Gemma
335 Bowery, NoHo, NY
Big Groups • Birthdays • Day Drinking • Laughing at Euros in Crazy Outfits • Raucous Party Atmosphere
Let’s be honest, if you’re going to go to Gemma, you’re not going for the food, you’re going for the scene. If you’re looking to have an amazing romantic dinner with some of the best Italian food this city has to offer, keep looking (we strongly suggest Max in the East Village). But if you’re just looking to go out with a big group, celebrate a birthday, and have a really good time, this is perfect. The food isn’t terrible, it’s just not the main attraction here. We had a couple of solid dishes that were appropriately priced, and left happily full with no regrets. There are a lot of big spaces in the back which are set up perfectly for large parties. The place has a great vibe, an amazing drink menu, and is as lively as any place east of the Meat Packing district. After dinner, The Library Bar at the Bowery Hotel is a perfect spot for a drink, as is Von, an Immaculate Infatuation favorite on Bleecker and Bowery.
Food Rundown:
Pappardelle with Oxtail Ragu
Best thing I tried all night but I’m always a sucker for a good mix of thin, wide pasta with any kind of slow cooked beef. This dish was very tasty.
Maiala All Griglia (Grilled Pork Chop)
This is a grilled pork chop with lots of action around it. Two people we went with ordered this and cleaned their plates. It did not disappoint.
Branzino Al Forno (Roasted Sea Bass with Green Beans)
Basic, well cooked piece of fish. Not much going on, but a nice light dish that went well with our bottle of wine.
