Gaia Italian Cafe shop

226 E 3rd St, New York
(646) 350-3977

Recent Reviews

Cham Budhathoki

The food was okay but the customer service was really bad. One the staff she was very

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

deanmellen

Unreal !!!Food here is VERY special !Prepared for people who are sophisticated enough to enjoy what she is actually creating here in this very unique kitchen ,minus all the “ handholding “ these “pantywaists “ require that have left derogatory reviews when approaching an uncomplicated , walk-up ,To- go window …the food is VERY thoughtfully prepared…if you find this review intriguing, treat yourself !Yes …. To A VERY special lunch / supper … ! ?if there were an option for 20 stars ., I would have left 20.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Strozzarretti in Red Wine Meat Sauce with Peas and Carrots, Ravioli, Pesto Lasagna, Crespelle with Shrimps Potatoes and Broccoli, Sandwiches, Veal Tortelloni in Spicy Red Sauce, Salad, Gnocchi, Lasagna, Tray of Meatball and Potatoes in Tomato Sauce

Fatima S

Authentic, fresh, flavorful, and made with love. I came across Gaia when I saw a line of people outside, and thought to myself, I need to try. This is now my go to Italian food that is 10/10 and my go to spot when I need a hearty filling meal. I've told my friends to try it, and now they are hooked! The meat lasagna is perfect with a side of fresh bread. The owner is so pleasant, friendly, and welcoming. Waiting outside for your meal so others can order, is common sense and common curtesy. Gaia will come or call you in to give you your food, hot and fresh. Also, a huge plus for being eco-friendly. Definitely a must try.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ravioli, Sauce, Lasagna

cooper fortune

sweetest owner with wonderful food made from super fresh ingredients, my friend and i always get the classico!??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Angel Rodriguez

The owner is a vile person I heard the food was great but I witnessed this woman behave erratically harrasses her neighbors and fellow busniess owners on the block goes around recording people with out there consent food was delicious but will not be returning after seeing what a disturbed human being this woman

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

maria sanchez

I was harassed at this location by the woman Gaia. Gaia said that there was electromagnetic fields contaminating the food and scared my friend, yelling close to her face. I wouldn't recommend this place.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Jacob Gorchov

I'm sitting here eating the mushroom focaccia that Gaia made - the care and respect she treats for her food is unique in the neighborhood, or anywhere in nyc anymore really. She was nice enough to include some extra tomato bean sauce for a snack/premade ravioli that I cant wait to prepare later.Come for delicious food, and chat - they close early so be sure to get there ahead of time, ask for recs, and enjoy the garden across the street if it's open <3 so happy Gaia is here after closing their former location on Houston

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Myan Melendez

I’ve wanted to visit Gaia for years after hearing so much about it and how amazing the food is. Gaia is 110% the real deal. I have come again and again after my first visit a few months ago. The type of food you never get tired of. I could eat here 3xs a week and be happy. If she ever does breakfast I’d eat here for all 3 meals.Everything is made with love and commitment to her passion for natural and whole foods with FLAVOR. She also is dedicated to sustainability so bring your own forks and eat at the park or stay and enjoy at the small tables outside. I will be a loyal customer for as long as Gaia is open and am so thrilled that places like this still can exist on their own terms!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Luisa Dolan

This was the most distasteful experience I have ever had when it comes to customer service. Initially I was very excited to be taken there by my daughter’s friend. As soon as this young Asian friend walks in along with my Hispanic daughters the owner yells at them to order from outside because people bring in cockroaches and dirty and destroy things. Little did she know an older adult was behind these young ladies. I responded well we are certainly not those type of people. (Meanwhile I am thinking does she have cockroaches already) The owner then makes ridiculous excuses of why she said what she said. Offers to give me free water. I did not want to order anything from them but my kids were hungry so we ordered. She took 35 minutes to serve us . As we sit down and wait at her dirty tables we ask for napkins to wipe down the table she said she doesn’t use napkins to be eco friendly . As we are sitting there don’t you know two white customers with dogs go in the restaurant and she doesn’t say a peep! Nothing about cockroaches or dogs with flees. Oh and the woman got the food before us. Ok so after waiting we get the food in a plastic bag so much for eco friendly . We then asks for forks again the same excuse . So we had to run to Starbucks to get forks . We try the food and it was so disgusting ?. It tastes like vodka sauce gone wrong and chef boyardee topped with cheese What a horrible experience. Do not go there!!!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Pesto Lasagna, Sauce, Antipasto Italiano Con Focaccia, Lasagna

NYFrugaltravel

This was the most distasteful experience I have ever had when it comes to customer service. Initially I was very excited to be taken there by my daughter’s friend. As soon as this young Asian friend walks in along with my Hispanic daughters the owner yells at them to order from outside because people bring in cockroaches and dirty and destroy things. Little did she know an older adult was behind these young ladies. I responded well we are certainly not those type of people. (Meanwhile I am thinking does she have cockroaches already) The owner then makes ridiculous excuses of why she said what she said. Offers to give me free water. I did not want to order anything from them but my kids were hungry so we ordered. She took 35 minutes to serve us . As we sit down and wait at her dirty tables we ask for napkins to wipe down the table she said she doesn’t use napkins to be eco friendly . As we are sitting there don’t you know two white customers with dogs go in the restaurant and she doesn’t say a peep! Nothing about cockroaches or dogs with flees. Oh and the woman got the food before us. Ok so after waiting we get the food in a plastic bag so much for eco friendly . We then asks for forks again the same excuse . So we had to run to Starbucks to get forks . We try the food and it was so disgusting ?. It tastes like vodka sauce gone wrong and chef boyardee topped with cheese What a horrible experience. Do not go there!!!

Violet H.

I can't wait to come back here. $10 for each of these dishes?? Hell yea!! Next time, I'll make sure to order another sandwich to go

Nick Shelton

I have been a fortunate and loving customer of Gaia since she was on Houston. I was absolutely heartbroken when she closed up and am overjoyed that she is back. This place is wonderful in every way. The food is outstanding and as authentic as you will find. I have spent so many days enjoying her cooking and I am so happy she’s still going for it. Thank you Gaia for you warmth, your hospitality, and for sharing your gift! Ciao!

Mil Rz

This lady is the worse. Her attitude is horrendous.. She acts like she is doing you a favor. I saw her interact with a person outside of her business. She was attacking a person who is disabled. She is tasteless.. Avoid this place at all cost.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Ryan Howard

If you search the low rated reviews for this place, many many people have the same exact stories about the owner’s (?) rude and erratic behavior that she subjects neighbors to for no reason. And when they mention this, she always replies that they are lying or harassing her. Why would anyone want to do this? The stories all collaborate but the reviewers don’t know each other. Gaia, no one is lying or harassing you. We wish you the best and want you to get help.Also, I’m still going to come in and order some food soon because it looks really good! Hopefully you’ll be in a good mood next time I come by and not yell at me to keep walking. If you can be nice i might even give you my business :-)

Gabby G.

An absolute hidden gem!! Fresh, authentic Italian food at an unbelievable price.I've been dying to eat here ever since I passed it on the street. It's a small business, owned and operated by Carla, so hours do fluctuate - I suggest aiming for 1pm, maybe even 2pm. Carla made my meal with such love and care I felt like I was back in Milano, her hometown. I had the spaghetti all'Amatriciana and the sauce was the perfect blend of hearty and light. She even had gluten free pasta! For dessert I had a raspberry popsicle, which was exactly what I needed for this heat wave. (Flavors rotate almost daily!)Didn't catch a photo of the menu inside, but there are many fresh panini, pastas, salads, and other favorites (she has a meatball dish that looks so so good). Better than the menu is Carla herself! Lively, kind, and passionate, she'll chat with you about anything while juggling multiple orders. She also is very attentive and goes above and beyond making your meal - you can definitely taste the love. Tips - this is a small cafe that's very popular, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time. I promise it's worth the wait!! Seating is limited, so I recommend taking it to go and eating in one of the community gardens nearby.

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