Gusto Resto & Cafe

Hilltop terrace with sea breeze and mountain drama

Perched above the coastal road in Bunutan, Gusto Resto & Cafe looks out across Amed’s rooftops to the ocean, with Mont Agung framing the horizon. Many guests time their visit for sunset around 17h30–18h00, then linger as the lights of the bay come on and the terrace catches the evening breeze.

Open most days from 12h00 – 22h00 (cuisine closing vers 21h00 selon un avis), this small, family-style spot can feel intimate and busy at the same time. Several reviewers mention eating here “every night” of their stay, or returning daily until departure.

Cuisine: from goulash to ganache

The kitchen leans European–Italian with a strong Hungarian and German streak, plus Indonesian touches. Guests rave about goulash, langos, schnitzel, homemade tagliatelle seafood, mushroom and pumpkin ravioli, beef gnocchi, tuna and Mahi Mahi steaks, and warm pumpkin salad.

Pizza is a star: repeatedly praised for its very thin crust, generous diameter and “European man–sized” portions, with toppings from curry chicken to spinach & cream cheese and tuna. Desserts get almost as much love: chocolate lava cake, chocolate ganache cake, Banoffee pie, coconut crème brûlée and brownies are described as “mind-blowing” and “to die for”.

Atmosphere and service

Reviews often highlight the warm welcome from the manager, his wife and a small, attentive team. Chilled water on arrival, complimentary bread or bruschetta, and parting gifts like pastries or a brownie appear in multiple comments.

Service is generally described as fast and professional, with staff remembered as kind, smiling and accommodating with allergies and gluten-free needs. One guest recalls the owner bringing water for a stray dog and checking on it, another thanks the team for helping push a car out of a hole after dinner.

Not all experiences are glowing: one reviewer felt brusquely turned away twice when the restaurant was full, without apology or offer to wait.

Space, comfort and little details

The dining room sits one floor up on a terrace, giving sea views and a fresher breeze, but also some noise from the road below. Several people call the place cosy and clean, with even the restroom “having a concept”. Smoking is not allowed inside, though you can step to the side for a cigarette.

Complimentary snacks divide opinion: while many appreciate the free bread with garlic cream or light pastries, one regular calls the free bruschetta “terrible” and suggests dropping it altogether.

What to expect from the menu and prices

The card is broad for such a compact kitchen: pizzas, pastas, steaks, seafood, soups like Tom Yum, warm salads, starters and house desserts. Portions tend to be generous, especially pizza and lasagna, though at least one diner wished for more mushroom ravioli on the plate.

Prices are widely seen as “very good”, “excellent value for money” and “worth every penny”, with several guests calling the quality “European” or “the best I’ve had in Bali” at this price level.

Booking, access and timing tips

Evenings are often fully booked; multiple guests mention needing a reservation, especially for dinner, Christmas Eve, or in high season. WhatsApp (via their Facebook page) is the preferred way to book.

The restaurant is a little uphill and away from the beach, so most people arrive by scooter or car. One review warns of potholes on the access road and suggests driving carefully after dark.

Gusto is best suited to travellers in Amed who care about food as much as views, are happy to book ahead for dinner, and don’t mind a short, bumpy ride up the hill for a long, memorably indulgent meal.