Think Italy, think food. It is no surprise that Italian cuisine is one of the most delicious fares in the world. But let us get things straight- while there are a couple of Italian restaurants, most don’t live up to their claims of serving authentic India. Some end up falling flat on their face as they Indianize to please the palate. But Gustoso, the charming restaurant at Kemps Corner lives up and delivers on the expectations. And we’re glad it does!
The space entails a private dining room with a gorgeous mural, a delightful courtyard and a dining room with large posters reflecting Italian culture. I had always heard rave reviews of its excellent wood-fired pizza and that was one thing on my list to try here. Thankfully, the Burratina Pizza which was a goodness of creamy burrata, San Marzano tomato sauce, Kalamata olives and garlic left me loving every bite of it. Next up, the Lasagne Di Pollo too passed the good lasagne test with flying colours.
My favourite from the meal has to be Gnocchi Gustosi. The homemade spinach and potato gnocchi in gorgonzola cream sauce is delicately-flavoured and a total feast for the taste-buds. Their homemade pasta tastes as fine as something you’d gorge in an open-air café in Rome and is sure to transport you to Italian heaven. I ended my meal with Torta Caprese which is a traditional dark chocolate and almond flourless cake served with artisanal vanilla ice-cream. It’s so delish, you might just not want to stop.
At the end of my meal, I noticed that consistency and freshness marks most of the dishes at Gustoso. The staff’s hospitality and knowledge about every dish is also worth a nosh. While the interiors themselves transport you to Italy, wait till you try the food! I would say, at a time when new restaurants are opening every week, Gustoso has managed to succeed where most fail: it’s created a memorable experience and the earnest desire to return to try something else.
Where: Gustoso
Plot 109, Kwality House, August Kranti Marg,
Below Kemps Corner Bridge, Mumbai, Kemps Corner, Mumbai
Phone: +91 7045000020/ 022 23822584
Note: The critic was invited by the restaurant but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own
