Gusto Italian, the new Italian restaurant at the former Mitre pub, opens its doors to diners in Oxford today.

Oxford’s newest restaurant has opened on the High Street on the site of the old Mitre, following extensive refurbishment.

Inside there is now a 160-cover dining room complete with an open plan Theatre Kitchen and chef’s table Pizza Experience.

READ AGAIN: See inside the new Gusto Italian

The restaurant also features a cocktail lounge and bar where diners can enjoy an aperitif before sitting down for a meal. Upstairs there is a private 55-cover dining room available to hire for events, parties and celebrations.

The contemporary menu serves a selection of Italian classics as well as signature Gusto Italian dishes. The restaurant has worked with Italian producers to curate an impressive wine list which features 50 Italian varieties to offer guests a fully immersive drinking and dining experience.

Ahead of the eagerly anticipated opening, Gusto Italian hosted a VIP opening party last night to celebrate the launch.

The Oxford team hosted 250 people for an evening of cocktails and canapes as well as a small group of people who were offered the chance to be among the first to sample the dishes in Oxford. Partygoers were treated to performances from an opera singer and a live band.

Oxford Mail:

The restaurant also held a charity raffle on the night to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer, one of the UK’s leading charities for children and young people. Prizes up for grabs included Oxford United tickets, a trip to the theatre and a spa experience.

Gusto Italian CEO Matt Snell said: “We are so excited to finally be opening our doors in Oxford. This day has been a long time coming and we are pleased to now be able to welcome everyone into the newly transformed restaurant to experience Gusto Italian.

“The response from the people of Oxford has been incredible and we have been inundated with bookings. We hope the restaurant will become a go-to destination in the city to celebrate all occasions.

“Our opening party was a great success - it was brilliant to show off the restaurant for the first time and offer some lucky diners the first taste of our menu. We now look forward to welcoming everyone else to the restaurant to experience it for themselves.”

Oxford Mail:

The opening of Gusto Italian is a boost to the city centre's economy, creating 85 jobs for people who live in and around Oxford.

Gusto Italian will be open between 10am and 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The restaurant will serve lunch, dinner and drinks every day of the week and brunch on weekends.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF