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(Now Closed)Italian Restaurant and Café$$$$
Alphabet City, New York
Has a stamp of approval from The New Yorker and New York Habitat
126 Tips and reviews
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One of the BEST restaurants in the World! These amazing $7 panini baked on homemade cracker bread are magical. Everything else, from pasta to sausage and beans is heave. This place is special. A gem!
The New YorkerJune 18, 2015At Gaia, "oven-baked dishes satisfy cravings for simple, homemade food, such as meatballs and potatoes generously dusted with Parmesan crumbles." Read more
Alice LaiApril 26, 2015Been here numerous times and loved everything so far! Really enjoyed the lasagna, chicken milanese, antipasto platter, and the dessert pastry that looks like a mini croissant with Nutella filling.
Wesley BlissDecember 28, 2016Be polite & don't ask for substitutions or she will kill you. But otherwise she's very nice, and the homemade food is so very worth it. Seasonal treats like torrone appear when available too!
Clement ChanDecember 4, 2014Make reservations at least a day ahead on Fri & Sat! This place is such a hidden (literally) gem, very authentic Italian food. The owner even customized my meal when I told her I'm lactose intolerant.
Lizzy SaxeNovember 30, 2016Gaia's menu is limited but delicious. I especially like the meat lasagna and the antipasto platter. So much great food for such a great price!
AmateurConciergeJuly 24, 2014There's a reason this was in the Top 5 on the new cheap eats list. Gnocchi is incredible and not as heavy as you fear. Really home cooked feel.
Kayla GibsonFebruary 20, 2014Delicious, and reasonably priced. Order a couple items, the food portions aren't gigantic. Go during the week to avoid crowds. Bubi Panini ($5) is outstanding, as is the Spinach/Ricotta Gnocchi ($7)
Check the board near the counter for daily pasta specials. All of their pastas are incredible. Try to come during weekday lunch (reservations required for dinner).
Phil PMay 28, 2016Pasta of the day is very delicious, and hearty! Beef tortellini, in tomato sauce mixed with baby octopus, mussels and fish- Nate BeattyApril 13, 2015Paninis are piled high and served on the most delicious, super thin, homemade bread. Best value, super high quality lunch in NYC.
Kirill KukuruzaJuly 23, 2016Pasta, ravioli, lasagna, panini, and everything are really good. Don't forget to BYOB.
- AmateurConciergeAugust 1, 2014You cannot go wrong with ingredients like these. Gnocchi is amazing and unique (almost no flour), panini "bread" is great....so crisp.
Marcus RaimondiJanuary 4, 2017Gaia is truly a gem. The amazing, high-quality food is the star here; you can taste the passion and commitment of the owner with each bite. Can't recommend then paninis enough!
Nicolette RomeroDecember 19, 2015Looking for a cheap lunch? Then this is your spot. Everything is super cheap and delicious. I'm usually a pasta person, but my favorites were the antipasto platter and Delicato panini.
James MarshallOctober 16, 2015The food here is tremendous. A totally overlooked spot. Amazing prices. Just go and get whatever the specials are. Hidden gem.
JeffreyJuly 13, 2014Dinner is Fri-Sat, when the kitchen is open until 7:30 and 9:30, make a reservation; only 18. homespun, absurdly affordable Italian salads, sandwiches, and pasta; bakes her own focaccia and pastries.
SunainaOctober 28, 2014Hole in a wall place just outside of little Italy. But it's the closest to authentic Italian that's cooked in what looks like your aunts home. BYOB. Simple and tasty food. Portions are huge.
Arielle HayatFebruary 24, 2013Authentic Italian cuisine! U can instantly be transported from Houston to a city in Northern Italy. Force yourself to top it all off with the fabulous homemade Nutella pastries-u can't have just1bite
New York HabitatNovember 9, 2011Oh how we love the paninis here, and they're just 5 bucks! If you're in the area, stop in for a quick bite or just to say hi to the owner, Gaia.
Easily the best panini on the LES, if not all of NYC. just $5. everythig else on the menu is dope. Authentic Italian soul food. Easy. Affordable. Eat here.
TomApril 7, 2016Authentic, affordable, and BYOB. They open and close early. Reservations are required for dinner. Must try!
Sarah WhiteOctober 27, 2014Paninis are to die for. Pretty much everything is fresh and fantastic... Homemade taste and vibe. Very inexpensive. A truly authentic Italian restaurant.
We love the chicken cutlet sandwich, all her pasta of the day and leave room for the pastries!
Gajtana SimonovskaDecember 10, 2017Excellent food and reasonable prices in a throwback vibe with great service.
Sarah CareyNovember 14, 2011This place is amazing! I'm so sad I didn't find it sooner on my trip to NYC. Everything is fresh and homemade and tastes delicious and you can't beat the price for the food! Thank you Gaia!- Graham GnallNovember 3, 2017Amazing sandwiches. Check hours before going in evening. Reservations only for dinner.
Amazing authentic Italian food in a very relaxed atmosphere with the kindest staff ever.
AdrienOctober 28, 2015It feels home, the specials change everyday, my favorite is the meat on Wednesdays.
Tina ZFebruary 16, 2019Really good bread. I’d come back to try the amazing looking salad and panini.
Mike RobinsonMarch 8, 2015Really fantastic pasta and ravioli - this is a great 'off the tour guide' restaurant with no frills and great food
Soliloquy MarketingSeptember 4, 2013Awesome place to grab a coffee and do some work downtown. Authentic and unique italian fare. Try a panini for only 5 bucks!
msMarch 12, 2015Delicious, affordable, and unique while still authentic. Difficult to choose between the lasagna and panini as a fave
Phoebe TranMarch 24, 2013Their pesto lasagna is a great light and decadent baked dish on the menu..for paninis, the goloso and Milanese are my favorite!
ToshieMay 14, 2014If you're nice to Gaia, she might give you a little extra something. On Mondays they have pizza day and it is (as everything else) delicious!
Don't leave without getting the spinach ricotta gnocchi or the pesto lasagna!- The Taste SheriffJanuary 7, 2015Cheap and affordable eatery for lunch. Get the prosciutto panini or the pesto salad. Pastas are good too.
David HuMarch 8, 2014Fantastic little Italian place. Grab some friends, make a reservation, and eat family style. The lasagna is a must try!
Authentic gnocchi and real infredients! This place is one of my favourite italian spot in manhattan
Mark DJanuary 6, 2014Friendly staff, great specials and delicious food! Highly recommend coming here for some Italian food in NYC.
Honghui YuFebruary 2, 2019The spinach and ricotta gnocchi here are incredible. Meatballs are also worth a try.
Cindi AzuoguJune 11, 2013The pasta is absolutely rich, flavorful, and delicious. Paninis are just $5.
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Permanently closed (Show more)
- Tue–Thu
- 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Fri
- 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Sat
- 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
(646) 350-3977
View menu on http://www.gaiaitaliancafe.com/MENU.html
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Parking
Street
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
BYO
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Sarah Judd Welch - 9.0
"Absolutely love the food here. My suggestions: calamari salad, pesto pasta or the steak. All were amazing. The Barbero will compliment the meal well! 🍷"
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Adam B - 9.0
"So incredibly yum! Try the pastrami on rye with mustard the pastrami is sooo juicy and tender."
Vicky O
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