Gusto 501

Gusto 501 is truly a gem in the city! From the moment you walk in, you’re captivated by the stunning interior design—modern, yet warm and inviting. The ambiance is absolutely perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual night out or a special celebration. The attention to detail in the decor, lighting, and overall aesthetic makes the dining experience even more enjoyable. Now, let’s talk about the food—simply outstanding! Every dish was crafted with precision and packed with flavor. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the presentation was impeccable. I tried the pasta and wood-fired pizza, and both were some of the best I’ve had in the city. The balance of flavors, the perfect seasoning, and the quality of ingredients were noticeable in every bite. Beyond the incredible food and design, what truly sets Gusto 501 apart is the exceptional service. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They made fantastic recommendations and ensured that everything was perfect throughout the meal. It’s rare to find a place that excels in all aspects—food, ambiance, and service—but Gusto 501 does it effortlessly. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this is the place to be. Highly recommend, and I can’t wait to return!

I’ve dined at Gusto 501 twice now, and both experiences have been great. One of the first things worth mentioning is their house wine—offered at just $1 per ounce—along with a happy hour menu that delivers great value. The ambiance is modern and moody, with dim lighting, stylish underlighting, and a striking art wall that adds to the charm. The restaurant spans multiple levels, and the rooftop patio in the summer is a definite highlight. We started with the carpaccio and the Brussels sprout salad (Cavoletti di Bruxelles). While the carpaccio had good flavour, I found the garnishes a bit overpowering for such a delicate cut—I personally prefer it served more simply to appreciate the meat’s natural taste. The salad, lacked punch and probably wouldn’t be a reorder for me. But the mains more than made up for it. Their pizzas are wood-fired, giving them a beautiful char and smokiness. The margherita pizza was delicate but flavourful, especially the sauce—rich, balanced, and not overly acidic which I often find with margherita pizza. The carbonara pizza is a unique standout—think carbonara pasta, but on a pizza, including egg. The guanciale on it was exceptional: perfectly crispy with just the right amount of chew. A must-try for carbonara lovers. The real star of the meal was the beef short rib pasta (Paccheri al Ragú Genovese). The pasta was cooked al dente to perfection, and the beef was tender, richly braised, and generously portioned. Service was attentive and friendly, washrooms are easily accessible on every floor, and for the quality of food, the pricing is very fair. Gusto 501 is truly a gem in a neighborhood that’s still developing—and I’ll absolutely be back!

If Chef Gusteau from Ratatouille were real, he’d tip his hat to Gusto 501 (📍501 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1L9): a Toronto gem that brings the heart and soul of Italian cuisine to life. With its soaring interiors, wood-fired aromas, and dishes that sing with simplicity and flavor, our lunch over there embodied the spirit of “anyone can cook,” but only a few can do it this well. Let’s dig in! Having worked up an appetite after a morning of sightseeing, we ordered 2 different entrees: the Margherita Pizza and Mafalde Ai Funghi Pasta. The Margherita Pizza was a masterclass in simplicity—a pillowy, wood-fired crust, the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and creamy fior di latte, finished with fragrant basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Every bite was light yet fulfilling. Then came the Mafalde Ai Funghi Pasta, a luxurious, earthy blend of porcini, portobello, and oyster mushrooms, enveloped in a silky truffle cream sauce. The ruffled mafalde noodles held onto every drop of richness, making each forkful deeply satisfying. Utterly filling and flawlessly executed, these dishes would have earned Chef Gusteau’s highest praise! To hear more about this review, follow us @eatinontario on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, & LinkedIn✨🤩

We initially went for the gustolisuios menu but they have very limited vegetation options/no substitutes. Their funghi pasta is famous and good, the margarita pizza was good too. The focaccia bread could have been more softer but overall edible. The 1$ wine on tap for an ounce is actually good wine on tap i have ever had we had all three white rose and red excellent. And of course all the three desserts 🤌🏻 maybe next year we can enjoy the gustolisious dinning if they have more vegetarian options.

This is one of my favorite modern italian places to go to on special occasions like dates, birthdays, or even just a nice lunch/dinner. I've been to this place several times already and each time does not disappoint. Shout out to the servers that run this place, they're all very nice and attentive, always ready to answer any questions or get anything I might need for my meal. Thank you to the team for always making the experience here great no matter who I'm with or what I'm celebrating. On this occasion I came here with my friend to celebrate her birthday and the food as always is delicious, flavorful, and hits just the spot. Will definitely find myself here again.