Back once again with a low cost hidden gem! šš¼
At the weekend I took myself off for a solo lunch date. I know some people hate it, but I love eating in restaurants on my own, especially when youāre hungover and you just need some peace.
Iām not sure the masses have heard of Gustami (I think Iāve seen one person post about it the last few years) which is probably because itās in a bit of a weird place; just off the Soho Loop canal walk in an unloved part of Ladywood that I only rediscovered when I got my C19 jab at the ropey looking pharmacy next door.
Itās run by some lovely Italian chaps and is a ridiculously good value offering considering the quality of the homemade pasta and how generous the portions are. Letās cut to the chase: the pasta is excellent and with no dish over Ā£10 itās very well-priced for what you get. Everything is made in-house and follows the same recipes the chefās grandmother gave to him. He also cooked for Pavarotti, and we all know that bloke loved his food.
The spinach and ricotta tortellini (made fresh just before I ate it) with sage and butter sauce is all the comfort food joy you could ever need. Best Ā£9 Iāve spent in ages. You know when something just speaks to your soul? That.
A starter, pasta and soft drink cost me about Ā£15 – personally I think thatās quite brilliant. I noticed on the way out thereās also a deal on 5-7pm thatāll bag you pasta or pizza plus a wine for a tenner. Madness.
Is it the most Instagram-friendly place in Brum? No – thank god. Sometimes itās nice to just sit in a relaxed, uncomplicated restaurant and eat simple food without the faff, isnāt it? Humble, honest and undeservingly quiet on a Saturday lunchtime – give it a go.
Gustami, 4 King Edwards Road, B12BP
Disclosure: I paid in full and left a nice tip because theyāre bloody lovely people and the pasta made my hungover go away. Words and pics are mine.