Italians are passionate about their food and Gusto – the jewel in the crown of the city’s restaurants reflects this passion in their cuisine. Gusto in Greek Street is a place of Neopolitan excellence in both its contemporary Italian cuisine , ambiance and decor.

Walk into Gusto and you feel you have found a little piece of Italy in the centre of the city that is oh so elegant. The tables have been expertly choreographed so whether you are a group or there is just two or three of you your table and space feels very private. The restaurant is light and airy whilst the decorated olive trees make it feel romantically Italian.

Outside there is a large and comfortable patio area with heaters for the cooler weather and large umbrellas for sunny times and this is the perfect place for cocktails or to soak up the evening atmosphere with a glass of vino after your meal.

Whilst we perused the inspiring and mouthwatering menu we ordered a portion of marinated olives. The olives came with a serving of bread sticks and were very juicy whilst the marinate consisting  of chilli, garlic, parsley and olive oil was not too strong.

My colleague’s starter of Crispy Lemon and Pepper Calamari had a light and crispy tempura batter. The Calamari was very tender and the lemon mayonnaise complimented the dish perfectly.

My Whole Lemon and Pepper King Prawns were cooked to perfection and just how they should be. The portion of prawns, served in their shells was large and the saffron aioli and charred lemon were  perfect partners. I must congratulate our server in bringing a finger bowl without my even having to ask!

Main course for my colleague was a Gusto speciality –  Scallop and Prawn Ravioli in a rich Lobster bisque with samphire and cherry tomatoes. The ravioli was well filled with copious amounts of filling and the tomatoes added to the flavour of the dish along with the samphire.

My pan fried fillet of Sea Bass was one of the best I have had for a long time cooked as it should be with a crispy skin and moist white fish underneath served with spring greens and a delicious flavoursome potato gratin and a tomato and balsamic dressing – this was no ordinary fish dish.

For dessert I decided on a sweet I had never had before Bombolini. These are lightly sweetened dough balls served with Chantilly cream, chocolate and Biscoff  sauce with a tangy fruits of the forest sorbet. These are absolutely delicious and served hot these are certainly a heaven on a plate.

My colleague had nothing but praise for her favourite dessert Tiramisu. This classic Italian sweet was perfection and full of flavour. It was creamy and light and the sponge had certainly been made in the Angels kitchen.

After dinner we decided to sit outside on the patio and were surprised just how private and quiet it was as we sipped our coffee and liqueur toasting a very very pleasant evening.

Gusto can be anything you want it to be. It’s perfect for a family lunch or celebration, a date night or just to escape to a culinary haven and some fabulous food. The staff are so engaging and know their product and nothing is too much trouble for them – there’s one word to describe Gusto – Bellissimo.

Gusto 10 Greek Street, Leeds 1. Tel: 0113 467 9770

Open: Sunday to Thursday 12 noon – 10.00pm. Friday and Saturday 12.noon – 10.30pm