kawarthaTAPAS – Brio Gusto

"Where fire meets taste"

The Gusto Burger at Brio Gusto. Chef Andrew Orde is renowned for his creativity and food combinations (photo: Julie Gagne Photography)
The Gusto Burger at Brio Gusto. Chef Andrew Orde is renowned for his creativity and food combinations (photo: Julie Gagne Photography)

In Italian, brio is a musical term meaning “fire” or “vivacity” and gusto means “taste” or “flavour”.

Peterborough’s Brio Gusto restaurant is aptly named. Its kitchen is where Chef Andrew Orde performs his magic and its dining area where patrons appreciate the results of his unique culinary artistry.

Chef Andrew is renowned for his creativity, pushing the boundaries of flavour and food combinations and resulting in dishes that brim with soulful authenticity.

He uses only fresh local produce and makes everything from scratch, offering generous portions that are of the highest quality and value.

Chef Andrew adds his own personal flare to traditional dishes. As a result, Brio Gusto’s menu is rich in diversity, flavours, and styles. There’s something for everyone — whether you’re very hungry or just stopping by to graze and nibble.

The food at Brio Gusto is inspired by different wine regions, so you’ll experience the fresh and crisp flavours of dishes from around the world.

Travel to the South of France as you savour succulent Coq Au Vin Blanc, a bone-in chicken breast that’s slow cooked in white wine and then finished with a rich pan jus and traditional Pistou.

Experience the sunny flavours of the Napa Valley pizza, a nod to the famed California vineyards. This popular dish features a house-made thin crust topped with a house blend of four cheeses, fresh basil and roasted garlic tomato sauce, smoked bacon, herb-roasted chicken, tomato, red onion, and roasted red peppers — with a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.

Or you can spice up your taste buds with the sizzling La Rioja from Cuba, a combination of Chorizo sausage, bell peppers, spinach, Kalamata olives, onions, and mushrooms in a fresh herb tomato sauce, doled on penne pasta and topped with Asiago cheese.

Brio Gusto houses a sophisticated and impressive wine cellar and also serves locally crafted beers.

Rustically elegant, decorated in rich warm woods accented by cozy lighting, and featuring a large bar surrounded by bistro seating, Brio Gusto offers a comfortable and relaxed place to enjoy delicious food and a great bottle of wine.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Reservations are recommended.

Brio Gusto is a boutique restaurant on Charlotte St. in Peterborough, open for lunch and dinner seven days a week (photo: Tammy Simon)
Brio Gusto is a boutique restaurant on Charlotte St. in Peterborough, open for lunch and dinner seven days a week (photo: Tammy Simon)
Brio Gusto is a comfortable and relaxed place to enjoy delicious food and a great bottle of wine (photo: Tammy Simon)
Brio Gusto is a comfortable and relaxed place to enjoy delicious food and a great bottle of wine (photo: Tammy Simon)
The Gusto Burger at Brio Gusto. Chef Andrew Orde is renowned for his creativity and food combinations (photo: Julie Gagne Photography)
The Gusto Burger at Brio Gusto. Chef Andrew Orde is renowned for his creativity and food combinations (photo: Julie Gagne Photography)

Except where noted, Brio Gusto photos by Julie Gagne Photography (www.gagnephoto.com)