Buon Gusto Ristorante

This was to be a Christmas present from my wife, who knows I love Italian, I am Italian... I know authentic, and I grew up in Chicago- need I say more?! I know it is very difficult to find authentic Italian restaurants in California, lets face it, everything here is prefab, and image is everything out here. What California restaurant owners dont seem to get is that we don't eat images, we eat robust authentic flavors. I have lived here for 30 years now and I have only found 4 authentic Italian restaurants worthy of my money. I am sure Chinese, and japanese people feel the same way abut their authentic experiences out here too... Our visit to this restaurant was disappointing. It seemed to have an above average ambience, but that is where it ends. The pasta was overcooked, yes you can overcook pasta and there is no excuse. The marinara sauce was bland, and this seems to be the main complaint by everybody who eats there. There is no aroma, or authentic flavors whatsoever. If you can't get this sauce right- what the heck are you doing in this business? I asked about their meatballs, and the response was aloof, and ignorant of the importance. If you can't be excited about your menu- then why... Ughh... The waitress had a painful look on her face and was aloof, or just too bothered to take your order. The service was a insult to injury as far as I am concerned, what a shame. All in all the food tasted on par with Chef Boyardee, worse than Swanson's frozen foods, which you will find more tasty than this place. The Lasagna was watered, wet, and without any fillings as usual. It was baked, but there was only one slice of cheese on top. The inside was void of any flavor or any of the usual ingredients (meat, egg, or cheeses) necessary for a real lasagna. My wife's food was pedestrian and flavorless too. This was a huge waste of time and money. So-so ambience, no aromas floating throughout the restaurant as usual, service was irritating, food was bland and outright tasteless, and the price was above average, but way too high what you actually get. I would never recommend this restaurant to anybody unless they were starving and the food was free. If you are not italian, or have never had authentic Italian, then you won't get a proper idea of it while visiting here. I have read some other reviews, and my wife even chimed in with her take on them so as to get us there. Who ever is giving this restaurant good reviews is probably shills, or family members of the operation to be sure!!! A better restaurant for Authentic Italian food would be Finbars! Finbars has it together, and they get it mostly right, which is hard enough in So California, so they deserve a lot of credit. You won't go wrong with Finbars, which was down the street from this place- unfortunately we found out afterwards. more

I recently visited this terrible restaurant. I came here with a group of people believing I was going to have some of the best Italian food in the valley but to my dismay I was VERY disappointed with the food and the service. Our waitress had no personality and made us feel uncomfortable. She was cold and didn't even offer us optional choices or more bread. For the appetizer we ordered the crab cakes, being a huge fan of exquisite seafood, I'm a fond lover of crab cakes. Unfortunately, these crab cakes tasted like rubber and tasted exactly like a chicken patty. I sent it back and the waitress said she would talk to the chef. For the main course I ordered the Chef's special for that day, which included soup and the main dish (fish and vegetables). I had the cream of chicken soup which was absolutely disgusting. First of all cream of chicken soup is suppose to be creamy and be packed with flavor...this soup had no flavor whatsoever and was very watered down with tiny morsels of chicken. Hoping for the main dish to be better, I was wrong once again. The fish had no flavor and the vegetables were cold. After this horrible meal was done with, I was stuck paying a $60 bill. I guess that's what I get for coming here in the first place. Pros: Free water Cons: Food, service, price more

It is no wonder they offer so many coupons and discounts. But even with those, we found it overpriced since the food was so ordinary. Our favorite place nearby is Alessio--for the same money there is just no comparison. Pros: Quaint, clean Cons: bland food more

I love this restaurant; it has great food, a nice selection of wine to choose from, and a wonderful staff to serve you. You can take the whole family or a hot date; it?s good for all occasions. Don?t forget to ask to hear the specials, I always ask and most times than not I will order the special, and I?m never disappointed. I highly recommend this superb family owned restaurant to all who love good food. Pros: Wonderful Staff more

This wonderful, neighborhood restaurant recently rose from the ashes--literally--and is just as good as ever. The owner visits each table; the wait staff are attentive, creative, and personable; and the food is always excellent. Don't expect valet service... the restaurant is in a small strip mall shopping center and the lot can get crowded on busy nights. On the north side of the street, between the 405 and Sepulveda. My favorite is the Pollo Ripieno--chicken breast stuffed with spinach and fontina cheese and topped with a lovely marsala sauce. They also have wonderful daily specials, plus all the usual dishes including pizza. Pros: Personalized service... excellent food Cons: parking can be a challenge on busy nights more

Buon Gusto is currenty undergoing a renovation but when it reopens it should be better than ever. The food is authentic Italian and will not disappoint. The atmosphere is romantic and the friendliness of the staff and owners gives the place just the right touch of class. Give them a call to see if they have re-opened or not and when they do, go enjoy a great meal. Pros: Incredible food and atmosphere more

Best ""real"" Italian food in the valley. Forget the typical Italian places with Pros: Too much to write here more

Warm and Friendly. This restaurant has been chosen by my entired family for birthdays, aniversaries and to celebrate my son's first and second EMMY. The service is great. You can actually ask that your food be cook your favorite way. The Pizza is excelent. I ordered to go a marinara, motsarella, garlic, fresh tomatoes and fresh basil and it was out of this world. Emma the owner just help me put together a menu for my upcoming birthday Jan . 23. for 15 people. Super reasonable. The wine is first rate. I love Martinis and they are sooo good. Pros: The waiters Cons: Parking more

Everytime I go there with my family they made us feel right at home. The owner takes the time to talk to each and everyone that comes in. The food is great and the staff is even better. more