Gusto 501

Came here with 4 other friends, and we had made a reservation earlier in the day for 6pm on a Sunday. I highly recommend making a reservation because when we were starting to get our food, a line started building, and by 7pm it was quite a long line. The food itself was delicious. You have to get the mushroom pasta and calamari. The ragu, Alfredo pizza, and Caesar salad were all good but the mushroom pasta was the star. Sangria was good too but it wasn't properly stirred so some of our glasses were more boozy than others. For 6 dishes + sangria, our bill was about $55 per person which I thought was very reasonable. As well, the interior of the restaurant looks sick. It has multiple levels and the whole front is open to the street but it still feels so comfortable and cozy. I definitely will be back in the future

I went here for dinner and it was really good! The building itself is so pretty with like three or four whole stories of seating. The food was also really yummy, especially the mushroom pasta it was so good. The only thing was that our mains took quite a while to arrive. It took around maybe 30-40 minutes to arrive which was on the longer side and a little unexpected as our appetizers came out quick. Otherwise a pretty good experience!

The food was excellent,we had a burger and it was cooked just how we asked. We also ordered off the menu dessert and it was truly amazing. The service was okay,felt like we were being rushed but overall our host was great. The atmosphere was also okay. Inside was very modern but the outside was completely the opposite feeling. A-lot of construction going on and we could not find the building at first,it was hidden. Also,if you’re coming here for the first time,definitely come 30 minutes before because parking is terrible and very hard to find.

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!

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✨🤩