Gem 42 — Restaurant in Newport

Where to start.. A friend and colleague of mine invited me to this restaurant after giving it all the rave about how good it was and how I just HAD to try it out. Both coming from a catering background, this was a treat well up our alley. We opted in for the 10 course tasting menu but fret not, there are smaller options available.

From the moment you walk in you're welcomed by warm embracing people that make you feel comfortable instantly. With the unique decor of this petite restaurant in the middle of Newport you find yourself wondering towards your table, gazing at the ceiling and walls as if taking a bitsisze trip to the Sistine Chapel in awe of the passion that oozes from every corner.

Now to the food! In terms of technical ability Gem42 is nothing short of mesmerising. From a scallop egg and ethical foie gras to smoked chocolate cigars and Japanese saké-filled white chocolate truffles. You can see the effort and desire to create something magical imbued into every dish you're served. They start with a selection of house made bread and at least 5 different types of flavoured butter, from basil gel to olive and truffle. You'll also get to dig into some yummy breadsticks & dips ranging from black garlic and hummus to green olive and lemon cello.

Then on to the canapés featuring tuna tartar, smoked eel & avocado, 4 in 1 tomato and an all-pea tartlet. All unique in their own way and all a treat no doubt.

It's only now you get your first course.. as if you haven't stuffed yourself on bread and canapés already! Make sure to save room for the rest. I won't go into too much detail about the 10 courses but here are a few note-worthy mentions:

1. The Ethical Foie Gras, served with a delicious light and airy pastry somewhat similar to bread but also to a croissant. alongside puffed seeds and 16 month pickled walnut, the flavours on this dish just bang in the mouth.. I didn't want it to end.

2. The Sea Bream, served with with a creamy caviar sauce and sea vegetables this dish was delightful and definitely my favourite fish dish of the night. Great textures from the sea vegetables and a savoury tartness from the sauce really helped bring this dish together.

3. The Strawberry, Yuzu and Matcha dessert.. strawberry, cream, lime, bee pollen, granita. The flavours and textures in this dish have so many layers you think it's about to end and your tastebuds flare with another new wave of flavour. Depth, elegance, a story ending worth waiting for.

The Pastry Chef come waiter Pasquale who serves you most of the dishes alongside the main Chef describe each dish to you with a level of showmanship I can only admire.

Well done to all those at Gem42 for creating something...

What an absolutely incredible restaurant. The food was out of this world absolutely fantastic. A high-end Italian restaurant bringing food,wine,art,and fun together. My choice of menu was the summer "chef signature" menu. And the matched wine.

I think I ended up being served eight separate servings/courses. I am including pallet cleaning servings as they definitely deserve recognition.

Some servings consisted of several elements, and I will use the bread accompaniment as one example. I was served three pieces of bread,one piece from the North of Italy a second from the middle and a third from the South of Italy.

Every element of the meal had an artistic flare, an attention to detail, and a storey to tell. I am going to pick one of the delicious matched wines. A Pinot Noir from White Castle Vinyards in monnmouthshire in Wales. "Yes," a Welsh wine that was absolutely fabulous. I have spent many a week roaming around the Vinyards in Italy, and it's my intention to visit White Castle Vinyard.

Customer service is on another level. The chef actually prepares and gives an explanation of what you are being served. What the food is,its origins,its sustainability and how it was cooked, and what Pioneering cooking / preparation technique was used.

And it does not stop there as your wine is served by a wine connoisseur who pours your wine. You are again given an explanation of why they have chosen the matched wines and their origins. I think the technical term is "retronasel olfaction," bitter,sweet salt,acid, and the physical feel from the tannins. The connoisseur encourages you to release your taste buds and enjoy your wine.

Front of of house staff were amazing. Every little detail was given the highest attention,It felt as though I had a personal maitre d and waitress both were in a class of thier own and made a wonderfull team. I will and want to return as I would like to try the Classic menu.

A huge thank you to everyone...

Fine Dining Delight at Gem42

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Gem42 Restaurant, and I must say it was an exquisite experience from start to finish. From the moment we stepped through the doors of this fine dining establishment, we were greeted warmly by the attentive staff .

The ambiance of the restaurant was nothing short of enchanting, with soft lighting, tasteful décor, and a serene atmosphere that set the perfect tone for an evening of culinary indulgence.

As for the culinary journey itself, every dish was a masterpiece of flavour and presentation. Each course was expertly crafted with the finest ingredients, showcasing the skill and creativity of the talented chefs behind the scenes.

To start, we savoured a delightful amuse-bouche that awakened our taste buds with its intricate flavours and textures. This was followed by a series of impeccably executed courses, each one a delightful symphony of flavours that danced on the palate.

Standout dishes included the chef signature scallop 55/55. Throughout the meal, the service was impeccable, with our knowledgeable waiter guiding us through the menu and ensuring that every need was met with grace and professionalism. The sommelier’s wine recommendations were also spot-on, enhancing the flavours of each dish and further enriching our dining experience.

In addition to the exceptional food and service, the attention to detail at Gem42 was truly commendable. From the elegant table settings to the flawless presentation of each dish, it was evident that every aspect of the dining experience had been carefully considered.

Overall, a truly memorable experience that exceeded all expectations. I would highly recommend this fine dining establishment to anyone looking for a taste of culinary excellence in an atmosphere of...