Dallas' Most Interesting Restaurants No. 47: Gemma

Leading up to our annual Best of Dallas® issue, we're counting down the 50 most interesting restaurants in Dallas. These spots bring something unique or compelling to the city's dining scene, feeding both your appetite and soul. If the evening is late and I crave something sweet, nine times out...

By Scott Reitz

July 17, 2015

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Leading up to our annual Best of Dallas® issue, we're counting down the 50 most interesting restaurants in Dallas. These spots bring something unique or compelling to the city's dining scene, feeding both your appetite and soul.

If the evening is late and I crave something sweet, nine times out of 10 I head for Gemma. I love to order a pot of tea (they carry leaves from The Cultured Cup) and an elegantly plated dessert from a menu that's always changing. A few items are constant, such as that chocolate tart pictured above, but on the whole, pastry chef Stephanie Childress keeps me guessing.

Gemma is a fine place for dinner, too. In fact, it's one of the best places to dine in the city. Owners Stephen Rogers and Allison Yoders brought with them a West Coast sensibility when they moved from California, and their contribution really rounds out the local dining scene.

Every chef worth his weight treats meat with respect. Rogers, though, extends the same level of care to vegetables. A garden's bounty is showcased front and center at Gemma, and the approach is rare in Dallas.

Above all, Gemma is just a lovely place to dine. If you'd like to have a nice date, if Mom is in town or if you think you deserve a top-notch meal on your own, this Henderson Avenue gem is always a safe bet. Just don't forget to save room for dessert. You don't want to miss it.

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