UPPER WEST SIDE — They won't win any Grammy Awards like their superstar daughter, but Lady Gaga's parents were probably just as excited about an honor their new restaurant recently received — an "A" from the city's Health Department.
Joanne Trattoria, the cozy Italian eatery Gaga's parents Joe and Cynthia Germanotta opened in February, was inspected March 23 and earned the top grade after inspectors hit it with just 11 violation points.
The restaurant wasn't storing cold food items at the correct temperature, and was missing an accurate thermometer, according to the Department of Health website. Dining establishments that receive 14 or more violation points get a B grade and more than 28 points merits a C.
Others have been harsher in judging the eatery on West 68th Street and Columbus Avenue. One reviewer who ate there on opening night slammed the restaurant for calamari that tasted like leather.
But diners on Yelp have gushed over the tasty meatballs and focaccia, as well as their brushes with the "Poker Face" singer's parents, who run the restaurant themselves and live two blocks away.
Joanne's chef Art Smith is famous in his own right. He was Oprah Winfrey's personal chef and runs several well-regarded restaurants around the country.
Despite the star power behind the restaurant, owner Joe Germanotta has insisted he wants to run a low-key neighborhood place where locals will feel welcome.
He doesn't draw attention to his famous daughter, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta. When the "Born This Way" singer and her sister Natali visited the restaurant, their dad Tweeted nonchalantly, "Stef and Nat came tonight and had spaghetti and meatballs."
