Gemma — Restaurant in New York

Gemma, located on Bowery and 3rd Street is part of the new Bowery Hotel, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and accepting no reservations (for the exception of hotel guests). What first strikes you about Gemma is the wood-heavy, trattoria-meets-bistro design that's gives the restaurant a sort of romantic country-chic quality. The restaurant also features a large outside area, overlooking Bowery Street, with about 15 tables perfect for people watching or a warm day. The menu focuses on Italian food staples and while it lacks any originality, it provides varied choice including crudi, antipasti, pastas and mains. Cheeses and crude meats are featured prominently in the menu with a good variety of classic cuts. Upon seating we were offered a complementary jug of tap water and a basket with olive oil soaked bread which was tasty. We ordered two mains (the steak and veal which were cooked perfectly although the veg was overdone), two desserts (ice cream and tiramisu, which was very good), one extra side (the white asparagus), a glass of wine and a cranberry juice. The grand total cost came to USD 120 which is reasonable for the area. While I wouldn't describe Gemma as a culinary experience it succeeds at delivering a combination of great ambience, fantastic service, quality location, hearty Italian classics at a reasonable price. Highly recommended for couples and large groups looking for a relaxed and fun restaurant with ambience serving classic...

Gemma is a true gem in the heart of the East Village. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a modern yet rustic aesthetic. The exposed brick walls and vintage lighting create a cozy and intimate setting.

The food is absolutely incredible. The menu features creative Italian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Every bite was bursting with flavor, and the presentation was beautiful. I highly recommend the homemade pasta and the pistachio cannolis!

The service was top-notch. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, and he made sure we had everything we needed throughout the night.

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Gemma. It's a great place for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or just a casual night out with friends. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and stylish dining experience in the East Village.

Here are some additional reasons why I gave Gemma 5 stars:

Location: Conveniently located in the East Village, close to public transportation. Ambiance: Warm and inviting, with a modern yet rustic aesthetic. Food: Creative Italian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Service: Top-notch service, with attentive and knowledgeable staff. Value: The prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and service. If you're looking for a hidden gem in the East Village, look no further than Gemma! You won't be...

Our experience at The Bowery Hotel’s Italian restaurant in SoHo, New York, was appalling and deeply upsetting. As people of color dining with a Black friend, we were subjected to blatantly racist behavior from the staff, which completely ruined our evening.

From the start, the service was unacceptable. The waiters were dismissive and rude, slamming cutlery and plates onto the table and making mean, hostile expressions toward our friend. When he asked for tea, one of the waiters, Hernan, deliberately poured boiling water all over the table. Another older waiter with a moustache was equally unprofessional and unkind.

When I approached the manager to address the issue, he seemed entirely unbothered and dismissive, showing no concern about the blatant racism we experienced. This lack of accountability made the situation even more disheartening.

The food itself was bland and uninspired, adding to the disappointment. What should have been a memorable meal in New York became a deeply upsetting experience that cast a shadow over our visit to SoHo.

I strongly advise against dining at this restaurant if you value respect, good service, or a welcoming atmosphere. Such behavior is unacceptable, and I hope the management takes this feedback seriously to ensure no one else has to endure such...