GUSTO Italian Restaurant

2827 16th St N, St. Petersburg
(727) 289-1794

Recent Reviews

Jamie Morris

What a gem! This little place is outstanding on all fronts…I hesitate to add another 5-star review for fear it will get so popular that we can’t get a reservation, but Gusto deserves every star! The food was super tasty and the presentation was top-notch. We sat at the bar and the service was spot-on: welcoming and informative without being overbearing. Will for sure be back many times…

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mark Mulone

Enjoyable menu with great service.The chicken pistachio is incredible ?

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jared Morgan

Gusto hits all the main points! Food was excellent, you have to try the meatballs & chicken marsala (mom(owner) & son cooking it up!) Homemade bread is amazing, I can't wait to try one of the sandwiches next visit. Service provided by Alvi (daughter of the owner) was impeccable. We'll be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kelly Byrnes

So happy we found this place. The food was delicious. Flavorful is an understatement. From beginning to end Gustos did not disappoint! Friendly staff, unique spins on traditional Italian dishes and the Pineapple, oh my god the pineapple!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mozzarella Wheel of the Day, Chicken Piccata, Butternut Squash Ravioli

Gary Herbstman

I was up in the Tampa area and looking for a nearby high quality Italian restaurant I had a craving for a good pasta dish.I found this restaurant and I had the lasagna, see the attached picture. The pasta was delicious, the service was great and I highly recommend the place.The restaurant has a nice comfortable family Italian feel. The prices for a quality Italian restaurant or very reasonable as well.Vegetarian options: They have several vegetarian options and have some recent additions to the vegetarian options including plant-based chicken for some of the typical Italian chicken dishes like chicken marsala, chicken piccata and fettuccine Alfredo.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lasagna Siciliano

Brett Beemer

Great food. My wife loved the lobster Ravioli. My lasagna was really good as well. Great service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lynette Johnson

What a great little hole in the wall spot. Can't believe I've driven past here so many times and never noticed it.Came with a party of 8, we called ahead of time just in case, but it was a quiet night and we were seated right away. Food was delicious and portions were generous. Service was friendly and fast too, waited about 10 minutes for our meals. Waiter was very kind and filled us in on all details of the food and specials for the night.Definitely will be coming back soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fettuccine Alfredo

Erik Stallings

Been here a few times and have never been disappointed, other than sometimes it's hard to get a table. Highly recommended for great cuisine, reasonable prices on wine, and great service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Roasted Pineapple, Mozzarella Wheel of the Day, Chicken Piccata

Joseph

I can't even express how good the food is. The staff was amazing! And the atmosphere felt like I was sitting in a cafe in Italy. So worth stopping by. Everything that me and my husband had felt like it was made fresh right before we got it. Watching the owner work in heels making sure everything came out of the kitchen, flawless. It was picked up immediately and flavored to perfection. I would have gotten pictures but it wouldn't do it justice. You will leave feeling full but not in pain like other Italian restaurants. 10/10 will come back, and make a reservation y'all they get booked quick but worth it! per favore, mangia qui!Kid-friendliness: There is a great kids menu, and there were kids and families around the restaurant all night.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cannoli, Creme Brulee, Tiramisu, Chicken Piccata

Kurt Hermann

This was the 2nd time here. Excellant food, knowledgeable & friendly staff with a great atmosphere. This is now my go to Italian restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Evan Wang

On a dark and stormy night, with rain tapping rhythmically against the bricks, my culinary adventures led me to the warmly lit facade of "Gusto Italian." The contrast between the tempestuous weather and the inviting ambiance of the restaurant promised a haven of comfort and exquisite Italian dining. As I stepped inside, sheltering from the relentless downpour, I was greeted by an unexpected sight: a young Bulgarian host, standing at an impressive height of 6'5". Despite his youth, at merely 18 years old, his demeanor radiated warmth and professionalism, immediately setting a welcoming tone for the evening.With grace and professionalism beyond his years, he ushered me to a cozy spot within the elegantly adorned space, setting the stage for what was to become a memorable meal. As I settled in, my attention was caught by the diligent efforts of a 5'9" Bangladeshi busser, who was meticulously cleaning a nearby table until it sparkled, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the next guests to dine. This dedication to cleanliness and service was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence.Eager to indulge in the culinary delights that awaited, I ordered the Lasagna Siciliano, a dish renowned for its rich layers of flavor and the Burrata, a masterpiece of housemade mozzarella, stretched and filled with a creamy blend of mozzarella, goat cheese, ricotta, and herbs. Each dish promised a journey to the heart of Italy, crafted with care and passion.The Lasagna Siciliano arrived, each layer a revelation, with perfectly cooked pasta, robust Sicilian sauce, and melted cheeses telling tales of Italian countryside kitchens. The first bite was a symphony of flavors so harmonious, it was as though the rolling hills of Sicily had unfolded before me in a single, exquisite mouthful. The experience was akin to discovering a long-lost love—familiar yet thrillingly new.Then came the Burrata, presented with an elegance that matched its sublime taste. The delicate outer shell of mozzarella gave way to a rich, creamy heart, each component blending seamlessly with the next. The freshness of the herbs provided a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the cheeses, creating a dish that was as beautiful to behold as it was to savor. It was a testament to the art of cheese-making, a dish that captured the essence of Italian craftsmanship.My visit to "Gusto Italian" remains etched in my memory, not only for the divine fare but for the impeccable service provided by the young Bulgarian host and the diligent Bangladeshi busser, whose efforts added an extra layer of warmth and welcome to the dining experience. The restaurant itself became a cherished memory, a place where each dish served was a love letter to Italy, crafted with the utmost respect for tradition and quality.For those in pursuit of authentic Italian cuisine served in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality, "Gusto Italian" stands unrivaled. It is a haven where every meal is a celebration of Italy's rich culinary heritage, promising an experience that will linger in your heart and palate long after the last bite.Kid-friendliness: High Chairs

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Will

Good food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Honey Bee

I don’t really leave reviews. But I had to for this little gem. This was the best food I’ve had in St. Pete, and I’ve lived in this city for 10 years. The atmosphere was lovely, the waitstaff even lovelier. This is my new spot for Italian! I had their crusted almond chicken, and the pinwheel appetizer.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kris Fredericks

Meal, ambiance and staff ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!Can’t wait to enjoy another meal at Gusto’

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rachel Blanset

Looks from the outside: sketch. Very lovely on the inside though. Comfortable chairs. The wait staff were AMAZING. I got the Spaghettle al Nero (squid ink black spaghetti) with mussels and shrimp in a garlic lemon sauce. Delicious! Portions were exceptional and they gave you a ton of mussels. My guest got their butternut squash ravioli and she loved it! Wish they gave some bread to dip in oil or at least a garlic knot or something with the entrées. But it was really tasty. The parking is horrible so be warned, but otherwise it was good food, good atmosphere, and great service. It was a bit warm in the restaurant, even on a not-so-hot day (it was about 70°F). We did make reservations and they had a reserved table just for us, which was fantastic.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butternut Squash Ravioli, Garlic Bread

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