In Montreal's Little Italy, Gema Pizzeria serves up authentic Neapolitan pies crafted from local produce and irresistible homemade frozen custard, all in a chic, cozy setting.
"Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione, the duo that helped redefine what quality Italian food could be for Little Italy with Impasto, gave the neighbourhood a sibling pizzeria six years back — and it’s still one of the best in town. Diners can’t go wrong with any of Gema’s Neapolitan creations, but its take on the Hawaiian (with smoked maple ham, oven-roasted pineapples, and mozzarella di bufala) is a highlight. Sister pizzeria Vesta, out in Villeray, dishes pies with a more American bent, and also merits a visit." - Joel Balsam, Valerie Silva, Eater Staff
"Pizza aside, Gema is also a fantastic place to indulge in frozen custard. The treat comes in vanilla bean or a flavour of the moment, with toppings including butterscotch sauce, Baci crumble, roasted nuts, and macerated cherries — all worth the extra splurge." - Valerie Silva, Ashley Joseph
"For the eighth year running, Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione’s supremely popular Little Italy pizzeria Gema will be cranking out perhaps the city’s most sought-after zeppole in a one-day, high-intensity affair, known to generate queues snaking down St-Dominique. Mark your calendars: They start at 10 a.m. on March 19 and go on for as long as quantities last." - Valerie Silva
"Despite the rather audacious dual claim of frozen custard and Italian pizza specialties, Gema Pizzeria succeeds in pleasing all critics, thanks to refined, traditional, and extremely tasty fare, which is mostly made from produce bought at nearby Jean-Talon Market. Because of the pizzeria's location in Montreal 's Little Italy , it would not be wise to make false Italian food claims, and luckily, Gema Pizzeria is authentic. The decor, undertstated yet upscale, is welcome in the otherwise kitschy area. The Impasto pizza has become the menu favorite, but you can't really go wrong. But keep some room for dessert: You don't want to miss out on homemade frozen custard."
"Despite the rather audacious dual claim of frozen custard and Italian pizza specialties, Gema Pizzeria succeeds in pleasing all critics, thanks to refined, traditional, and extremely tasty fare, which is mostly made from produce bought at nearby Jean-Talon Market. Because of the pizzeria's location in Montreal 's Little Italy , it would not be wise to make false Italian food claims, and luckily, Gema Pizzeria is authentic. The decor, undertstated yet upscale, is welcome in the otherwise kitschy area. The Impasto pizza has become the menu favorite, but you can't really go wrong. But keep some room for dessert: You don't want to miss out on homemade frozen custard."
