Gusto
Italian and Pizza Restaurant
/5 from 15 reviews (add your opinion)
135 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4JS
Phone: 0131 225 2555
Alt Phone: 0870 40 12 109
Price: £££
Licensed: Yes
BYOB: No
Pre-Theatre: No
Takeaway: No
Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 1200-2300
Thu-Sat: 1200-0000
Menus:
Tags: wifi restaurant licensed italian gusto pizza estestest
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15 user reviews:
from mdavidson (96%) on December 18th, 2009 (2 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
I went to Gusto for my work Christmas meal and I have to admit that I went with low expectations. This is partly down to its location and scale - I have never terribly impressed with the large scale George Street places. I was also disappointed when I initially saw the Christmas menu - out of the 7 dishes on offer for starter or main, 5 of them contained an element of cheese, the one foodstuff that I don't eat. I know that this is principally a fault of my own making (for being a fussy bugger) but I thought it should a slight lack of imagination in the menu creation.
However, overall I was very pleasantly surprised by the food. For starter I had mushroom soup (without the mascarpone), which had a good depth of flavour and was well seasoned. For main I had the sirloin steak with crispy pancetta and balsamic braised balsamic onions. The steak was nice and tender but the portion of pancetta and onions was very stingy.
Desptie the restaurant being very busy, the staff were freindly and attentive, and the ambience was lively without being noisy.
(+2) (+1) (0)
from jcaughey (75%) on July 24th, 2009 (2 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
Contrary to what I had said previously, my boyfriend and I returned to Gusto last night. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
The restaurant was buzzing, we had booked in advance and it was a good job we did because there were people turned away because it was so full!
On entering we were greeted and asked if we would like to have a drink in the bar first or go straight to the table. Seeing as we had taken advantage of the break in the rain and had had a beer sitting outside browns located right next door to Gusto - we decided to go straight to our table. We were seated upstairs which was a really nice area (this time we got a booth which was fab lots of space) on being seated our waitress came over and introduced herself. She was very friendly and attentive, not overly so but made this experience feel a lot more personal than last time. We opted for some Italian bread with oil and balsamic vinegar with a bottle of wine which was beautiful (I have just looked it up on their website, it is called: PICPOUL DI PINET COTEAUX DU LANGUEDOC, FRANCE. The waitress had recommended it really was dee-lish. For mains I opted for the rib eye steak with garlic mash, he had the dorada, a type of white fish that came on a bed of lemon risotto he assured me this was also very nice. For pudding I had vanilla ice cream and he had a banoffe pie no repeats of last time with mounds of meringue!!! My one small gripe on the food front is that you pay for bread it should be free in my opinion.
It came to just over £60 and we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening, service was excellent, food very good and ambiance was fantastic. 4*s
------------------------------------------------
PREVIOUS REVIEW - 2.5/5
I met a client for lunch at Gusto last week and it was a mixed experience. This was my first visit and I am not sure that I would return...
First impressions were ok it is beautifully decorated but it seemed very empty (it was a Tuesday lunchtime so I didnt expect it to be overly busy) I had to look around for a waitress - there were a few people milling behind the bar but there seemed to be no-one keeping an eye out for people coming through the front door. We were shown to a table which was to the side of the rest of the restaurant and it was rather dark. This is where the rest of the diners were.... all the diners in the restaurant were tables of two but rather than spread us out around the restaurant, we were squashed closely up to each other in this darker part of the restaurant.
It was a bit odd really.
It was a gorgeous sunny day and I would have preferred to be seated in the main dining area but there was a table set up that ran the length of the restaurant as opposed to individual dining tables. On the other side of this there were booths presumably for larger parties. Any way I didnt think much of this set up. It made a bit of a weird ambiance!
On to the food - I opted for the gorgonzola, apple and walnut salad; my client went for a chicken salad (as I mentioned it was a glorious day so we didnt want anything too heavy). My salad was very good but I did feel it was overpriced. We went for deserts. I had the summer berry mess which was absolutely massive. I would go as far as to say it was ridiculously massive. My dessert was big enough for 4 people I got the impression that they were using up the last of the summer berry mess or something because it was not a portion size. I only managed amount a 3rd of it which is saying something because a good Eton mess is my favourite pudding in the world. My dining companion opted for a pear crumble which was very dainty and he polished the whole thing off.
Service throughout was ok, we had to wait about 15 minutes to have our order taken which I felt was a bit too long. Our food did arrive very quickly but the waiting staff were very impersonal. You are very aware that Gusto is a chain.
In total, for 2 salads, 2 puddings and 2 sparkling waters it came to £32 rather on the expensive side I felt.
George Street has so many other restaurants that I have had better experiences in, I doubt if I would rush back to Gusto.
(+1) (0) (0)
from EmmaR (68%) on December 11th, 2009 (2 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
I went here for my Christmas work do last night. The place was packed but the service did not suffer for it. The venue has a nice slick feel with some booths as well as tables for groups.
We had already decided that we would be ordering from the Christmas menu. I had a betroot and grape salad for my starter. This was nice and had a clean, fresh taste to it. The lemon dressing seemed lacking though so I added a bit of balsamic dressing that was on the table.
For my main course I chose the sirloin steak (I wanted to avoid the turkey option). I asked for it rare and that was how it came, so I was quite impressed. It was chargrilled and was topped with pancetta and balsamic onions, which were extremely tasty. Plates of vegetables (runner beans, carrots and roast potatoes) were brought to the table in large numbers so there was plenty to go round.
My dessert choice was a chocolate torte with berries. This was delicious, although some may have found it rich. As a choclate lover, I enjoyed every last morsel.
Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals. The quality was high and the service impeccible. It wasn't cheap, working out at about £35 per head including wine but then it wasn't that expensive either as I didn't feel ripped off, particularly for a Christmas meal.
I'm intending to go back to try their usual menu in the new year.
(+1) (+2) (0)
from rachybaby (67%) on June 2nd, 2008 (3 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
I ate here one Friday night with some friends and the general consensus from us all was that it had improved greatly from when it had been Est Est Est. Three of us had the seafood risotto which was very tasty. The only complaint was that I was hungry and it didn't quite fill me up. One of our other dining partners had one of the pizzas which was huge and delicious - no compaints there. Mains vary from around £8 - £15.
Decor is very stylish and the restaurant has a nice ambience. Service also very good and with a smile. Very good looking host too - certainly no complaints there!
All in all, an improvement on Est Est Est and I will probably return sometime in the future.
(+2) (0) (0)
from jwjlewis (63%) on August 28th, 2007 (4 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
<p class="rebrand"><strong>Note:</strong> This business has rebranded since this review was written</p>
I had a pleasant, if brief, visit to this restaurant.
Having just seen a show at the Assembly Rooms, my friend and I opted to dine somewhere nearby. We headed for Est Est Est on George Street. When we walked in we were greeted in a friendly manner, but one could not help noticing that the maitre d' was programmed to be very efficient. She may as well have had a blue tooth headset tucked behind her ear and a PDA in her pocket.
We sat down and were given menus - the selection was just what you would expect from this sort of restaurant; varied, but nothing special. As we were handed our menus our drinks orders were taken - very efficient! After a perfectly timed interlude, when we were meant to be perusing the menu (do you think they've consumer tested the menus for average time taken to read?), the waiter came up to us and said (in rapid fire, Italian voice),"any deserts or coffees? Oh sorry, would you like to order". I feel my point is made.
Anyway, the food took the correct amount of time to arrive and my pizza was pretty tasty. When we asked for the bill, they handed it to us within seconds - help!
We paid and walked out and the bar staff were all smiles - Stepford ain't got nothin'!
Perhaps I overstate the efficiency somewhat, but as another reviewer mentions, the staff are assigned an area and they are obviously signed an optimally sized area (for efficiency, rather than personal contact).
Would I recommend this place? Yes, if you want what you expect and if you are in a hurry. No, if you want a fun evening out with friends or partners.
(0) (0) (+1)
from irishphat (61%) on August 28th, 2007 (4 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
Note: This business has rebranded since this review was written
I was here for a work Xmas party last year and it was pretty good for that. I had a parma ham starter that was pretty good and the gang had garlic breads which were massive - I then had a massive pizza which was thin crust and lovely toppings. I think everyone was generally happy with the result on their mains but then we were easily pleased. Overall it was an enjoyable evening and the service was about average (had to order a drink several times to get it and it was pricey)
I'd go again but not too often and only if I had ages to take my time over my meal.
(0) (0) (0)
from clarindavine (44%) on August 28th, 2007 (4 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
<p class="rebrand"><strong>Note:</strong> This business has rebranded since this review was written</p>
DISTINCTLY AVERAGE
My partner and I visited Est Est Est on a busy Sunday evening and while we managed to get a table without a reservation I was left distinctly under whelmed by the experience.
While waiting at the bar I ordered a Coke and was given a diet one - which I have to admit is a pet hate, just because you are a woman bar staff (particularly men) assume you want diet without asking.
We shared a starter of Italian meats that arrived with some kind of strange fried dough that was like a Chinese wanton, needless to say it didn't really work. My partner ordered pasta with salmon and peas - it turned up with overly salty salmon and no peas. I ordered Lamb with burnished vegetables in a red wine jus. The reality was lamb (which admittedly was quite tender) sat in a bowl of thick stewed gravy that contained a few slices of carrots and celery. I also noticed that the woman at the table next to us left all of the pasta she had ordered.
The service at Est Est Est suffers from that common problem that effects large restaurants, in that waiting staff are assigned particular tables and if they are too busy to help you no one else will. Presumably, because they know their efforts are not going to be rewarded with a tip. The service, when it arrived was fine, though it should be if you are charging £3.75 for a bottle of still water. Another strange thing about Est Est Est (and I know I am being picky here!) is that the tables appear to be too low for the chairs, so that it almost feels like you are eating on your lap. It also makes you feel quite awkward when chatting as you really have to lean forward - maybe it is a ploy to get a quicker turn around in customers, I don't know, but it certainly felt odd enough for me to notice!
All in all the meal for the two of us it cost just over £40; one starter, two mains, one glass of wine, one lager and a bottle of still water. Not excessive but not great either, I wouldn't return out of choice.
(+2) (+1) (0)
from pafc (32%) on August 28th, 2007 (4 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
<p class="rebrand"><strong>Note:</strong> This business has rebranded since this review was written</p>
I ate in Est Est Est on sunday sunday sunday and was vaguely disappointed - it was the second time I'd eaten there and although the service was fine the food itself was a little underwhelming. The first time I went I had spaghetti bolognese; this is not because I am a pleb but because I really like it and my girlfriend doesn't eat pasta so I rarely cook it, it was quite good although the portion was rather mean. The food was mediocre and filled a hole but didn't excite. I had a pint of the italian lager they sell and while enjoyable I would have preferred it to be served in an italian style pint glass rather than the regular english one as I think that looks a bit classier when you're out. Overall not great but not terrible - decent enough value and nice building/decor but the food was nothing special.
(+2) (+3) (0)
from elcc (21%) on July 17th, 2008 (3 years ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
Came here for a friend's birthday dinner meal consisting of around a dozen of us. The service was great and the waiters were very helpful but didn't feel we connected like in some family run restaurants. The menu had a good choice of Italian varieties and all sounded very scrumptious on paper. I ordered the chicken pesto to which it arrived a little later than our table had hoped despite the restaurant not being that busy. The portion was small but tasteful. For those that like their pasta all smooth and slippery to the mouth, this is a good choice as quite a bit of olive oil is used on this. For those that prefer less "slippery" pasta, there are alot more choices to order from. A side order of mash, potatoes etc is advisable to fill the stomach.
(+1) (0) (0)
from Jessica Slater (12%) on March 16th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
I booked a table as a surprise for my Granny when she was through visiting and was so pleased I chose to take her to Gustos. The food was fresh and delicious and the service was second to none. While my Granny thought the restaurant was a bit trendy for her generation, we noticed that there were an array of diners from couples, to families to older people. Will certainly be returning and have promised my Granny when she next visits that I will take her back.
(+2) (+1) (0)
from martin (12%) on January 27th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
Love it - a perfect night out.
(-2) (0) (0)
from Andrew Evans (12%) on July 7th, 2011 (10 months ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
I never normally write online about places I've eaten out but had to share my experience of Gusto. It was recommended to me by a friend who swears by the place, he eats there regularly. So, as it was my birthday last week my girlfriend and I thought we would give it a try. It was very busy for a Tuesday night which I thought was a good sign, I was right.
The food was excellent in particular my smoked haddock pasta with poached egg was the best. Reading some of the other reviews about moody staff I just can't see how anyone could think this. I would say it's the best service I've received in any place in Edinburgh. Everyone seemed happy to be there, which is a nice change. Our server was there whenever we needed her and recommended wine and food which didn't disappoint.
I will definitely be back and will be telling all the people I know that if you want great food and service in a lovely setting then this is the place to go. Keep up the good work.
(+1) (0) (0)
from Juicylucy (7%) on October 4th, 2010 (1 year ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
Gusto is marvelous! I took my brother here for a celebratory meal last week and had requested to sit at one of their round tables - even though there were just us 2! The lady at the door took us straight up to a booth upstairs and made sure we were happy with the table. I was slightly gobsmacked because it was so busy but she had obviously taken my request into consideration when seating us and I think that's really special.
The food was great - 2 pizzas and then the nutella calzone to share. The only thing I would say that could be improved on was a few more toppings on the pizza (but may be I'm just greedy).
I really do love Gustos and always feel special anytime I dine there, mainly due to the great food and stunning service.
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from Simso (6%) on November 16th, 2010 (1 year ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
Went here for lunch today, have been before on a few occasions and enjoyed but today found it to be getting very tired and poorly maintained. The menu has not really changed much over the years and sometimes I am predictable and enjoy the Pizza Diavola on most visits. This pizza has gone from being tastily hot (spicy) to being advertised as hot hot hot! - therefore this appears to be a challenge, if someone orders it we are going to make it hot hot hot!!! Except this has gone beyond being flavoursome and is now a chance for the chef to express themselves - all a bit tiresome.
My wife and 9 month old baby were there so naturally we asked for a high chair, promptly brought to the large booth table which was assigned to us thoughtfully as we needed room. Highchair was disgustingly dirty and not fit for use, the straps looked as though ever baby in Edinburgh had had a good suck on them and indeed not been cleaned afterwards.
Meal and drinks served promptly, actually a little too promptly as my pizza dough had barely baked, perhaps the chef was in am hurry to see my eyes water with the excessive chilli seeds? My wife had a spaghetti carbonara which was very much enjoyed. Meanwhile a new highchair arrived, a clean simple wooden one borrowed I think from Gourmet Burger? - at least they tried to correct that issue.
So food was a mixed review, service was pleasant cleanliness was very poor, not just the highchair but the journey down to the gents capped it all for me and told me that I will not return to Gusto. The corridors and stairs were,to be quite frank STINKING!!! And in need of a deep cleanse.
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from Greg69 (6%) on May 16th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Gusto, 135 George Street, EH2 4JS, Edinburgh
The food and service at Gusto is head and shoulders above many of the other restaurants on George Street. I am not one for writing reviews but the consistency of food and atmosphere at Gusto are so good that I thought I should share my appreciation.
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