About Us

Gusto Ristorante is a new Northern Italian restaurant at the fresh Market Plaza in Hilton Head Island.

The executive chef and owner Giancarlo Balestra with his wife Nancy bring the vibrant flavors of his native hometown of Rome, Italy to Hilton Head.  The couple who met in Rome 28 years ago discovered their shared passion for food and adventure and have since owned and operated restaurants in Aspen, Co, Winter Park, Fla and Saratoga Springs, NY.  They fell in love with Hilton Head while visiting the island serendipitously at the moment the former 843 restaurant location became available. They also happened to be staying at the Marriott Resort in suite #843! They decided to jump into this new exciting culinary adventure, hence the name Gusto, wich means flavor and taste in Italian but also means a zest of enthusiasm for a delicious taste of life.

The restaurant has a full bar, extensive wine list and offer al fresco dining on the garden patio.