Birmingham’s favourite casual dining restaurant, Gusto Italian, has launched its new menu, with a focus on meat-free dishes and low and no alcohol cocktails including a delicious Prosecco risotto and stunning plant-based steak. Gusto Gold Reward members & their friends can enjoy a free drink when purchasing 2 courses from the new A La Carte menu.

The Colmore Row restaurant which is renowned for exceptional guest experience and authentic Italian food has introduced new fresh, seasonal meals including truly innovative vegetarian and plant-based options and a ‘Mindful Drinking’ collection, after research found that a quarter of Gusto guests are choosing to eat less meat as well as looking for low and no alcohol drinks when dining out.   

The new menu has been inspired by research trips to Italy, led by CEO Matt Snell and Executive Chef Graham Kirk. For example, the Burrata with watermelon tartare, was developed after the team visited an authentic Italian formaggiaio and had the opportunity to make the cheese themselves.

Along with new dishes that reflect the season such as Jerusalem Artichoke Ravioli, Crab Fettuccini and an incredible Prosecco & Saffron Risotto, Gusto Italian has launched a plant-based steak to offer a premium alternative for the increasing number of consumers seeking meat-free dishes. A first for the industry, the dish is made from plant-based proteins, coconut oil and beetroot, seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, creating a delicious vegan option. 

The new ‘Mindful Drinking’ collection has been a primary focus in the development of Gusto’s new drinks menu. It includes some fantastic low and no alcohol drinks, which guarantee a night out won’t be boring without alcohol! The Cos-no and Frozen Clean Margarita is set to be a big hit.

Kat Schofield, Head of Marketing at Gusto Italian said, “As the go-to venue for special occasions, we are continually monitoring the latest food trends to ensure that our menus offer an exciting range of authentic Italian dishes that cater for all our guests whatever their tastes, dietary or lifestyle choices. The consumer research that was conducted at the start of the year emphasised the demand for meat-free meals and mindful drinking options, and the menu development team has come back with some stunning additions to our new menu.  The vegan steak is a massive stride forward for meat free alternatives. We’re also introducing some wonderfully fresh and bright seasonal dishes that we know our guests will love.” 

Founded in Cheshire in 2005, Gusto Italian has almost 600 employees, known as family members, across 14 restaurants.