Gusto Leeds review: A taste of authentic Italy in the city's Greek Street

My first experience of a Gusto restaurant was a very memorable visit to its Edinburgh branch a number of years ago and I immediately became a fan.
Gusto Italian restaurant is a great place to visit in bustling Greek Street.Gusto Italian restaurant is a great place to visit in bustling Greek Street.
Gusto Italian restaurant is a great place to visit in bustling Greek Street.

So since Gusto Leeds opened its doors in Greek Street in 2015 I’ve visited a number of times and it just doesn’t disappoint.

On a pretty cold, dull and dismal Saturday afternoon it was a relief to get inside the contemporary but cosy restaurant, with its fairy-lit olive trees, welcoming smells of classic Italian food and friendly staff.

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Our reserved table was ready for us as soon as we arrived but should you arrive early, don’t fret - there’s a spacious separate bar area for you to sit and order a drink while you have a look at the menu.

The incredibly tasty vegan meatballs.The incredibly tasty vegan meatballs.
The incredibly tasty vegan meatballs.

This is typical, traditional Italian food - pizza, pasta and risotto make up much of the menu.

The starter was a quick decision - I’d not tried the vegan meatballs before and had to give them a go as I was intrigued. I hope this is a staple on the menu now because it was divine. I’ll be perfectly honest, I’m still not entirely sure what they were made of - I’m thinking probably minced mushrooms among other things. What I am sure of is that they were gorgeous - lovely texture, bursting with flavour and covered in a tomato chilli sauce topped with micro basil.

My friend dived in with the mussels which comes with fresh bread in a white wine and cream sauce, which she said was the perfect starter.

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My main was the rigatoni arrabbiata with tomato, chilli and fresh basil. The very best Italian food is simplicity itself and this was exactly that - just a handful of fresh ingredients but tasty and incredibly filling. Sometimes less really is more. I went all in for the full size portion but you can order a smaller starter size if you’re not that hungry.

Which brings me on to the fact the fresh baked garlic pizza bread we ordered to share as a side wasn’t strictly necessary given the generosity of the regular portions - but when something is smothered with butter and garlic it’s hard to say no. In my world there is simply no such thing as too much garlic but be warned - there’s enough on here to last an Italian village for a week.

My friend went for the bucatini carbonara with cream, pancetta, parsley and black pepper, which was apparently a tad indulgent but deliciously comforting.

It was all washed down with glasses of pinot grigio and merlot, bringing the bill to £57 for two.

All in all - molto bene.

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