Ristorante Buon Gusto — Restaurant in South San Francisco

Had reservations for 17 for the 27th and the service and all of the dishes were right on regarding flavor. Even two of our participants raved how it was very similar to their month long eating extravaganza in Italy! The gnocchi pesto appetizer was delicious and light. We also ordered calamari and I would've liked to have seen tentacles in the calamari but the tubes tasted fine and the batter was light. The only comment some people made was that they wished the soup was served hotter. I had the salad so couldn't comment. Otherwise, the cioppino, clams linguini, veal saltimbocca, risotto pescatore, fish special, steak (yes steak) and lasagna were all amazing!

The desserts were amazing too. Had the Tiramisu, montesori dessert that as delicious and wished we could've tried the zaballone (sp?) but they were out. Everyone in the party raved about what a find it was. Truth be told, I got lucky and we'll be back. It's that good and I was raised in a foodie family where everyone is a critic.

The service was outstanding but not overbearing. We had a private dining room with another group (6 people) and we could all hear each other without screaming at the top of our lungs like some places quite easily.

The only downside was the credit card system was down but...that wasn't their fault. Like Arnold...

I've passed this restaurant many times and have only heard great things about it. I finally had dinner there this week and it was an extraordinary experience.

They close at 9:30 on Tuesday. Since it was 8:45, I called and asked if they could still seat me as I was 7 minutes out. They were very warm and welcoming so I went.

The ambience is quaint and traditional with real table cloths, perfect lighting and nice background music. When I walked in, a few of the tables were conversing in Italian.

My server, Basa, was extremely helpful and very attentive. GREAT service. After she explained the specials and answered my questions, I decided to order the Linguini Tutto Mare for my entree. The pasta was cooked Al Dente, and the red sauce flavors were deliciously balanced with the seafood medley. The medley consisted of small and large shrimp, calamari rings and steak, mussels, clams and salmon. It too was all perfectly cooked and had the perfect texture.

After dinner, I had the pleasure to talk with the restaurant's owner, Julian and had a great conversation about how authentic the restaurant and food were and to compliment him for having a great waitstaff and delicious food.

I am definitely going to make this a regular on my monthly trips to the Bay Area.

GREAT dining...

I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5, because I haven’t had the chance to try enough of the menu - yet…..but this place is impressive in every way.

It’s family owned and run, so this is the Italian passion and love for food we’ve all heard about, in real life. The owner recommended their Chicken Parm, so I agreed and opted for polenta over pasta. The Polenta was a perfect foil for the tangy marinara with the chicken parm. The marinara is clearly slow cooked and the amount of tang/acid closely managed.

The chicken was pounded perfectly and amazingly soft to go well with its seasoned breading. Delicious. Authentic. Well prepared and food respected. The plate is finished with some flash wilted spinach and garlic. A lovely plate and a joy in the mouth (and tummy).

I thought I had found the best kept Italian secret in SF - but not long after I arrived, guests started packing in. This place is great for everyday comfort food, a wonderful atmosphere for a special dinner, and has lovely facilities for parties or...