Gusto 501 — Restaurant in Toronto

I was excited to experience Gusto 501 based on reviews. After our visit on my birthday, I was extremely disappointed in the service. I am writing this review hoping it gets address and that no other table experiences this.

Our server had no initiative to serve our table despite having a reservation, with no explanation. Our first drinks took a while to get to our table and we were never once asked if we would like another.

2/4 people ordered an appetizer to share for the table, the beef carpaccio and calamari were excellent. But again, our server never checked in on us. This was not a bother since we enjoyed the food, but it was mentally noted. Moreover, the two people who did not order appetizers had their mains delivered at the same time as the appetizers which I find untraditional based on my restaurant experience. We would have liked to eat our mains all together.

The other mains arrived, and my shrimp pasta dish tasted really off. The shrimps were not fresh. I could smell the strong scent of shrimp with the dish merely in front of me, and the flavour was overpoweringly smothered in bad shrimp. Before saying anything, I wanted to ensure it was not just me thinking this so I had my boyfriend try it who also loves shrimp and he thought the same. He could smell it from his seat as well. The server never checked in on us during our mains either.

At this point we were very frustrated and just wanted to grab the bill after our server seemingly avoiding our table like the plague. Our table works in the service industry and all would never disrespect a server, there was no need for this.

We eventually flagged her down while she was walking by our table. I voiced my concern for the shrimp tasting really off, like something was bad or expired in the dish, and that it tasted and smelled very “fishy”. I should have refrained from using the word “fishy” because she told me it was a fish dish and of course it was going to taste fishy. I reiterated that there was something bad in the dish. We eat shrimp weekly and never does it taste or smell the way it did. The server did not apologize, she just grabbed the dish and walked away very annoyed.

Thankfully, she voided the dish but no words were exchanged from her or the manager on shift she was talking to. The reason for the void as appeared on my bill was “she did not like her food”. The server was very rude and ruined this experience for me. I was shocked by the horrible service. We still tipped 20% coming from the service industry, but we definitely did not feel any positive energy from our server.

I am writing this review in hopes that the restaurant staffs the floor better to ensure prompt and service is given. Our experience happened the evening of September 22, on the main floor at 7:30pm.

On the positive note, the appetizers and other mains were delicious with excellent presentation (the shrimp dish included visually, I attached photos below). The ambiance of the restaurant is also lovely. We were impressed by the atmosphere. The poor review is solely based on the service we were provided. Despite the shrimp dish issue, there was ample opportunity to make this experience great but we...

This was my second visit to Gusto 501 and to be honest I don’t remember being that impressed during my first visit. While my memory of it from a year ago isn’t all that clear, both the drinks and food were fairly mediocre as I recall. Regardless, it’s practically impossible to find a $45/person 4 course menu in Toronto these days so I went back, and honestly despite the restaurant being understandably busy the experience was much better. To start, drinks at Gusto 501 are about what I would call average or slightly above average price in Toronto these days, which I’d say is generally expensive but both the $16 red sangria and the $19 P.S Espresso Martini were delicious. Red Sangrias are pretty easy hit with me but the espresso martini was a pleasant surprise. Not only did I not enjoy the only other time I’ve had an espresso martini but I’m also not a huge fan of pumpkin spice (lattes). However the subtle and understated pumpkin spice infusion in this particular drink was a wonderful touch, if you’re a fan of either I’d highly recommend you try this drink out and if your middling on both drinks it’s still worth a shot. The first course of Olives and Focaccia was basic but nothing was a miss. The second course of a Cavolo Nero (kale salad with pine nuts and parm) and Aracini was overall good though personally I found the cheese sauce with the Aracini a bit strong. Our server recommended Gamberi Fra Diviola and Pachheri Ai Ragu Genovese for our mains, both were delicious but personally I enjoyed the Genovese more at first bite. I will say however that if you’re not sharing the Gamberi is the lighter dish of the two. Both my companion and I were very fully by this point in the meal so that might be relevant. The dessert course was delicious and probably my favorite thing of the night despite my lack of a serious sweet tooth, only hampered by how full we were by the time we got to it. Our sever was friendly and attentive so I would say that service was nothing short of fantastic. The table next to us found their Gamberi too spicy thus she replaced the dish for them with an alternate and made to sure clarify to us when ordering the the dish was indeed on the spicy side (I didn’t feel this but I do eat a lot of spicy food both at home and while I’m out so this will differ by person). During my first visit to Gusto 501 I didn’t even realize that the restaurant had 3 floors and sat on the ground floor with is quite busy and loud. This time we were seated on the second floor which is much quieter, more intimate and comfortable, if I go back I will definitely ask to be seated on one of the higher floors. The restaurant was still packed presumably due in part to...

Rating: ★★★★★

Gusto 501 stands out as a testament to modern Italian dining, nestled in the heart of the city. With its beautifully designed interiors that blend contemporary elegance with warmth, this restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides a culinary experience that captivates both the palette and the eye.

Dishes Ordered:

ARANCINI: ★★★★★ Margarita Pizza: ★★★★★ Tiramisu: ★★★★★ Review:

From the moment I walked into Gusto 501, I was enveloped in an ambiance that perfectly marries modern design with the intimate, rustic charm Italy is known for. The attention to detail in the interiors, from the lighting to the seating arrangement, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

ARANCINI: The meal commenced with a serving of Arancini that was nothing short of sublime. The crispy exterior gave way to a rich and flavorful mixture of guanciale and tomato, all nestled atop a velvety pecorino fonduta. Each bite was a delightful exploration of textures and flavors, highlighted by a hint of black pepper that added just the right amount of kick.

Margarita Pizza: Next, the Margarita Pizza was a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. The crust was impeccably cooked to a perfect char, providing a wonderful contrast to the fresh, vibrant tomato sauce and the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella. It's a testament to Gusto 501's commitment to traditional techniques and quality ingredients, creating a dish that felt both comforting and gourmet.

Tiramisu: The meal concluded with what can only be described as an extraordinary Tiramisu. Each layer was a testament to the skill of the pastry chef, with the perfect balance of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It was, without exaggeration, one of the best I have ever had - a harmonious blend of flavors that was both rich and wonderfully light.

Overall Experience: Gusto 501 is a jewel in the crown of the city's dining scene, offering a slice of Italy with a modern twist. The food is a celebration of traditional Italian flavors, presented with a flair that speaks to the restaurant's innovative spirit. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, making each guest feel welcomed and valued. For those seeking an Italian dining experience that marries the traditional with the contemporary, Gusto 501 is, without doubt, a destination that delivers...