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Welcome to Retro Gusto

Retro Gusto, located on Preston Street in Ottawa, offers a vibrant dining experience that beautifully marries nostalgia with culinary excellence. Stepping into this charming eatery feels like entering an 80s time capsule, complete with warm decor and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests rave about the fried mortadella and the thin-crust pizzas, each bursting with flavor—from zesty spicy salami to delightful arugula burrata. The inventive appetizers, like mozzarella in carrozza and lamb skewers, receive high praise, while the dessert selection, particularly the pistachio and chocolate cannolis, provides a perfect sweet ending. With attentive service and a lively charm, Retro Gusto is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Retro Gusto: Reviews & Ratings

Marie-Eve Giguere
Marie-Eve Giguere

Fantastic first visit! The service was friendly, efficient, and spot-on with their recommendations. • The food was outstanding—especially the fried mortadella, which was a highlight. The pizza was incredibly delicious with a thin crust, flavorful sausages, and a rich, vibrant tomato paste that tied everything together beautifully. We ended the meal with pistachio and chocolate cannolis, which were the perfect sweet finish. • The retro atmosphere adds a funky charm that makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommended!”

Umaruu chu
Umaruu chu

The pizzas were thin-bottomed and crispy, and each of the three of us ordered one, and each flavor was delicious! Spicy salami. arugula Burrata. homemade meatballs with mozzarella. The appetizers were also super special, with lasagna eggplant, fried risotto, and squares of pork with interesting textures. Retro Gusto is highly recommended for those who like to eat freshly baked thin crust pizzas right away, but also want to sit down and have appetizers and desserts at the restaurant. Make a reservation in advance!

Sarah Dadfar
Sarah Dadfar

absolutely loved my first time at retro gusto ! went for a work dinner and ordered plenty of apps to share. the retro caesar definitely lived up to the hype- I do not eat bacon, but the restaurant accommodated it being ordered it on the side and everyone else seemed to really enjoy it. suppli was hot and fresh- I definitely recommend it with the chili oil hot honey. I’m a huge fan of lamb and the skewers did not disappoint- the salsa verde mayo on top was to die for. beef for the carpaccio was sliced perfectly and the toppings complimented the dish extremely well. as a main, I went for the margherita con bufala (which I completely forgot to take a photo of) and it was exceptional as well- the fior di latte is so, so fresh. I brought home the remaining half of the pizza and my partner devoured it immediately. service was great, comforting atmosphere (I love the orange acrylic in front of the kitchen)- overall, amazing experience. will definitely be back !

yalda
yalda

I couldn’t have asked for a better first visit. I came here to film a school project, and every single staff member was incredibly respectful, friendly, patient, and understanding. The interior is absolutely beautiful making it perfect for a hangout or even a date. Even though it was my first time here, I felt completely welcomed. The servers were extremely accommodating and took the time to chat, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can tell they genuinely enjoy their work as they were all smiles, which added so much to the 5-star experience. I had a great time and would absolutely recommend visiting this place. I’m thoroughly impressed and will definitely be back! BTW.... Delicious food!!!

Ioana Staicu
Ioana Staicu

Let me be clear: get a reservation. You can’t just wander into this place and expect a seat—it’s that good and that popular. Walking into Retro Gusto is like stepping into a time capsule to the 80s. Warm wooden paneling, playful decor, and a vibe that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly cool. The staff are charming and attentive—masters of the art of the gentle upsell, in the best possible way. Where this place truly shines is in its appetizers. The Mozzarella in Carrozza is playful and delicious—a true crowd-pleaser. The suppli and arrosticini (lamb skewers) are both must-tries, but if it’s your first time here, do yourself a favor and order the fried mortadella. It’s unforgettable. And of course, sharing a pizza is practically mandatory. For dessert, their cannoli are delightful, but I’d also recommend pairing your meal with a Campari-based cocktail for that extra touch of Italian authenticity. All in all, Retro Gusto is a gem of a spot—one you’ll want to return to again and again. Just don’t forget to book that table!

Rabieh Nassrallah
Rabieh Nassrallah

A 5 star review isn't enough to describe the experience at Retro Gusto. Not only was the food delicious (arguably the best pizza in the city) but it also had a great, friendly ambiance. I think the cherry on top was the impeccable service from Mallory. Her ability to effectively deal with me and my many questions and provide great advice on what to order stood out. Her attention to small details that most other people don't think of elevated an already amazing experience. I'll be recommending Retro Gusto to anyone who will listen and I'll certainly be back!

Nickey H
Nickey H

Smooth experience overall - we had a reservation for 2 and just waited a couple of minutes for our table to be ready. The server was very friendly and overall good vibes. Loved the taste of the crust. We ordered the margherita and funghi pizzas - highly recommend the margherita topped with their honey and chili oil on the table. The funghi was good but not a standout in terms of flavour. Also had the fried lamb skewer which was better than I expected. Would return!

Heather Schultz
Heather Schultz

Went to Retro Gusto for dinner and had a wonderful dinner. Food included the special appetizer, pickled vegetables, cucumber salad, the Margherita pizza, and the Salamino pizza. Cocktails were heavy on the alcohol, but still very tasty. Server was friendly and personable. Had an intimate atmosphere. Would recommend for a date night.

Location

  • Retro Gusto
    122 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P2, Canada Hotline: +1 613-234-5747

Welcome to Retro Gusto, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Ottawa at 122 Preston St. This charming eatery whisks you away to the vibrant 80s with its warm wooden paneling and playful decor, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for casual hangouts or intimate dining experiences.

From the moment you step inside, you’re embraced by the friendly and attentive staff who genuinely enjoy their craft, ensuring your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Reservations are highly recommended—this popular spot consistently fills up, and for good reason!

One of the standout offerings at Retro Gusto is their fried mortadella, a dish hailed by many as unforgettable. It serves as the perfect precursor to their signature thin-crust pizzas, where every bite reveals a harmonious blend of flavorful toppings. Whether you opt for the spicy salami, arugula and burrata, or classic margherita con bufala, you are sure to be captivated by the freshness and quality of the ingredients.

Appetizers at Retro Gusto are equally impressive. Dishes such as suppli, arrosticini (lamb skewers), and the crowd-pleasing mozzarella in carrozza set the stage for a memorable meal. Diners rave about the rich, vibrant tomato sauce used in their pizzas, which adds a delectable depth to each bite. Moreover, don’t miss the chance to indulge in their decadent pistachio and chocolate cannolis for a sweet finish that rounds out your culinary adventure.

Guests appreciate the retro vibe not just for its aesthetics but also for its ability to create a warm and welcoming ambiance. The joint’s appeal is further accentuated by its mix of nostalgic charm and modern culinary flair. Whether you’re gathering for a work dinner, a romantic outing, or a fun night out with friends, Retro Gusto promises to deliver fantastic food alongside genuine hospitality.

With so much to offer, it's clear that Retro Gusto isn't just a restaurant—it's an experience you won’t want to miss. Make sure to drop by and discover the deliciousness that everyone is raving about!