Gino’s

What happened to the Gino’s I remember??? My husband and I have not been to Gino’s in 16 years, the last time being right before our wedding night. So, needless to say, today is our 16^th anniversary on 6÷16÷2016, we were expecting tonight to be very special. We are so utterly disappointed with the dining experience, particularly at the hands of our waiter, Butch. From our first moment seated, Butch offered the absolute minimum. He was cold, vacant, and seemed somehow insulted when I asked for the Lawrence bread *after* our meal had already arrived. He never came to offer drink refills — not once. He never asked if our meal was ok, or to offer to-​go boxes for our barely eaten meals. The surrounding tables seemed well cared for by their respective waiters, so the whole time I wondered — why us? Do I have something in my teeth?
Let me just say that the food tasted wonderful, however the seating arrangements were also an issue tonight.
I was back-​to-​back with a man at a table behind me, and my husband was elbow-​to-​elbow with the lady at a table to his left. Imagine that, if you will. I even took a picture! I couldn’t get up to go to the restroom without disturbing the gentlemen behind me. It was very uncomfortable.
With all that being said, I will not EVER return back to the restaurant I once held so near and dear to my heart.

Best Italian food in Baton Rouge. Try Lawrence bread, veal sorrentina, and the cannelloni. The white swan drink is awesome too if you would like a delicious wedding cake Daiquiri sort of drink. Highly recommend this place.

Falsely advertised. They do not allow carryout. I’ve tried three different times, and they always say they are too busy. Too busy to serve someone who won’t even take up any room? Why claim you do carryout, when you don’t?

Although the food was was okay, I definitely expected more according to the ratings I have seen online. The portions were extremely small for the price and the flavor was lacking.
Another issue I noticed was that there was something on the ceiling that appeared to be either mold or mildew. Gino’s is not a place I care to visit again.

Absolutely worth the visit!
My husband and I wanted authentic Italian food on our date night. Gino’s did not disappoint!
The atmosphere is old-​style elegant. The lights are dim. The bar is stocked. The piano music is live. There are candles on each table. But, it’s not a strictly date night place either. There were plenty of tables accommodating large groups of friends.
Our server was fantastic. He was up on his knowledge of the wine pairings and flavors. His recommendations were spot on.
We had the ravioli for app, grilled shrimp and tuna for entrees and the Lawrence bread. If you like bread, this is for you! It’s bread slathered in buttery, cheesy, garlicky amazingness!
The Tartuffe cake and tiramisu. Amazing!
We can’t wait to return.

This is a must go to again. It was nice and dim as most Italian restaurants are. There was no waiting time for Monday dinner.
We had the cheese bread and it was delish. Then came the salad – house dressing, yummy. Then the entrees: veal cutlet and the lasagna. They were superb. The chianti was perfect! I give it a four, because we were not told the cheese bread was extra $ 4.00. If we were told at the time, fine and would have given it a 5 star.. But we were not. Other than that, I would definitely go back for more.

While I have been to Gino’s a number of times over the years I just realized recently that I hadn’t ever written a review! So tonight’s the night!
Having said that — as it turns out — there is a little bit of irony in that I chose to do a review on a night when, honestly, the experience was not quite up to par with what I have experienced here before.
So, I want to be fair and say that I have had several wonderful meals here in the past — and I expect I will in the future. At the same time — the whole point of this exercise is to give a fair, true description of whatever you experienced. Otherwise we’re just writing fiction here!
So — on to the task at hand. I tried three things tonight. Firstly, I ordered one of their signature dishes — the Lasagna — which I have tried in the past. It was good. My previous experience was better. All the right ingredients were there — but it just felt a little flat and lacked any distinctive seasoning that made me just want to stop and savor that last bite. It’s been there before. But not tonight. And the «structure» was lacking a bit. Again it was good, but not great and not what I’ve had before.
The Broccoli al Gino is basically steamed with cheese melted on top and placed under a broiler. Sadly, it too was lacking. It was just bland — no hint of any sort of seasoning, no lemon, no herbs, and the cheese itself seems to me to need some sort of punch to it. It would not have been hard to turn that dish around.
As a side I had their signature «Lawrence Bread» which was its usual standard of excellence. Hot, perfectly cooked bread rolls, crunchy crust, soft interior, with a Parmesan coat and a hint of butter. It’s some of the best bread in town.
Atmosphere? Gino’s has plenty of that going on along wth a «neighborhood» restaurant feel. Lighting is to my personal preference, live piano music in the bar, friendly bartenders (Shout out to Sherie who did a wonderful job) — and a good track record.
So, while I’m not giving the rating I might have on a different night — I’m planning on being back. It’s a nice spot and everyone should experience a good night at Gino’s.

I went there for New Year’s Eve. They didn’t have the full menu but what they had was amazing! My husband and I got the Arancine as an appetizer and it was delicious. I cannot remember what my husband ordered but I tasted it and it was amazing as was my Shrimp Champagne. The service was wonderful and our waiter was helpful with suggestions! We will definitely be back!

Went to celebrate my anniversary with my wife, and neither of us can remember a meal that was as good as this one in recent memory.
The food was superb. Amazing eggplant, roasted red pepper, and fresh mozzarella antipasto, and the Laurence Bread was out of this world. We each had the lamb chops for our entrée, and it was cooked perfectly. Cut like butter, beautiful pink color on the inside, seasoned amazingly. Had some cheesecake and tartufo for dessert and they were the perfect way to end things. Couldn’t have asked for a better meal.
Our server John was perfect. Very present, very accommodating. We met Laurence after the meal in order to tell him how fantastic the meal and the service were. Had a great conversation with him — We couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate. We’ve lived in Baton Rouge for 3 years now, and this is officially the best meal we’ve had here. We will absolutely be returning.

Simply put, the food was good but the atmosphere was stuffy and sterile. The staff seemed a bit stuck up. Perhaps a good place to go for a dinner meeting with clients, but not a fun night out with your spouse/​date. I feel it is very over-​rated on Unilocal

Gino’s is one of my favorites sports in Baton Rouge. The food is incredible and the service is always on point.

Authentically amazing!!!
Took my husband out on a date night, and couldn’t be more pleased. My husband is Italian, and he was by far extremely happy to finally have a taste of home…
Staff was courteous and very attentive. The atmosphere was very warm and romantically lit… Will definitely go back.
We didn’t take any pics because we were too busy enjoying all the good foods and wine.

I have been coming here for over 10 years, this is the best place for steak! The atmosphere is truly Italian in every sense and the service is second to none. The bar is nostalgic with true Italian charm and has one of the best bar tenders around, Cricket. The food and service is well worth the price.

I live in Nashville, but come to Baton Rouge often to visit family. I ALWAYS try to make time for a dinner at Gino’s when I’m here. The food is delicious, the wine is great, & the atmosphere is wonderful. A couple of my favorite things are the lamb chops (not on the menu, but amazing) & the veal chops. The pasta always is cooked perfectly & very flavorful. The Lawrence bread is a MUST. The service is great too! I love Gino’s!

The food has still been consistent after all these years, but the atmosphere has not improved over the same time. It’s very dated, but if you love old style Italian, it’s the best place in BR for that. The Arrancini is awesome.

Gino’s is another one of those places– everybody loves it, so what else is there to say?
Maybe I tell you why I love it and what I think makes this place special.
Italian– dark space– candle lit with a good bar and a live piano. A wine list that makes you want to drink in the dark and listen to the piano– it is evocative of and era past and is so lovely you are glad it exists.
The marinara is super special. Is a middle ground between Diguilio brothers (which I LOVE) and the sweet sweet Monjuni’s (which I dis-​love. While not currently a word– it is stronger than dis-​like and not so ugly as hate). Here the middle works. They menu has many lovely things– most of which I cannot get because I want to crawl into a tub of their marinara.
Here it is worth getting just spaghetti and sauce, chicken parm and sauce, lasagna– ya’know… with the sauce.
The cheese bread– which is not called that — is to die for.
I am so glad my sweet friend had a birthday and suggested this for her special lunch. We happened to be close and it was such a bright spot to such a long week.
Bottom line: With so many great restaurants, Gino’s is an institution that has stood the test of time for good reason.

The story of how I ended up eating at this place is just too long to write here…
I was surprised to find such an awesome Italian joint in Baton Rouge. I tried the seafood lasagna, the buffalo mozzarella, tortellini carbonara, and their amazing bread.
If you ever find yourself near this place, try it out. It was on point!

I love Ginos. It’s my favorite place to eat when my husband and I go out for date nights!

This place is absolutely amazing. I come here every other year as part of my trip to see my beloved MSU Bulldogs take on LSU in Baton Rouge. No matter the outcome of the game (finally a win this year!), Gino’s never disappoints. Our service was terrific — especially considering it was a large group. The staff is super friendly.
The most important part is the food. Fantastic. I had Veal Parmesan and was thoroughly impressed with the tenderness of the meat. Side of pasta with delicious marinara to boot. They have this stupid good bread that you absolutely have to get. The menu is chock full of things I want to try. Can’t wait to see them again!

The location of this restaurant always makes me forget about it during the «where are we going to eat» debate, but when I do remember I’m always impressed… and think why don’t I eat here more often. I must confess I usually order the veal piccata as it’s my favorite dish. But I have been swayed by a special here and there… hello, osso buco! The Lawrence bread is a delicious, buttery and herb covered carb heaven. As for the piccata, where do I start? They always ask if you want capers… and why wouldn’t I? Then I ususally ask for extra: o)
The wine prices can be a little on the high side but nothing too crazy. The parking is terrible but well worth it for the old school italian restaurant feel… and food!