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Montagu's Gusto
Master Critic Review
Montagu's Gusto
8.4
Montagu’s Gusto is a Murray Hill cafe devoted to elaborate grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches built on focaccia, ciabatta, and filoncino heroes. With a sprawling menu that ranges from tandoori-spiced chicken to Latin-inspired builds, it’s a top pick for office lunches where you want something more composed than a basic deli roll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Viva La Gusto, Loving Murray Hill, Indian Tandoori Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Creative, globally inspired chicken sandwiches on high-quality bread with fast, delivery-friendly service.
Who should go: Office crowds wanting hearty, upgraded chicken sandwiches.
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours when the full sandwich menu is humming.
What to order: Viva La Gusto, Loving Murray Hill, Indian Tandoori chicken.
Insider tip: Portions are big; pair one sandwich with a side and split if you’re snacking rather than feasting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option during weekday lunch.
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual—office attire fits right in, but jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate—energetic during lunch rush but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a lunchtime and daytime operation.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak noon hours; quicker before 11:45am or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several plant-forward sandwich builds and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—custom vegetable sandwiches are possible, but most signatures lean chicken-based.
Gluten-free options: Limited—salads and some plates work, but there’s no dedicated gluten-free bread program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime meet than a romantic date—food is impressive, but the fast-paced lunchtime atmosphere isn’t intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are typically needed, but during peak office lunch hours you may need to grab-and-go or wait briefly for seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who enjoy sandwiches and bold flavors; less ideal for toddlers due to the tight space and busy rush.
Best For
Better for: More creative, globally spiced chicken sandwiches than typical Murray Hill deli counters, with higher-end bread and composed builds.
Skip if: Choose a traditional deli or salad-focused cafe nearby if you want lighter fare, quiet seating, or classic cold-cut sandwiches.