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Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they’re always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.
Do you have a restaurant that makes you feel like the theme song from “Cheers”? That’s what sets Gusto Italian Kitchen apart from the rest. Located in the Rosedale/Allandale district in Austin on what’s now being called “Low Burn,” the restaurant sits in the 4800 block of Burnet, near a few of its sister restaurants, including Blue Star Cafeteria.
This quintessential neighborhood restaurant opened four years ago, and much of their business is from “regulars” who have a favorite table or just love their dog-friendly patio.
Their lunch menu is similar to the dinner menu, except that at lunch you can order from their Piatto del Giorno, much like a blue plate of the day. Monday’s spaghetti & meatballs is award-winning for good reason—you can’t make these meatballs at home!
Otherwise, lunch and dinner offer about the same. Start with the fritto misto– calamari, rock shrimp and shallots blended with perfectly-battered red peppers.
Another fave is their blistered shishito peppers with burrata, grape tomatoes and basil.
The grilled eggplant muffaleta with fontina and the traditional olive spread on focaccia is a vegetarian’s dream. This hearty sandwich is also served with vegetable giardinaira as a side.
But, if you’re in the mood for pizza (and isn’t everyone, all the time?), treat yourself to the salsiccia. This “most popular” pie boasts mozzarella, house pork sausage, goat cheese, roasted red pepper, onion and oregano. I will return for this Italian delicacy again!
Head on over to Gusto and try Chef Jason Tallent’s talent, and you’ll likely become regular. You’ll want to go again and again, where everybody knows your name.
By Marika Flatt
