Step into Da Gusto and you’ll immediately feel it—the warmth of an Italian home. The laughter, the aromas, the music of a language that feels like sunshine. Behind this cozy restaurant in the heart of Kuwait is Chef Susanna, or as everyone calls her, Chef Susy—an Italian architect-turned-chef whose journey from southern Italy to Kuwait is one of love, passion, and the joy of feeding people like family.

“Ciao! I’m Susanna, but everyone calls me Chef Susy,” she says with her signature smile. “I’m the heart and hands behind Da Gusto. I was born and raised in Italy, and I’ve brought with me not just the recipes, but the warmth, laughter, and passion of Italian family meals. I love making people feel at home—that’s what Da Gusto is all about.”

Surprisingly, Susy’s first profession wasn’t in food. She trained as an architect, but the kitchen was always where her heart lived. “My aunt wrote a cookbook and even owned a restaurant. My mother and grandmothers were incredible cooks. Their kitchens were filled with love, laughter, and amazing aromas—that’s where my passion truly began,” she explains.

After years spent living in different countries, Susy found that cooking brought her closer to her roots, no matter where she was. When her daughters left for university, she returned to Kuwait from another expat experience—and that’s when destiny called. “Someone in my family gave me a big push to open Da Gusto. And here I am now!”

Da Gusto isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to Italy. Every dish carries a whisper of Susy’s hometown in southern Italy, with flashes of Sorrento’s citrus groves, Sardinia’s sea breeze, and long, dreamy afternoons in Rome. “Da Gusto was born from my memories of home—the flavors, the warmth, the art of simplicity,” she says.

The culinary identity is pure, classic Italian. “We focus on authentic recipes and timeless flavors that reflect Italy’s rich heritage,” she adds. “Our goal is to offer guests a genuine, nostalgic experience with dishes that honor old techniques and regional classics.”

If there’s one dish that defines Da Gusto, it’s the Handmade Pasta with Classic Neapolitan Ragu. “It’s my family recipe and everyone’s favorite,” Chef Susy smiles. “The secret lies in our slow-cooked sauce, perfected over generations. We use high-quality short ribs and make fresh pasta daily. It’s simple, but deeply soulful.”

Authenticity, however, doesn’t mean rigidity. Living in Kuwait has inspired her to embrace local influences while keeping the soul of Italian cuisine intact. “Our Lamb Risotto is inspired by Machboos, using saffron, cumin, bay leaves, and cloves. It’s our way of blending both cultures smoothly without losing our authentic taste.”

While essential ingredients like DOP and IGP cheeses, Italian olives, and specialty flours are imported to preserve authenticity, many ingredients are proudly sourced locally. “We use local vegetables, herbs, and meats whenever possible. It’s about freshness and supporting the community,” she says.

Every morning, the team at Da Gusto makes fresh pasta by hand. “We use high-quality flour and fresh eggs, knead the dough carefully, and shape the pasta with love. Being a small restaurant allows us to prepare everything fresh daily,” says Susy.

Seasonality in the Gulf can be tricky, but Da Gusto finds beauty in flexibility. “We plan our specials around what’s fresh and available locally,” she explains. “It keeps our menu interesting and gives our guests something new to look forward to every time they visit.”

Everything at Da Gusto is halal, ensuring that guests can enjoy authentic Italian dishes with peace of mind. The restaurant also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, making sure everyone can share in the experience.

And no Italian meal is complete without dessert and coffee. “Guests must not leave without trying our tiramisu or panna cotta,” she insists. “And a great espresso is essential—it’s part of who we are.”

Ask Chef Susy about hospitality, and her answer comes from the heart: “We train our team to treat every guest like family. We greet them with a ‘Buongiorno’ or ‘Buonasera,’ remember their favorites, and serve with warmth. It’s about creating a home away from home.”

Running a small restaurant comes with challenges—from sourcing ingredients to training staff—but Susy sees them as part of the journey. “We’ve built strong relationships with suppliers and focus on good communication. Flexibility and teamwork are everything,” she says.

Kuwait’s dining scene evolves fast, but Da Gusto remains steady in its purpose. “We stay true to our roots by focusing on traditional Italian recipes, adding small seasonal touches while keeping our classic favorites. It’s about balance—something new, something familiar.”

As for what’s next? “We’re exploring new possibilities—maybe new dishes, a tasting menu, or something else exciting—but whatever it is, our goal remains the same: to make every guest feel like they’ve traveled to Italy, right here in Kuwait.”

At Da Gusto, every plate tells a story of love, heritage, and home. And through the hands of Chef Susy, Italy isn’t a place on the map—it’s a feeling that lingers long after the last bite.

Follow @dagustocucina on Instagram to learn more.