Gusto

So good! Great food, good wine, a lot off ppl so u feel like u belong to some special party:) the stuff is great too, they listen to everything u say and ask for, and they always make sure if u r good or satisfied. Love it, and gonna come back soon!:)

After a really disappointing meal at another restaurant, we had to find another place to eat, and since it is relatively new, decided to try Gusto — it was a busy night but there was one table left and they managed to sneak the two of us in.
Boy am I glad we got seated — the special that night was an octopus pasta dish, and this was one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had in my entire life. My wife’s branzino was prepared two different ways, both perfectly cooked and seasoned. I’m really glad to see innovative and modern Italian food being delivered here, and will definitely be returning again.

SUCH A BUMMER! New chef from Capri, Italy and the food is now a complete disappointment! My friend and I shared scallops, lamb and sea bass and ended up eating a PB&J when we got home. This went from being an AMAZING restaurant that deserved a Michelain star to a restaurant you won’t find me at again. SO DISAPPOINTING!!!

Because we dined at Gusto a number of months ago and were quite satisfied, I decided to take my wife there for a special dinner. I called Gusto on a Thursday evening and made reservations for the following Friday evening. When we arrived about 5-​minutes early our table wasn’t ready although there were a number of tables available, but none ready for diners. After a brief wait, we were escorted to a small table and presented with well-​worn paper menus. It was then that we noticed that the selections on the menu consisted mostly pastas and pizzas, with only 4 non-​pasta/​pizza entries. This was quite unlike the more extensive menu that I recall from our previous visit. I also noticed that the wine prices were on the pricey side. Perhaps I expect too much in the Bay Area Go-​Go environment. Nevertheless, we ordered calamari frites to share, a pizza for my wife, special lasagna for me, and a $ 48 bottle of wine. The calamari was OK, but the two sauces were rather bland, flavorless, and in short supply. In addition, our table was so small that the dish could barely fit. My special lasagna was not up to the standards of many carryout establishments. It was special only in the sense of its poor quality. I didn’t try the pizza, but I noted that my wife did not eat it all and did not ask for a doggy box.
When we asked the waitress about the menu, she replied that Gusto was not officially open and all the food came from the kitchen next door. She said that the official Gusto chef was in Italy and would be reopening the «real» Gusto until sometime in November. Consequently, we were given the bait and switch because we weren’t at the «real» Gusto despite the fact that we made the reservation at their phone number and we were at the place called Gusto. The food was definitely sub-​standard and expensive. The wine was pricey. We were very, very disappointed and would not ever return with the present business arrangement.

For my recent birthday, I decided to have my birthday dinner at Gusto. I walk by this restaurant a lot always seeing this establishment crowded – I figured, let’s give it a try for this special occasion.
I had a party of 15 including myself. It was HOT inside the restaurant as this particular day/​night was around 90 degrees, if not hotter. The waiter provided us with a stand fan. We were told the AC was coming on – we did not feel the cool air from the AC.
The «special» was an eggplant risotto cooked by what was termed as a «Michelin Star Chef». The risotto came out warm, not hot, and underdone. We waited over an hour for all of our entrées.
The waiter asked to take our fan ½ way into our wait for dinner saying he would bring it back – never did.
I was not impressed with my experience. Neither was my family.

I hate to give a restaurant a bad review but the food and service was subpar. I’m not sure how it has a four star rating. The restaurant seems to have an identity crisis. It has great, swanky décor, but the food just doesn’t match. It’s subpar. Sorry Gusto, but we won’t be back.

I came here with a party of around 18, and we were seated in the back in the private room. I would definitely advise against booking a private party with Gusto.
Fresh bread and olive oil were great, coming out about 10 minutes after we sat down at 6:30. About 20 minutes after that, we had an antipasto combination as one of our starters, and that was delicious as well. Each of the meats and cheeses were tasty, and complemented each other nicely. Unfortunately, we had a fair number of vegetarians at our table who couldn’t eat any of antipasto. 30 minutes later, we got small portions of salad with drizzled honey on top — interesting to taste, but hardly filling.
We got our entrees a little past 8pm. By this time, our stomachs were almost eating themselves and we were beside ourselves in hanger (hunger + anger). Sadly, the entrees were subpar. The lobster ravioli was pitifully sized, with a total of 4 medium-​sized pieces of ravioli. The veggie entrée was similarly sized — just a few pieces of large vegetables, and that was it. I was lucky to have ordered the 16oz steak, but even so, the meat was dry and a little burnt. Dessert was served at 9, which included a light and tasty tiramisu, mousse, along with some other items I didn’t try because I was in such a hurry to get home.
The only redeeming factor about Gusto was the meticulousness of the servers. Although the food took a long time in coming out, they were excellent about refilling our water and wine. Often I’d be engaged in a conversation, turn back around, and see my wine glass completely refilled — magic!
I understand that we were a large party, but with the abridged menu and the reservation set up weeks in advance, I feel that Gusto should have been prepared for us. My vegetarian friends had to eat an additional meal after they got home so they didn’t go to bed hungry. From the Unilocal reviews, I had expected a classy and expensive restaurant (4 stars and 3 dollar signs!!). I will most likely not be coming back due to the mediocre quality and quantity of food for the hefty price.

This place has the worst service ever! The staff at the bar are so slow it’s ridiculous. The last few times I’ve been there haven’t been busy enough for them to be that slow!
In addition, the food is not that great. Won’t be going there ever again

Being raised with 2 Italian /​2 Sicilian grandparents, I KNOW my cuisine. Absolutely wonderful, but unfortunately I came in my yoga pants (embarrassing) since it wasn’t a planned dining experience AND my friend had her baby .
It WAS really hard to relax with her 10 month old grabbing EVERYTHING on the table.
Anyway, my one complaint is in front of the restaurant it says «foie gras», but they didn’t have any. Also, they couldn’t serve me the tripe I ordered for some reason I really couldn’t understand. (I will try again next visit.)
The waiter more or less said it was «bad «as in spoiled. Yikes… anyway since my mom past away, I’ve been craving a good Italian prepared tripe .
They made it all up by bringing us complimentary limoncello (alcoholic) yum… and triamisu.
(Apologies accepted … lol .)
I also enjoyed hearing people speaking Italian as well, made me feel right at home .
I will be back very soon all dressed to impress with my daughter, who is 20 years old.
Will add the 5 stars when I get an opportunity to try their tripe.
May I add a comment about «Food T’s» review…
BTW … Blue Line and Patxis is NOT authentic Italian pizza …
*UPDATE *
I went back last night with my sister and OMG. amazing!
The tripe texture was cooked perfectly and the flavor was unbelievable! It brought tears to my eyes since my mom past away 10 years ago and I haven’t had tripe made that way since .
We also had some filet which was so delicious.
Just heavenly and you can’t eat it quietly. I was overwhelmed with amazement!

Had high hopes but the food and service were both meh!
Tried the pepperoni pizza and another one with artichokes and mushrooms. They were ok. The pastas were hot and tasted fresh but just seemed like couple of ingredients thrown together.
The service was inattentive. We asked for one pasta with penne substituted for tortiglioni and one pizza without mushrooms. Neither one of the requests were honored and we got the food as is. They did change it when we reminded them, but for an expensive place this is plain bad service.
For a good pizza in that downtown, Patxi’s or Blue Lines is wayyyy better in terms of price, service, and taste.

Beautiful setting and mood. Service is definitely attentive and sincere — not to mention friendly :)
Chef George is super friendly and greeted us before dinner.
We only came by for drinks. However ended up ordering the octopus salad and vegan chocolate cake. Octopus was good, salad was pretty good, but sauce was very nice when paired with their «by the glass» pino noir. Vanilla gelato was awesome, vegan chocolate cake was super creamy (not too my liking) but if you enjoy that — then it was perfect.
Wine list had some good options by the bottle — definitely a great place to celebrate with a group.
Will definitely be back.

We arrived about 5 minutes before our reservation and they were getting finishing with a large group so we could not be seated. To make up for it the mgr (I guess) walked us next door to Locanda where they treated us to a free round of drinks while we waited.
Appetizers
Crab Cake-​great portion, very little filler and great aioli!
Tuna Tatare-George’s great creation! Super fresh and large pieces of tuna!
Entrees
Sea Scallop Spiedini-​Excellant! Some of the best cooked and seasoned scallops ever. Bacon didn’t hurt either!
Beef Tenderlion-​My wife noted that it was the best she had ever eaten. So tender it didn’t need a knife.
Sweets
Sea Salt Carmel Sorbet-​Perfect way to end the meal!!!
Service was OUTSTANDING! To top it off Chef Marrone stopped by a couple times to make sure that everything was up to par! As San Carlos natives this is by FAR the best choice of fine dining that exists here…
My only complaint is how long we waited before we tried Gusto. This will be our go-​to San Carlos special place!
Can’t wait to return to try the new creations of Chef George Marrone!!!

Positive first, very good food except had to send wife’s fish back because it was raw in the middle but that happens. Smallish drinks.
Negative, price, fish undercooked but warning don’t sit outside. The next door pizza place shares a kitchen so the outdoor spaces are shared. Upscale meal w wife next to family having pizza !!

I took a group of co-​workers out for a nice dinner, and based on the reviews chose this place easily.
The restaurant is really neat and beautiful inside. Great for a date night with the husband. They actually have a small private dining area available as well.
We all ordered soups, of which the mushroom I enjoyed. The others loved the pumpkin, stating it did not taste like your typical pumpkin soup but had a great flavor and was spicy. Most of us ordered the special, which was steak, while others ordered the crab cake and the pork tenderloin. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals.
They only had a wine list, but were able to get us drinks from their partner restaurant next door.
Our server was wonderful, although it was a bit slow to get our drinks, our orders, and our tab. However we were provided with a complimentary dessert which I can best describe as a butterscotch pudding. I know that sounds very lunch room, but it was wonderful!
The chef also came out to say hi. I always love that!
We still enjoyed ourselves and would be back.

Beautiful, intimate restaurant — definitely a great place for a date or any special night. There was actually a mini private area where they seated our party of 6 — it was really a great space and perfect for our girls night out. Despite our petite frames, we ordered family style to chow down.
Unfortunately, in the whirlwind that was a girls weekend, I can’t give you an accurate order of yumminess, but I do recall that the PUMPKIN SOUP was pretty tasty — not sweet like you’d expect, but almost spicy. The server was kind enough to split out 2 servings into 6 small bowls, each with a slice of fried pumpkin. The mushroom fettuccini, tuna tartare, beef tenderloin, and duck I would recommend. Our table also got the figs and goat cheese, scallops, and sushito peppers which I’m having a hard time remember, which probably means just that — unmemorable.
The service was amazing and attentive. The chef came out maybe 3 times to check on us and ask us how things were. The waiter was super enthusiastic and seemed to LOVE his job.
All and all a very pleasant experience. The restaurant was beautiful food was good, and the service fantastic — what more can you ask for?

If you’ve never eaten at Gusto, you’re truly missing an amazing culinary experience.
George, the chef, is so creative, his combination of flavors are unique and wonderful.
Do not miss the Tuna Tartare and the figs!
Unbelievable!
Although a little pricy, it is worth every penny…

I can’t say enough great things about Gusto! Which leaves me SUPER puzzled by the 1– and 2-​star reviews. Guess that’s why we’re free to Unilocal as we choose!
In any event, I’d previously patronized Limone and I am *so* glad to see that the lovely space now offers a beautiful menu that’s completely distinctive from Locanda Positano next door. (Which I also like — but Limone had the *same menu*).
We had the option of sitting outdoors, in the rear, or in the little anteroom. We chose the anteroom and it was nice. You’re a bit on «display» to all who come in, but it’s not so bad. When we ate they played some nature videos on the HUGE screen that was right over my head… kind of entertaining and added an interesting vibe!
We had the benefit of dining on a Thursday night in the summertime, which meant that Chef had made some special menu items using fresh vegetables and fruits from the farmer’s market down the street. My friend and I both had the special Greek salad, which was full of gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, fresh lemon cucumbers, a healthy helping of feta, and a lovely red-​wine vinaigrette. For the «main course» I had the watermelon gazpacho (a normal menu item) – a cool soup that is nevertheless hot because of the peppers! My friend had the special crab cake and she loved it.
We topped off our menu with coffees (she had a cappuccino, I had a macchiato) and both were really, really good. (I’m used to mediocre coffee in restaurants, but this was definitely nice.)
I should also mention (as I have been lately) that the iced tea was very good. Not too watery, just the right strength. And the waitstaff kept it refilled efficiently.
Everyone seemed invested in our meal too. The Chef came by. The owner came by. The waitstaff came by. The bussers came by. Each one asked how we were doing. Normally I find this annoying, but somehow they all did it so graciously, and in a manner that demonstrated that they *truly cared* about our experience.
Prices are definitely «special» but that’s OK. I personally felt that they were commensurate with the experience.
I would recommend Gusto to anyone looking to have a special evening out with friends or family!

Some of the best food with unique flavors I have tried. Outstanding service and ambiance adds to the uniqueness. In short the flavors for me were «out of this world». The owner, Enzo, keeps close eye to insure service and quality are maintained at all times.
The wine selection was also great which was an added bonus.
This restaurant made our celebration worth every moment. Thanks Gusto. Hope to see you come closer to us.

Came here today on Easter Sunday and the place was dead empty. I had been eyeing this place since reading articles about a promising new restaurant. I definitely need to come back when the regular menu is available. Today there was a special Easter menu plus we were able to order from both Gusto and Locanda Positano (next door to Gusto).
We tried the following from the Gusto menu:
ROAST AIRLINE CHICKEN BREAST $ 26 with mash potato, glove garlic sauce — Chicken was so juicy, carrots tasted like candy and potatoes were thick and buttery. Yum yum and more yum.
ROOT BEER FLOAT $ 9 with warm chocolate chip cookie — Decent root beer float with crunchy chocolate chip cookies. Not really a must have item, but great for a sunny afternoon.
GRAND MARNIER PANNA COTTA $ 9 with mandarin orange vanilla bean syrup — Nice thick panna cotta. Not really a must have item for me.
The chicken entrée was great! I really regret ordering my appetizer and second entrée from the Locanda Positano menu (those items didn’t turn out as great). Wish I ordered more items from Gusto! Next time I’ll have to get a soup and try another entrée.
My 4 stars for this place goes to the Chef and the chicken entrée. Service was so-​so. Water glasses from IKEA was kind of off putting when entrees are in the $ 30 range. Non-​alcoholic drink selection was limited and both the ice tea and lemonade (from next door) tasted like power mix.

When I was really young just out of school I experienced George Morrone’s cooking with an up and coming Michael Mina at Aqua. I still had no idea what I was in for at the time but it was one of the first developing moments in my food obsessions. Cut to present day and Chef Morrone has bounced form place to place as a consultant, cooking at yacht clubs where us normal folk wouldnt be able to experience.
After a brief few pop ups in the Limone space that belongs to the Locanda Positano people, they’ve decided to go full bore and create a temple for Chef Morrone to display his skills again. Limone has been gutted and «fancified» as I like to say. The menu items and prices now match the décor but I think that it’s definitely worth it, and is a new runner for best resto in San Carlos from a fine dining perspective.
The real important thing is he has a solid Chef De Cuisine who’s executing flawless cooking care of the proteins and veggies. I certainly hope they can keep this up. We had:
–GEORGE’S TIMELESS TUNA TARTARE
pine nuts, asian pear, chilies, sesame oil
–DUCK «CASSULETT» RAVIOLI duck confit, garlic sausage, white beans, lemon thyme
–SEA SCALLOP «SPIEDINI»
cipollini onions, smoked bacon, trumpet mushrooms
–LAMB TBONE CHOPS kalamata olive butter, fall ratatouille
–GRAND MARNIER PANNA COTTA
mandarin orange vanilla bean syrup
Everything was excellent. I’d have to commend them on the 2^nd best lamb dish I had all year behind the one at Waiheke Island Yacht Club in SF. The use of the Tbone chop instead of a rack like most places would shows both some courage and skill to do right. On the front of house side, if you’ve eaten at Limone or Locanda next door, you know the level of friendly service owner Enzo brings. Just a solid time all around. I hope they keep forging ahead with this cuisine as no one in the area is doing anything close to it.