Review: Gusto!
Author: Smokin DB | Filed under: Food Reviews, Location: Indianapolis, IN
GUSTO!
7153 Southeastern Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46239
317-356-5113
http://www.Gustoindy.com
When a restaurant moves from Fountain Square to Franklin Township it seems odd. I had not been to the Gusto! location in Fountain Square but take a look at the photo and you have to wonder how this sad, windowless building in a shady looking strip mall could be thought of as a positive move. That being said, I’m here to review the chow, not the business acumen of the owner. Since this is relatively close to my home and provides a new, allegedly tasty dining option for me and my south-side brethren, it’s all good. Or not.
What I had: With my wife and four year old daughter, we stopped in for dinner on a Friday night. Only a couple of tables occupied in a room that despite some obviously fresh paint looked as it could have been Mr. Brady’s basement. Very 1970’s. We ordered a small cheese pizza (8” $5.99) for my daughter, breadsticks ($4.99) and “The Works” (16” $17.99) for us. The place started to fill up and the single server was absolutely running her tail off. Not only taking care of the dining room but also the phone and carry-out orders. We asked that the cheese pizza arrive with the breadsticks and they did. It was cheese pizza, whatever. The breadsticks were the type that is simply pizza crust cut into strips, not the hand- rolled variety noted on the menu. They were flat out terrible. So dry they seemed to suck the moisture out of my fingers when I picked them up. Lots of tasteless herbs and spices scattered on top as well.
Thirty minutes later the server informs us that the oven “Flared-up” and burned our pizza. A new one has been made and will be out immediately. For our trouble we are offered a 10% credit to our bill. I’m not happy but I am still hungry. Apparently “will be out immediately” means 30 minutes later at Gusto! By the time our pizza arrived it was very late, we had been at the table for 90 minutes and we had to go. So I had the pie boxed and carried out. Once we got home, still hungry of course, the dagger. This pizza was absolutely raw and doughy in the middle. Are you friggin’ kidding me?
Would I Buy It Again? No! In my many years of eating in thousands of places, there is just a handful that I wouldn’t give a second try. The server at Gusto! is the only reason that I would be tempted but nope, never going back.
To be fair, I called the restaurant and in a calm, polite manner told them exactly what I wrote above. The server answered the phone (Of course she did!) and she apologized. Still not going back.
-Smokin DB
Tags: breadsticks, Food, gusto, Pizza
Our experience wasn’t much better but at least the server told us, after we were sitting at a table for 10 minutes without being greeted, that the kitchen was having issues and it would be at least 45 minutes before they could get us food.
I’m sorry to hear of this experience – sounds unfortunate.
I had eaten a few times at the Fountain Square location – and really enjoyed my visits. I’m very surprised that they moved out of that space, as it seemed like an ideal locale for the vibe they were going for (the build-out was minimal, but cool). I’m not sure though if that space ever caught on – because with each lunch time visit, the place was never more than half full.
thanks for the insights into the best pizza: it makes me hungry for pizza. and as simple as it seems, it hard to get right. itts like meat loaf or chillle or tacos. or chicken wings for that matter. they used to give them away, like ribs.. or for that matter, lobster. or pig ears. no shit, i was in a store and they were selling them for 4 bucks. as pet toys. smoked, in fact. a variety of flavors. for dogs. jezze.. piza is bread and whatever you can put on it. but I like it . its like the current hambuger wars. I win. a buck for a double, be it bk, mcd, sonic, hardess, etc.. but my favorite is — thin crust, extra cheese and sausage. people vote with their feet. now excuse me but I got a microwave pizza to eat. and it dosent have barbegue chicken or goat chesse, or bacon or shrimp on it. just basic stuff. and no you did not do bad. I leave a 15% or more tip if its good service. thats how they make their money. and I was shocked to see a friend leave a buck tip, after really good service. this is 2010, not 1970. but if terrible service, nothing. leaving a penny is an insult. bad fashion and very often not the servers fault. I’ll shut up now.. but thanks, wibia.
AM, thanks for reading. This place really needs a complete overhaul starting with the oven.
Smokin DB
Scott, thanks for the comment. I’m hearing more things that lead me to believe that this place needs a new friggin’ oven. It was a big disapointment.
Look for a review soon of the best pizza in Indy and yep, it’s on the SOUTHSIDE!
Smoking DB
My (one) experience with them was similar to yours. Never again!