Gusto Italiano in St. Petersburg - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Excellent italian restaurant, I am italian and I strongly recommend this place , chef Mira is very competent and very nice people, food is special , really italian I went with all’ my family and we sure come back!!!

We are coming back for sure. Great food

Great food!! Everything was so delicious. 100% recommended.

Fantastic family-owned restaurant. Service was phenomenal. Food is comparable to food I ate in Italy.

Chef and Owner even came out to check up on us to make sure everything is okay. They made us feel special.

Great service and delicious food

Food was amazing, and the service was great. Definitely coming here again. Penne alla vodka was 🔥

Absolutely fantastic food and staff, the lasagna was the best I’ve ever had. Definitely would recommend 11/10

The food is fresh and delicious. This is a restaurant where you come to enjoy the food and company. I would highly recommend trying this restaurant, especially if you are seeking a nice evening out.

Best Italian food I’ve ever had & the cherry on top was the excellent service.

Great service, nice ambiance, food was delicious, homemade bread was to die for. Lemon cello cake Amazing. Family run, I hope people find this jewel and keep it alive!!!!

Decided to try this for the first time and was not disappointed. The food is prepared with passion and everything was on point! It's great to have a family owned business in the area that really cares about results. Service was great. You can tell that the entire family is all-in! Will definitely be back!

Food was solid. Homemade facacia bread and tiramisu were great! Both the eggplant Parm and chicken piccata were well prepared. Good portions and the staff is super friendly. Glad we stopped in on our way home.

Enjoyed a delicious dinner with great service. Portions were large enough to bring leftovers home. Good wine selection. Highly recommended

10/10 the food was amazing, quiet little place with nice music playing. The owner/ chef also came out to our table to see how everything was and spoke to us for a while. Will be back!

Great family restaurant. Warm and inviting. Great date night or bring the family. The food was amazing! I had the Tuscan chicken with linguine and a Caesar salad. Highly recommend!

The food was delicious. The service was very good and nice portion. Definitely we will go again.

My husband and I ordered the Tuscan Chicken and Chicken Marsala. They came with large sized salads and a basket of HOMEMADE FOCACCIA with HOMEMADE BUTTER! When I complimented the owner, she told us she makes the bread, butter and PASTA from scratch! The prices were so reasonable and modest especially since the quality of food was superior. This is a hidden gem and so worth it!!

Google search listed this place first so I went & was most pleasantly surprised at what a gem this place is! The restaurant is family owned & the food was incredibly delicious. The friendly daughters served our food & beverages tending to all our requests; the son is an incredible cook and the mom makes the most delicious olive oil dip I've ever tasted. You will not be disappointed in the flavor of this authentic tasting Italian cuisine and the wines are truly amazing & versatile. Absolutely recommend: 100 stars!

I ordered the chicken Milanese and received a completely raw chicken which I had bitten into but thankfully did not ingest. Please see the attached photo. When I informed our waitress, she took the plate away and we were not addressed by management for a while. When one of the owners finally stopped by the table she greeted us with a cheerful “How’s everyone liking the meal?” Completely ignoring the elephant in the room. After an awkwardly silent and lackluster response from our group, she then acknowledged my dish by stating that she likes to make sure the chicken cutlet isn’t too over cooked on the outside and that’s why it wasn’t cooked fully on the inside. I clarified to her that the chicken was not merely undercooked, but was completely raw and glistening on the inside. She seemed more interested in covering up this severe oversight and asked if she could get me anything else, which I declined. From this response, I can only assume that the owners do not take salmonella or food poisoning very seriously; avoiding that would be going the extra mile in their opinion. It seems that the restaurant’s management and kitchen staff could benefit from the use of a food thermometer to ensure that chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. One can simply be enlightened of this revelation with a mere google search or one cooking class. This experience felt a bit surreal, like I was in a Gordon Ramsay Kitchen Nightmares episode. I left the Gusto Italiano feeling invalidated, disgusted, and sick to my stomach. I did not feel that management did even the bare minimum to make things right other than obviously taking the chicken Milanese off the check. I really hope that the owners take this to heart and make sure to follow standard safety and food cleanliness procedures. I’m sure that outside of this experience they are lovely people and I truly wish them well and hope they can turn things around.

This restaurant definitely has potential if the owners truly take criticism to heart and pursue culinary excellence and great customer service. Unfortunately for the sake of transparency and fair warning, I must start with the negatives: One person in our group ordered the Chicken Milanese, and realized the chicken was RAW after taking a bite. I inspected the chicken as well and it was indeed very raw inside. The owner (who was very friendly and kind) did apologize, but she tried to explain to us that the chicken was raw because they did not want to overcook it. Raw chicken can happen and it is a part of life that does not bother me when handled professionally — however it not was addressed properly in this case and the response felt very dismissive. Unfortunately a dismissive attitude towards severely undercooked poultry can be quite dangerous for an unsuspecting patron. For this reason I have adjusted what would be a 3 star review to 1 star. Two of our group ordered Ravioli dishes which came out cold, with a sauce that had a very “canned” soup taste (arguably it probably would have tasted better warm) I ordered the Chicken Marsala and found the pasta to be cooked perfectly, but the sauce was overly salty, and my chicken came in pieces of very different thicknesses which ranged from a bit overcooked to very dry. With that out of the way, I will say that our service was pleasant, our appetizers, salads and wine were excellent, and the decor and atmosphere were beautiful as well. When the check came, they did add an automatic gratuity for a party of 6. This is not an uncommon practice — however the automatic gratuity was the highest I have seen at 20% and was listed as a “service charge”, with a spot below requesting additional gratuity (with recommended amounts calculated based off the total WITH the “service charge”). I have seen multiple reviews with people stating this practice also applied to their parties under 6 people. Simply BEWARE before signing, and read the check carefully. As it stands, if you do choose to dine here, you will most likely be offered good service with great appetizers, and an edible entree for an unjustifiably high price. You will also likely pay 20% of your bill as a gratuity regardless of your party size, or the quality of service that you receive. Excellent food and professional service is certainly worth a premium in my opinion — however, this establishment will need to make some changes in order to justify the cost, attract repeat customers, and ultimately to keep the doors open. I may not be back personally, but I do wish them (and yourself, reader) the very best.

Dear Future Customer, If you like fully raw chicken Milanese or room temperature ravioli with a rosa sauce that tastes like canned tomato soup this place is for you! Enjoy! -Yours Truly

Absolutely the best. A must, please spread the word. The family is great

An absolute gem in St. Pete! This is hands-down the best Italian restaurant in the area. The owner and chef is from Italy, and you can feel the authenticity and passion in every dish. The food is incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. I had the chicken Milanese pasta and it was like nothing I've ever tasted before—cooked to perfection with just the right balance of textures and flavors. But what really sets this place apart is the warmth and hospitality of the owner. She is so sweet and makes you feel like part of the family. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and you can tell that everyone here takes pride in what they do. I can't recommend this place enough. If you're looking for amazing Italian food in St. Pete, this is the spot!

Food was amazing, wish I had two stomachs because that’s how good it was and wanted to keep eating more but portions sizes were large and took a piece of tiramisu home which was a great idea because it was very tasty and delightful. Ordered calamari for appetizer, huge portion and great taste. Wife ordered the chicken masala and I had the lasagna, couldn’t decide which one was better because both dishes were delicious. Overall great experience and will definitely be back, glad to support a local family restaurant :)

This place is amazing, the owners are an absolute delight and the food was magnificent!!!! We will be back for sure. I would have posted a photo but it’s all gone. :) DELICIOSO!

This is probably one of the best Italians restaurants I’ve ever been to, I ordered chicken Marsala and my husband lasagna both were extremely tasty and fresh

I just had dinner there with my husband at this amazing place. We wanted to check out this place first before we took our staff there for our Christmas dinner. If you are looking for true, authentic Italian food, good service, and beautiful atmosphere with lots of parking this is the place to go. Family owned, and the staff is very professional and attentive. We cannot wait to have our Christmas dinner here.

Unveiling a hidden gem in our neighborhood, Gusto Italiano is a culinary treasure trove we stumbled upon for a perfect date night. It's a true family-owned jewel that deserves the spotlight it's destined for. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like treasured guests. Ervis, the server and owner, personified hospitality and attentiveness, elevating our dining experience. My husband's ecstatic praise for the rack of lamb echoed through the evening; he proclaimed it as the pinnacle of lamb perfection. As for my New York Strip, each bite felt like a culinary masterpiece, perfectly seasoned and cooked to savory perfection. Although our stomachs couldn't accommodate the desserts (a testament to the generous portions!), we're eagerly anticipating our next visit to indulge in those tantalizing treats based on their resounding acclaim. The menu, a fusion of Italian, Mediterranean, and classic seafood options, promises a delectable journey for every palate. Our appetizers, the bruschetta and the octopus, were nothing short of exceptional—each bite a flavorful symphony. What captivated us beyond the remarkable cuisine was the ambiance. It struck a perfect balance, inviting patrons to revel in casual gatherings with friends or add a touch of elegance for a romantic night out. Here's to hoping that each return finds Gusto Italiano bustling with patrons discovering the flavors and warmth this place exudes. We can't wait to spread the word, as this culinary haven deserves to be on everyone's must-visit list. Kudos to the entire team at Gusto Italiano for an enchanting dining experience!

Both the food and the people are top-notch. I've been twice to dinner in the past month and have just made a reservation to go again next week. The octopus appetizer was fine, as were the two pasta dishes that I tried. And the home-make cannoli made me remember why it used to be my favorite dessert. I noticed one review was put-off by the 20% automatic tip--perhaps the server could point it out as he delivers the check. It is not excessive for the service rendered, certainly. I'm happy to drive across to town to visit this place and it's good to be in a restaurant that is not so noisy that it's difficult to talk with others at the table.

Nicely appointed small restaurant- very quiet for a Thursday night. Food delicious, served hot with nice presentation. The grilled octupus appetizer was 5*! Service attentive and server very friendly. Highly recommend.

We had high expectations after reading the other reviews, and even so, we were impressed. The fettuccine alfredo is unlike any other I've had; I could see the cheese pull when I separated the pasta noodles. The grilled chicken on top was so tender that I cut it with my fork. It is my favorite ever chicken alfredo. My boyfriend, normally a picky eater, finished my leftovers the next day before I had a chance to do it myself. Staff is friendly, dishes seem well-portioned, and there is a nice ambience. I'm hoping to go back this weekend to try some other dishes. Highly recommend.

We were excited to find another Italian restaurant. Until it became our first and last visit here. The server was friendly but refused to answer our questions until everyone had arrived as he didn't want to repeat himself. Understandable except for the fact we were the only ones on the restaurant. They charge $32.00 for a steak which is comparable to other places but if I'm paying $32.00 don't bring me a coke in a can and a straw and charge $4.00. Are you kidding me? Beer isn't served in a frosted pilsner glass but in the bottle. After drinks were served we were asked if we had reservations. We stated no was there an issue? We were told no you're fine. We were still the only ones in the restaurant. Why ask a question you already know the answer to? We have never seen black meatballs before, started to say something but the others that ordered meatballs had the same black things on their plate. They were the driest meatballs we've ever tasted. To the point that one person was actually pouring oil from the oil and vinegar carafe over them to get moisture into them. We were not asked if checks were separate or not. So one check arrived. A table of 4 and they had already added 20% to the bill. Normally parties of 6/8 or more will get this. BTW only 2 other people showed up to eat. They either need to bring prices down and leave things in a can or bottle. Or keep their prices and step up their game.

So nice to have great Italian food nearby. Homemade focaccia bread was awesome and the Chicken Marsala was delicious. Also homemade tiramisu. We will be back for more, definitely recommend to check it out.

Incredible food, great atmosphere, and service that makes you feel appreciated as a customer! Can’t wait to go back again!

When looking at a rating, remember that nothing is wrong with 3 stars. It just means that this restaurant didn't go above and beyond... nor were they bad. The exterior is within a small shopping center, so it's easy to overlook the beauty and good food that hides within. Once inside, the decor is basic. It's a mix between high class and low budget. It would be easy to assume that you would eat inexpensively here, but your assumption would be incorrect. The drinks come out within their original containers as if you brought them yourself. Tap was not available, so if you want water it, too, will come in a bottle. The vegetables in the salad were fresh. Yet, it tasted oversaturated with water. I little salt fixed that taste, but not the texture. The potatoes puree was liquid enough to have consumed through a straw. The flavor did not stand out. Both the taste and texture caused it to be skipped and left on the plate. The lamb was delicious. Alone, it would get 5 stars. It was fresh, thoroughly cooked, seasoned just right, and succulent down to the bone. Great job. The steak was full of fat and lacked flavor. It was a stark contrast to the lamb. I suppose you shouldn't go to an Italian restaurant looking for good steak. However, the lamb was amazing so I am not sure why the steak didn't follow suit. 1 Star because I had to cut 30% of flavorless fat away and consume the steak in lieu of leaving it behind. The homemade butter was super delicious. It was a great compliment to the bread. 5 stars. The bill was the real sticker shock. For two people, considering the nickle and diming, came to over $80 for lunch. That's not the shocking part, since we could easily do the math using the posted prices. The restaurant charged 20% gratuity automatically BEFORE running the card, then suggested gratuity AFTER running the card. For a meal of $80, they were hoping we wouldn't notice the charges and just pay the $120 suggested invoice. Tipping culture is a pandemic on its own within the United States. However, gouging your customers is not the answer. We should be awarded the right to tip based off the service and quality of product we receive. I was disgusted to see that this restaurant wants to charge high prices but maintain a look of low budget. That begs the question: where is all the profit going? I do not recommend this location unless you have no other options. It's not about whether or not you can afford it... rather, whether that cost is justified. My opinion: it is not. If you still end up going there either before you had the chance to read my review or after to challenge my experience, just be prepared to pay a high cost for what you get. The lamb and the homemade butter with bread were amazing. That leads me to believe that other options might be amazing, also. Enjoy your meal.

Absolutely fantastic Italian food. The penne alla vodka was the best I’ve ever had. The bread and butter were homemade and delicious. My fiancé loved the tiramisu and the staff were fantastic. This is definitely the place to eat!

Gorgeous gem of a restaurant a friend recommended to us! The food is authentic Italian and SO delicious, huge portions. Everything at the table was just stunning. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive and willing to make plenty of recommendations. We felt so welcome and left with very full bellies! From what we understand, the restaurant is very new and it was sadly empty on a Friday night. If you want to try a new local place, please give them a chance! Good authentic Italian is so rare in Tampa area and it's definitely worth it.

It's good restaurant and profesional job on service food price is like others and atmosfer is nice looking good. Lord blassing

Cibo buonissimo e servizio impeccabile! Tutto eccezionale. Ci tornerò presto!!

Good authentic food spot. The staff was very professional, had some great conversation with them. Food was really good and came out in timely manner. Will be back with the wife.

Ordered through DoorDash. Fantastic. Wifey and I will definitely be going there sometime soon to try other dishes.

We had an amazing dinner. Food is excellent. So glad it was recommended to us. Best Calamari we’ve EVER had by far.

I love they kept the Mediterranean dishes on the menu. Thank you!

Just finished a fantastic meal here.All 4 of us enjoyed it so much.Some of the best Italian food I've ever had.And the prices are so reasonable considering,the high qaulity of the food.Will make this a regular resturant to visit

Service is amazing, very friendly staff. Defi gives a warm family owned restaurant vibe. Will def come back with my girl friends.

Waiting time is a bit long, but food makes up for it. Try their Gulash. It doesn’t disappoint!

The cevapi is to die for. They always answer the phone. Beautiful restaurant

My family and I were so pleasantly surprised tonight, by this restaurant!! The food was INCREDIBLE! So much flavor and so authentic. The beautiful family running the show, were so gracious with smiles and friendly service. Do not let the exterior plaza location deter you. This is an amazing gem in St. Pete. We cannot wait to go back.

SO SO TASTY! We took Balkan Grill all in one and it was a great choice 😍 Pasta with eggplant will be a go even for those who don't eat eggplant, cause it's just so well made and all covered in some good quality cheese 💥 Tiramisu for dessert is a must. It's a family place, we met the chef and the whole crew, they're amazing! Definitely recommend.

Absolutly delicious. Great quality and generous quantity. Lovely familly. Will be back.

Un posto dove mangiare ottimo cibo italiano in un ambiente molto famigliare, il servizio ottimo prestano molto attenzione al cliente e disponibili. La pasta frutti di mare deliziosa con un profumo incredibile , anche il tiramisù si vede che è fatto a mano e secondo la vera ricetta Italiana

Family owned and operated. The food here is awesome! Always very clean here. The service is always friendly. The experience here is always consistent. I love the breakfast items, the gyro, fettuccine alfredo, and the gulash. The cappuccinos here are awesome as well. It's definitely worth checking out!

Great experience!!! Wonderful staff.

The food was really good and the service was great! Will definitely be coming back next time I'm in Florida. Highly highly recommend to any fans of Italian food!

This restaurant is by far the greatest restaurant that I’ve been to. From the hospitality to the mesmerizing food, this is going to be my new go-to spot. The atmosphere makes me feel at home and the customer service here is nothing short of perfect. If you’re looking for authentic Italian food in Florida, Gusto Italiano is the place for you.

The pasta and calamari were exceptionally delicious, and the service was wonderful. I'm definitely planning to return, and I highly recommend this spot!

This restaurant has one of the most authentic Italian food I’ve ever had. Also some of the best customer service in Florida! The food looks and taste amazing. The owners are very nice and respectable people! If you’re ever in Saint Petersburg I definitely recommend Gusto Italiano!

Amazing place, friendly staff, delicious Italian food …definitely will be back and highly recommended.

The best food in Florida, the service is really great, I really recommend Gusto Italiano. For sure it will be a fixed stop in Florida for me.

Overall, this was an incredible dining experience!

It was our first time at the restaurant and will not be our last. The service was great! The owner made us feel at home. We were eating dinner with another family and trying to catch up on life and didn’t feel rushed to get out of the restaurant.