Our Story
Italian immigrants, Salvatore and Maria Aversa, started the restaurant in May 1964. They wanted to bring the food of their hometown of Sorrento to Mill Valley. “La Ginestra” means “Scotch Broom” in Italian. The yellow flowers on Mount Tamalpais reminded Sal and Maria of the Ginestra flowers on Mt. Vesuvius in their homeland. La Ginestra is celebrating its 59th year in business in Mill Valley. We are proud and honored to have served three generations of Mill Valley, Marin and San Francisco Bay Area residents and their families as well as visitors to the area.
The restaurant features Neapolitan cuisine including seafood, locally grown vegetables, handmade pasta, gnocchi, and pizza.
The restaurant also prepares many long time Italian American favorites.
La Ginestra is fortunate to be located in Marin County where organic and locally grown produce is readily available. We source our organic lettuces and vegetables from Green Gulch Farm in Muir Beach, California, and other local organic farms.
Today, La Ginestra is still family owned and operated by the Aversa family. In 1983, Sal passed away. Maria worked every day until her recent passing in December 2023 at the age of 91. Her son Tino, has been the manager for nearly 40 years. Maria’s daughter Lucia, son Fabio and Maria’s grandchildren, daughters-in-law and son-in-law are also involved in the business. La Ginestra has a dedicated team of valued long standing employees, from the wait staff to the kitchen.
La Ginestra has been delighted to serve residents and their families these past fifty years and looks forward to continuing to welcome new residents as well as visitors to our town for many years to come.
We appreciate your patronage.
The Aversa Family