Whilst in Edinburgh, there’s an Italian restaurant that we usually like to visit. Gusto can be found ideally located in the heart of the city and provides the perfect setting for an informal meal with friends, following a day of sightseeing or shopping. The restaurant is fitted out with leather booth style seating, akin to American diners, and the simple décor makes for a relaxing environment.
When we arrived, we were greeted warmly and shown to our booth. The best thing about this seating style is that you’re never too close to your neighbouring tables, and the experience feels more private. We decided to begin our evening with a couple of cocktails, so I chose the Strawberry Cheesecake Martini, which saw a blend of strawberries and mascarpone muddled with vanilla syrup, Absolute vodka and strawberry liqueur, served with a crumb garnish. It actually did taste uncannily like strawberry cheesecake! My partner chose the Lemon and Thyme Martini, which saw Tanqueray gin, limoncello, dry vermouth and lemon bitters stirred with a tough of gomme and fresh thyme. This was an interesting cocktail full of lots of fantastic flavours. Whilst we browsed the menu, we also snacked on some chilli salted edamame.
“Both pasta dishes were simple, yet perfectly executed and very tasty.”
For our main courses, I had the tagliatelle with prawns which was served in a sweet chilli, tomato and garlic sauce finished with fresh lime and rocket. My partner chose the tagliatelle with smoked salmon and dill, tossed with peas and spinach and finished with fresh lemon. Both pasta dishes were simple, yet perfectly executed and very tasty. We also added sides of creamed spinach and cauliflower rice served with pine kernels and pomegranate seeds.
To accompany our meal, we chose a bottle of the 2016, Montes Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley, Chile. This wine was jammy and vibrant in colour and well balanced.
We were once again impressed with our trip to Gusto in Edinburgh. The service was attentive and friendly throughout, and the food was fresh and hearty. We would certainly return here with friends and it comes highly recommended by us as an informal dining destination in this wonderful city.
The Bill: £54 per head
