Welcoming in the festive season at Gusto Leeds Christmas Party Nights

Gusto, 10 Greek Street, Leeds LS1 5RU
0113 200 5920
Our first Christmas Dinner of the year to welcome in the festive season, was spent last Tuesday at Gusto’s Greek Street Leeds restaurant, for the start of their Christmas Party Nights.
As soon as we walked in the place oozed with atmosphere. Decorated with parquet floor, plush leather booths and beautifully lit olive trees throughout the restaurant, it is a beautiful place to dine at this time of year. To add to this the live entertainment for the evening, ‘Danny Wares 4-piece funk band’ were just getting started.
   
Cocktails first of course. I went for a ‘Cucumber and Elderflower Martini’ and my partner a ‘Negroni’, not very festive but perfectly executed and a great way to start the evening.
   
The menu had a great selection of dishes so we took some time debating what to go for. To start I chose their ‘Peppered Mackerel Crostini‘, with chive mascarpone and whole grain mustard dressing. Presented beautifully on lightly toasted sour dough bread, the mackerel was paired perfectly with the chive mascarpone. The whole grain dressing was also a great addition to lift the dish.

My partner went for ‘Smoked Duck Salad‘, with pomegranate, orange and aged balsamic. No need to get food envy as we shared both. A fresh, colourful and seasonal dish. The mandarin segments cut through the rich tender duck and the added crunch of the crispy onions and pomegranates were delicious.

We were off to a great start and really enjoying the band, the restaurant was full with hustle and bustle, with people dancing in their chairs. Instantly lifting our mood and getting us in the festive spirit, resulting in more cocktails. Our knowledgeable and welcoming waiter Kevin talked us through some festive cocktails on the menu. I went for their ‘Cauld Wine’, Gusto’s take on cold mulled wine with spices, apple, lemon and a dash of Jagermeister which gave it a real twist. My partner chose ‘Three Wise Men’ with tawny port, Benedictine and Bulleit bourdon. Again both expertly put together.

With just the right amount of time to enjoy the band, surroundings and cocktails, our mains arrived. I went for ‘Baked Fillet of Salmon‘, with a pesto crust and fennel puree, the fennel purree was a great accompaniment, as was the caper and tomato dressing. My partner chose ‘Roast Turkey’ served with braised red cabbage, sprouts and pigs in blankets, with red wine sauce and stuffing.  Christmas on a plate. A really generous portion of turkey with beautifully spiced red cabbage that had a great twist with the added texture of the pine nuts and perfectly cooked vegetables.
   
Onto the desserts. My choice ‘Chocolate and Ginger Tart’ with vanilla Chantilly, I was rather full at this point but managed to fit most of it in. The chocolate melted in the mouth and the tart had a really nice shortbread biscuit base.  My partner went for the ‘Christmas Mess’ with cranberry compote, orange, sweet mincemeat and crushed meringue. A huge portion of a truly festive dessert, yum!
   
This was a great way for us to kick off the festive season. The band, service and ambience really made the evening in Gusto’s Italian bistro. We would highly recommend the Christmas Party Nights, perfect for a date night or a group Christmas party.
 
Visit Gusto’s dedicated restaurant page.
Find out about their Christmas Party Nights