I can not believe the reviews for this place! I have been 3 times in the last 2 months as we have been so impressed! The lasagne was perfection, so damn delicious I’ve ordered it again each visit. In my most recent visit, our table also ordered the avocado and chicken pasta, I’m not normally one for avocado in pasta but this was divine. Our waitress was very friendly and gave us all a free drink filling the wine glasses almost to the top. I will be back again soon for sure!
I went to there with my partner randomly last Saturday night and it was quiet at the beginning . We ordered garlic bread, seafood risotto and carbonara . Food was above average especially the risotto ( like the pervious people’s comment ). I got a heart sharp garlic bread :P However there were more guests came and the poor waiter (only one waiter ) had to serve 5-6 tables and definitely understaffed . I thought those people waited for a bit for their food n services . I hope the owner can put an extra staff during weekends I help poor him .
I don't understand why people give this place such a low rate, the service is great and the food is definitely beyond the average on Lygon. The lamb shoulder risotto is amazing! Actually it is the best risotto on my list. The lamb matches perfectly with the carrot sauce and fresh tomatoes, cheese and parsley (or basil, I'm not sure, maybe both) are added just alright to balance the oily feel of lamb. This dish stays tasty even when it is cold. And the old gentleman in the front house is the warmest waiter you could ever expect.
I'm actually surprised by the low reviews here. A cousin and I decided we were going to eat our way up Lygon st one week and one restaurant at a time. I was all for a methodical straight up the street approach but she preferred haphazard and so we found ourselves here for lunch one afternoon.
The eccentric old male owner was delightful regaling us with tales of his youth and even singing at one stage (we have since been back and he was just as charming). Both times I had the pollo avocado fettuccine which was a generous main serve for only $20. My food was delicious and the service was warm and entertaining. I had an enjoyable experience with some serious euro vibes. On a street where everyone's serving the same fare Il Gusto (or more specifically the owner Fernando) definitely stands out as a point of differentiation!
My girl friend and I ate here today. We dine out a lot. Like 14 times a week a lot and feel this place is under rated. The food was delicious, I had the lamb cutlets and she had the Morton bay bugs. Both of us enjoyed our meal, got what we paid for.
The owner was so lovely and made us all laugh throughout the night. The service was really good and the food was good. It is a beautiful cozy place. This place deserves a second chance based on the reviews written, I will always remember the dinner I had here and the service Fernando delivered.
We ate at Il Gusto last night after encountering Fernando on the street. We actually continued along Lygon Street but then went back to this little restaurant. The service wasn't outstanding although it was good. My fillet mignon was missing the bacon (resolved with a suitable price adjustment plus complimentary port) but otherwise the meals were excellent. It was the best mushroom sauce I've ever had! I'd gladly eat here again.
Bought a good deal voucher online, my dining experience here turned out fairly good. We ordered gnocchi and lasagna for our entree, which both of us agree to say 'good' in term of quality and taste. Having osso buco and pan fried fish for the main which ok for us. The service might be a bit slow tho.
Tick of Approval from a European!
Il Gusto is a type of nostalgic experience. The food is INCREDIBLE. I have NEVER had a lasagne like the one at Il Gusto. The service is not the greatest BUT if you look past the little slip ups, it's the most authentic Italian cuisine you will ever have. I went here in June 2013 and again March 2017 and every time the food astounds me. I know the other reviews aren't quite that great but YOU GUYS. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. I've tried other Italian restaurants in Lygon and they're not as good.
it's been awhile since I've been here.. decor hasn't changed much and depending on the individual I can see why some may not like it.. as for me it's a blast into the past. Came here on a Groupon deal... for $49 we got choice of bread or bruschetta, choice of 2 entree pastas, 2 mains and 2 glasses of wine. Great value!!! It was a quiet Saturday lunch ... service was great with friendly staff.. highlight was the pasta!! Homemade feel and yum!!! the mains were great too but we liked the pastas better.
The lady was very nice and friendly for international visitors such as me. The restaurant had a good Italian style and I felt relaxed. The combination of pasta and cheeses tasted awesome.
The best gnocchi Gorgonzola I have ever tried by first far! To be fair all the dishes are amazing!! The most lovely staff that couldn’t be any nicer. We have been coming here for about 2-3 years now and cannot understand why that do not have 5 stars… we drive from Elwood at least once a fortnight 👌
We enjoyed proper Italian hospitality with excellent dishes - I had the veal parmigiana which was superb, my friends had gnocchi and spaghetti (both perfect). We topped it off with a fab homemade tiramisu and limoncello. Old school. Great cooking, service, and a whole lotta love poured in. Highly recommend.
We stopped in for coffee and dessert. And the Signora welcomed us in. All the other places did not want to even talk to us! "Oh no, we are only serving Dinner!"
Anyway, IL Gusto was great! Tiramisu was really lucky. Gelato was so good. Coffee was great as it was not bitter, just like in Italy.
I promised Signora we are coming back for a full-blown dinner!
Very enjoyable dinner with my little one. Staff were confident with gluten free options and the risotto and gf garlic bread were fantastic! Will happily go back again!
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