Urban Gusto

1122 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
+64 7 348 1122
$$$ Italian restaurant
(605 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Welcome to Urban Gusto, where authentic Italian cuisine meets the vibrant atmosphere of Rotorua. Nestled at 1122 Tutanekai Street, this restaurant is a culinary oasis that captivates the senses and invites you to indulge in the rich flavors of Italy.

As you step inside Urban Gusto, you're greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, accented with charming decor that reflects the heart of Italian culture. The staff exudes a friendly professionalism, ensuring that your dining experience is not only satisfying but memorable. The inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings.

The menu at Urban Gusto offers a delightful array of dishes that showcase the best of Italian cuisine. Start your meal with a refreshing Giardiniera & Ham Salad, featuring Italian-style pickled vegetables paired with tender shaved ham and a zesty citrus vinaigrette for just NZ$21.90. For something heartwarming, try the Lamb Meatballs, which are gluten-free and brimming with flavor.

As for the pizzas, don’t miss the amazing Salmon Pizza adorned with succulent smoked salmon, ricotta, courgette ribbons, capers, and red onion for NZ$28.90. It’s a dish that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey. Another standout is the Gusto Fungo Pizza, a vegetarian delight crafted with thyme-roasted mushrooms, béchamel, olives, marinated artichoke, goat cheese, and a drizzle of truffle oil — all for just NZ$22.90. Pair your meal with Roasted Kumara & Pumpkin on the side, perfectly complemented by pine nuts and Parmesan cheese for NZ$9.90.

Customer experiences at Urban Gusto are overwhelmingly positive. One diner, Swapna Rajan, shared, "What a fantastic dining experience! We were seated immediately, and the service was outstanding—warm, friendly, and super attentive!" Even diners with specific dietary requests, like Swapna, felt cared for, as the staff customized dishes to accommodate their needs. Another customer, Dhriti Mehta, celebrated a special birthday at Urban Gusto and called it one of her top restaurants, highlighting the exceptional service that made their evening unforgettable.

The restaurant’s commitment to customer satisfaction shines through, with reviews noting how well staff handle unexpected hiccups in service, turning potential disappointments into memorable moments. As Anni remarked, despite a minor mix-up with a salad, the hospitality and the complimentary desserts transformed her experience into a delightful one.

If you're in the Rotorua area and are in the mood for a splendid Italian meal, Urban Gusto is a must-visit. Whether you’re savoring a Fettuccine Carbonara that’s been praised as the best in town or enjoying a cozy dinner with friends and family, Urban Gusto promises a culinary experience that will linger in your memory long after the last bite. Call +64 7 348 1122 to book your table today!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

605 Reviews
Swapna Rajan

13 Oct 2025

What a fantastic dining experience! We were seated immediately, and the service was outstanding—warm, friendly, and super attentive! As a vegetarian, I was a bit disappointed with the limited veggie options on the menu, but the staff was amazing and customized my Pasta Tuscany with fresh veggies, which was absolutely delicious! My husband, a non-vegetarian, loved his hearty steak sandwich and couldn’t stop raving about it. The welcoming vibe made our meal so enjoyable, and we’re already excited to return!

Miss Liss

11 Oct 2025

The fettuccini Europa was delicious still thinking about it 3 weeks later. Service was also top notch. Would definitely visit again

Dhriti Mehta

14 Sep 2025

One of my top restaurants. We had the best birthday dinner - amazing food and exceptional service! We ordered the bruschetta to start, fettuccine carbonara and lamb pizza for mains. Carbonara is hands down the best I’ve had. The manager even offered us a complementary tiramisu birthday cocktail which made our night :) We’re not locals, but they made our celebration so memorable, thankyou so much, 10/10 worth the drive from Akl

Anni

24 Jul 2025

We visited Urban Gusto in Rotorua and overall had a very good experience. The food was decent, though unfortunately one of the salads had a small piece of plastic in it. The staff handled the situation really well. They were very friendly, apologetic and made up for it with two excellent desserts that we thoroughly enjoyed. Mistakes happen, but the service and hospitality stood out and turned the experience around. Definitely a restaurant worth visiting.

kavindu Jawage

17 Jul 2025

I’ve been to Urban Gusto with my partner and a couple of friends about five times now, and every visit has been nothing short of amazing. From the welcoming vibe of the restaurant to the friendly staff and excellent service, everything feels just right. The food is consistently outstanding, especially the salmon pizza, which is a must-try! If you’re after authentic Italian flavors in Rotorua, this is the place to go. We’ll definitely keep coming back!

Shruti Mathew

15 Jul 2025

Enjoyed our dinner and lunch at this lovely place. Twice in the two days spent here in Rotorua. They often say the company matters more than the place. But here , the hospitality , warmth and quality of food was something you can't forget. The Staff from Ludhiana Punjab & mumbai - forget their names and Alex will always be remembered. Thank you for the memories.

Noor Hanosh

30 Jun 2025

Excellent food! Beats pasta I’ve had in Italy. The scallop starter was really well balanced and delicious. The strawberry mocktail is great. Lovely service too :)

Cooper White

29 Jun 2025

Went here for my birthday, and I DIDN'T die of embarressment when they gave us a free desert and sang Happy Birthday. Also, not to insult my mum's cooking, but it's probably the BEST pasta I've ever had. They do pizza's as well if you're into that.

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