Giusto - Étlap

Giusto offers a truly memorable experience. The service is outstanding. The menu primarily features a tasting menu and tapas. We sampled all the starters, and by the time we finished, I was too full for an entree, but we all shared bites of each other's dishes. My favorites were the oysters, the seasonal Caesar salad made with Brussels sprouts, and the Scotch meatball. Keep in mind, this isn’t a spot for picky eaters who aren’t open to trying new and unique flavors! We are definitely looking forward to returning in the summer when the windows are open.

The restaurant can get quite loud and cramped, especially in the middle, which can be frustrating when you’re surrounded by staff chatting and laughing. Sometimes the bar is too noisy, but as they quiet down, you’re left with the chatter from the staff. I'm not sure which is worse. There’s only one private area, and it’s reserved for larger parties, which isn’t ideal. I do recommend coming here because the food is hard to find elsewhere, but just adjust your expectations for the atmosphere—it doesn't quite match the quality of the cuisine. Summer might be the best time to visit, when there’s more outdoor seating available.

Overall amazing experience visiting Newport for the first time as a Los Angeles native (with high expectations) and I was not disappointed! Fresh, delicious food and great hospitality.Street corn ravioli: portioned perfectly since they're very rich in flavor, loved the Calabrian chili sauce as it balanced the sweetness of the corn.Squid ink calamari: like any great calamari, it was crispy on the outside and soft inside no overcooked rubbery texture. The squid ink does very little to change the flavor of the calamari, don't be intimated to try it!Ricotta frittelle: A warm, fluffy ball of awesomeness. Don't skip on this one.Caesar salad: LOVED the acidity of the dressing and addition of cooked...