who we are
Our history
Some couples are simply destined to meet, no matter how much life tries to take them down different paths, and Stefania and Stefano are one of those couples.
Stefania was an artist successfully running her advertising agency in Rome, pouring passion and dedication into a business that consumed her completely. Stefano, on the other hand, was an entrepreneur always ready to take on challenges and face the countless difficulties of doing business in Italy.
After years of working hard to build their futures, both felt that something was missing in their lives—until fate finally allowed them to meet.
It was a chance encounter, one that would never have happened without a series of coincidences, and from there, a love story began that continues to this day.
However, such a vibrant picture needed a frame far removed from the routine and stress of Rome and Italy, so one day they set off for Costa Rica and never looked back
She’s an artist, he’s a talented chef (and both are Made in Italy)—what could they possibly do together? 🙂
The first restaurant opened in Samara (Guanacaste) in 2009, and in no time, Gusto Beach Club became the go-to beachfront spot for tourists and locals alike.
In 2018, they launched Gusto Ristoarte in Lindora de Santa Ana (San Jose), where Stefano’s culinary creativity merged with Stefania’s paintings, decorations, and Italian furnishings, transforming the restaurant into a modern “food & art gallery.”
What might have initially seemed like an incredibly risky gamble quickly turned into a dream come true, crowned by a family of four children (including triplets!), four dogs, and a few cats! 🙂
At Stefania and Stefano’s restaurants, you’ll find top-notch Italian cuisine—even by Italian standards—in an eclectic and creative atmosphere, the perfect blend of their founders’ spirits. But more than anything else, you’ll feel at home, surrounded by the passion they pour into everything they do. It’s no coincidence that their motto is:
“Vivi con Gusto (Live with taste)!”
Get to Know Chef Stefano Montalti
I believe my passion for the culinary world was sparked by my grandfather, who was a renowned Italian pastry chef in his time. I was mesmerized by the things he made and explained to me, so much so that, as a teenager, I attended culinary school—specializing in cooking, naturally.
Over the years, I continued to study and nurture a boundless passion for the restaurant industry; however, the family business and other career opportunities always kept me farther from the kitchen than I would have liked.
Then I met Stefania, and perhaps it was at that moment I realized that nothing in life is set in stone, and I had the chance to choose what would truly make me happy.
When we arrived in Costa Rica, initially just to explore rather than relocate, Stefania and I immediately sensed the possibility of realizing a dream I had been harboring (not so secretly) for a long time. That’s how “Gusto” was born.
At our restaurants, I want to bring not just Italian culture through the recipes and ingredients of my homeland but also a culinary experience that makes every guest feel pampered and, of course, amazed by the flavors of each dish.
Even today, after many years, I am the Executive Chef of Gusto restaurants, creating new recipes — using mainly 100% Italian and local ingredients — revisiting them periodically, and ensuring that the quality of our cuisine is always top-notch.
Some have asked me if I dream of earning a Michelin star one day, and while something like that would make me incredibly proud, what fills me with the greatest joy is seeing the smiles and delighted expressions of our guests—along with the wonderful family Stefania and I have built here in Costa Rica.
Menu
Click the button to discover the dishes created by Chef Stefano Montalti (100% Italian, just like most of the ingredients we use, in addition to local products) and his team, which you can enjoy today at our restaurant.
Reviews
It’s not us saying we’re one of the best Italian restaurants in San Jose. It’s our guests who say so.
#1 of 121 Restaurants in Santa Ana
Amazing place!
The food is delicious and the atmosphere is pleasant.
They have a good customer service and delicious attention, waiters like Carlos highlight the excellence of the place.
I went as a couple and the night exceeded expectations, which were already high, as it was a recommendation from a family member.
So the place is perfect to go as a couple, group of friends or family.
Besides the food is 10/10, every detail is well taken care of, even the sound system is TOP and we were surprised because in other places of the same category, the music becomes uncomfortable.
A beautiful place and the service was very nice, I went to celebrate my birthday with my friends and I would come back a thousand times more, delicious food, spectacular customer service and live music with MartinSon was the cherry on the cake! they also sang birthday to me with several desserts placed on a wooden map of Italy and that was a super beautiful detail, I appreciated it very much! it is a place to visit because the food and cocktails were wonderful 🤩🤩.