Gusto: Sloan's Lake's Versatile Italian Gem

Nestled in the heart of the thriving Sloan's Lake neighborhood, Gusto has emerged as a culinary destination that defies easy categorization. This six-month-old establishment from acclaimed chef Lon Symensma seamlessly blends the best of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of palates and preferences.

Elevating the Italian Dining Experience in Denver

A Diverse Menu for Every Craving

Gusto's menu is a delightful tapestry of Italian classics and innovative dishes, catering to both the traditionalist and the adventurous diner. From the classic fritto misto to the bold and flavorful spaghetti all'assassina, the kitchen showcases its mastery of both time-honored and cutting-edge culinary techniques. The menu's versatility is a testament to Symensma's culinary prowess, allowing patrons to indulge in a range of Italian favorites without feeling pigeonholed into a single archetype.

Perfecting the Art of Pasta and Pizza

At the heart of Gusto's menu are the house-made pastas and expertly crafted pizzas. The wild boar pappardelle, with its rich Tuscan ragu, showcases the kitchen's ability to elevate traditional pasta dishes with unexpected ingredients. Meanwhile, the spaghetti all'assassina, cooked dry in the pan to achieve a delightful char and creaminess, demonstrates Symensma's innovative approach to classic preparations.The pizzas, fired in an Italian-sourced gas oven that reaches a blistering 800 degrees, are a true highlight. Each variation, from the traditional margherita to the adventurous Amalfi, boasts a perfectly charred, bubbly, and chewy crust that serves as the foundation for a symphony of flavors.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Gusto's menu is a delicate balance between time-honored Italian staples and modern culinary experimentation. While the restaurant offers familiar dishes like meatballs and cannoli, it also showcases more unique offerings, such as the wild boar pappardelle and the Amalfi pizza with its unexpected combination of spicy Calabrian chiles, pecorino, and poached lemon.This deft interplay between tradition and innovation is what sets Gusto apart in the Sloan's Lake dining landscape. The establishment caters to a diverse clientele, from those seeking a comforting, familiar dining experience to those craving a more adventurous culinary journey.

Cocktails and Libations

Gusto's beverage program is a perfect complement to its culinary offerings. The Negroni on tap, with its balanced bitterness and sweetness, is a standout, while the Calabriation cocktail, infused with Calabrian chiles and mezcal, adds a delightful smoky and spicy twist.However, the citrus-forward cocktails can occasionally overpower the flavors of the dishes, a minor misstep in an otherwise well-crafted beverage menu.

Desserts: A Room for Improvement

While Gusto's savory offerings shine, the dessert menu falls slightly short. The chocolate-pistachio-dipped cannoli and the tiramisu, finished tableside with grated espresso cheese, lack the necessary sweetness to truly satisfy the sweet tooth. The limoncello olive oil cake, though moist and well-balanced, is not as lemony as one might expect, given the restaurant's penchant for citrus.Despite these minor shortcomings, Gusto remains a compelling dining destination in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood, offering a versatile and well-executed Italian experience that caters to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.