Gusto in Liverpool is located in the Albert Dock it offers some interesting surroundings as well as an enjoyable dining experience. The decor carries the feel of a dock building throughout, with brown brick outside and in, and stylish hard wood furnishings.
The menu is predominately modern Italian dishes, there is, of course a little Liverpudlian flair added in. We visited over the festive period and the restaurant was almost full to capacity. However, the staff handled a busy restaurant well, and our waitress in particular was great. She treated us excellently from the moment we arrived, all through the evening until we left. A credit to the restaurant as we cannot fault the service.
We started the evening with pre-dinner cocktails. A Watermelon Martini, which is a mix of Fresh Watermelon Juice, Green Mark Vodka, Fresh Lemon Juice and Watermelon Syrup. It was every bit as refreshing as it sounds, very nice. Also, we had a Strawberry Cup, mixed up from Green Mark vodka, strawberry liqueur, strawberry purée, mint and fresh lemon juice served long, topped with ginger ale. An interesting cocktail with a nice kick of flavour.
"We cannot fault the service."
We simply had to begin with the Gusto Dough Petals with garlic butter whilst browsing the menu. For our starters we ordered Tiger Prawns, in a rich garlic, tomato and cream sauce. Also Bruschetta, with Tomato and Basil. All wonderfully presented dishes, with an authentic and delicious Italian taste.
We ordered a bottle of Don David Malbec, Mendoza, Argentinian wine for the table. Argentine Malbec is made for meat, it's a gorgeous taste and a perfect pairing.
For main courses we had a Margherita, generously topped with Tomato and Mozzarella, and a Grana Padano Risotto, with Chestnut and Oyster Mushrooms, finished with Truffle Butter. Simple delicious dishes, Italian food can easily be done wrong, but these were perfect.
For dessert we shared a generous serving of Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream. Wrapping up a great evening, and an enjoyable dining experience. We recommend this one to anyone in the Liverpool area.