How This Family-Owned Italian Gem Won Hearts in Kenner, LA

In Kenner’s Historic Rivertown, a family-run Italian restaurant is serving up authentic flavors that transport diners straight to the old country. 🍝

Gendusa’s Italian Market has become the go-to destination for locals craving traditional Italian comfort food, from wood-fired pizzas to hearty pasta dishes smothered in homemade red gravy.

This authentic Italian eatery proves that the best meals come from recipes passed down through generations and served with genuine Louisiana hospitality. 🇮🇹

How Gendusa’s won Kenner’s hearts

Gendusa’s built their reputation on the simple promise of treating every guest like family, creating an atmosphere where warmth and authenticity matter as much as the food itself.

The restaurant’s menu strikes a perfect balance between traditional Italian classics and Louisiana-inspired specials that honor both heritages.

Their Tuesday Cuban sandwich special at an Italian restaurant might seem unusual, but this creative flexibility demonstrates their willingness to surprise and delight customers beyond expected boundaries. 🥖

Calzones so large they could be shared and pasta dishes that leave diners “miserable” from satisfaction create memorable experiences that keep people returning.

Their dedication to homemade preparation shows in every element, from the sauce to the bread, giving dishes an authentic taste that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot replicate. 👨‍🍳

Location matters too, as their spot in Kenner’s Historic Rivertown, near Williams Boulevard and 4th Street, creates a charming neighborhood destination that feels both accessible and special.

This combination of killer flavors, enormous portions, personal service, and community connection transformed Gendusa’s from a simple Italian market into an essential part of Kenner’s dining landscape. ❤️

Food Highlights

• The Sicilian Pizza: This 14-inch specialty pizza showcases their wood-fired pizza expertise with bold Sicilian-inspired toppings.🍕

• Carlo Gambino Pizza: This 14-inch specialty pays tribute to another iconic name, offering unique toppings that distinguish it from standard pizzeria offerings.

• Vito Genovese Pizza: Part of their extensive 14-inch pizza collection, this namesake pizza delivers distinctive flavors that showcase why locals call Gendusa’s their favorite pizza spot in the city. 🍕

• John Gotti Pizza: Named after the infamous mobster, this 14-inch pizza brings New York-style attitude to Louisiana.

• Seafood Lasagna: This indulgent layered creation combines fresh seafood with pasta sheets and creamy sauce, offering a Louisiana twist on traditional lasagna.

• Chicken Parmesan: This Italian-American staple features breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served with pasta. 🧀

• Spaghetti and Meatballs: The ultimate Italian comfort food gets the Gendusa treatment with homemade sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs, including their famous giant meatball.

• Fettuccine Alfredo: This classic cream-based pasta showcases their skill with rich, velvety sauces that coat every strand of fettuccine in buttery, cheesy perfection.

Atmosphere

The cute restaurant setting in Historic Rivertown creates a charming neighborhood feel where locals gather for authentic Italian food without pretense.

The patio dining option offers outdoor seating, though it can get lively and loud on busy nights when the restaurant is packed with happy diners.

Inside, the casual market-style layout embraces its roots as an Italian market that evolved into a full-service restaurant, maintaining an approachable vibe where jeans and T-shirts fit right in.

The family-oriented environment where owners and staff treat guests like relatives creates genuine warmth that makes solo diners, couples, and families all feel equally at home. 👪

Bottom Line

You should visit for their generous portions that provide incredible value, homemade sauces and bread that deliver authentic Italian flavors, cream sauces so good that customers declare them unforgettable, and a diverse menu featuring both traditional pasta and creative pizzas. 🏆

Address:

2717 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062

📞 (504) 305-5305

🕔 Open Mon 9 AM-8 PM, Tue-Sun 11 AM-9 PM