Seemor

Bon GustoB+Worth Trying

Name: Bon Gusto
Address: 75-77 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6PD, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

75-77 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6PD · Italian restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (1554 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Well-located Italian near Buckingham Palace with reliably tasty pasta and friendly service at busy times, but policies on dessert-only seating and some service attitude reports mean experiences can vary.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Bon Gusto delivers reliable Italian comfort food with solid food quality anchored by well-executed pastas and pizzas, supported by warm, attentive service especially during quieter periods. However, inconsistent execution—ranging from underbaked dough to occasional oiliness and mussel grit—prevents grade A territory, while rigid seating policies during rush hours create service friction that tempers the overall experience. The prime location and generous portions appeal to pre-theater diners and families, making it a solid neighborhood choice rather than a destination.

Restaurant Summary

A cozy Italian just off Buckingham Palace, Bon Gusto hums with lively pre-theater energy and a steady flow of tourists and locals. Reviewers describe servers as warm and attentive, especially off-hours, and more than a few rave about fast dishes even when packed: "Food hit the table quickly and tasted spot on." However, policies on dessert-only or drink-only seating can feel rigid during busy times. The cooking leans classic trattoria rather than flashy, with an approach that is traditional and pasta-forward: creamy carbonara, hearty lasagne, seafood linguine, and pizzas with familiar toppings. Portions are generous, and the location explains a slight premium. Expect the occasional quirk—mussels can be sandy if not purged perfectly, and a few guests found pizzas a bit oily—yet most diners leave satisfied when ordering the house staples. Families should fare well thanks to kid-friendly pizza and simple pasta options like Margherita, lasagne, and mild tomato penne. That said, if you are only popping in for dessert or a quick ice cream, be aware of seating policies during rush periods; several reviews report dessert-only requests being declined when the room is full.

At a Glance

Reliable crowd-pleasing pastas and pizzas with generous portions
Friendly, quick service off-hours; kitchen speed praised during rush
Dessert-only or drink-only seating often declined at busy times
Inconsistencies with mussel grit and occasional underbaked or oily pizza
Expect central London pricing due to location near Buckingham Palace

What Sets It Apart

steps_from_buckingham_palace
large_portions_for_pasta_and_mussels
broad_traditional_italian_menu

What People Love

Creamy, satisfying carbonara
Fast kitchen when the house is full
Generous portions for pasta and mussels
Welcoming staff that works to fit in walk-ins

Points of Concern

Seating policy is strict for dessert-only or drink-only visits during peak hours
Some reports of mussels with residual sand and pizzas arriving oily or underbaked
A minority of guests describe slow bill handling or curt interactions when busy
Review patterns show signs of marketing-like language in a small subset, though overall credibility is strong

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£42-56 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose a starter like Bruschetta (£8.50) and share to keep room for generous mains
For lighter mains, opt for Margherita (£15.50) or Penne all’Arrabbiata (£17.90) and add a side salad (£7-8.50)
Seafood fans: pair Pepata di Cozze (£13.90) with Risotto al Profumo di Mare (£26.90) for a full maritime spread

Perfect For

Pre-theater dinner near the Palace
Casual pasta and pizza night
Business travelers wanting a straightforward Italian meal
Families seeking familiar Italian dishes

Location Insights

Area: Central London near Buckingham Palace and government offices; mix of tourists, office workers, and hotel guests.

Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic and well-policed tourist zone; busy at peak hours.

Nearby: Steps from Buckingham Palace attractions, theaters, and hotels; convenient for pre- or post-sightseeing meals.

St. James'sPrestigious, upscale neighborhood characterized by elegant architecture, high-end dining establishments, and proximity to royal and governmental landmarks.

Royal WestminsterExtremely exclusive sub-area adjacent to Buckingham Palace with refined, formal dining and networking environments.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–22:30 Tuesday11:30–22:30 Wednesday11:30–22:30 Thursday11:30–22:30 Friday11:30–22:30 Saturday11:30–22:30 Sunday11:30–21:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →