Sixty years is a long run for any restaurant. For Gino's, it has been one family the whole way.

The Marino family, originally from Sicily, opened Gino's in Baton Rouge in 1966. The first location was on Perkins Road. In 1975 the family moved the restaurant to 4542 Bennington Avenue, and it has been there ever since. Chefs Angelo and Vincenzo work the line today, with the rest of the family never far from the kitchen.

The family's matriarch is part of the city's food history too. The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society named an annual award in her honor, and her portrait hangs in the dining room.

A room made for slow dinners

Gino's dining room has etched glass, a fireplace, copper tabletops and candlelight. Local readers' polls have named it Best Italian, Best Date and Most Romantic so often that the restaurant calls itself an almost perennial favorite.

Thursday is the night to go. Gino's Jazz Night brings local, national and international jazz musicians into the main dining room with no cover charge. The wine cellar holds more than 300 selections, and servers can suggest pairings.

What's on the table

The cooking is Southern Italian with Sicilian roots. Longtime favorites include Shrimp Champagne, Veal Sorrentina, Filet alla Laurence and Baked Lasagna alla Gino. Arancine are on the menu all year, with a crawfish version in season. Save room for the homemade cannoli or the almond cream tiramisu. At lunch, rotating pasta, veal, seafood and chicken specials are served Tuesday through Friday.

Booking the holidays

Office parties and family dinners can book a private room for 15 to 23 guests, with four set menus ranging from Il Classico to Terra e Mare. Final selections are due a week before the event.

Gino's is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. It's closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations are by phone only at 225-927-7156.

Photo courtesy of Gino's Restaurant.