Gusto Italian Café

This is simply one of the best restaurants you will ever go to. We’ve been multiple times already and will be continuing to frequent when we’re in the area. The food is phenomenal and the service is wonderful. My personal favorite is the Milano on fresh focaccia. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had! The breakfast sandwhiches are also great! I tried the Calabrese. Everyone is so kind and even threw in a sfogliatelle pastry to try for free. It was the best of the lot. Love this place and couldn’t recommend it more!

- Seth Thomas -

100 out of 10 – A Glorious (and even Gluten-Free) Dream at Gusto! We came to Center Harbor for a quick getaway, and what we found at Gusto was more than just a restaurant—it was a revelation. A hidden gem that blew us away with every single bite. Let’s start with the food—because WOW. I’m gluten-free, my husband isn’t, and we both agreed: this was the best Italian food we’ve both ever had. Truly, across the board. The kind of food you daydream about long after the last bite. We ended up eating nearly every meal of our 48-hour trip here—because we just couldn’t miss a single dish. The pesto? Life-altering. Fresh, vibrant, bursting with flavor—the best we’ve ever tasted.The pastas (GF and regular), the sandwiches, the smoothies, the desserts… every single item felt like it was prepared with passion and soul. The specials? Get them. Don’t even hesitate. And don’t leave without trying the pastries—we even grabbed some to go on our way out because we couldn’t resist. Whether gluten-free or not, you’ll be blown away by the depth of flavor and love packed into every bite. The GF desserts were next-level. The regular desserts? Equally divine. It was always buzzing, always joyful, and every meal felt like a celebration. And now, the people—because as extraordinary as the food is, the heart of Gusto is its team. Kira was the very first person we met, and she set the tone for the entire weekend. So kind, so thoughtful—she helped us find the perfect table for our special trip and greeted us like old friends. Her warmth stayed with us all weekend. We met Romina that first night—what a dear! She radiated happiness and made us feel so welcomed, like we were part of something special. Elena (who shares a name with the owner!) was pure sunshine. Over the weekend, we got to know her better, and every time we walked in, she made us feel like family. Raul—oh, Raul! He’s got a heart of gold. Truly one of the kindest souls. We laughed, chatted, and by the end of our visit, it felt like we were saying goodbye to an old friend. And Colin, who helped us with pastries on our way out—another total gem. Such a warm spirit and the perfect last impression of a place overflowing with goodness. Gusto isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a place where you’re fed in every sense of the word—body, heart, and soul. We’re already planning to come back on a future trip because once you’ve had a taste of Gusto… nothing else compares. Thank you for filling our hearts and bellies. We adore you!!

- Kyle Zamcheck -

Stunning Italian Café. Probably one of the most authentic Italian places you can go to in New Hampshire. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff are kind, and the food is so fresh. Prices are fair considering the economy and the pastries are a must have. If you’re craving Italian, stop searching and just come here. You won’t regret it!

- Nick Skafidas -

Food and coffee were great! Tried a smoothie and a pastry, also excellent. Everything looked so good! I just had breakfast and treats, but I can't wait to go back and try more options! Cool space right by the water!

- Jess Ehm -

I lived in Italy for two years, so I don’t say this lightly — finding a true taste of Italy in New Hampshire felt special. Gusto Caffe in Meredith is the closest I’ve come to being back there. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed like family. The warmth isn’t just service — it’s genuine. The baker is from Sicily, and you can taste that authenticity in every bite. Everything is fresh, simple, and absolutely heavenly. Raul makes the best cappuccino, and Elena greets you with the most beautiful smile. It’s not just a café — it’s an experience that brings you straight back to Italy.

- Nargiza Lutz -

Definitely a place you don’t want to drive by! I’ve never had anything here I didn’t like. They have something for everyone. As a vegetarian it’s nice to see an Italian sandwich option that isn’t a Caprese. I got the Palermo which is a chickpea fritter sandwich and it was so delicious! Light but yet filling which can be difficult with a vegetarian/vegan option. We also got some amazing pastries for later. Everything was so yummy and the service is just as incredible as the food!

- Meghan “MH456” Harris -

This is a great place. I was born in Italy and I am from a family of great cooks (my mother, sisters and my wife). Around good food constantly. The sandwiches are tremendous with their homemade foccaccia.The Milano sandwich (chicken cutlet with pesto, arugula, mozzarella and tomatoes) is ridiculously delicious. I have also had the sauce, which is real sauce not chunky tomatoes but just like true Italians like it. Espresso and Cappuccino is awesome and the Nutella ice coffee is a staple for us on a lazy summer afternoon on a boat ride. Cap that off with an almond cornetto (croissant) and you will be ready to fall in love. The owners are great and like me, Elena is right from Italy who speaks Italian beautifully. My kids and family love it. I bring my 95 year old mother (who is still very active lives and cooks for herself and whoever decides to vist) up from the North End, She loves it as well and she loves Elena. Pretty cool, romantic story on how Elena and her husband met in Italy as well. This place used to be a wrll kept secret a while ago but the word is now out. It can get very busy. Only thing that I would like to see get better is the pizza. Other than that, it is fantastic. Ciao, Ralph P. Questo è un posto fantastico e molto autentico. Sono estremamente felice e orgoglioso dei proprietari per aver portato un locale come questo sulle rive del nostro splendido lago. Vi auguro un continuo successo. Ciao, Raffaele P.

- Ralph P. -

What an amazing place, Gustos is pushing out good authentic Italian cuisine. The food was very fresh and delicious. It was pretty busy when we went but the service was very fast and the staff were very kind. Definitely coming back often and soon.

- brady filiault -