Gusto 101 — Restaurant in Toronto

Food: 3 Stars Service: 2 Stars Ambience: 4 Stars Value: 2 Stars Sanitary: 4 Stars Overall: 3 Stars

I visited Gusto 101 with a good friend to celebrate my birthday, and while there were some highlights to our experience, several issues left us feeling underwhelmed.

Upon arrival, we were initially seated on the lower level near the entrance door, even though there were plenty of empty seats available throughout the restaurant. Thankfully, we decided to request a table upstairs, and after waiting for about 10 minutes, we were accommodated. The upstairs section was completely empty when we were seated but quickly filled up, creating a livelier atmosphere compared to the lower level.

The service was okay but lacked any standout moments. Our server seemed disoriented and awkward at times, which detracted from the experience. While polite, his impersonal demeanor made the service feel more transactional than warm or engaging. Additionally, when my friend mentioned to him that it was my birthday, he said he would bring out a tiramisu to mark the occasion. However, this never happened, and by the end of the meal, the oversight left us feeling somewhat dismissed.

For our meal, we started with the Calamari Fritti. The seasoning was well-executed, but the portion size felt a bit small given the price point. For drinks, I ordered the Pocca, and I thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing pear flavour, which was a definite highlight.

For mains, we opted for the Mafalde Ai Alfande a Funghi and the Rigatoni All’Amatriciana. The Mafalde Ai Alfande a Funghi had a delicious creamy truffle taste that wasn’t overly salty—a well-balanced dish. However, the Rigatoni All’Amatriciana was overly salty, which overshadowed its otherwise robust flavour. Both pasta dishes were also served lukewarm and cooled down quickly, which was disappointing. At this price point, I expected better execution, especially in terms of temperature.

While Gusto 101 has a strong reputation on social media, I found the experience to be somewhat overhyped. There are other restaurants in Vaughan that offer better quality, portion sizes, and value for money. This visit didn’t leave me with a strong desire to return anytime soon.

In summary, Gusto 101 had its moments—the upstairs ambiance and my refreshing drink were definite positives—but inconsistent service, underwhelming food temperature, and the missed opportunity to make the birthday celebration special detracted from the overall experience. For those curious about this spot, it’s worth a try, but temper your expectations.

xx...

I had the pleasure of dining at Gusto 101, a delightful Italian restaurant located at 101 Portland St. From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the charming ambiance and the restaurant's name itself, which is truly fitting.

During our visit, we savoured a delectable meal that left us thoroughly satisfied. Our order consisted of three dishes, amounting to a total of $66.68, taxes included.

Firstly, we indulged in the ARANCINI, which featured a delightful combination of spicy tomato, virgin mozzarella, and basil creme fraiche. Priced at $14.00, it was a flavorful treat that delighted our taste buds.

Next, we tried the MAFALDE AI FUNGHI, a pasta dish infused with the earthy essence of portobello, porcini, and oyster mushrooms. The truffle cream sauce complemented the pasta perfectly, resulting in a mouthwatering combination. At $26.00, it was worth every penny.

Lastly, we relished the PEPPERONI pizza, a scrumptious creation topped with pomodoro, mozzarella, pepperoni, buckwheat honey, and fennel powder. The pizza was generously loaded with tomato and pepperoni, delivering a delightful blend of flavours. Priced at $19.00, it left us craving more.

The standout dish for us was undoubtedly the Mafalde Ai Funghi pasta, which was bursting with the rich flavours of mushrooms and cheese. Each bite was a delight to savor.

We also appreciated the antipasti, the Arancini, which consisted of two flavourful rice balls. They were a delightful starter that set the stage for the rest of our meal.

The service at Gusto 101 was exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff ensuring a memorable dining experience. The atmosphere was inviting and cozy, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.

Our experience at Gusto 101 was nothing short of exceptional. The delicious food, warm atmosphere, and attentive service combined to create a truly enjoyable dining adventure. We highly recommend this Italian restaurant to anyone seeking a delightful...

I give Gusto 101 3 stars because the food was out of this world. I have a major problem though.... I struggle to understand the thinking behind how the drinks are ordered? I place the order with the waitress but she never touched it. The bartender delivered all of the drinks. As my food arrived I ordered another beer. Not difficult, bottle of beer. Screw the top off & deliver please. But my daughter & nephew ordered a gingerale & coke respectfully. 2 pops & a beer which required a quick flick of the wrist took over 10 minutes to get. The restaurant was well staffed & under control. Add in I had a front row seat to watch the bartender...absolute no sense of urgency. The man showed no desire to get us our drinks. Add in the waitress never followed up. I asked her twice where my beer was & she basicly ignored me. Said "it will be here shortly." She never walked over to the bartender to follow up. When the bartender finally got to making our drinks he placed them on the counter & walked away. I was 10 feet away & pushed aside all urges to get up & get my beer myself. I thought that would be rude. I write this review because I regret that decision. Those drinks sat there for 3 minutes, completely ignored before the waitress walked over to get them. 1st time she delivered our beverages. I'm annoyed because it was 2:00 on a Friday afternoon, (March 14th management) the restaurant was busy but completely in control. No stress from any staff member. Most notably the bartender. The man displayed absolutely no sense of urgency, with no one calling him out for it. Food = awesome. Service = not on the same level. We were in a group of 6 which apparently meant an automatic 20% tip added on to the bill. If I had a choice the staff wouldn't get that. They...