RestaurantsMonmouthshireNewportNP20
42 Bridge Street, Newport, NP20 4NY

Harden's says

The tasting menus here combine "classic dishes, modern approach, artistry and molecular science" - and come with matching wine or kombucha options.

survey result

Summary

£85
 ££££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“How this business survives in Newport is unbelievable! It’s far too good!” – twin brothers Sergio and Pasquale Cinotti (the latter the pastry chef) established this brave destination in 2018, and – some would say against all odds – continue to go from strength to strength (in 2022 they were the AA’s Welsh Restaurant of the Year). For the full blow-out, you can opt for a ten-course ‘Essenza’ menu which changes daily at £180 per head; but there are much more affordable ‘entry-level’ options, ranging from £65 per head.

Summary

£69
  £££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Very pleasantly surprised!” – brothers Sergio (chef) and Pasquale (pastry chef) Cinotti are carving a strong reputation out of nowhere at this fairly humble-looking destination, which they opened in un-lovely Newport in 2018. “Having been around for some time, they have reinvented themselves”. First listed in Harden’s last year, in September 2022 they were awarded ‘Wales Restaurant of the Year’ by the AA, alongside an impressive three rosettes. It’s “expensive for Newport!” but well worth a try for its highly ambitious cuisine: the blow-out ten-course option is £180, but there is a much more accessible 4-course option. Expect luxury ingredients a-go-go: foie gras, truffle, venison, lobster, black cod…

Summary

£65
  £££
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

A series of four-course tasting menus from chef Sergio and even a £98 caviar experience and posh afternoon tea help make this plush venue the local place to celebrate. Too few ratings for a grade, but some promising feedback – more reports, please!

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Gem 42?

Owner's description

Our mission is to provide humble  delicious food with a creative touch, never a pretentious attitude, but just sharing a loved passion for what we do best.Our culinary journey is very much about Tradition with Innovation.
All of our dishes /ingredients are researched and studied, sourced locally, tried and tasted in our dedicated  Lab.
Our Chefs have created a biodynamic vegetable garden, where the aromatic herbs/micro-herbs and vegetables are grown and  used in the dishes of our menus.
With a view that beauty lies in simple things. What we can offer, is what we learned from the past, where you take the best of cooking and keep improving using culinary vanguard approach and techniques that simply evaluate your perception of food. Some of the dishes are unique in flavours and culinary concept. The excellent relationship we have built with suppliers and joint passion for their commitment to animal welfare and top quality produce are crucial to the high standards that we strive for.

Prices

Availability 2 courses 3 courses coffee included service included
Always   £65.00
  Cost Availability Courses
Menu1 180.00 Always available 10
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £29.00
Filter Coffee £0.00
Extras  
Service 12.50%

Restaurant details

No shorts
27
12

Private dining

Gem 42 Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of Gem 42 Restaurant in NP20, Newport by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of Gem 42 restaurant.
Antony D
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ge...
Reviewed 9 months, 21 days ago

"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Gem42 restaurant . I felt compelled to share my experience and provide feedback on my visit. From the moment me and my friends walked in, we were impressed by the warm and inviting ambiance, the decor and and the atmosphere that immediately set the tone for the evening . The service was exceptional genuinely friendly and accommodating. Now, onto the highlight of the evening - the food. I must commend the chef and kitchen staff for delivering a truly remarkable culinary experience. Each dish of our Signature tasting menu was a masterpiece of flavors, presentation, and quality ingredients. It is evident that Chef Sergio and his team take pride in their craft, and the passion for food shines through in every bite, each dish was flawless. Also appreciate the wine pairing with a selection that complemented the dishes perfectly. The recommendations from a very knowledgeable sommelier added an extra layer to the overall dining experience.. Gem42 exceeded our expectations, and l wanted to take the time to express my gratitude for the outstanding service and culinary experience."

Report this comment
Have you eaten at Gem 42?
Post your own review of Gem 42 and contribute to our annual restaurant review guide.
Post your own review
42 Bridge Street, Newport, NP20 4NY
Opening hours
Monday5:40 pm‑10:30 pm
Tuesday5:40 pm‑10:30 pm
Wednesday5:40 pm‑10:30 pm
Thursday5:40 pm‑10:30 pm
Friday5:40 pm‑10:30 pm
Saturday5:40 pm‑10:30 pm
SundayCLOSED

The 2024 Harden's Guide

2024 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

Financial Times