During our extended stay in Paris, V & I found ourselves returning to Gusta Italiana twice, and that's usually the best compliment we can give a neighborhood restaurant. There are so many places to eat in the 7th, but when everyone in the family agrees to go back, they must be doing something right because for me it was neither the atmosphere nor the service.
Our daughters joined us on both visits so we had the chance to see and sample several different dishes. The linguine with clam sauce was fresh, light, and full of flavor without being overpowering. The carbonara was prepared traditionally with a rich, silky sauce that let the quality of the pancetta and pasta shine. V ordered the Bolognese on both visits because it was simply that good. It was hearty but felt light if you can imagine that, and that was directly attributable to the homemade pasta itself. "Homemade" is a consistent theme in France which is so refreshing compared to the US but doesn't guarantee a good meal (which you'll understand if you read another one of my reviews about a certain Italian restaurant on Avenue Montaigne).
One thing Gusta Italiana does particularly well is presentation. Every dish arrived looking as though genuine care had gone into its preparation. The portions were generous, the pasta twisted perfectly in a large deep dish, and the kitchen was consistently strong across both visits.
If I had one criticism, it would be the service. It wasn't at all unfriendly but was understaffed for a busy July and lacked the appropriate follow-up and attentiveness that the prices and experience deserve. The atmosphere was meh because it's tiny and simple inside, and they have a little terrace outside in the street (leftover from COVID).
For me, Gusta Italiana earns a solid four stars for the food and three stars for the service and atmosphere. Fortunately, the quality coming out of the kitchen is what matters most, and that's what brought us back a second time.
If you're in the 7th arrondissement and are looking for consistently well-prepared Italian food, Gusta Italiana is well worth a visit. Sometimes a restaurant doesn't need to be flashy. It just needs to serve good food, consistently, and Gusta Italiana does exactly that. read more