Restaurante Gusto — Restaurant in Málaga

We tried the truffle ravioli – absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked and seasoned. For mains, we ordered three different pizzas. They looked beautiful, clearly made with high-quality ingredients.

Unfortunately, all three pizzas were very wet on top and overburnt underneath. While I personally enjoy a few charred spots and a slightly blackened base, this was excessive. The dough didn’t hold its shape, the toppings slid off, and our kids (aged 4 and 10) really struggled to eat. While I respect the modern approach of not slicing pizzas, in the case of small children it simply doesn’t work – parents end up wrestling with a floppy, rubbery pizza using a dull knife.

We were seated across from the pizza prep area and, as someone familiar with pizza-making, I couldn’t help but notice that the dough looked overfermented. It seemed like it had been sitting too long, and it should have been re-balled and rested in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before use. That simple step could have made a huge difference – the dough had clearly collapsed and was difficult to work with, which likely caused the soggy top and burnt base. A case of the dough being outside its ideal fermentation window.

Also, there was just too much topping, especially in the center of the pizza. Sometimes, less is more – a lighter hand would have allowed the dough to shine and the textures to balance properly.

On a brighter note, the dessert was excellent, the service was warm and attentive, and the prices were reasonable if the pizza execution had been up to standard.

There’s a lot of potential here – quality ingredients and a nice vibe – but some refinement is needed in dough handling, baking technique, and topping...

Unfortunately, I never got past the front door, I made an online booking for 2 people for 19:45 for a table inside as it was cold. Arrived at 19:35 to be told my table was not ready and to come back in 10 minutes. When I arrived back 10 minutes later, I was offered a table outside but as I had a confirmed reservation for 2 people inside I asked is there no table reserved? I was told no and I would have to wait. I stood at the door and over a 15 minute period 3 different tables for 2 inside were vacated and immediately as each table was cleared they were pushed together with reserved sign put on. At 20:00 when I enquired which table was ours I was told that they were reserved for a table for 10. I said I had a confirmed reservation for 7:45 and when would my table be ready, I was told they didn’t know. At this point I said it wasn’t good enough if you confirm a booking you should honor it have a table reserved. My observations whilst waiting for 15 minutes. • The food looked nice but I never go to try it. • The staff member we were dealing with was not pleasant, a bit rude to be honest. • The focus for all staff was to turn tables around as quick as possible • Staff were much more interested in large bookings rather than confirmed bookings for 2 people • The pace of tables turning around reminded me of a fast food outlet, not a place for a romantic meal. • Ended up in a restaurant called O Mamma Mia about 3 minutes walk away, the service was super, the food delicious and I was happy to leave them a generous tip for looking...

Avoid. Terrible Food. Rude Manager (Ms Pink Shirt). Some floor staff were pleasant. Want to pack tourists in and out. Not authentic Italian.

Normally try to only leave positive reviews but this experience prompted a negative one.

Brought my fiancé for dinner. Greeted initially by lovely floor staff. Order one San Miguel (poor pour) & one “white wine” that was sickly sweet.

Bruschetta to start was average. Drowned in oregano. Served within 5min of sitting down.

For mains we ordered from the “Special Pastas” section. Disappointing pastas. Spaghetti all’ astice (Lobster spaghetti) was like rubber and served within 15 min. Clearly reheated. Red flag was the fishy smell & taste. Sadly it caught up with me within two hours I was sick with food poisoning. Fiancé had Tagliatetta TOSCANA. Sausage was tough work & pasta miserable. Total time to finish main 20min. Ordered two glasses of Rioja with main. No problems.

As plates were cleared we chatted with floor staff. No comments passed on food. Within 10minutes Ms Pink flings/throws receipt in my face and demands card. We were so taken aback. No offer of dessert or coffee (bullet dodged probably).

Total time in restaurant 45/50minutes. Genuinely most disappointing and shocking experience in a long time. Basically paid 60€ for a seat, disappointment.

Note we made no booking and walked in off street as it wasn’t busy....