We’re all partial to a good pizza – I couldn’t think of anybody who doesn’t like Italian food, especially the authentic kind.
Gusto in Cookridge is the perfect venue to eat the traditional cuisine and it’s all the better to enjoy it in a stunning, all-new, elegant venue.m The restaurant closed in February 2022 for a major refurbishment and since opening it features a cosy yet elegant aesthetic perfect for enjoying Italian food.
Gusto has a chain of restaurants across the country but I got to try the eatery set in the beautiful suburb of Leeds, Cookridge, since reopening from it's refurb. It seems the location is the perfect setting to find this restaurant – from the outside I’ve dubbed it sophisticated and the inside doesn’t disappoint either.
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The new design from top to bottom is luxurious, the perfect setting for date night, complete with fairy lights, a swanky bar and refined décor. Although elegant it still feels cosy and boasts a great atmosphere, although it's in a suburb of Leeds it gives you the busy hustle and bustle city centre feel which I really enjoyed.
Between the bar and restaurant the venue was packed which was lovely to see - I really enjoyed the energetic atmosphere of people talking over a glass of wine.
I think my only criticism for the new refurb would be the positioning of the ‘check-in’ desk when asking for your table – we stood with confusion for a few minutes of where we were supposed to let them know we had arrived for our reservation, before realising there was a waitress towards the back of the room taking names and showing people to their table. I think it would make a lot more sense to have this at the immediate entrance.
We were seated by a friendly waitress who swiftly brought us menus and our drinks order. I had a large glass of wine and my partner had a beer - both what I would call city centre prices.
The food was lovely, we shared olives and bruschetta to start, which were both tasty – Gusto chefs don’t hold back on the garlic however, perfect for garlic lovers like me. The food service was slightly slow but it was a busy Friday night so it was kind of expected and we were starving which probably made it seem longer than it was.
For mains we both had pizzas, I tried the ‘Gusto loves’ pizza which was truffle bianco and my partner had the griffino – they were probably the best stone baked pizza’s we’d ever had. So much so Josh never left a scrap and I took my leftovers home to eat the next day.
The only criticism of the food would be from my partner who loves garlic mayo with pizza but sadly they only serve garlic butter - it's personal preference however. But overall the food couldn't be faulted. Delicious is the only word.
We were too stuffed to tackle a dessert but they all looked so tasty – almost regretting not leaving room to squeeze one in.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Gusto, it's the perfect venue for a date, special occasion or just a good bit of Italian food or even an evening sipping wine at the bar. There was people young to old enjoying the eatery, it really does target all audiences.
We will definitely be returning and would like to try the Leeds city centre restaurant next to compare the two. The bill was fairly reasonable too for the standard of the food, although the drinks were a little more than I would usually pay - I think it's give and take for the experience and atmosphere.
The restaurant is also introducing two-hour masterclass to customers later in the year at the all-new chef's table which was introduced during the refurbishment - I can't wait to give it ago.
The bill
- Marinated Olives - £4.25
- Bruschetta - £5.50
- Truffle Bianco - £13.50
- Griffino - £14.25
- Peroni - £5.50 x2
- White wine - £10.50
- Total £67.10 with £6.10 gratuity
You can find Gusto Cookridge at 151 Otley Old Road, Cookridge, Leeds, LS16 6HN
Book a table or look at the menu here
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