Il Gusto - Melbourne

Lovely smells of fresh garlic and tomatoes set the feeling for a delicious authentic italian food which was coupled with excellent friendly service and singing staff serenading the very contented Resturant goers on a cold night

I gave this 5 stars not because its the best food I ever tasted, but because everything just fitted in perfectly.We got there too early for lunch, so sat outside and was served wine and had a chat with the owner.Inside, the menu was what you would expect, and hope for, in a small. non fancy family Italian restaurant.Whether it was the grilled sardines, the Penne Arrabiata or the Minestrone....all what you would hope on a cold winter's day.Mangia!

I got to Il Gusto about every 2-3 months, sometimes more often. We are known by face to the owner, so we always return. Our last visit was two very salty pasta's, no reason why. One had parma ham, one didn't. Anyway, we do always go back for generous serves, relatively low prices. The gnocchi is fabulous. The wait staff are always very nice, usually travelling Italians, most recently a lovely young waiter from Brazil. Il Gusto is good and reliable. Upstairs is a big dining room for groups. I keep going back so it must be doing something right....

Came here from a living social voucher, staff were friendly and happy to help. We ordered herb bread for two tiny bits of bread valued at $5 so over priced. All the food was nice, vegetables on main were bit to raw, and size was tiny considering price was $29. Wouldn't return here to over priced for such small portion sizes. Left rather disappointed in my experience.

We went here on a Living Social deal and it turned out to be great value. There were only two tables when we arrived. It is a lovely place with really pleasant staff but it is a bit idiosyncratic. We really liked that but might not have so pleased if they had been very busy. Anyway the food was delicious. We had bruschetta to share, wonderful pasta entres, and tender veal in a rich mushroom sauce to follow. Can't fault the food. All freshly cooked and wonderful flavours. My carbonara was perfect and that's my test of a good Italian.