Gusto Grilled Organics

This is an awful tourist trap disguised as an organic-food restaurant. Clueless service, incompetently executed food, and a truly hideous room. You can do better in this neighborhood.

Pros: Location?

Cons: Dimwitted service, ugly room

Posted 10/25/09

I try to eat organic when possible and have been here/ordered from here about 7 times. I finally gave up out of sheer frustration with the staff. (Food is just okay. Never "good". Its pricy but its organic so I get it.) The following description fits my experience with the staff EVERY TIME I go there. The staff stands around trying to look cool, and when NO ONE else is there and I am waiting to place an order, they talk to each other and don't even bother to look in my direction. Eventually, a nice man (usually central or south american) will come over and take my order. And while these men who seem to do all the work are very nice, they do not speak the best english. So, its hard to place a simple order and there is usually some mistake, something missing, etc. Meanwhile, the young, able-bodied, bed-headed hipster staff who are speaking clear american english while standing behind the counter talking about how they are going to open a tea cafe in south america, still have not lifted a finger to do ANYTHING. NOTHING. Same thing with phone orders. The people who answer the phone usually speak limited english and have made several mistakes with my phone orders. For the very bland quality of the food and high prices, make sure all of your staff is willing to WORK. It is beyond annoying and you pay a lot to get aggravated, which probably cancels out any benefit of the organic food.

Pros: Organix

Cons: Staff is #1 negative

Posted 07/30/09

Finally there's a place in the village that I don't have to think about the quality of food that I order. Everything on the menu is organic and everything that I have had has been very tasty. At lunch the steak Piadina is amazing, you will crave it. It is great to know that whatever you order will not be compromised by chemicals, pesticides or genetically modifications but most importantly the people involved in bring you your food have a deeper connection to you and the quality of your food. They care to do it the right way and the food tastes amazing. One of my favorites places along with 50 Commerce, Market Table, Pearl, Daddy O's.....

Pros: Quality food, chill people and vibe, live jazz and DJ

Cons: Can't make any up

Posted 02/17/09

I wish I'd had a camera phone to take a photo of the "special" vegetable brochette they charged me $20 for tonight. It amounted to a skewer of 6 unseasoned pieces of barely grilled veggies and slathering of gummy mashed potatoes on the side that had started to congeal due to sitting under heat lamp WAY too long.

And it took us well over an hour to get our food from a totally unattentive waiter (our water glasses remained empty for 45 mins)

I don't who's been writing the reviews on here (possibly the owners) but this was absolutely one of the worst meals I've ever eaten in NYC - and that's saying a lot.

These people must think their customers are idiots to serve that kind of food for those prices. WOW.

Pros: Nice decor

Cons: Terrible food and TERRIBLY HIGH prices

Posted 12/31/08

Gustogranics is absolutely delicious. I have to admit - I'm not so huge into organics or green living or any of that stuff. Not that I dont respect it or do it when I can, but its not really a lifestyle choice Ive made or follow. BUT when the opportunity presents itself i will normally take it. So i learned about this place from an organic-minded friend and tried it out last night. Food was delicious - I found it a very fun menu, with create your own pasta, some really good appetizers like the melted cheese, the empanadas etc. I had the filet mignon and it came out perfectly cooked, well seasoned and absolutely scrumptious. My friend had a pizza which was also divine - definitely not the traditional new york slice and unique even from other thin crust "european" style pizzas. The all organic drinks - were tasty and inventive and they had a good wine list considering its all organic! they even had beer! not only is it all organic (which i no longer believe means bowls full of tasteless oats), but it has everything, it's delicious and even though you would think the 100% organic thing would make it $$$$$$ its really not reflected in the price. It's new york and its a perfect filet mignon (the most expensive thing on the menu) for under $30 that's a pretty good deal without the organic thrown in if you ask me. So i'd definitely say check it out try something new and you will NOT be disappointed!

Pros: ORGANIC, food, flavor, nice waiter, full bar, location

Cons: nada

Posted 11/02/08

Had high hopes for Gusto but all 3 of us were somewhat disappointed (in the food; service was great). One of us had the steak salad; she said the meat was good but had no seasonings...boring. One of us had the vegetable pizza; also somewhat flavorless and the crust was quite similar to a matzo or a cracker. Not really a "pizza." I had the lentil stew; I figured a stew would have more than just lentils in it, but it was just a big bowl of lentils in a tomato-based sauce. It tasted good but after the 20th spoonful of lentils, it got a little tedious. It's a stew! How about throwing in a few carrots or something?! However, the empanadas were delicious, and pretty cheap. Overall I'd say it's way too much money for what you get. Won't be going back. Buh-bye, Gusto.

Pros: Organic, fresh.

Cons: Expensive, flavorless.

Posted 10/05/08

highly recommended!!

just went there for lunch with my husband the other day and the food was phenomenal..it's so great to have a 100% organic restaurant where all the items on the menu are organic and you don't have to pick and choose..the blended drinks are a must have...i had one called the suave and it was delicious plus the woman who prepared it gave us the extra leftover in another glass for my husband which he loved.

we are definitely going back to check out dinner next time!

Posted 07/11/08

Excellent unprocessed food- a true discovery! Everything is made fresh that day- how can you go wrong w/good fresh ingredients? I recommend tasting the food and deciding for yourself!! There are a lot of great choices (the options change daily)! I'll give five stars to this place, and of course, I'll keep going there.

Pros: Amazing ambience, great healthy food

Cons: haven't found any yet.

Posted 07/11/08

I'm 12 years old and i think Gusto Grill was one of the best restaurants i have ever eaten at in the city. Everything from the first bite i took to the very end of my meat was fabulous. You can eat as much as yuo want and yet when you leave you feel energetic. After most meals i normally feel tired and bloded but i felt amazing after eating this food.Also its not only good for you it good for the enviorment which is in desprate need of our help. it think people of any age would engoy would enjoy Gusto Grill

Pros: amazing food

Cons: service was birt slow

Posted 07/07/08

We recently learned about Gusto Organics through a friend who graduated from the Institute For Integrative Nutrition. We met with her at Gusto for a graduation dinner, and so much enjoyed the ambiance and food that we decided to return the following week for a dual birthday celebration dinner party.
What impressed us the most about Gusto was how the staff handled our group of 20 people so well, especially since we had made reservations for 12 people! We arrived and were seated promptly, our orders were placed and delivered qiuickly without any confusion, and Gusto was very accommodating with us bringing in a birthday cake and several bottles of organic wine. Our guests had an amazing time--all of them commented on the refreshing ambiance--just the right combination of indoors and outdoors with the opening to the sidewalk. It is so nice to enjoy summer evening weather at a tasty restaurant where we can feel the outdoors. Everyone enjoyed the food, and since our group is quite holistic in nature, they were all pleased with the organic menu and natural approach with which which the restaurant is run. Friends especially commented on how delicious and flavorful the filet mignon, pizzas, and lentil stew were. Also, the owner and managers clearly take pride in what they have to offer. For sure we will return, both for intimate dining experiences, and for group celebrations.

Pros: Location, ambiance, service, menu

Posted 07/05/08

I've orderd delivery from here many time and they never let me down. All the sandwhiches and main courses are nice sized portions of quality ingrediants prepared by people who apparently care what they do, I normally would recoil at the thought of eating "health" food, but this place happens to make healthy and delicious, Try the steak sandwich or anything else on the menu (ask for the special of the day)....you'll be glad you did. And do not forget to try anything that has caramel (dulce the leche).

Pros: Healthy Food, ambiance, design, service

Cons: -

Posted 07/02/08

As a vegetarian woman, who contributes to mainstream sustainable lifestyles through various media projects, I organized a dinner for my friends last Sunday.

More than 25 came and I could use the experience of my past three GUSTO meals. as to make recommendations.: The mushroom pizza, the Maria melted cheese, the spinach salad and the bean soup, as they are my favorites. I also ordered some pitchers with the homemade lemonade; it tastes just the way my mother used to make it!

I would love to organize another ORGANIC summer dinner at GUSTO Grilled Organics and can highly recommend this restaurant, where not only the food is great, but also the ambiance and the overall experience!

Posted 06/29/08

So I was walking with my friends to Union Square and on the corner of the 14th Street and 6th Avenue we saw a very attractive cafe outside, and we walk down and it's name was there, Gusto Grilled Organics, the Host, from the moment we approached took good care of us, he took great care on explaining to us the story of the restaurant and their goal, probably the mission and vision of the company, which was really interesting. My friends and I were fascinated by this. Then the waiter came and took our order, which since we were new, she recommended some dishes, which were fabulous. Everything in this restaurant is amazing, the atmosphere, the people that work there, they have such a good energy. My friends and I will definitely come back soon!

Pros: Ambience, Food, Smoothies

Cons: Parking

Posted 06/26/08

So the restaurant looks great from outside and inside... super luxury design, open space into 6th Ave., nice setting and atmosphere... But once you sit on the lovley chairs the problems just begin... The waiters have no clue what they do, when you came, if you are ready to order or not, how the meals are cooked or what they made of, they don't pay attention to what you need or ask, and after (way to) long time they are all coming with the same extra piece of lemon you requested 20 minutes ago... The service was a disaster from all the waiters, who even brought us the check without asking in we want a desert... considering the fact that we were there Saturday eve and the restaurant, which is big, was 80% vacant, I would call it: Stupidity. Food? well... although organic, it lacks basic creativeness and inspiration. The dishes me and my girlfriend got were very average, something you can prepare alone at home, (the mix greens salad was basically like a bag of mix green they could bought in any supermarket plus 5 cherry tomatos and balsamic on the side...) and very small sizes (the Steak and the pastas). Be aware: as of now, they don't have a license for Alcohol so you won't find there even red wine... In general: a huge disapointment. Wouldn't go back for a while.

Pros: Design, Ambience

Cons: Service disaster, small size dishes, below average food, no alcohol and wines

Posted 05/30/08

Gusto is my favorite restaurant in New York City. I've been everywhere from STK, Le Souke, DB, Cippriani's, Cafeteria, Coffee Shop, Spice Market, Nobu, and the list goes on... and on... and on.

I've had breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. All are phenomenal. Meeting the owner, Alberto, shows you exactly why this restaurant is destined for success. His passion and true belief for starting this restaurant is simply to bring quality food and service to the people.

The only complaint, if anything, that I would say would be their service. Only for the "New York Minute". The restaurant serves catered to its culture, however they are quickly adapting to the big apple.

This amazing experience is to dine for!

Pros: Ambience, location, brunch, people, food, EVERYTHING

Cons: service

Posted 05/27/08

Had a business dinner here last week and was blown away. We had no idea what we were in for, but as soon as we walked up and saw the wide open floor to ceiling windows and beautiful high back (comfortable) chairs we were excited. Fortunately our dinner mates were into food so we tried lots of different choices. Arugula was the freshest I've ever tasted, brocoli soup, margherita pizza and some delightfully lite and breezy banana drink for dessert. All four entrees were spot on. It may be all in our heads but we remarked how good we felt after dinner! Met the owner too. Will definitely go back with friends.

Pros: fresh food from the farm

Cons: none

Posted 05/13/08

Thank you so much!! finally somthing different !.
I live in n.y.c for 24 years now. I don't know how to cook so I go out every night for dinner.
I have to say that my experiance in the first 100% organic restaurant in the city, was 100% great!!!!!!!.
The service was amazing, I even got a fuly overlook of the restaurant by the floor maneger!.
I tried the one of a kind pizza they have!!! recomended! ( I think it was Napolitana....), a banana and strewberry fruit blend, WOOOW!!!!, and a home made flan for dessert, try it!!!.
so it been two weeks since my last visit to gustorganics and I can't waite for next time!.
keep on the good work!!

Posted 05/07/08

gusto is a wonderful restaurant with a lot of potential. it's still very young and working out the kinks (the service is a little too relaxed..) but the quality of the food and the atmosphere definitely compensate. the pizza is amazinggg, my friend and i share one as an appetizer every time we go. they have lots of different choices, i can't even recommend one. the salads are creative, with fresh fruit and cheese. I'm a vegetarian, but I've since brought my father who has a very discerning palate when it comes to steak and he was very pleased. it's worth noting that whenever the owner is in house, he himself is very attentive to guests.. he came right over when he noticed my fathers steak was too rare and took it back to the kitchen. very personable and obviously passionate about his restaurant. oh oh and also, DEFINITELY try the classico.. it's a really smooth banana drink that makes a yummy cold dessert. or breakfast. or any time because honestly, it's that freaking good.
sooo overall, gusto is a beautiful restaurant with wonderful, fresh food. once the service issues are figured out, it might actually be perfect...

Pros: fresh, innovative, finally a great entirely organic restaurant

Cons: service is an issue..

Posted 05/07/08

Great concept! Welcome to the neighborhood!
100% organic & green business. We need more initiatives like these in our city, good example.
Love empanadas and the best fruit blends I?ve ever tried!
I can really write a long list of amazing food from this place!
Don't miss the crepes on breakfast & brunch.
Service is good and everybody has a great attitude.
Delivery needs to be improved.

Pros: Food is unbelievable! All fresh!

Cons: I live 3 blocks away and delivery is too slow

Posted 05/06/08

The food was fantastic, but i think i'll get take out next time. The service sucked from the minute we sat down. It was probably his first serving job, but we had a young asian kid as our server. In a way, we must have lucked out, because the sever came over to us in about 15minutes. Unfortunately, the table next to me was skipped, and mentioned that they waited about 20 minutes for someone to come over. There were 3 servers working...probably understffed. There didn't seem to be a manager on the floor, unless it was the man at the front desk sitting on a stool.
By the time the server came over, we of course new what we wanted to order. They didn't have enough wine menus, so i actually said "bring over a bottle of anything white". The server said he'd find a menu in a few minutes....not that i really needed one. Needless to say, we never saw the server again, until we had to go to the front dest to get our check.
I'm not quite sure if i'll reccomend this place to anyone yet. The food was fresh and spoke for itself. They would benefit from a knoledgable staff. If every table in my area wasn't dieing to get out of that restaurant, due to lack of attention, i'm sure people would stick around and order dessert.....or in my case, get a bottle of wine.

Pros: Great food

Cons: poor service

Posted 04/18/08

Pizza of this quality doesn't come cheap, but the price is fair for the quality and quantity of ingredients. This is just great grilled pizza and there's not much more to say. Don't miss this place while you?re in New York.
I can dine here guilt free and in sheer bliss, the taste sensations and organic vegetables and fruits make for one happy palate. The staff has always been friendly also, which just adds to the experience. Words don't do it justice, one must go there and experience it first hand. You also feel GOOD afterwards, not stuffed and lethargic. Another thing I love is how willing they are to share a smoothie recipe or tell you what type of kitchen gadget they used to do something. My only wish is that they continue coming up with more cool dishes to try. Also, the breakfast there is really good! Pastries are excellent!

Pros: freshest ingredients, varied menu (change eveyday!), amazing food

Posted 03/17/08

We went to this restaurant for dinner and I was really surprised to learn that the whole restaurant is 100% organic. I heart that it is the only organic restaurant in Manhattan. The food was great and healthy. It looks like all the food is Argentinean. I recommend the steak and the "empanadas".
The service was great and very friendly but most important the quality of the food is amazing...
I believe that if you like good food (not really American but more European) you will enjoy this place.

Pros: quality of the food, deserve a detour to the area

Cons: for now it is Bring your alcohol... they mentioned that they will have full organic spirits very soon!

Posted 03/06/08