now the fun starts, we get home and both of us feel this pain in our stomach. And not to get to nasty. But we both were sitting on the toilet for most of the night and this morning. Our bill was $118.26. Honestly I don't mind paying for good food. But this was just not worth it. DON'T GO HERE.. GO TO MCDONALD'S FOR BETTER FOOD. read more

Came here with several Japanese colleagues on a Wednesday evening. We were the only table there, which was fine. Met the owner, Arthur, a very nice man. He recently took over the restaurant. The food was excellent - started with Caesar chicken salad and calamari. Well dressed, not too heavy. Calamari was freshly cooked, tender, with a tasty marinara sauce. Main course was Osso Bucco and Angel hair Pomodoro. Both very tasty and perfectly done. He also offered us a special treat - veggie stuffed small bell peppers. Wine flowed along with good conversation. The room is clearly set up for large parties and live music. There's a piano and small PA, and a dance floor in the middle. Would love to bring a group here. read more

I haven't had a nice Italian food for a long time. Having fun with live music and great food companied with wine. I am thinking to do a surprise party for my wife ;) please don't tell her! read more

Graff Gennaro's - The best wine I ever had ever in a Italian restaurant! Love it. I - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

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Beautiful atmosphere, amazing authentic Italian cuisine! We will be coming back very soon! read more

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Just plain bad. Our starter, the Calamari was rubber. My ravioli tasted like gravy and my fiancé's chicken was thin cut rubber chicken breast. The place smelled musty, which should've been a dead giveaway... Save yourself the trouble and just walk out. read more

I have been to many restaurants and can definitely say that the food is one of the best! High quality music and service. Everything is delicious and different compared to other places. Recommend for small parties and not only. read more

I remembered this place from years ago. It was the place you went to have an incredible dining experience when you didn't mind dropping a C note back when a C note was actually worth something. Fast forward to 2013 and this has all of the markings of the restaurant downward spiral. Friday evening at 7:30 and only a few tables occupied. Stale bread. Ingredients that tasted like they were either sourced from pedestrian sources or were getting a bit long in the tooth. Extra salt in everything without any bright flavors shining through. Artful use of sauces to cover it all up. Everything lacking in any presentation finesse. Hey, I know... everyone thinks they're a critic after watching a few episodes of Chopped. My opinion... chop this one. There are many places you can go to get an uninspiring meal for a lot less bit coins. Now, if you don't really care about the food and want a well turned out room with some background piano music then you're in. For me this meal was a reminder of another thing that used to be special whose time has come and gone. read more

I recently heard a rumor that this place had gone downhill due to new ownership; well, I'm here to tell you that it is better now than it ever was and I have been coming here for years. Order the Caesar Salad and it will be tossed tableside - the perfect amount of garlic, anchovies and lemon. Where can you find that these days? My entree of blackened salmon was cooked to perfection and very fresh. This is a hidden gem in Glendale for a nice, quiet lunch (and a romantic dinner!). read more

I don't like giving bad reviews since I don't know if the establishment was just having a bad day. We had a lunch party which they knew about weeks ahead of time. We were about 20 and there were maybe 4 other guests. Lunch took over two hours due to extremely slow service. The food was not that great at all. I felt as if we surprised them. I hope they improve their product. I would not go back again unless I hear about improvements. read more

Drive by this place every night on my way home from work and have wanted to check it out many times though never really had a reason. Now, while working on a special project and having 5 people join me from out of state I recommend this place for our weekly team dinner. So we made reservations for 6 at 530 and arrived to a completely empty restaurant. Even the host/waiter/owner? Wasn't around. But that quickly changed and we were seated in the back. Let me set the table, no pun intended, for the rest of our night. The restaurant was indeed devoid of any other customers and is quite dark inside. There is a piano and I hear they do have live music sometimes, probably not at 530 on Wednesday nights though. They have a decent cocktail menu and wine list. They have all kinda of Italian meals, ie pastas, fish, meats like veal and steak. I ordered the peppercorn crusted salmon and it was quite outstanding. One in our party ordered the appetizer Caesar salad and they prepared it from scratch table side, a touch of class that was unexpected. Out whole group ordered something different, veal medallions, scallops, pasta... You get the idea, and everyone raved about what they were served. The food was obviously freshly prepared with quality ingredients. In case it means anything to you, as it does to an overweight guy like me. The breads they served our table before were quite delicious. The best part? My company paid for it. But seriously, it's not an inexpensive night out. The most basic pasta dish was around $19, and up to $45 for the seafood platter or filet mignon. I would recommend this place for a dance date night. They have a bar in the foyer (seats maybe 5?). Probably not a great spot for bringing kids. By the time we left three other groups had come in. read more

Come on folks .... with all these raving reviews?? You obviously did not eat here prior to the new owners. It is just simply not the same - and not worth the visit. I'm writing this review, listening to another table ask "if the chef has changed?" because they do not like their meal. The service is poor .. the food is average and the prices are high. There was a post on Yelp that said new owners recently bought the place, hired the old chef and a lot of the old wait staff is back - THIS IS NOT TRUE! It is the same terrible ownership that took over about 4 years ago and it is abysmal. PLEASE Do Not waste your money .... find another Glendale restaurant.... and stop these glowing, fake reviews - the place just stinks. read more

THE BEST Italian restaurant EVER! This is truly the hidden gem of Glendale! The food, the ambiance, the service and the live piano player can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable one! The new management has really tuned things around. I had my group's Christmas party here...The table that was set for us was very elegant, the variety of appetizers and the portions of the food was beyond my expectations! read more

STAY AWAY!! The food is bad, the service is bad (they sit you down without menus and you have to ask for them!). The variety of breads they brought out was old and stale. The house salad dressing was just vinegar! We had to send back the stake my boyfriend ordered and got chicken fettuccine instead which they also managed to mess up. The waiter never even asked how everything was, but I guess that would've been pointless! One star for the piano player and the decor, everything else is horrible and overpriced! read more

Gennaro's is one of those place that once was the caliber/reputation of a Spago-type restaurant. Maybe in 1985. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately...) they haven't changed the decor since then. It feels like your grandma's house.... but nicer. Think padded fabric walls, high-backed chairs, and still-life paintings on the walls. The servers still wear tuxedo-looking suits, with the white napkin draped over their arm. That said, just because it's an old-school type restaurant, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the kitchyness of the experience. The restaurant itself is a little tricky to find. It's on the north(ish) part of Brand, in a brick building. The outside though, looks promising, and upscale. And they do have valet. When we went, there were only a few tables occupied. It's definitely not a hoppin place. One large group of business people. Another group of 4 obviously single women in their 40s, and a person dining alone in a cozy booth in the back. I ordered a penne pasta with peppers and spinach, and wow, it was actually really good (maybe a LITTLE too much spinach for my taste... but whatever). The peppers were cooked to perfection, as was the pasta. I also had a salad to start with that was also quite nice. And yes, they still have a dessert cart.... which they serve you dessert from. I had a chocolate mousse cake that was actually really, really good. It wasn't refrigerated crap. Light and airy and great. You can also get real espresso. And the service is truly impeccable. Prices are what you'd expect: for the four of us, with two bottles of champagne ($120 just for that..) our bill was about $300. So -- if you're looking for a nicer place to take maybe the parents out... or grandparents out... or just want an old-school, un-trendy, but still very nice dining experience, this is your place. read more

Came here with a friend - as my girlfriend gifted me a wine tasting she picked up on Groupon. It was very quiet, not many people at all... Which I love. Honestly, I don't need other people to tell me what's good and I'm so sick of "trendy." My friend and I found the staff very friendly, and having the guitarist, Roberto, play, was a nice touch. Because it wasn't very crowded we chatted with him a little as well. Wine & food was good... Was pretty much what I would expect to pay. And the pours on the tasting were generous. They have a snazzy baby grand piano... And I would love to see them do some singing things there. read more

Just not the same!! I'm compelled to put pen to paper( digitally of course) Just had dinner at Gennaro's in Glendale CA.I must say its not the Gennaro's we used to know years ago. New ownership we find out. I ordered the duck breast and when served it consisted of 5 small (2" diameter maximum) sliced pieces of duck breast. I estimated the weight at 4 oz. total. At $29.95 that brings it to $7.48 an ounce! That's one pricy duck! Add to that $14.00 each for two shrimp cocktails and $40 for 4 gin and tonics and you end up with a very mediocre meal for $130.00 + ( my wife had veal which was also $29.95). Needless to say we won't be back, nor can I recommend what used to be a fantastic dining establishment to anyone else anymore. Sometimes change isn't a good thing. read more

I hate to give this spot 2 stars. The service was great and the piano player was a welcoming touch. But the decor is straight outta a south Florida retirement village (in 1986) and the food can be hit or miss. The wine list was appropriately priced for the selections available, the dessert cart is pretty awesome and the desserts were very good. The Menu; Beef Carpaccio: pretty sure this was just roasted beef that was not very thinly sliced and served with a mess of ingredients on top - canned mushrooms!?! Totally unnecessary. Such a bummer. My dish was rabbit - and I must say I enjoyed my meal. The plate just had too much stuff on it. The rabbit, the jus and the potatoes were all nicely prepared, the chef then adds boiled carrots and broccoli and the ubiquitous sprig of parsley. The veggies and parsley really kicked up the retirement feel of my meal. My husband had the seafood pasta: All the ingredients were there, and it was a waiter recommendation; but many of the items on the plate were past their prime and a chef should know better than to include items like that. The scallops were way over cooked too. I can't see folks under forty without parents or in-laws enjoying this restaurant too much. I can see enjoying this restaurant if you are staying at the Hilton, eating on an expense account and you want to get out of the hotel and walk a bit. read more

Stumbled into this place because it's one of the partners for the united dining program. Such a gem! Nice decor with beautiful live piano. I ordered a red sauce scallop pasta dish, my husband ordered a white wine sauce seafood combination pasta, both were so delish! And the tiramisu is to die for. Will definitely come back! read more

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Best service ever! They were closed for a private party, and when asked for a recommendation, they invited us to join them for dinner. The food was amazing, service was second to none, and all on a night they were "closed". Great people. Restaurant owners, take note. This family runs a restaurant right. read more

My wife and I were in Glendale yesterday afternoon and needed to go to a place for early dinner. We saw the horrible reviews for the Mexican restaurant near to Genneros and took a walk up the road and here and stumbled upon Gennaros. We're very glad we did as the food and service were absolutely impeccable. We didn't have a lot of time to spend at the restaurant, I ordered the Penne with Italian Sausage and Olives special and my wife Chicken Tequila Fettucinie. We didn't have time to have a starter but the waiter brought us a basket of bread, and the bread selection tasted great. Our entrées arrived about 15 mins later and they were both superb. My special was piping hot and tasted absolutely fantastic, so was my wifes. The service really was very attentive, perhaps as we had got there so early and the restaurant was very quiet. I see from other reviews here the restaurant doesn't get too busy, that's a shame as the food we had yesterday definitely deserves it. The next time we're in Glendale we'll be back. read more

The service here was fantastic. Our waitress was deeply friendly and super accommodating. She was great! The food was good and the atmosphere was romantic. I had a lovely time and will definitely be back! Quite impressed! read more

In the mood for some fancy dinner? Our friendly neighborhood Gennaro's fits the bill. Always thought the exterior of their little brick building gives a private but inviting appeal. And the interior definitely has a warm atmosphere not minding the old-school feel to it. For an appetizer, we had the calamari which was delightful. Love that it was a big sharing plate full of rings instead of tentacles. The calamari was lightly breaded and cooked just right, you're not chewing on rubber bands. For the main show, we tried the chicken fettuccine and ossobuco, SO delicious! Be warned, however, that the fettuccine, I thought had a strong lemon/citrus taste which I didn't mind although others might. You just don't hint the tequila which was included supposed by the menu. To me, it was still a score. I also loved the osso buco with risotto. OH can't beat the bone marrow and risotto together - it's really THE match made in heaven for me. While enjoying dinner, live piano music was playing in the background. The service was great to top it all off. Very very accommodating. This place offers a great dining experience without the stress of parking and waiting. Highly recommended! read more

I had the fish and it made me pretty ill. I was running for the restroom even before I left the place, which lasted well into the next day. tore me up pretty bad unfortunatley. I was the only one who had the fish, everyone else had pasta, and they were fine.. Sorry, but this place left a bad impression with me. read more

This place is classic. My mom used to frequent the eatery in the 80's when her all cash Russian clientele would fly in from Moscow to negotiate real estate deals. It was a gangster spot for sure. But since the change in ownership, (3 times over) it's turned into nothing more than a classic Italian spot. The food is good, the service friendly and ownership accommodating. The mood inside is intimate & classy. A little too basic for my taste, but the classic recipes & oh so Italian style keeps me coming for more. Try the Osso Bucco or the veal scaloppini. I'll readjust my review after they conduct their well anticipated make over. read more

Seeking some good Italian food that wasn't overrated, I chose to explore Gennaro's, since someone mentioned that the Italian food here was superb - and indeed, it was. The ambiance was very romantic and beautiful, and it would be a nice place to bring a date, or some friends and family to share a nice quiet dinner with. The host and waiters were all very attentive to our needs and carefully answered any questions we had regarding the menu items. I really like how they started off with 4 different types of bread - The cheese sticks being my favorite. There was another bread that tasted like pizza which was also very good. We ordered several pasta dishes and savored each and every one of them. Gennaro's Ristorante has some of the most delicious pasta dishes I've tasted my entire life. Yes ladies and gents, it's just THAT good. This place is not well known on yelp, but I urge everyone to check this place out. Gennaro's Ristorante is indeed a hidden jewel that should not be missed. read more

I travel extensively on business and a restaurant is a restaurant is a restaurant. Not so Gennaro's. You do feel a bit like you are stepping back in time but unless you write for Architectural Digest what you are probably really there for is the food. All I can say is yum, yum. From appetizer to dessert, delicious. I had a sole which was the best I have ever eaten. Now sole is a pretty boring fish so to make it special something good has to be going on in that kitchen. Pricey - yes. For Italian - shockingly so. But, if you tell your wallet to be quiet so your mouth can enjoy the food you will be one happy diner. Went with a business colleague who is an international traveller and just as jaded as I about dining out and she loved it too. Buon appetito! (Head north on Brand above 134, past Glenoaks start looking on the left. Small brick building. Hard to find - harder to forget!) read more

This place is very quiet, romantic and perfect for those who wish to have dinner with that special someone to celebrate a special occasion. The service is great and so is the food. A reservation is highly recommended if you want to sit in a booth, as they have a limited number of them. They have plenty of tables as well, and they are nice. We just prefer the booth for more privacy. We'll be back. read more

Great food, great atmosphere, and great service. MellBee took care of us and we had a great dining experience. I would recommend and 100% will come back. Call ahead to get a seat and bring your ID. read more

This place is a hookah lounge now and the Yelp info should reflect that. If they can't change it maybe a new one should be made. It's a really really nice hookah lounge! The food is also very good. I did ask for water 5 times from 3 different people to finally get water but it's fine they're new and still figuring it out. I also appreciate the professional environment for the staff. It's always been weird to me to see staff sitting around and smoking with the owner and other staff. read more