Gusto

18-11-2008
Tom Cole, MyVillage  1576 

Notting Hill has always been the archetypal place to do some serious people watching, and at Gusto you couldn't have a better spot to be. Situated in the trendy end of Westbourne Park road and surrounded by Notting Hill's established cool haunts, Gusto is the perfect location to stretch out and watch the world go by.

Having only just arrived, we were staring out the giant window when Kate Moss strolls past, followed by an on-tow gaggle of paparazzi, a reaffirming sign that something's always going on in this neck of the woods. Gusto has a calm, rather minimalist feel inside, with a chic marble centre table showing off the freshly prepared foods on offer. We started with a pumpkin and chestnut soup, which was superb, and followed with some chicken salad with rocket, cold roast beef and chunky vegetables. The food was strikingly well balanced, no flavours overshadowing the other, and the selection all has a rustic healthiness that could cure even the most jaded of days. The mushrooms and thick artichokes were particularly impressive. When dessert arrived, a huge portion of tiramisu and some pistachio ice cream concluded a perfect meal. The tiramisu is like none I've eaten before, with a soft, delicate consistency and creaminess that avoided being too bland or too rich. The ice cream, which is homemade to a quintessential Italian recipe, is literally the best I've tried in England.

It's hard to find fault with Gusto: an ideal locale, amazing food and a good homely atmosphere that would be easy to spend some real time and money in. I see great things for this place especially in the summer, with outdoor seating available and, shockingly for the area, a menu that avoids being ridiculously expensive. To anyone intrigued by this new addition to the area I'd highly recommend it, even if it's just for the ice cream.

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05-10-2008
converse42

The cup cakes were delicious they had a moist touch to it and melted when they touched my mouth .I would definitley order my daughters next birthday order of cup cakes from gusto,who ever supplies these cup cakes WELL DONE TO YOU!It was a pleasure eating there!!

27-04-2008
jiri martykan

Cool spot for all BoBo locals, random passers by, lovers of calm cappucino and fantastic homemade tiramisu. If you need a break from trendy crowd at neighbouring pubs... Well done Pietro.