Italia di Gusto, ‘Taste of Italy’, Opens in Medford Square
– Allison Goldsberry
The Medford Square storefront where Bestsellers Cafe was formerly located is now the home of Italia di Gusto, or “Taste of Italy.†The specialty grocery store/restaurant is part of an Italian franchise that has only one other US location in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Franchise owners Matteo and Francesca Ronzio, both from Italy, have been in America since February. They said they fell in love with Boston after a trip to New England a few years ago. The couple is eager to expose patrons to authentic Italian food and dining customs.
“It’s like coming to Italy if you enter into this shop,†said Francesca.
“The point is to come and try,†said Matteo, “and they come back!†Francesca finished.
Italia di Gusto will be a place to find imported Italian goods, such as olive oil, cheese, sauces, pasta, coffee, and balsamic vinegar and to also enjoy traditional Italian dishes that feature fresh, local ingredients along with Italian imports.
“…you can have fun and taste something good…relax…but at the same time maybe learn something to try in the kitchen at home,†said Francesca.
One of the most unique features will arguably be the pizza. A fifth generation pizza chef from Naples, Ciro, and an oven from Florence will serve up the most authentic pizza this side of the Atlantic. It only takes 90 seconds to cook a pizza in the nearly six hundred and fifty degree oven.
The pizza chef, according to the Ronzios, has a degree to teach his art, and indeed, education will also be a part of Italia di Gusto. Staff will help patrons understand the products available and cooking demos are planned to help people learn how to DIY.
Italia di Gusto is currently offering slightly scaled back lunch and dinner menus during its “soft opening.” The Ronzios anticipate receiving more products from Italy and are also in the process of obtaining a liquor license.
Francesca said they have so far been received very warmly by the community. The Ronzios are thrilled so many curious customers stopped by on Thursday to sample some food, check the place out, and purchase some imported goods. A grand opening is planned for late October.
Italia di Gusto is open Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
I look forward to coming into your store. I am looking for a jar of ricotta forte, it’s a hot cheese that my family uses with sauted onions and tomato sauce on pizza
We have been waiting! Celebrating our coffee lady Rita’s 60th birthday this Wednesday with you! Can not wait!
Welcome to Medford! Congratulations on your opening and best wishes for a long future. I can’t wait to visit. Good Luck!
That’s great, if only I could get a credit card maybe I could park my car and “look” at what they have for 25 cents for fifteen minutes, but since I have no credirt card and have no change I wont park there and only shop at Wellington Circle, when I want Italian groceries I go to malden where parking is free, and will be free.
Hi Shaun, when the parking meters first showed up, I swore I would never ever use one. And for months, I didn’t. Then I realized that I missing out on so much — like my favorite burrito from Tenoch and coffee from Mystic Roasters. I realized i was mostly hurting our local businesses, not Republic Parking or the out-of-touch politicians who allowed the meters in. So I now keep some extra quarters in my car to help support our small businesses, and can’t wait until we have a new city administration to plan a sensible and fair parking policy. Italian dI Guso looks great — gonna stop in soon — hope you do too! Best.
Dude, no credit card or spare change? Stop being lazy. Also, Malden? Ew.
“where Bestsellers Cafe was formerly located” Where exactly is that for those that don’t know??????
High Street in Medford Square
Thank you.