Gusto

Very nice restaurant on George Street. We were a group of five in for a meal on a Sunday evening, and we had a nice booth with plenty of space. Staff members were attentive and friendly, and I enjoyed being able to see the kitchen from the table, such is the way the restaurant is laid out. I ordered a BBQ chicken pizza, and saw the dough being freshly made into a delicious pizza. Yummy!
Other members of the group had a vegetarian pizza, the Gusto burger, and some pasta dishes. All were tasty and filling. We also ordered two of the pizza bread appetisers, but those are much larger than expected, so keep that in mind! We couldn’t finish both sadly.
The food was washed down with some nice beers and wine, and we all really enjoyed the meal overall. I wasn’t even hungry the next morning, so filling was the meal! Recommended.

We were here to celebrate a birthday. Yes they are part of a chain but I don’t think you should let that put you off from coming here. The décor is authentic and well thought out. The service was excellent (especially given that there were 8 of us including 2 children). The menu is extensive and seasonal which is great. The specials board had loads of options on it too if you didn’t fancy anything off the main menu.
A great place for a work lunch, a date or even a group meal.
The food is tasty, the flavours sometimes surprising and the quality excellent even though the place was heaving!
I see some people have had a bad experience here but I can’t really knock it. I’ve also been to their restaurant in Leeds which was equally as excellent (their décor and ambience actually tops Edinburgh’s). I thought it was great, I’d go back here and I would also recommend others to go here too.

Absolutely the worst food I’ve ever eaten in a restaurant. I think Ikea has better meatballs, and the tomato sauce tastes like it came out of a jar from the grocery store. We also called 3 days in a row for reservations, but they said they were fully booked. We walked by the restaurant 2 of those nights, and the place had many empty tables. We stopped in and they reluctantly sat us at a table. I wish they hadn’t. Don’t waste your time!

A solid choice among the George Street cluster — swish enough to feel much nicer than your average Italian chain (though I think there are a few of these around the country), but not so high end enough as to break the bank. The menu is extensive, spanning pizzas, pastas and a lengthy list of meat dishes. I took one look at my mate and I knew he’d had the same idea as me — steak o’clock! I really enjoyed my 6oz fillet steak, and I liked the addition of a juicy roasted vine tomato as well as chips and not-​too-​buttery peppercorn sauce. My mate amped it up to a 10oz fillet which was a better size for him though his medium-​rare looked as pink as my medium, i.e. not very. Still it seemed of good quality and satisfied the steak cravings nicely, helped down by mr malbec.
Despite being a pretty big place with an extra mezzanine half floor it’s always packed in here, especially on weekend evenings, so best to book ahead. We had a late sitting at 9.30pm this time so service was lovely but a little slow towards the end of the meal as they were basically packing things up. There’s a small bar area at the front which is nice to wait for your table and peruse the drinks menu — as you inevitably ending up having to do. Quite a mix of clientele here too, from very dolled up hen parties to casually-​dressed family dinners (averting their eyes from the hen parties) to couples on date night.
What I really like about this place though is the décor. The double-​height wall on the right hand side is entirely covered in framed black and white photos that is a really simple yet effective décor trick. I’m also a complete sucker for fairy lights, so dressing the entire front window with a cascade of golden lights just draws me in like a moth to a flame.
Particularly good when you’ve got fussy eaters with you given the largely inoffensive menu, and I’m sure I’ll be back again!

Seriously best food I’ve had in quite some time. Randomly discovered this place on George Street and I’m so glad we did! The tiramisu martini is AMAZING. And the desserts are out of this world. Also, amazing waiters! FIVE STARS! If you’re in Edinburgh you must stop here. When I’m back, I will definitely be stopping here for at least 1 meal, if not every meal

We are about to finish our dinner, but so dar great experience! Décor is nice, staff top class and very good food. One plate was not great but the manager handles it professionally and make all the difference.

Very nice looking Italian restaurant on George street. Had a lovely lonely dinner there by myself. The staff was great and the food even better. Great marinated olives and I highly recommend the gnocchi with pulled pork, pesto and tomatoes, absolutely delicious and the serving size was perfect. The restaurant was not very full when I got there around 5pm, but filled up very quickly so I would book a table in advance. I Will definitely be back for another meal.

I went into this restaurant with my hipster mentality of… this restaurant is a George street tourist trap and is therefore gonna suck. A silly notion that we all have when visiting a place — we hope to find some homely, authentic restaurant that ‘only the locals’ know about and that serves exotic dishes bursting with flavour. Of course, the reality is that the restaurant no-​one goes to, no-​one goes to for a reason. Gusto’s busy pace is well deserved and the popularity has not compromised quality.
The garlic bread to begin was brilliant, oozing with high quality olive oil with soft dough and a crusty base. My risotto with shitake mushrooms and crispy pancetta for main was decent but not the best thing I have ever tasted. The friends I was dining with had mixed reviews about their food. One complained about the gnocchi but the other enjoyed the pizza.
The staff were fantastic and our waitress was very warm and yet professional! very pleased.
I would say if you’re looking for a mind blowing italian dining experience, then sadly this isn’t it. However, if you’re looking for a decent, central and well-​priced restaurant then this is for you! I wouldn’t have any issues going back.

Booked here with a large hen do at Christmas and at no point in the booking process we were told we would receive a set menu. We arrived on time, but our table was not ready.
We got to our table and were given a set Christmas menu which we didn’t want and were not forewarned about. The food we received was good but overpriced.
Would not return, we werent looking for a christmas meal and if we’d known we’d get lumbered with that menu we wouldn’t have picked it.

What a fantastic place to spend time with friends and colleagues after a hard days of work, especially now during Christmas time when all the decorative lights and decorations are up. On entry you will come across a massive Christmas tree, one you only see in big posh houses. And it also looked real to me. Such a delight!
The bar area is in the front and we took hold of an area in a corner near the big windows. The barman was quick at hand, took our orders and handed us a tab key, which we could use at any time to order more.
Our table was booked at 7.30 and was ready for us at any time. Eric was our efficient waitor for the whole evening. Whilst our table was just opposite an open kitchen and occasionally there was some loud noice, it was still a cozy wee corner, ideal for entertainment.
Eric recommended an italian starter mix, so we went with his choice, which comprised of olives, artisan bread and garlic pizza bread. For a main I ordered the rib eye steak with peppercorn sauce and fries. The thinly cut french fries were just right and complemented the steak favourably. Both, the steak and the peppercorn sauce were spicy. But the taste, just magnificent! The steak was thinly cut and literally tender, nearly melting in your mouth.
Now, to the best part. As a dessert I ordered Affogato: vanilla ice cream poured over with a shot of espresso and amaretto. Soooo delicious.
It’s really a great place to enjoy dinner and suitable for everybody.

I’ve eaten here three or four times as its very convenient to where I live. The food (in particular the pizzas) is good. The service is excellent also. I think we have been a few times where deals have been on offer (birthdays etc) so keep your eye out for a special deal!

My man decided to treat me to some food, so we decided to try something new and went to Gustos. In all honesty this is probably the first restaurant I have been to that I would rate 10 out of 10. When you walk in you notice the lovely, sophisticated décor, as you follow a friendly member of staff that finds you a nice table.
The food we ordered thankfully didn’t take long to prepare, and I am an impatient person, especially when I’m starving! I went for Gnocchi with slow roast pork, cherry tomatoes, pesto & rocket — so, so delicious. My partner got 10ozrib eye steak with mushrooms and he enjoyed it as well. For all the cocktail lovers out there, do go for the first one on the cocktail menu — Strawberry Cup — one of the best cocktails I have ever had. I was really happy with not only the gorgeous food, but also the service in the restaurant and I would really recommend it!

The rosemary bread is huge! Dinner was ok, I might give this place another go.

This place is good, not exciting but very good. It is a chain but they are not so big it feels manufactured. As it is right near where we work it is a very handy little local lunch spot. They £9.95 lunch menu has a nice selection on it — I can highly reccommend the Ceasar Salad and the sea bass — plus it includes a glass of wine.
I came on a evening recently with a group and everyone enjoyed it. Good service, nice food and the big circular booths are great for a meal with friends.

Gusto delivered more than I had possibly hoped for! As part of a group I was privileged to be able to sample multiple dishes in one sitting and not one dish was disappointing!
As soon as I walked through the door I was immediately taken with the smell of fresh herbs from the kitchen which had me walking on air to my seat. I simply could not wait for the menu and knew this was going to be an experience.
A starter of hand rolled meatballs with grana padano cheese and tomato sauce had me wishing for a second helping. The meatballs were indeed hand rolled as the texture had a certain unique quality that can only be achieved by hand.
A main of smoked italian sausage rigatoni had me hankering for my italian grand mothers cooking again! I find it rare to come across an italian restaurant that would have good smoked italian sausage but this was the real thing!
Decadent, indulgent, there are no words to describe the nutella and mascarpone calzone for dessert. I am a fan of unusual desserts but I do not exaggerate that this piece of work arrived in front of me and I scrummed myself stupid in a heady haze of chocolate fuelled delight! If you visit Gusto you have to try this but be warned; if you don’t have a big appetite then you had better have a friend to share with!
Staff were polite, accommodating, orders were taken and delivered promptly. There was a minor mistake in one food order for which we were compensated and a new serving delivered very quickly.
I have no complaints about this particular venue and I will be back… very very soon!

Another great meal at Gusto. This time I went with a school friend of mine. With a 50% off food January sale there is every reason to be a social butterfly and catch up with everyone!
My friend tried a new pudding this time, the hot chocolate brownie with ice cream rather than the chocolate sauce, I tasted it and it was delicious and I may have to try that the next time that I am in.
I always request a booth when I make reservations as I think that they are nicer than the tables, personal preference I suppose but I think that it gives you a wee area for your group, more room. I had to prompt this this time as they automatically went to seat us at a table, but they quickly found us a booth.
I think I may be able to squeeze one more visit here before the sale finishes, although going for a catch up with school friends means that the wine bill is higher than the food bill!

hmm this is a rather difficult review to write as i went here for a work xmas lunch and feel like we didn’t get to sample their actual menu! this is of course a gripe of the festive season as instead of offering the normal menu all places think that everyone just wants to eat turkey and christmas pudding… but anyway, i have to say that while gusto does put on a special menu for their xmas lunch and dinner it’s very good!
we arrived at 2pm and were seated right away at a long table. my only problem with this is that you were rather limited in who you could talk to as it was the people immediately across from you or next to you. one of their round booths would have been nice so i could have seen everyone, but it might have been our party was too big. also i find sitting under the mezzanine level makes things a bit dark, but perhaps some people see this as atmospheric.
from their xmas menu i ordered the butternut squash soup, the turkey with all the trimmings, and the chocolate tart. although we were a large party and they appeared to have quite a few of these our food was brought out very promptly after our order! i really appreciated this as two cocktails into the drinks already and a full glass of wine in front of me, i was desperate for some food!
the soup was absolutely delicious! it was the perfect winter warmer for a cold day with a nice smooth consistency and a warm squashy taste to it. it was topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and had a side of nice freshly baked bread that i used to wipe the bowl clean. the turkey was next and i have to say it was really only ok. i found the meat to be a wee bit dry and my food cooled off far too quickly after it arrived and the brussel sprouts with pancetta were almost cold by the time i finished them. however, they were still rather tasty and the portion of stuffing was just delicious! i also really enjoyed the extra sides of roast potatoes and sauteed veggies. my chocolate tart was lovely but i was far too full to finish it so it sadly got mostly left over!
the service we had was impeccable! i really could not fault our waiter, he was so lovely and helpful and always checking to make sure we had everything we needed. he also kindly suggested frangelico instead of amaretto for an after dinner liquor which me and some of my colleauges enjoyed so much we ended up having three! so excellent suggestion from an excellent waiter! he also let us sit at the table almost two hours longer than we were told we originally had, which was a great help as our head of department was delayed and only joined us when we had almost finished the meal. however, this did not phase the waiter and he brought out her meal when she arrived and never rushed her between the courses.
i definitely enjoyed my team lunch here and from that experience i’ll happily be back to sample more of their normal menu. i have been here once or twice before and know they do italian food well, so although i enjoyed the meal i do wish that we’d just been able to order off their normal menu because who says you can’t have pizza for xmas!!!

I often go to Gusto for lunch, the staff are friendly, the food is good quality Italian fare and the prices are reasonable. In fact it actually seems like it should be more expensive as the interior is quite swanky!
Top Tip 1 — If you take kids in, they’ll give them little chef hats and let them make their own pizzas at the table and go meet the Chef too!
Top Tip 2 — they have a dining card which gives you up to 40% discount which is free and you can register for it on their website.
The carbonara is great, as is the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream (swoon).
They are always innovating with new events, menus, wines and cocktails and strongly support Edinburgh Sick Kids too.

Gusto originates from the Latin word Gustus meaning ‘a tasting’ and THAT it certainly is!
Gusto is one of my favourite restaurants in Edinburgh. I have been here too many times to count and have dragged pretty much all my pals to it.
It all started 2 years ago…
I visited this place for the first time when I was meeting someone for lunch. Having been out the night before, I had struggled to even walk the length of George street and had hoped that lunch would comprise of a ham and cheese toastie at some obscure café with no alcohol in sight to upset my already churning belly.
My pleas were obviously ignored by my pal who had no sympathy for the state I was in and is a firm believer in a good feed being the solution for all of life’s problem when accompanied by good wine.
So we arrived and were seated at a corner booth. The service was prompt and efficient and the Italian waiter who served us somehow convinced me to order a bottle of wine. It may have been the fairy lights or the delectable aromas wafting through the place, or just the overly flirty 50 year old Italian waiter but I fell for his charm and ordered a lovely bottle of Red to go with my lunch.
I had duck for my main which was deliciously succulent with rosemary potatoes and my pal had a pork loin, pork belly combo. My pal thought that the pork belly was a tad tough but didn’t complain because the rest had been so tasty. The manager picked up on the fact that the plate hadn’t been emptied and asked her why. We had 25% knocked off the food when the bill arrived and it came accompanied by a sincere apology from the manager.
While I would have definitely revisited the place after tasting the food, that experience made me even more determined to go back.
I have tried plenty things on the menu since and still can’t decide what I like best.
Their griffin pizza is amazingly spicy and filling, while their lobster and prawn spaghetti makes a simple pasta dish into something special. Their steaks are cooked to perfection and try the lasagne for a more home-​made touch.
The Sticky toffee pud is one of my favourites indulgences with the chocolate brownie with pistachio ice-​cream just perfect to satisfy chocolate cravings for chocolate or the Lemon Sorbet for when you ‘just can’t have another bite’
They have a good selection of cocktails and the prices are pretty reasonable for what they are. The Raspberry Caiproska and Strawberry Daiquiri are lovely and refreshing and they have a nice bar for those who wish to stop for just a drink or two and to enjoy the romantic fairy lights…
To sum it up… I think the service, the food and the ambience are all pretty fantastic and so are the prices especially for a George street haunt.

I went here for a special meal last night and I think we all had a lovely meal.
The layout is a bit strange, for my more traditional tastes. I found the booths comfortable but being seated near the kitchen and the stairs I felt a bit shunted towards the back.
The staff were lovely, our waitress was so smiley and laughed along with some of the more cringy jokes made by a member of our party. (My Dad. Bless him.)
The food was good, We were casually asked if we would like some bread and olives for the table. I had the chicken pâté to start, more bread would be appreciated but the toasted bread they serve with it is gorgeous. For my main I had the scallop, pancetta and avocado salad (they had me at scallop… then pancetta… then avocado…) which was really good, although the dressing wasn’t great, it didn’t fit too well.
For dessert I shared the ‘Bombilinis’ and thank goodness too. The amount of sugar had my teeth trying to escape as soon as I set eyes on them. And it ended up everywhere.
Overall it was enjoyable, the service was great and the food was great but nothing to write home about.
And don’t go for the bread and olives… it’s £6.

Sehr leckeres Essen und ein nettes Ambiente.

Super Einrichtung, aber von der Qualität her sehr enttäuschend. Das Restaurant und die Kellner tun äußerst nobel, doch das Essen ist mittelmäßig und wird viel zu schnell serviert — im Endeffekt ist alles nur Massenabfertigung.