VIBE

It’s a little bit Italian and a little bit country (or, countrified Italian, anyway). It’s also a little bit rustic, romantic, and old-fashioned. Basically, Gemma, the Italian bistro attached to The Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side, is a lot of things, all of them nice. Beautiful wood accents, old-fashioned iron chandeliers, weathered farmhouse tables, a copper-covered bar, and a roaring kitchen fire set the tone in the dining room. The menu offers a wide range of mostly traditional Italian crostini, antipasti, pasta and pizza dishes, and no choice disappoints, especially when paired with the right cheese and wine.

CROWD

The Bowery Hotel crowd, along with couples and groups of Gossip Girl types. A young and fashionable set dominates.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Go for a casually classy European look: perhaps a fashion-forward dress and bag to match.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; colleagues; significant other

WHY WE LIKE IT

We fell in love with the fun, hip scene and the sexy, moody look (especially the circular chandeliers and candles). Plus, the menu is filled with easy, crowd-pleasing favorites. We go for lunch on the sidewalk in summer.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

When we visited, service was very slow. And we hate that no reservations policy.

GOOD TO KNOW

Come before the dinnertime rush to score a table. Be sure to reserve in advance if you are staying at The Bowery Hotel.

CLOSEST COMPS

Osteria Mozza (Los Angeles); Morandi (New York)

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