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Full disclosure, we went early w/ a big group, early enough to ensure there wouldn't be a wait and the waiter(s) would be able to provide their undivided attention. And sure enough, they started off rocky as we sat for 10 min., without anyone coming over as they had a pre-meal meeting w/ the staff in the back. After I had a word, everything went smoothly. Some meals were better than others, (e.g. Sausage and Broc. Rabe was better than Fra Diavlo), but overall no complaints from anyone. The reality is the place is a hot spot and has people lining up to dine there, so unfortunately owners, staff, etc. can afford to be aloof when it comes to being attentive and providing high quality service. It's not an excuse and something I generally wouldn't tolerate....however, the ambience and relatively good prices/portions even it out. I'd rather go there than other places where the same pasta dish costs double. If you manage expectations and don't try to go at 8pm on Saturday, I think you'll be pleasantly suprised.

"Table for 1" has a "15min wait for outside" when there are (and were the entire time) 10 open tables outside, but when a couple walks in 2 min later, suprisingly there is no wait. They made me sit inside on a 70 degree March day in NYC. At least my table next to the hostess stand was quite entertaining as the hostess and manager whispered and talked about every patron that walked in...incl commenting that a man's tupee might fly off in the wind outside - at least he got a table outside!

Not sure what is up with the negative reviews.. we have been a couple of times and the food is quite good and the atmosphere is interesting.. my only beef is that it is pricey but cest la vie

Apparently the manager of Gemma is writing some of the reviews you read here, there's no other explanation for the handful of enthusiastic comments this place receives. The atmosphere is nice, Ok, and so is the people watching but seriously, how can you say the food at Gemma is good? It's just fake Italian, prepared with no knowledge and no style.

Stopped by for a late dinner on a Sunday - okay. Went for simple - a pasta (the strozzapretti). What came out was a shameful waste. A ragu with broccoli rabe so over-salted as to be inedible. Sent it back. Apologies with quite a few "yeah, folks have been saying that a lot lately" which lead me to wonder, "ever thought of listening to them and doing something about it?" But hey -- I'm just paying for my food.

The waiter rushed us through the meal, and it was plain to see that he was annoyed at our leisurely pace. When we stayed for an additional ten minutes after paying the bill (with a 20% tip), the manager approached and politely asked us to leave because he needed the table. Not a terrible experience, but I wouldn't go back. Being cordially invited to get out left a bad taste in my mouth.

Been to Gemma several times. The people working this place, from the lady who greets you to the manager to the sommelier to the wait staff.... always pleasant, warm and very accomodating. The food is consistently great. The homemade pasta w/sausage on the menu is an award winer. The pasta specials were always great as is the bronzino, steak and frankly all of the appetizers! For the money, this place cant be beat! They have a great wine room for a private party up to 40 people and the banquet people to set up the party are so friendly and accomodating. Very cool bar scene and an interesting crowd complete with celeb sightings.