Gemma
(212) 505-9100
335 Bowery
New York,
NY
10003
40.726
-73.9918
Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown

What People Are Saying About Gemma
The Editor
Kathleen Squires
Citysearch
The Scene
If the Phantom of the Opera retired to a Tuscan villa, this is what his living room might look like: candelabra chandeliers, stalactites of dripping wax, rough-hewn wooden tables, shiny copper pots and piles of logs ready to feed a roaring oven. The dramatic setting feels just as convivial and sceney as sister spot La Bottega, and has little of the door attitude of its other relation, the Waverly Inn.
The Food
Even though the surroundings upstage the countrified Italian food, some dishes positively grip the palate, such as crisp zucchini flowers stuffed with gooey ricotta, a perfectly seasoned, wood oven-roasted Fiorentina steak and a Caprese salad with a creamy burrata that walks the line between cheese and butter. Miscues include an artichoke salad oversaturated with truffle oil and a sausage and onion pizza sagging under its weighty toppings. For dessert, a sweet calzone filled with Nutella and ricotta is worthy of an encore.
Hits: A vast menu that runs the gamut from light snacking to gut-busting meals.
Misses: That a high-priced hotel and trendy restaurant exists on the Bowery reinforces that a certain part of the city's past is dead.
User Reviews
sjpollan
February 20, 2009
My review has nothing to do with Gemma. I am a frequenter of citysearch, visited the site tonight to check out Gemma bc friends just suggested we go... At first glance, I saw the 4.5 stars (very nice!). Then I saw the break down of ratings, which included 10 one star ratings, and 4 five star ratings and 4 four star ratings. Now, I've certainly had a few glasses wine already tonight, but my basic math instincts tell me that there is something fishy going on here. Cityseach playing favorites much? Or maybe the little man behind the website is enjoying the benefits of kick backs...
read full reviewmisstoki
January 26, 2009
Went to Gemma's for a birthday dinner. Everyone's order came out pretty tasty and deliciouso. I ordered the scallops with mushroom risotto (can't go wrong). A few of the other orders went with either the salmon, sea bass or pasta, which were all very good. Our waiter would come back to ask for refills and the bus boys were very efficient with clearing our plates for the next dish. The waiter would also come back to let us know that our plates would be out in a few minutes. It took longer than we expected but we had plenty of conversation to keep us distracted. Prices were average and actually less than what I had expected.
read full reviewscottie10014
December 09, 2008
Went to Gemma and the Bowery Hotel last night with five friends and were treated appallingly for no reason. We were prepared to spend quite a bit of money on wine and received nothing but grief after we asked for a specific bottle of wine in the fireside bar that was only available in Gemma. Apparently good service has been replaced with utter disdain at Gemma and the Bowery Hotel. My friends and I have never ever experienced such abhorrent service, but then I guess that's what you get when the managers of both Gemma and the Bowery's fire side bar are unprofessional egomaniacs. Steer clear of this pretentious hell hole.
read full reviewThe Details on Gemma
What to Drink:
There's a great selection of Italian wines, but nice values from other regions, too, like a crisp Cote de Provence rose for $35.
The Extras:
Have a handcrafted cocktail amid Victorian charm before or after dinner at the hotel's popular bar.
Parking:
There is valet parking for guests of the Bowery Hotel.
Know Before You Go:
Reservations are only taken for Bowery Hotel guests; otherwise, it's a first-come, first-serve, and a long wait.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Hotel Restaurants, Breakfast, Celeb Hangout, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Private Rooms, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Business Breakfast, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar







