Harden's says
The tasting menus here combine "classic dishes, modern approach, artistry and molecular science" - and come with matching wine or kombucha options.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A must-visit if you ever find yourself in South Wales, with every dish a masterpiece” is how some diners assess Sergio and Pasquale Cinotti’s ambitious venue, which was the AA’s Welsh Restaurant of the year in 2022/23. It’s a stylish contemporary dining room complete with muralled ceiling and funky ceramic tableware. Choose your tasting menu according to whether you want a ‘short’ journey (four courses), ‘medium’ journey (six courses), or ‘long’ journey (ten courses) which are £65, £85 and £160 per person respectively. Feedback was again limited this year – more reports please!
Summary
Twins Sergio and Pasquale Cinotti (a pastry chef) run this brave venture, which aims to bring the finest sourcing, seasonality and sustainability to a corner of Wales seldom associated with gastronomy. Despite having been the AA’s Welsh Restaurant of the Year in 2022/23 it inspired limited feedback in our annual diners’ poll. There are three-course, six-course and even a ten-course menu, ranging from £65 per person to £160 per person.
Summary
“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
“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…
For 34 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?
42 Bridge Street, Newport, NP20 4NY
Restaurant details
Gem 42 Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Great quality food, warm service, and a comfortable atmosphere come together seamlessly At GEM42, this harmony is delivered with elegance and without unnecessary showmanship. What you get is authentic cuisine, excellent ingredients, and hospitality that genuinely stands out. We had the ten course surprise tasting menu, and each dish had a clean and beautifully balanced flavours, attentive and friendly service, and an environment that is both refined and relaxing.the wine pairing was also very very good and the sommelier who introduced each of the wine he served was also very knowledgeable. We began with a beautifully crafted cocktail which were the barman signature cocktail that immediately set the tone: for the amuse bouche that were served straight after. From that moment on, every dish confirmed the same level of craftsmanship and respect for quality produce. We ended up going “the whole nine yards “ from the opening cocktail to the final digestif, completely unironically proof that when you feel comfortable and well taken care of, it’s easy to just enjoy the experience."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
42 Bridge Street, Newport, NP20 4NY
Opening hours
| Monday | 5:40 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:40 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:40 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5:40 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 5:40 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 5:40 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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