Gennaro’s Pizza Pasta in New Haven is a culinary landmark known for its authentic Italian flavors, expertly crafted recipes, and warm neighborhood vibe. For decades, this beloved spot has been delighting locals and visitors alike with a menu that perfectly balances tradition and innovation.
Whether you’re craving a classic New Haven-style pizza or a hearty pasta dish, Gennaro’s offers a diverse selection that caters to all palates. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques ensures every bite delivers a rich and memorable taste experience.
Walking into Gennaro’s, you immediately sense the passion behind the food. The menu reflects the rich heritage of Italian cooking fused with the distinct charm of New Haven’s culinary scene.
From crispy, thin-crust pizzas baked in stone ovens to sumptuous pasta dishes featuring house-made sauces, every item speaks to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and flavor. This menu is an invitation to explore the depth of Italian cuisine while enjoying the comfort of a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re dining in or ordering takeout, Gennaro’s Pizza Pasta promises a satisfying journey through Italy’s most iconic dishes. The diverse offerings ensure that every meal is a celebration, whether it’s a casual lunch or a special dinner.
This menu embodies the spirit of New Haven dining – bold, authentic, and irresistibly delicious.
Pizza Selection
The pizza menu at Gennaro’s showcases a commitment to tradition with a New Haven twist, emphasizing fresh dough, high-quality toppings, and a perfectly crisp crust. Each pizza is carefully crafted to maintain the balance between a thin, chewy base and a flavorful topping spread that highlights the best of Italian and local ingredients.
Gennaro’s famous New Haven-style pizzas are known for their distinctive charred crusts and minimalist yet flavorful toppings. The menu offers a variety of options from the classic Margherita to more adventurous combinations like clam pizza, a regional favorite.
Every pizza is baked in a coal-fired oven, giving it a unique smoky aroma and texture that sets it apart.
For those who prefer a bit more variety, Gennaro’s also offers customizable pizzas where diners can select from a wide range of fresh toppings including artisan cheeses, cured meats, and organic vegetables.
This flexibility ensures that every pizza is tailored to the customer’s taste buds, making it ideal for group dining or special requests.
Signature Pizzas
- Margherita: Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
- White Clam Pizza: Fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, pecorino cheese, and parsley – a true New Haven classic.
- Diavola: Spicy soppressata, mozzarella, and tomato sauce with a hint of chili flakes for a fiery kick.
- Vegetariana: Seasonal grilled vegetables, tomato sauce, and mozzarella.
“Gennaro’s pizza is a perfect harmony of tradition and bold flavor; every slice tells a story of craftsmanship and passion.” – Local Food Critic
Pasta Dishes
Gennaro’s pasta offerings embody the heart of Italian comfort food, featuring house-made noodles, robust sauces, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is prepared with care, allowing the natural flavors to shine through without unnecessary complication.
The menu includes a variety of classics such as Spaghetti Carbonara, Penne Arrabbiata, and Tagliatelle Bolognese. Gennaro’s pasta sauces are simmered for hours, resulting in deep, richly layered tastes that complement the perfectly al dente pasta.
For seafood lovers, the Linguine alle Vongole is a highlight, showcasing fresh clams in a light garlic and white wine sauce.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are thoughtfully included to accommodate diverse dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal. The pasta section pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s curated wine list, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Popular Pasta Choices
- Spaghetti Carbonara: Classic Roman recipe with eggs, pancetta, pecorino romano, and black pepper.
- Linguine alle Vongole: Fresh clams, garlic, white wine, parsley, and a touch of chili.
- Rigatoni Bolognese: Slow-cooked meat sauce with a blend of beef and pork, simmered with tomatoes and herbs.
- Penne Arrabbiata: Spicy tomato sauce with garlic and chili flakes.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Spice Level | Gluten-Free Option |
| Spaghetti Carbonara | Pancetta, eggs, pecorino, black pepper | Mild | No |
| Linguine alle Vongole | Clams, garlic, white wine, parsley | Medium | Yes (with GF linguine) |
| Penne Arrabbiata | Tomato, garlic, chili flakes | Hot | Yes (with GF penne) |
Appetizers and Starters
Before diving into the main courses, Gennaro’s offers a thoughtfully curated selection of appetizers designed to whet the appetite and set the tone for the meal. These starters range from light and refreshing to rich and indulgent, reflecting the diversity of Italian cuisine.
Popular choices include classic antipasti like bruschetta topped with vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, as well as fried calamari served with a zesty marinara dip. For those seeking something heartier, the Burrata Caprese combines creamy burrata cheese with ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Appetizers at Gennaro’s are perfect for sharing, encouraging guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures that prepare the palate for the dishes to come.
Featured Starters
- Bruschetta al Pomodoro: Grilled bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
- Calamari Fritti: Lightly breaded and fried squid rings with marinara sauce.
- Burrata Caprese: Creamy burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables.
“The appetizers at Gennaro’s are a celebration of Italy’s vibrant flavors, providing the perfect prelude to an unforgettable meal.” – Regular Patron
Salads and Sides
Complementing the main dishes are fresh salads and thoughtfully prepared sides that add balance to the meal. These lighter options emphasize seasonal ingredients and house-made dressings, offering both healthful and flavorful choices for diners.
The salad menu includes traditional Italian favorites like Caesar and Panzanella, as well as inventive seasonal creations that change to reflect the freshest produce available. Sides such as roasted garlic potatoes and sautéed greens provide satisfying accompaniments that enhance the overall dining experience.
These dishes are designed to be flexible, whether enjoyed as a starter, side, or even a light meal on their own. Gennaro’s dedication to fresh, quality ingredients shines through in every bite.
Salad and Side Options
- Classic Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, house-made dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan.
- Panzanella Salad: Tuscan bread salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, basil, and vinaigrette.
- Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Crispy potatoes roasted with garlic and rosemary.
- Sautéed Seasonal Greens: Fresh greens lightly cooked with garlic and olive oil.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Vegetarian | Gluten-Free |
| Classic Caesar Salad | Romaine, dressing, croutons, Parmesan | No (contains anchovies and croutons) | No |
| Panzanella Salad | Bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, basil | Yes | No |
| Roasted Garlic Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, rosemary | Yes | Yes |
Desserts
No Italian meal is complete without indulging in a sweet finale, and Gennaro’s dessert menu delivers just that. Featuring both traditional treats and creative twists, the desserts provide a satisfying end to any dining experience.
Options include classics such as Tiramisu, rich with espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream, and Cannoli filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips. For something lighter, the lemon sorbet offers a refreshing palate cleanser.
Seasonal desserts are also available, showcasing fresh fruits and innovative preparations crafted by the pastry chef.
Each dessert is made in-house daily, ensuring freshness and authenticity. These sweets pair wonderfully with coffee or dessert wines, rounding out the meal with a perfect harmony of flavors.
Popular Desserts
- Tiramisu: Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone and dusted with cocoa.
- Cannoli Siciliani: Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips.
- Lemon Sorbet: Light and refreshing, made with freshly squeezed lemons.
- Seasonal Fruit Tart: Shortcrust pastry filled with custard and topped with fresh seasonal fruits.
“Gennaro’s desserts are a sweet celebration of Italy’s finest traditions, crafted with care and bursting with flavor.” – Dessert Enthusiast
Beverage Options
Complementing the rich flavors of the food, Gennaro’s offers a carefully curated selection of beverages designed to enhance the dining experience. From Italian wines to craft cocktails and non-alcoholic options, the drink menu caters to all preferences.
The wine list focuses on varietals from Italy’s renowned regions, including Chianti, Barolo, and Prosecco, as well as local wines that pair beautifully with the menu’s offerings. For cocktail lovers, signature drinks incorporate classic Italian spirits such as Aperol and Campari, delivering refreshing and balanced flavors.
Non-alcoholic beverages include artisanal sodas, fresh juices, and traditional Italian espresso drinks, ensuring a satisfying choice for every guest.
Highlighted Beverages
- Chianti Classico: A medium-bodied red wine with cherry and spice notes.
- Aperol Spritz: A refreshing cocktail featuring Aperol, prosecco, and soda water.
- Espresso Italiano: Rich, bold espresso made from premium beans.
- Limoncello: Traditional lemon liqueur served chilled as a digestif.
| Beverage | Type | Flavor Profile | Pairing Suggestions |
| Chianti Classico | Red Wine | Fruity, spicy, medium-bodied | Red meats, pasta with tomato sauce |
| Aperol Spritz | Cocktail | Bitter-sweet, citrusy, refreshing | Appetizers, light salads |
| Espresso Italiano | Coffee | Bold, rich, intense | Desserts, after meals |
Specialty and Seasonal Items
Gennaro’s menu evolves with the seasons, featuring specialty dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients and creative culinary techniques. These offerings provide a unique opportunity to experience new flavors and celebrate regional produce.
Seasonal pizzas might include toppings like fresh figs or roasted butternut squash, while pasta dishes can incorporate seasonal mushrooms or spring asparagus. These innovations keep the menu dynamic and exciting, encouraging repeat visits to discover what’s new.
Additionally, the restaurant occasionally offers chef’s specials and limited-time dishes that showcase the culinary team’s creativity and mastery. These specials are designed to surprise and delight, making every visit feel like a special occasion.
Examples of Seasonal Specials
- Fig and Prosciutto Pizza: Fresh figs, prosciutto, goat cheese, and arugula.
- Wild Mushroom Risotto: Creamy Arborio rice with a medley of wild mushrooms and Parmesan.
- Spring Asparagus Tagliatelle: House-made pasta with asparagus, lemon zest, and pecorino.
- Chestnut and Sage Ravioli: Ravioli filled with chestnut puree and fresh sage butter sauce.
“The seasonal specials at Gennaro’s showcase the best of local produce, transforming every dish into a celebration of the moment.” – Executive Chef
Conclusion
Gennaro’s Pizza Pasta in New Haven stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic Italian cuisine fused with local culinary traditions. The menu’s diverse offerings not only celebrate classic dishes but also embrace innovation and seasonal freshness, creating a vibrant dining experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
From the perfectly charred New Haven-style pizzas to the rich and comforting pasta dishes, every item on the menu reflects a deep respect for quality ingredients and expert preparation. The thoughtfully curated appetizers, salads, and desserts round out the meal, ensuring a balanced and satisfying journey from start to finish.
Whether you are a devoted local or a visitor eager to explore New Haven’s culinary scene, Gennaro’s Pizza Pasta offers a memorable feast that honors tradition while inviting bold new flavors. Its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make it a perfect spot for any occasion, promising a dining experience that is both delicious and heartfelt.
