Gusto Menu: Guide to Dining at Gusto Italian Restaurants UK
Welcome to your complete guide to the gusto menu, a delicious journey through one of the UK’s favorite Italian dining chains. If you’re a fan of flavorful Mediterranean dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and creamy pastas, this article covers everything you need—from what’s on the menu to real reviews and all current locations.
In the same way that Carlotta London Menu: Italian-American Dining with Bold Flavor blends cuisines to create a bold identity, Gusto UK has refined the traditional Italian experience into a stylish, accessible brand.
About Gusto UK: Who Owns It?
Gusto is a growing Italian restaurant chain operated by Gusto Restaurants Ltd, which was originally part of the Living Ventures group. In 2014, it was spun off through a management buyout supported by private equity firm Palatine. Since then, it has flourished under the leadership of CEO Matt Snell, with a focus on delivering authentic Italian flavors in upscale yet comfortable venues.
Today, Gusto is best known for combining traditional Italian recipes with British ingredients and local flair. Each restaurant is tastefully designed, often featuring glass-fronted kitchens, marble-topped bars, and ambient lighting that adds to the elegance of the dining experience. The gusto menu reflects this blend of old and new—classic dishes executed with a contemporary twist.
Gusto Locations in the UK
As of 2025, Gusto UK has 13 prime locations, mostly across Northern England, the Midlands, and one in Scotland. These venues offer a consistent atmosphere: elegant lighting, open kitchens, and welcoming service. Here’s a complete list:
- Alderley Edge
- Birmingham
- Cheadle Hulme
- Cookridge (Leeds)
- Edinburgh
- Heswall
- Knutsford
- Leeds City Centre
- Liverpool
- Manchester (Deansgate)
- Newcastle
- Nottingham
- Oxford
Each venue maintains the brand’s signature look and feel, ensuring that guests enjoy the same quality service and dishes no matter where they dine. Whether you’re grabbing a quick pasta lunch in Leeds or enjoying dinner and wine in Oxford, the gusto menu remains a consistent and reliable option.
What People Say About Gusto
Thousands of diners across the UK have left glowing reviews about Gusto’s friendly service, quality food, and inviting ambiance. Most locations maintain a Google rating of 4.0 to 4.4 stars, which is impressive in the highly competitive casual dining market.
Key Takeaways from Customer Reviews:
- Manchester Deansgate: Praised for ambiance, lighting, and flavorful pasta.
- Leeds Greek Street: Loved for central location and excellent cocktails.
- Oxford: Known for attentive service and beautifully plated mains.
- Birmingham: Frequently booked for birthdays and romantic evenings.
- Cheadle Hulme: Popular among families, with quick service even on weekends.
Not all feedback is perfect. A few reviews mention slightly small portion sizes and longer wait times on weekends. However, most customers say the gusto menu is worth every penny due to fresh ingredients and careful preparation.
Full Breakdown of the Gusto Menu
The gusto menu features a full spectrum of Italian favorites—from wood-fired pizzas and pasta to protein-packed mains and rich desserts. The offerings are split into categories, with clear indications for vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.
Let’s dive into the full breakdown of the current gusto menu, as of mid-2025.
Starters & Small Plates
| Dish | Description | Price (£) |
|---|
| Bruschetta | Toasted focaccia, tomatoes, garlic, basil | 6.50 |
| Arancini | Fried risotto balls, mozzarella, truffle oil | 7.95 |
| Chicken Liver Pâté | With red onion chutney and toast | 7.95 |
| Fritto Misto | Mixed seafood, aioli, lemon | 9.95 |
| Garlic Bread (Classic) | With herbs or mozzarella | 5.25–6.25 |
Pizzas
| Pizza | Ingredients | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Margherita | Tomato, Fior di Latte mozzarella, basil | 10.95 |
| Truffle Bianco | Truffle paste, mushrooms, rocket | 14.95 |
| Caprino | Goat cheese, roasted peppers, pesto | 13.95 |
| Calabrian Nduja | Spicy sausage, mozzarella, chili oil | 13.50 |
| Prosciutto e Funghi | Ham, mushrooms, black olives | 12.95 |
Pastas
| Pasta | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Tagliatelle Arrabbiata | Spicy tomato sauce, fresh herbs | 11.75 |
| Truffle Mushroom Fettuccine | Creamy, rich, vegetarian option | 13.50 |
| Rigatoni Pollo | Chicken, pancetta, cream sauce | 14.25 |
| King Prawn Bucatini | Spicy prawns, rocket, lemon oil | 15.50 |
Main Courses
| Main Dish | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Gusto Beef Burger | Beef, Pecorino, pancetta, fries | 14.95 |
| Vegan Moving Mountains | Plant-based burger with Romesco mayo | 13.95 |
| Sea Bass Fillet | With crushed potatoes, salsa verde | 17.95 |
| Chicken Milanese | Breaded chicken, lemon aioli, fries | 15.75 |
Sides & Salads
| Side | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potato Fries | Crispy and seasoned | 4.50 |
| Mixed Leaf Salad | Light vinaigrette | 3.95 |
| Courgette Fritti | Crunchy battered zucchini | 4.25 |
Desserts
| Dessert | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Tiramisu | Coffee-soaked sponge, mascarpone cream | 6.95 |
| Warm Brownie | Salted caramel gelato, chocolate sauce | 7.25 |
| Gelato Trio | Choice of three seasonal flavors | 5.95 |
Other Highlights from the Gusto Menu
The chain often introduces seasonal specials such as pumpkin ravioli in autumn or berry panna cotta in summer. Signature cocktails and Italian wines round off the experience. Customers often highlight the Truffle Bianco pizza and King Prawn Bucatini as standout favorites.
In Comparison: Menus That Echo Gusto’s Flair
Midway through exploring the gusto menu, it’s worth noting how it compares to other high-style venues. For example, The Ivy Belfast Menu: Guide to Dishes, Locations & Reviews showcases similarly elegant dishes, though it caters to a slightly more formal dining experience. Both brands share a focus on presentation and classic European cooking styles.
Why People Choose the Gusto Menu
The gusto menu strikes a balance between authenticity and accessibility. It avoids overwhelming the diner with too many options but still provides for every palate—from vegans to meat-lovers. It also supports:
- Dairy-free and gluten-free substitutions
- Kids’ menus with simplified pasta and pizza options
- Family-style dishes for group dining
This combination of diversity, quality, and elegant settings keeps Gusto relevant even as new Italian venues open across the UK.
Dining Experience: What Sets Gusto Apart
The gusto menu stands out not just for its food, but also for how the restaurant designs its entire dining experience. Open kitchens, soft lighting, curated music playlists, and excellent wine pairings make each visit feel special.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly: Gusto ensures that diners with dietary needs aren’t left out. From vegan burgers to gluten-free pizza bases, there’s something for everyone.
Cocktail and Wine List: The drink menu is equally polished, with popular choices like Espresso Martinis, Gusto Spritz, and Italian wines including Chianti, Pinot Grigio, and Montepulciano.
Kids’ Options: Family dining is made easier with smaller pizzas, mini pastas, and dessert options designed for children.
Weekly Specials and Seasonal Dishes
To keep the gusto menu exciting year-round, Gusto regularly updates its specials with seasonal ingredients. You might find:
- Pumpkin ravioli with sage butter in autumn
- Burrata with heirloom tomatoes in summer
- Mulled wine tiramisu during the winter holidays
- Wild mushroom risotto during spring
These dishes are available for a limited time and often come recommended by the head chef. Specials are clearly marked on printed menus and the website, and servers will highlight them when you’re seated.
This approach not only keeps the menu fresh but also gives returning guests something new to try, which is part of why repeat diners love Gusto.
Final Thoughts
The gusto menu is a well-crafted blend of Italian tradition, British produce, and stylish presentation. With 13 locations across the UK, it brings consistent quality to every table it touches. Whether you’re enjoying pizza in Newcastle, pasta in Edinburgh, or a vegan burger in Oxford, you’re sure to leave full and satisfied.
Gusto continues to evolve, but one thing stays constant—its commitment to flavorful food in a feel-good atmosphere. If you haven’t yet explored this gem of a chain, now’s the time to book a table, scan the menu, and enjoy a real taste of Italy—right here in the UK.
