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Retro Gusto, Ottawa, ON

Retro Gusto

4.8
4.8
336 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Italian
Retrogusto is a pizzeria and bar that brings some much needed excitement to the north end of Preston street. We serve a Roman style pizza "Tonda", traditional roman fried snacks, salumi, cheeses and other small plates. Our food will be complimented by a small wine list that will be in constant rotation, strictly Italian classic cocktails, and beautiful amaro's from around Italy. The warm, cozy, dimly lit dining room with an open kitchen will be the perfect place to do the only thing that matters; eat good food, drink good wine and have a good time with friends.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 17 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (613) 234-5747
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress

What 336 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Ottawa

    Best Overall

  • Ottawa

    Best Service

  • Ottawa

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Ottawa

    Italian

  • Ottawa

    Best Overall

  • Ottawa

    Best Service

  • Ottawa

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Ottawa

    Italian

336 Reviews
  1. InesK

    Ottawa

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have enjoyed Retro Gusto in the past, but have not visited in the last year. I’m not sure if they lost a skilled chef or are experiencing other difficulties but the pizza was inedible. Gone was the chewy, yummy dough and is replaced by cardboard-like dough as well as disappointing toppings. We had several pizzas and each one was a disappointment. From unseasoned white pizza to raw pancetta, it was underwhelming. The service was 5 starts as per usual, the server was super friendly and accommodating. For this reason alone I would come back but fear the food, as pizza is the only main dish at Retro. Ambiance is a lovely, casual spot that’s equally great for date night as is for a family outing.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    First time coming here. Server was excellent!! He was very attentive. The pizza was delicious. We are planning on coming back soon!

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  3. CeliaK

    Edmonton

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Extremely expensive but greasy and not flavorful food. It was loud and service was overbearing.

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  4. RebeccqL

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing service and a much needed mainstay in the city. We went over our seating and received impeccable service, moving us to the bar so we could continue our evening. The food was tasty and the timing was seamless.

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  5. Pasha

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great night out with friends; they really enjoyed the restaurant!

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  6. NancyJ

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Service was pretty slow and the pizza was room temperature

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  7. Kiki

    Ottawa

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was wonderful. The sauce on the squash rings was a bit too much and they got soggy. Otherwise everything was delicious! Great atmosphere and service too.

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  8. Lindsay

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Retro Gusto is a must-try! The ambience and atmosphere can't be beat. Even on a week night this place will be busy. We enjoyed a delicious Silician wine with our appetizers. The table favourite was the prosciutto, burrata, fresh bread and hot honey. The pizza was amazing. Thanks to our server whose in-depth knowledge of the menu made our night great. Can't recommend this place enough!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a wonderful time. The food, drinks, and service were all exceptional and we’ll definitely be back!

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  10. Rich

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely delicious food and service. It was a great treat for a special birthday!!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was good, would definitely visit again. Our server was awesome though. Explained the menu, was attentive but not overbearing and very sweet.

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  12. SP99

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Going back soon! Drinks were amazing! The pizza was delish!

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  13. SarahG

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    went for my birthday(but have been more than once before), and it is always an awesome experience here! the ambience the people, the atmosphere, the smell i’m a fan of all of it. we we’re a party of four who ordered non-alcoholic drinks and all got a differently decorated pizza. one bill came to right below $150, totally worth the value! i love this place, will definitely come back soon!

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  14. KathyL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the food and wine and was super nice but we found it a bit overwhelming when she started talking about all the things on the menu. It’s great that she informed us but it was way too much to take in when we first arrived. Also, we were told that our table was needed for someone else for the next seating. It would have been nice to know that we had a time limit when the reservation was made. Had we decided on coffee and dessert we would have had to rush out the door. Luckily we only had appetizers and our main. Other than these two points the food was good and the service was great!

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  15. FoodieMD

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great evening, delicious food - the tiramisu was the best I ever had! All the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely go back again!

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  16. KatM

    Ottawa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very tasty, generous portions. Would definitely recommend!

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  17. MarieD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ambiance incroyable, bouffe incroyable 🤩 le serveur nous a donné un service en or !! Pour une première visite, nous sommes conquis 💗

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  18. PasqualeD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best pizza I have ever eaten. Our waiter was friendly, personable, efficient. The energy of the restaurant was so positive. I would highly recommend Retro Gusto.

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  19. LorettaM

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Many thanks for another awesome evening out at your fine resto. Grazie mille.

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  20. Nicole

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and drinks were great and service was super friendly and prompt. I loved the ambiance of the restaurant as well! Would 100% go back.

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  21. Lolololololol

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing wine.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a wonderful experience. Their new menu is so delicious and they were very knowledgeable with helping us choose our wine. Can’t wait to go back!

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  23. JeremieL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Première fois à ce restaurant avec des amis, meilleur pizza que nous avons mangé depuis notre voyage en Italie. Notre serveur qui parlait aussi le Français était super bon et accueillant. Je recommande à tout le monde!

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  24. RGOTTAwa

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our service last night was excellent, our waitress was excellent. Very polite, wanted to help at any moment. Great night A++++ -Skellington

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  25. KimC

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The Salami pizza had too much honey on it and it was really nothing special. Very expensive for an ordinary (very sweet) pizza. Service was good.

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  26. ManonP

    Ottawa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was a wonderful discovery. Amazing drinks, wine and Italian food. Super thin, crispy pizza with interesting toppings. Our waiter Joey was incredible. I can’t remember the last time that I had such a great waiter. He was so perfect, personable, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. He guided us in our selections but gave us perfect space and didn’t push anything on us. His timing and service was magical. Can’t wait to go back! Bonus is the parking available behind the place.

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  27. LorettaM

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super FAB eatery. Energetic vibe. Loved the space. Top notch service. And food was delicious.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved it. Our service was excellent… would have liked the wine served a little more quickly. Wine selection is outstanding. The food and ambience outstanding. The service was very very good. This place is a gem… understated gourmet experience. P.s. the wine selection is so refined … LIVED IT

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing place, great food + service. Unfortunately no lasagna bites on the menu anymore but tons of other good stuff.

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  30. CarsonR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, personable and attentive, food was beyond high quality and delicious. The overall experience leaves us wanting to go back often, and will recommend to friends and family.

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  31. EliBM

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always great. We try something new everytime we go and everything's a winner.

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  32. Brigitte

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    great service & great food… had the carbonara pizza… amazing.. and crudo pizza was delicious - burrata was so so fresh ! please try their hot honey, you won’t regret it.

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  33. AdamG

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great meal, awesome little vibe. Would recommend to anyone.

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  34. ArrJay

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I marked “birthday” on the reservation, but there was no attempt to recognize my boyfriend’s birthday. They didn’t even ask. I don’t know what the point is of marking the holiday if the server isn’t going to do anything.

    1 person found this helpful

  35. Rayy

    Ottawa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I booked a reservation for 5 people through Open Table and the restaurant accepted and confirmed it very quickly. When we arrived we were able to get in and to our table immediately with no wait. The restaurant had a great ambiance, on the darker side with excellent decor. The service was exceptional, super attentive and informative. The woman helping us took the time to explain the drinks and food menu to us so we knew what they had and what they were. They were very accommodating to any substitutions needed and even offered mocktail options for those of us who weren't drinking. Some of the things we ordered were the fried squash appetizer and the burrata pizza. They were both done very well, the burrata which is made in-house was fresh, creamy and delicious. Overall a great experience for food and service. Will be back soon!

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  36. MiloG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious and the staff was courteous, informative and friendly. A small menu of well thought out and tasty dishes with quality ingredients. Can’t wait to go back, already craving the tiramisu.

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  37. Alicia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere, super friendly and helpful service. Delicious food and cocktails. Would definitely go again and recommend to anyone looking for a great date night spot

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  38. Peppersprout

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing pizzas and delicious cocktails. We particularly liked the negronis.

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  39. CindyM

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The pizza is always so good and service amazing. Negronis are perfect

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Felt too rushed! I wasn’t sure why it felt like our server was always checking in on us but it felt like he just wanted to move us along. Noise level too high, it was hard to focus on conversation. Else, pizza was great.

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FAQs

Retro Gusto is rated 4.8 stars by 336 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 17 times today
Google Map for Retro Gusto

122 Preston St, Ottawa, ON ON K1R 7P2

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Little Italy
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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