Tucked into the Portside precinct, Gusto Da Gianni strikes that lovely balance between warm and intimate without veering into overly formal. It’s got that old-school Italian charm—mood lighting, low hum of conversation, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to order a bottle of wine and settle in for the night.
We did just that. Except we swapped the wine for their house cocktail.
First things first—the house cocktail deserves a moment
The Gusto Da Gianni cocktail arrived early, and thank goodness for that. A thyme-infused vodka base with Pomme de Verde, citrus, and just enough sweetness from the syrup to round things out. It was herbaceous, sharp, and not at all heavy-handed. It’s the kind of drink that makes you pause after the first sip and say, “Yep. Good choice.”
Antipasto that hits all the right notes
From the starters, the misto salumi was the hands-down favourite. A beautiful mix of fennel salami, mortadella, Prosciutto di Parma, and bresaola—each with its own texture and flavour, all sliced just right. It was generous, well-balanced, and had that classic, no-fuss Italian soul.
The potato and truffle croquettes held their own too. Golden and crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with earthy flavour. The fermented black garlic mayo gave it a nice punch—definitely a rich little bite, but very moreish.
Wagyu, two ways—both mouthwateringly good
For mains, we doubled down on Wagyu. The Cabassi MB 8+ rump cap steak (picanha) was all buttery marbling and deep flavour. Cooked spot-on, tender but still beefy, with a peppercorn sauce that added just enough heat without overpowering it.
But the standout for me? The braised Wagyu beef cheeks. Fall-apart tender, nestled into a silky potato purée, with a rich, glossy jus that brought the whole thing together. Comfort food done exceptionally well. If you’re a slow-cooked meat person, this one’s a no-brainer.
We also need to talk about the sweet potato chips. These were, somehow, the crispiest we’ve had—none of that soggy middle or chewiness that sweet potato chips often suffer from. Just crunchy, golden edges and a soft, sweet interior. Honestly, they could’ve been a snack on their own.
The steamed greens did their job—simple, fresh, and very welcome after two rich cuts of beef.
A little something sweet to finish
We wrapped things up with a shared semifreddo, and honestly, it was almost too pretty to eat. Topped with delicate edible flowers and the soft tartness of raspberries, it brought a much-needed lightness after all the rich, savoury dishes. Creamy and cool with just the right amount of sweetness, it balanced the meal perfectly without feeling like an afterthought.
Final thoughts
Gusto Da Gianni delivers on what you want from a great Italian night out: warmth, quality, and a bit of indulgence. Every dish felt thoughtful without being fussy, and the overall experience struck that sweet spot between relaxed and refined.
Whether you’re in it for silky salumi, melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks, or just chasing the crispiest sweet potato chips in town, this is the kind of place you find yourself recommending the next day.
We left full, happy, and already planning a return visit. Next time? We’re ordering extra croquettes and not sharing.
Gusto Da Gianni, Portside Wharf Remora Road Hamilton, Hamilton. P. (07) 3868 2011
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
