151 Otley Old Road,
LEEDS,
LS16 6HN
(0113) 2672100
The ViewLeeds Review
This Italian restaurant in the heart of Cookeridge offers authentic cuisine that suits everyone’s taste. Top quality food at affordable prices.
The Venue
Gusto is set back from Otley Old Road and offers a welcome alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Previously known as Est Est Est, Gusto is a relatively new, revamped addition to Leeds.
The restaurant is sliced into different sections, catering to its diverse clientele and their ever changing dining needs. The entrance gives way to a large bar area which in turn opens up to a small cluster of tables for small parties of two to four people.
Alcoves are cut into the left-hand wall of the restaurant, complete with sparkling chandeliers for intimate private parties. This area looks down on the open kitchen where customers can watch their meals being prepared from the main dining area.
The decor is contemporary, with an essence of 1950’s glamour, soft lighting twinned with earthy browns and cosy leather booths. The restaurant is built around a 200-year-old olive tree, sprinkled with pretty fairy lights that cast a magical glow over the surroundings, giving a finishing touch to a romantic first date or special occasion.
The People
There's always a steady flow of people arriving at Gusto, resulting in a welcoming atmosphere and a buzz of anticipation. Staff are very helpful and friendly, yet unobtrusive and they provide impeccable table service.
Gusto appears to have a fairly affluent customer base and an air of class and elegance, which makes it both an accessible and attractive option when paired with their affordable prices. Gusto’s clever formula of formal and informal is perfect for couples, families and business types alike.
The Food
The food is perfectly presented in huge white bowls or on pristine white plates. The menu takes its inspiration from classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist. Being an Italian restaurant it delivers excellent pasta dishes and pizza fresh from a wood-burning oven.
There is also an incredible range of meat and seafood on offer. Recommended dishes include the seared sashimi grade tuna served with rocket and chilled coriander sauce at £14.95. Garlic pizza bread with sea salt and rosemary is £3.50.
When it comes to dessert Gusto shows originality with options such as a Nutella and mascarpone calzone at £4.95 and, for the less adventurous, there's a sticky toffee pudding or a simple chocolate mousse.
If you're watching your weight Gusto has a separate healthy menu which lists the nutritional information of each dish. There are also some enjoyable vegetarian options. Children are particularly welcome here and are encouraged to make their own pizza and choose from a special menu devised for younger tastes.
The Drink
Its cocktail list is impressive, but it's also reasonably priced with favourites such as an apple and cranberry mojito or the Gusto bellini starting at £5.95.
The wine list is equally exciting with options of red, white and rose all available as well as Old and New World wines. Bottles of wine start at £16.
Champagne prices go from £16.50 to £250. The endless list of drinks on offer at Gusto is perfect for those who want to chill out with an afterwork drink on the restaurant's heated terrace or those who want to strike a pose at the bar.
The Last Word
This places lives up to its name, providing customers with hearty food and passionate service.
Gusto has been reviewed by 7 users