Buon Gusto Huntington Beach: My Go-To Order at This Local Italian Favorite

Buon Gusto Huntington Beach: My Go-To Order at This Local Italian Favorite

There are certain restaurants in Huntington Beach where I don't really need to look at the menu anymore.

I already know what I'm ordering.

Buon Gusto on Warner Avenue is one of those places.

It's a casual neighborhood Italian restaurant that's perfect when you're craving a big Italian meal, meeting friends or just want to go somewhere comfortable that feels like a longtime local spot.

But if you're going for the first time, there are a few things I think you have to order.

And we need to start with the cheese bread.

First Things First: Get the Cheese Bread 🥖

I'm not suggesting this one.

I'm telling you. Get the cheese bread.

It is SO good and exactly how I want to start a meal at Buon Gusto. Warm, cheesy, comforting—and also slightly dangerous because it's very easy to fill up before your actual meal arrives.

But that's a risk I'm willing to take.

If you're sharing, order it for the table.

Actually, even if you're not sharing, order it.

And the Calamari

My other appetizer pick is the Calamari Fritti.

Buon Gusto serves its fried calamari with both roasted garlic aioli and marinara sauce.

Cheese bread + calamari on the table is a very good start to dinner.

And yes, I'm aware we're already two appetizers deep.

We're committed now.

My Buon Gusto Order: Insalata Buon Gusto With Chicken 🥗

For my main meal, this is my order:

Insalata Buon Gusto with chicken + EXTRA dressing.

Don't forget the extra dressing!

The Insalata Buon Gusto is made with mixed baby greens, sliced red onions, fire-roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, Kalamata olives, Roma tomatoes, capers and artichoke hearts with balsamic vinaigrette. I add the grilled chicken to make it a meal.

There is a lot going on in this salad—in the best way.

You've got the fresh mozzarella and olives, the artichoke hearts, roasted peppers and that balsamic dressing all together.

And apparently my official Selling Surf City restaurant advice is now:

Always get the extra dressing.

You Cannot Leave Without Gelato 🍨

I don't care how full you are.

You absolutely cannot leave Buon Gusto without fresh gelato.

This is part of the experience.

You may think you're too full after the cheese bread, calamari and dinner.

You aren't.

There's room.

There is always room for gelato.

Why I Love Places Like Buon Gusto

This is exactly why I've been enjoying sharing more Huntington Beach restaurants on Selling Surf City.

When people search for what it's like living in Huntington Beach, they usually find information about the beach, surfing, weather and real estate.

Those things are obviously part of it.

But actually living somewhere is also about having your places.

The restaurant where you already know your order.

The breakfast spot you go to on a Friday morning.

The place you take friends when they're visiting.

The takeout place you stop at when you don't feel like cooking.

Those routines are what eventually make a city feel like home.

And Buon Gusto is one of those Huntington Beach neighborhood spots worth knowing.

Selling Surf City Tip 🌊

If it's your first time at Buon Gusto, here's my order:

🥖 Cheese Bread 🦑 Calamari Fritti 🥗 Insalata Buon Gusto + chicken + EXTRA dressing 🍨 Fresh gelato

That's it.

I've planned dinner for you.

You're welcome. 😂

Before You Go

Buon Gusto is located at 4911 Warner Avenue, Suite 109 in Huntington Beach. The restaurant currently lists its hours as 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Their menu goes far beyond my usual order, with Italian favorites including pastas, seafood, meats, salads and appetizers, so you certainly don't have to follow my order.

But you should.

Especially the cheese bread.

You can check out the current menu and restaurant information on the Buon Gusto website.

More of My Huntington Beach Favorites

I'm sharing more of the restaurants, coffee shops, neighborhoods, beaches and local businesses that make up everyday life in Huntington Beach here on Selling Surf City.

Because knowing Huntington Beach isn't just knowing where the homes are.

It's knowing what to order when you get to dinner.

I'm Meghan Koshar, a Huntington Beach local and REALTOR® behind Selling Surf City, and this is my guide to the places and people that make HB feel like home.

See you around Surf City. 🌊