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Gusto Mio
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Gusto Mio
8.4
Lively, modern Italian where charry thin-crust pies share the stage with pastas and cocktails. Shareable formats and brisk pacing suit mixed-age groups and casual date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto-arugula pizza, Vodka rigatoni, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Share-friendly pies in a buzzy, modern room.
Who should go: Couples and casual groups
When to visit: 5:00–6:15pm or after 8pm to avoid waits
What to order: Arugula pie; vodka rigatoni; tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask about half-portion pastas to split with a pie.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Locust and nearby public garages (first hour free). Evenings after 6pm can fill quickly, so use the Locust Street or Cypress garage for best availability.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top fit in fine, though many guests dress slightly up for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — fine for conversation early evening but louder after 7pm as the bar fills up.
Weekend wait: Typically 45–60 minutes without a reservation between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short queue; walk-ins are fine.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pastas, pizzas, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few starters and custom pizza options; no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free crust available on request, though prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The upbeat but not overbearing atmosphere and shareable menu make it easy to keep conversation flowing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are common, especially before 6pm or after 8pm, but expect a wait during prime weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 7 and up — high chairs are limited, but staff are accommodating and menu flexibility helps families.
Best For
Better for: Date nights or small groups who want Italian classics in a contemporary setting with quick service.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, formal dinner or extensive vegan selections.
Gusto Mio
8.4
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Roman-style pizza al taglio served by the slice alongside artisan focaccia sandwiches. Crisp, airy dough and imported ingredients make it a downtown quick-stop standout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita al taglio, Diavola al taglio, Pistachio mortadella focaccia
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Pizza al taglio baked on long trays with precise fermentation.
Who should go: Slice explorers and focaccia fans
When to visit: Lunch window for freshest pan deliveries
What to order: Margherita al taglio; Diavola; pistachio mortadella
Insider tip: Order corner pieces for extra caramelized crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Locust and nearby city garages on Cypress or Mt. Diablo are the best bets; meters free after 6pm.
Dress code: Ultra casual—come as you are, daytime café attire is the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation during lunch, livelier near dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes at peak, since service is counter-based.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick turnaround with steady flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie-based pizzas like Margherita and Funghi are always available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for dairy-free focaccia options; some slices can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Not yet—traditional Roman dough only, though staff can advise lighter options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re after a casual, no-pressure vibe—grab a few slices and stroll downtown after.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Absolutely—it’s walk-in only with counter seating and a few sidewalk tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites—kids love the by-the-slice format, but seating is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, authentic Roman-style slices with crisp texture—faster and lighter than sit-down pizza spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a full-service dinner or traditional round pizza experience; try Melo’s instead.
Gusto Mio
8.4
Tiny Italian shop (opened 2024) from Angelo Sannino and Antonio Merolla baking Roman pizza al taglio and Florence-style focaccia sandwiches. Crisp-edged slices and generously stuffed panini land in the mid-teens.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita al taglio, Pistachio mortadella focaccia, Fungo slice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Authentic pizza al taglio and focaccia from award-winning operators.
Who should go: Slice hunters and Italy sandwich fans
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for hottest trays
What to order: Margherita slice; pistachio mortadella; mushroom slice
Insider tip: Request corner pieces for maximum caramelized crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered spots on Locust; nearby public garages at Lesher Center and Broadway Plaza usually have space midday.
Dress code: Casual – daytime attire fits; many diners stop by post-shopping or from the office.
Noise level: Low to moderate – small space with steady chatter but still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak; quick turnover since most dine-in briefly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; counter moves fast and trays refresh every few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie pinsa and focaccia options like Margherita and roasted mushroom.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize focaccia without cheese; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free dough; traditional wheat base only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual lunch or early dinner—intimate counter seating and authentic Italian charm, but it’s not a linger-long evening spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-in only; space is limited but turnover is constant, so short waits are normal.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids; small space suits quick meals rather than stroller setups.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Roman-style slices and Italian panini executed with artisan quality rarely found in casual settings.
Skip if: You need full-service dining, gluten-free options, or extended seating time—this is more quick-serve than sit-down.
Gusto Mio
8.2
Tiny Italian focacceria doing Roman-style pizza al taglio alongside Florence-style sandwiches from Angelo Sannino and Antonio Merolla (opened 2024). Saturday hours run later, and square trays keep turning for crisp-edged slices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita al taglio, Fungo (mushroom, fontina, truffle), Salsiccia (sausage, pepper, onion)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Roman pizza al taglio from a team behind top-ranked Bay Area pizzerias.
Who should go: Square-slice fans and Italy purists
When to visit: Sat after 8:30 pm for hot trays and steady flow
What to order: Margherita; Fungo; Salsiccia slice
Insider tip: Request corner pieces for extra caramelized crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Locust and nearby Bonanza is metered until 8 pm and can be tight on weekends. The Locust Street Garage (1350 Locust St) is the most reliable after 7 pm and free for short visits.
Dress code: Casual but neat — this is a come-as-you-are spot where locals drop in post-bar or after dinner. No dress code enforcement.
Noise level: Moderate — counter chatter and music fill the compact space but still possible to hold a short conversation indoors.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes if you want hot slices from a fresh tray; faster if you take what's ready.
Weekday lunch: No wait — in and out within 5 minutes most afternoons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas and sandwiches feature roasted veggies, mushrooms, or classic Margherita bases.
Vegan options: Limited — you can request veggie slices without cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese options.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free dough available yet; all slices use traditional Roman flour blend.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and authentic — grab slices, share a focaccia sandwich, and wander Locust after. It’s relaxed, not romantic fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. It’s counter service with a few inside stools and sidewalk tables; turnover is quick even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals — kids like the square slices and casual vibe, though seating is limited and better suited for older kids who can eat at high stools.
Best For
Better for: Authenticity and texture — their Roman square pies stay crisp and airy longer than typical slice shops in Walnut Creek.
Skip if: You want full-service dining or gluten-free pizza; the setup is takeout-style and carb-forward.
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm