Gusto

This is by far my favourite restaurant in Leeds. I go here all the time and I have never been disapointed.
As you walk up to the restaurant you can see the beautiful fairy lights laced across the window. Sometimes this can look really tacky and a bit in your face but paired with the ultra modern décor it looks perfect.
You walk straight in to the bar area where the very attentive bar staff await to take your order. The only problem is their drinks menu is full of such tempting looking things I’m always spoilt for choice!
Once you are ready to take your seat the manager takes you through to your table. The first time I walked into the dining area here I was like wow! The delicate fairy light theme is carried right through but this time they are encased around a tree that stands in the middle of the restaurant. Yes a tree!
This isn’t just your average restaurant it was built around a 200 year old olive tree that is now the central feature of their dining area.
The menu is large yet the quality is most definitely not effected. Every time I visit the menu has been revised slightly as they seem to constantly be trying to make their dishes better and adjust them to suit the season.
I am a huge fan of pâté but I can be quite picky with it. Theirs is the best I have ever tasted, served with crisp breads I could eat it forever. The chicken primavera is the best pasta dish I have ever eaten. The vegetables are seasonal which really reflects in the taste and it is cooked to perfection. The chicken is plentiful and very juicy and flavoursome.
Within the restaurant they also have an open part of the kitchen where you can see the pizzas being made fresh and put into the pizza oven. My dad orders a pizza every time he comes here as he says they are the best pizzas he has ever had. Even better than the ones he had in Italy!
I have not had the chance to sample the dessert menu yet as the portion sizes are pretty big so I am always stuffed when it comes to the final course.
Everything in the place is pretty much perfect. The staff are friendly and attentive, the tree is beautiful and the the food is amazing. I really urge everyone to try it out, Its more than worth the little trip out of town for some really special.

A lovely resaurant, part of a chain, but managing to retain it’s welcoming and cosy feel. The building itself is lovely, lit with fairy lights the low lighting make ths palce ideal for romantic dinners.
I visited with a friend and can only say that the food was superb. We were treated very attentatively, and the food was delicious… Oh did I mention that the food was divine!!!
Has a seperate bar area in which you can linger over a drink after dinner, I can recommend the roasted cod, and the calamari. We’ll definitely be visiting again.

When a restaurant that has a special place in your heart gets closed and revamped, you’re always going to view the reincarnation with some disdain and unease.
This was my attitude after the best restaurant in Cookridge (Est Est Est) was overhauled a couple of years back and turned into a Gusto. I had been going to Est Est Est regularly and thought of it as the perfect Italian restaurant, and viewed the change with suspicion.
I needn’t have worried — Gusto is simply the new name for Est Est Est, and although they claim it to be a different restaurant, little has really changed, which is a good thing in my eyes. They do brilliant Italian classics simply and successfully, and there is always a special buzz about the place, almost as if the customers know how good their food is going to be.
Some have said the portions are small, but to me they’re spot on, allowing you to have three courses without feeling bloated, followed by an authentic espresso of course. Gusto, thankfully, is simply Est Est Est with a different name.

I have reviewed before Gustos in my local town of Heswall (Wirral), still a favourite with us. But my office is in Horsforth near Leeds. We had an important visitor last week and the place we intended to take him was closed at lunchtime. Hastily looking for an alternative I found Gustos at Cookridge. Like Heswall it was originally an Est Est Est. Almost everything was identical to Heswall right don eto the artificial tree with fairy lights ! But the food again was excellent, we only had time for a main course, and we went all fishy. Two of us had the salt-​baked sea bass, one salmon and one lemon sole, and they were enjoyed by all.
Downside was, we were the only ones in there, but like Heswall I suspect its far busier in the evening, so atmosphere was a bit lacking. The waiter was quite chatty and attentive, and nothing was too much trouble.
Returned there on January 7^th (2011) in the evening and the food was excellent. It was pretty full too, but, it didnt detract form the excellent service. And the food was half price in a special January promotion because I am regular at the Heswall (wirral) branch, and am registered to accept emails.
So with a couple of drinks, and two courses for two — £32 ! OK, it would have been more like £60 at full price !

Brilliant fresh ingrediants that are cooked very well, plenty of options. Staff very freindly and plesent and the place itself is full of character!!!
Loved it and will def. go back.

Since the make over this place is amazing. The food is divine and really well priced. You can use your Hi Life here, but it is best to phone up and book in if you are going to.
They do a special deal on sundays of 3 courses for a set price, its great value.
I can recommend the garlic prawn starter it is the best. The peach Bellini is also great to wash your yummy dinner down with.
It has great décor after its refit and the staff are wonderful adding to the pleasure of visiting.
A note for parents, they provide a colouring book and stickers to keep your little ones entertained.