Gustoso - Spruce Pine

Spruce Pine has lost a true gem. We just discovered that this restaurant has closed, and we only had the chance to dine there once. It seems that the names like boeuf bourguignon and crème brûlée led some to assume it was overly fancy French cuisine that didn't appeal to the locals’ meat-and-potatoes tastes—at least, that's what a Facebook group suggested. I hate to break it to them, but boeuf bourguignon is essentially beef stew, and crème brûlée is just egg custard pudding. If names were enough to close this place down, then the town didn't deserve the amazing owner and his wife, who treated us like we were at the chef's table. We chatted about French, Italian, and German cuisine, as well as wine—it was a delightful experience. The owner even came to our table to prepare our crème brûlée, making us feel as if we were in the streets of Paris. What a shame; the food was European comfort food, directly linked to the comforting dishes we love here in the U.S. It's a loss for Spruce Pine, but I hope the owner can continue his passion for cooking elsewhere, with people who truly appreciate his wonderful cuisine.

The service was excellent, and the food was amazing. That's all I have to say. Service: Dine-in Meal type: Dinner Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

The food here is fantastic, the service is exceptional, and the atmosphere is delightful. We visit Spruce Pine every year, and when we discovered this restaurant, we knew we had to give it a try. It truly is a hidden gem—just stroll down Lower Street and look for the door with the sign. We dined there one evening, and the meal was so impressive that we returned for lunch the following day. Their Italian cuisine is outstanding; having traveled to Italy multiple times, we found that the flavors here reminded us of the charming family-owned restaurants we’ve enjoyed there. The wine selection is affordably priced, with some delightful surprises. Jeanne and Mark are wonderful hosts, and the staff is both attentive and friendly. This restaurant is so remarkable that we would gladly make a trip to Spruce Pine just to eat here again. You absolutely must try this place!

**Service**: Dine-in **Meal Type**: Dinner **Price per Person**: $30–50 **Food Rating**: 2/5 **Service Rating**: 4/5 **Atmosphere Rating**: 3/5

The owners are very kind and accommodating. There are several vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as gluten-free choices for those with dietary restrictions. I dined in for dinner and had a fantastic experience. The food was excellent, earning a score of 5, as was the service, which also gets a 5. The atmosphere was delightful, receiving a perfect score of 5 as well.