Gusto - Newcastle

As soon as you walk through the doors of a Gusto outlet, you should instantly feel welcome. They are a chain of modern restaurants that offer a dining experience based on good food, drink and service in stylish surroundings. Their name stands for a hearty and enjoyable dining experience.

The ambiance is influenced by the glamour of 1950's New York Italian eateries, but in a contemporary setting, with a focus on freshly prepared classic and modern Italian fare; there is a stand-alone bar along side the restaurants, and a range of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails.

Among starters, expect to find Italian ribs, baked taleggio cheese with bread and cranberry salsa as well as seared and marinated beef carpaccio. The restaurant features wood-fired pizza ovens, which produce sensational pizzas far larger and tastier than most others do. Choices include all old favourites such as the Margherita, Napoletana and Fiorentina.

The menu has a range of delicious dishes including whole lobster, salt baked sea bass and homemade Italian beef burger - all added to a range of specials created by the chef each week.
 
Of course, being an Italian restaurant they serve an excellent selection of pasta, piled hot and steaming into large bowls - perfect for lunch or early evening with a crisp side salad like the apple, gorgonzola, walnut with baby gem and spinach. Ingredients are sourced responsibly both on land and at sea, seeking out local suppliers wherever possible.

Children are particularly well catered for at Gusto. The menu is varied and even encourages participation, for instance they can create pizzas with their own choice of toppings; and all children's main course prices include ice cream and a soft drink.

The dessert list comprises of blueberry and raspberry mess and tiramisu among other choices for those wanting to indulge their sweet tooth. Along with champagne and prosecco, Gusto also serves old and new world wines.