Skyline views
The terrace and balcony give diners wide views across Dubai Creek, the skyline and, in some seats, Burj Khalifa.
Gusto Italian Restaurant
Deira
Gusto Italian Restaurant is an elevated Italian dining spot in Deira, set on the 18th floor of Al Bandar Rotana. Customers come for the Dubai Creek and skyline views, then settle in for dishes such as fresh pasta, pizza, steak and tiramisu in a cosy indoor or terrace setting.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
802 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Italian dishes
Reviews highlight carefully prepared pasta, pizza, carbonara, risotto and other dishes with fresh, balanced flavours.
Strong desserts
Tiramisu repeatedly stands out, described as silky, delicious and a memorable finish to dinner.
Warm service
Many diners describe the team as attentive and welcoming, with service that feels polished without being intrusive.
Special occasions
Birthday and anniversary guests reported thoughtful touches, including a pre-arranged surprise and complimentary tiramisu.
Dietary flexibility
One guest with food intolerances received tailored ordering help and freshly cooked gluten-free bread.
Relaxed setting
The calm music, cosy design and indoor-outdoor choice suit both date nights and unhurried dinners with friends.
What to Eat at Gusto Italian Restaurant How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Gusto Italian Restaurant, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at Gusto Italian Restaurant got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 5
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Tiramisu Net +6
“The desserts are equally impressive – the tiramisu is a highlight you won't want to miss!”
Positive 6Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The desserts are equally impressive – the tiramisu is a highlight you won't want to miss!”June 2025
“As a sweet surprise, they treated us to complimentary tiramisu, which was the perfect end to a delicious meal.”April 2025
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Arancini Net +2
“I kicked things off with fresh, crusty bread and dips, followed by golden arancini that were crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavor.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I kicked things off with fresh, crusty bread and dips, followed by golden arancini that were crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavor.”January 2026
“The beef carpaccio and the arancini balls were delicious, and the duck ragu was very good as well.”December 2025
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Beef carpaccio Net +2
“The beef carpaccio and the arancini balls were delicious, and the duck ragu was very good as well.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The beef carpaccio and the arancini balls were delicious, and the duck ragu was very good as well.”December 2025
“We began with two starters: the beef carpaccio, beautifully prepared with finely sliced raw beef – incredibly fresh, delicate, and full of flavor – and the salmon crudo, equally refined and perfectly balanced.”December 2025
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Caprese salad Net +2
“I also recommend trying the caprese salad, it is very tasty.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I also recommend trying the caprese salad, it is very tasty.”April 2025
“Had some caprese salad with a steak and pana cotta but my friend had the fish and tiramisu. We loved it.”February 2026
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Chicken parmesan Net +2
“The chicken parmesan dish was equally impressive.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chicken parmesan dish was equally impressive.”December 2024
“The food was authentic and delicious, with highlights like the flavorful Chicken Parmesan, creamy Risotto ai Funghi, and the vibrant Panzanella Ala Gusto salad.”January 2025
Honorable mentions (16)
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Berry salad Net +1
“We finished with desserts: the berry salad and tiramisu, both excellent, with the tiramisu being a real highlight.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We finished with desserts: the berry salad and tiramisu, both excellent, with the tiramisu being a real highlight.”December 2025
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Cappucino Net +1
“My cappucino was even better.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My cappucino was even better.”December 2024
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Duck ragu Net +1
“The beef carpaccio and the arancini balls were delicious, and the duck ragu was very good as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The beef carpaccio and the arancini balls were delicious, and the duck ragu was very good as well.”December 2025
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Fried calamari Net +1
“I highly recommend their fried calamari.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend their fried calamari.”December 2024
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Gluten free bread Net +1
“Also I was surprised by freshly cooked gluten free bread🍞! Wow!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Also I was surprised by freshly cooked gluten free bread🍞! Wow!”April 2025
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Lamb chops Net +1
“The lamb chops were cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, while the carbonara was rich, creamy, and authentically done – truly satisfying.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The lamb chops were cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, while the carbonara was rich, creamy, and authentically done – truly satisfying.”December 2025
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Mushroom risotto Net +1
“We ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara, Mushroom Risotto, and finished with the steak—everything was absolutely delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara, Mushroom Risotto, and finished with the steak—everything was absolutely delicious!”August 2024
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Pana cotta Net +1
“Had some caprese salad with a steak and pana cotta but my friend had the fish and tiramisu. We loved it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Had some caprese salad with a steak and pana cotta but my friend had the fish and tiramisu. We loved it.”February 2026
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Panzanella ala gusto salad Net +1
“The food was authentic and delicious, with highlights like the flavorful Chicken Parmesan, creamy Risotto ai Funghi, and the vibrant Panzanella Ala Gusto salad.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was authentic and delicious, with highlights like the flavorful Chicken Parmesan, creamy Risotto ai Funghi, and the vibrant Panzanella Ala Gusto salad.”January 2025
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Pizza Net +1
“The pizza was the star of the table—perfectly blistered crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous toppings that tasted authentically Italian and beautifully balanced.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The pizza was the star of the table—perfectly blistered crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous toppings that tasted authentically Italian and beautifully balanced.”January 2026
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Risotto Net +1
“The risotto was creamy perfection! Impeccable service and a lovely atmosphere complete the experience. Highly recommended!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The risotto was creamy perfection! Impeccable service and a lovely atmosphere complete the experience. Highly recommended!”November 2025
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Risotto ai funghi Net +1
“The food was authentic and delicious, with highlights like the flavorful Chicken Parmesan, creamy Risotto ai Funghi, and the vibrant Panzanella Ala Gusto salad.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was authentic and delicious, with highlights like the flavorful Chicken Parmesan, creamy Risotto ai Funghi, and the vibrant Panzanella Ala Gusto salad.”January 2025
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Salmon Net +1
“The meal was nothing short of extraordinary; the steak was perfectly cooked and incredibly tender, while the salmon had a unique, unforgettable flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The meal was nothing short of extraordinary; the steak was perfectly cooked and incredibly tender, while the salmon had a unique, unforgettable flavor.”September 2024
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Salmon crudo Net +1
“We began with two starters: the beef carpaccio, beautifully prepared with finely sliced raw beef – incredibly fresh, delicate, and full of flavor – and the salmon crudo, equally refined and perfectly balanced.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We began with two starters: the beef carpaccio, beautifully prepared with finely sliced raw beef – incredibly fresh, delicate, and full of flavor – and the salmon crudo, equally refined and perfectly balanced.”December 2025
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Spicy beef pepperoni pizza Net +1
“Loved loved loved the spicy beef pepperoni pizza and its a must have if you are dining here.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Loved loved loved the spicy beef pepperoni pizza and its a must have if you are dining here.”December 2024
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Steak cooked medium rare Net +1
“I ordered the steak cooked medium rare and it was absolutely perfect. Juicy, tender, and melted in the mouth with every bite. One of the best steaks I’ve had in a long time.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the steak cooked medium rare and it was absolutely perfect. Juicy, tender, and melted in the mouth with every bite. One of the best steaks I’ve had in a long time.”July 2025
Drinks 3
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French wine Net +1
“Both starters were outstanding and paired beautifully with our white wine and French wine, which elevated the whole experience.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Both starters were outstanding and paired beautifully with our white wine and French wine, which elevated the whole experience.”December 2025
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Fruit-infused red wine Net +1
“Mr Georgia made me special delicious fruit-infused red wine, make me very surprised , the waiter Ms Neteri warmed let me test different wine until I find which I like, and help me take beautiful photos and always smile , she really cured me.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Mr Georgia made me special delicious fruit-infused red wine, make me very surprised , the waiter Ms Neteri warmed let me test different wine until I find which I like, and help me take beautiful photos and always smile , she really cured me.”February 2025
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White wine Net +1
“Both starters were outstanding and paired beautifully with our white wine and French wine, which elevated the whole experience.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Both starters were outstanding and paired beautifully with our white wine and French wine, which elevated the whole experience.”December 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Reserve outdoors. Book terrace seating ahead, especially for Valentine’s or sunset; outdoor tables were already booked for an early-arriving couple.
Try sunset. Plan an outdoor meal around sunset for the Creek and Burj Khalifa skyline backdrop highlighted by several diners.
Ask about allergies. Tell the team about intolerances when ordering; one guest received a customised dish and freshly cooked gluten-free bread.
Check offers. If using the Entertainer app, confirm the offer details before ordering because one guest found the terms confusing.
Consider brunch. Saturday brunch is another option, with generous portions and dishes including Chicken Parmesan and Risotto ai Funghi.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Baniyas Rd
Riggat Al Buteen, Dubai
Common Concerns
Mixed food
A small number of diners found the food average or criticised its Italian authenticity, despite many positive reviews.
Value concerns
One review felt the pricing did not fully match the food quality.
Booking changes
A Valentine’s booking confirmation was followed by an unexpected advance-payment request two days before dinner.
Indoor seating
Outdoor tables can be unavailable even when arriving early, so a confirmed booking may still mean sitting indoors.
Service lapses
One nearly empty evening felt rushed, and a staff member removed a glass without explaining why.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Gusto Italian Restaurant is a Deira dining room on the 18th floor of Al Bandar Rotana, where the Dubai Creek and city skyline are a major part of the experience. Choose between indoor seating and a terrace or balcony, then order Italian favourites such as carbonara, fresh pasta, pizza, steak, seafood or tiramisu. The Burj Khalifa view is especially striking around sunset.
Food reviews are largely enthusiastic: diners mention crisp pizza, creamy risotto, tender steak, balanced carbonara and a tiramisu that several people consider a highlight. The atmosphere is described as cosy, elegant and relaxed, with music that works for date nights, celebrations and dinners with friends. Service is another consistent strength, although individual experiences vary.
For a special occasion, reserve outdoor seating well ahead. One Valentine’s Day guest arrived early but found all outdoor tables taken, while another birthday diner had a surprise arranged from a note on the reservation. Guests with allergies or intolerances should explain them before ordering; the kitchen accommodated one off-menu request and provided gluten-free bread.
A few reviews question value or authenticity, and one reported an unexpected advance-payment request, so confirm booking terms and any app offers before you go.