Discover Gemmi: Commercial Bay’s Little Slice of Italy
Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s bustling Commercial Bay, Gemmi is one of the precinct’s culinary gems, where authentic Italian flavours and chic, casual elegance collide. Helmed by the prolific David Lee, founder of the renowned Namu Group, this trattoria-inspired pasta eatery serves up handmade pasta and exquisite wines against the stunning backdrop of the Auckland Harbour.
Boasting a fast-paced yet relaxed atmosphere, Gemmi is an eatery that invites diners to indulge in the simplicity of classic Italian cuisine, featuring delectable housemade pasta, silky burrata, and indulgent tiramisu. It’s a vibrant but relaxed dining haven, with swift service and delicious but simple food - offering a delightful inner-city escape for the modern cuisine-lover.
Masterfully designed by the expert team at CTRL Space, Gemmi has an undeniably chic and sleek interior that perfectly reflects David Lee’s vision of a trattoria-style dining room.
In the bustling heart of Commercial Bay, Gemmi is the ideal spot to gather with friends, family, or loved ones to enjoy a delectable meal of handmade pasta paired with a refreshing cocktail, wine or beer. Open daily from 11.30 am until late, Gemmi perfectly fits any schedule - especially with its enticing Happy Hour from 4 pm to 5 pm and a convenient express lunch menu from 11.30 am to 4 pm.
Did we mention that Gemmi offers more than just pasta? Curated by Namu Group’s Executive Head Chef, Yutak Son, Gemmi’s menu masterfully blends traditional Italian flavours with a modern flair. Begin your culinary adventure with vibrant starters like raw fish crudo with orange, pistachio, chilli, and mint, or savour the calamari salad with dill dressing and basil oil. For mains, indulge in the beef cheek ragu, creamy fettuccine, or standout dishes such as squid ink spaghetti with chilli, parsley, and garlic. End your meal on a sweet note with the refreshing lemon semifreddo, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt.
As one of the city’s most coveted destinations, Commercial Bay is home to more than just Gemmi, and is the heart of a lively precinct renowned for its premier offerings. One Queen Dining features beloved local favourites like Burger Burger and unique venues like Gochu, Ghost Donkey, Kome, and newcomer, Advieh (a personal favourite here at Remix HQ). This space extends the Harbour Eats experience, providing diners with stunning waterfront views and a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can catch up over a sit-down meal or drink, elevating the typical grab-and-go dining to a more leisurely experience.
All-in-all, Commercial Bay is the epitome of a chic culinary escape. Whether you’re indulging in a quick bite at Harbour Eats, enjoying a date night or cocktails with friends at One Queen Dining, celebrating a special occasion at award-winning restaurants like Ahi, Origine, The Lodge bar or Advieh, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views at Queens, this vibrant precinct isn’t just a destination - it's an experience that will linger long after the last bite.