Gusto da Gianni

LOCATION
Down on the Portside Wharf.

PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA
The newest edition to the Gianni portfolio, Gusto da Gianni has a menu brimming with authentic Spanish and Italian food. The wine menu sports the slogan "where there is no wine, there is no love", and the nature of this dockside restaurant encourages clientele to relax and enjoy quality wine from Spain, Italy or Australia. While most prefer to sit on the patio, which adjoins the boardwalk and skims the water's edge, inside is decorated with mosaics and interesting paraphernalia. The staff are friendly and attentive, and encourage a style of eating not common to such an upmarket restaurant. At Gianni, patrons are invited to order food via an order form, saving costs on floor staff, and assuring seamless delivery. This allows Gianni to keep the food and drink prices to a minimum, so each tapas plate can be savoured, with room for ordering one of Gianni's fresh, delicious cocktails too.

Taking traditional influences from the gourmet capitals of Europe, the fare supports a passion for taste. The pizza, something Gianni is fanatical about, was trialled for weeks before getting the recipe for the base just right. There are two styles to choose from: the pizza rosse (tomato based) or the pizza bianche (olive oil based), each coming with its own list of delicious topping combinations. The tapas menu features options such as the pequillo pepper stuffed with a puree of salted cod brandade, or the white bean casserole with clams. Gianni da Gusto has a full function menu suitable for all occasions, with packages made for sharing the wonderful food and ambience with your friends and family.

Ilana Tulloch