Gusto Italiano Restaurant — Restaurant in Northfield Township

I am amazed that this longstanding restaurant was so busy, because I found the food mediocre and the prices high. It is the kind of place with regulars around the bar and an older crowd (with too much perfume) that has probably been coming for years. A "DJ" in the far corner tends to the music selections. Unfortunately, we were in the booth next to him, and he stood with his arm on the back of my booth, his hand hanging over my head the whole time. My friend felt like he was watching her, though he was probably looking past her in her direction. It made us uncomfortable to have someone standing a foot from us and walking by us about 5 times. Might be time for them to discover playlists and streaming.

I ordered a rib special, which was a partial rack with French fries and a salad. The quantity of food was good, the ribs were meaty and tasty, but they clearly were reheated or held in an oven, which caused them to be overly cooked and dry on the ends. The bbq sauce was sparse and thick. With tax and tip, and no beverage, it cost about $30. No wet cloth or wet wipes to clean up after eating them. Had to ask to get my small glass of water refilled. My friend said her chicken...

I have eaten at Gusto many times. The staff is always friendly and the food is good. It isn’t the best Italian food we have had, but the location is convenient and prices are fair. The new owner, Conrad, is friendly and approachable. I was last there on Feb. 8 with a friend. I had veal parm and my friend had lasagna. I had a creamy zucchini soup that was very good. We shared the fried calamari that was fine. All of the food, including dessert, could have been a bit warmer, but otherwise was good and plentiful. We were surprised and very disappointed that the warm garlic rolls, which are delicious, have been replaced with plain French bread that was not warm and was stale. We would have paid extra to have the warm garlic rolls. I also noticed that we were charged from $1 to $2 more for both entrees and the appetizer than what was listed for these items on the menu and online. I did not check the prices for our desserts or drinks. Assuming that prices have been raised, the in-house and online menus should reflect the actual prices...

Delicious food is 'but one' of the qualities Gusto Italiano can rightfully boast of ! -- it has one of The most welcoming ambiances of any restaurant in town, seating outdoors and indoors; art that, while maybe not that of the Uffizi in Florence, makes one feel part of an authentic Italian meal; and its staff and management are some of the warmest people I know. Prices are more than reasonable for the restaurant of its type. It has a menu for All palates; those who enjoy more hearty meat-based dishes and vegetarians like me. Not one for 'heavy' cheeses, but enjoying zest and taste- I could live on their appetizers, pastas and salads; love the Eggplant Rollatini, Zucchini Fritti, bruschetta, caprese salad and so much more. . . . I am embarrassed to say how many garlic roles I can go through in one meal. "Never Mind" that! Their seasonal and daily specials delicious -- around Thanksgiving, try the butternut squash ravioli. Highly recommend this place for family dinners, small gatherings and all catering...