La Ginestra

Italian immigrants Salvatore and Maria Aversa opened La Ginestra in May 1964, bringing the flavors and traditions of their hometown of Sorrento to the heart of Mill Valley.

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The restaurant’s name means “Scotch Broom” in Italian—a nod to the bright yellow flowers on Mount Tamalpais that reminded Sal and Maria of the ginestra flowers growing on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius back home.

More than 60 years later, La Ginestra remains a true family affair. Today, the second generation of the Aversa family—siblings Lucia, Fabio and Costantino (Tino)—runs the restaurant, carrying on many of the traditions their parents started.

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That includes the restaurant’s famous housemade ravioli, a longtime favorite that has remained virtually unchanged for decades. Traditional to Sorrento, the oversized pasta is stuffed with spinach and cheese and served with vegetables. Other favorites include the housemade garlic bread, hearty pizzas—including the meat-lover-friendly Ginestra—stracciatella soup and fresh fish of the day.

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Next door, the adjoining Sorrento Bar keeps the Italian spirit flowing with cocktails, amari and a selection of Italian wines. And for something especially refreshing, try the Italian Gin & Tonic, one of the bar’s signature specialties.

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With more than six decades of history, family tradition and old-school Italian hospitality, La Ginestra remains one of downtown Mill Valley’s enduring neighborhood institutions.