Gusto 101 is the newest and latest hotspot to take on the King West neighbourhood. The space, an old mechanic's garage has been completely transformed into an open concept kitchen with exposed bricks, high ceilings and dim lighting. The only problem is they don't take reservations and the restaurant was jammed packed full of hungry patrons.
After an hour and 15 minutes and 1 glass of prosecco, we finally got a table for 2. We were very impressed about our server's rapport with us even though the restaurant was incredibly busy. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and had good recommends for us. What was really neat is she took our orders on an iTouch phone. The way of the future here! The owner Janet Zuccarini of the Yorkville resto Cafe Nervosa is the owner and also designed mainly the dinner with Italian classics and favourites brought over from Nervosa.
For starters we had the funghi appetizer which was served in a le creset pot mixed with arugula and bread crumbs - it was savoury and flavourful. We also tried the buffalo de mozzarella antipasti with roasted grape tomatoes and a parmesan crisp which was refreshing. I would definitely try more appetizers the next time around like the octopus and beef tartare but everything was yummy!
For our mains, we focused on getting pastas dishes - I had their ricotta gnocchi with pork sausage. This was an incredible dish where the gnocchi's were like pillows of air that melted in your mouth.
Sarah had the roasted pumpkin ravioli which was sweet, creamy and very velvety. Delicious!!!
We did want to sample Gusto's own wine by the tap -Vini di Gusto- but they were sold out! This wine is house made in the restaurant's own basement and is a branch of Toronto's urban winery Vintage One which my dear friend and fellow university mate Alejandra de Miguel is a founder of.
It's definitely a fun spot to have a great dinner with friends or on a date on. I look forward to going back and sampling the vino as well as when the rooftop patio opens up above the restaurant!
**** stars
Gusto 101
101 Portland Street (North of King street)
Toronto, ON M5V1T1
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