Deer Park, once a quiet suburb of Cincinnati, is experiencing a real estate boom. In the past decade, many newcomers have moved into the community, breathing new life into the area. One of the attractions is the diverse dining scene, which now includes Il Gusto Pizza & Pasta.
In addition to popular spots like Chicken on the Run, Deer Park offers a variety of cuisines. Food lovers can find Venezuelan dishes at Arrechissimo, Peruvian fare at Inkazteka, Mexican meals at El Jinete, and kosher Mediterranean options at Kinneret Grill. Il Gusto Pizza & Pasta adds to this vibrant scene with its delicious Italian offerings from a modest storefront in the Dillionvale Shopping Center, next to an IGA.
So, why choose Deer Park for an Italian restaurant? Owner Doni Dervisholli had a friend in the area who recommended the space. However, the story goes deeper. Dervisholli, who is originally from Rome, moved to the U.S. as a child. His family settled in Kettering based on advice about local schools.
The roots of Il Gusto can be traced back to Dervisholli’s uncle, who immigrated to the U.S. about 50 years ago. “My uncle Louie helped us out when we opened,” Dervisholli said. “He had all the family recipes.” When Louie arrived in the U.S. in the 1970s, he moved to New York. Recognizing that traditional Italian pizza might not sell well, he learned to make New York-style pizza and opened his own restaurant.
Dervisholli creates pizzas that blend both Italian and New York styles, using family recipes brought by his uncle. He learned to cook while working at Troni’s Pizza, the family restaurant in Kettering. “I grew up in the business,” he said, recalling how he and his siblings would make pizza after school.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurants to adapt, Dervisholli began thinking about opening a second location. He initially considered a spot next to Troni’s but pivoted to Deer Park when he heard about a vacancy left by Little Caesars Pizza. “I liked the area because it’s near the mall, and I thought it would be great for a pizza place,” he explained.
Il Gusto opened in late 2021, serving New York-style pizza and pasta dishes based on Dervisholli’s family recipes. The standout menu item is the Margherita pizza, made with specialty olive oil, while the garlic rolls have already gained a local following. Customers can also enjoy calzones, strombolis, subs, salads, and traditional pasta dishes like lasagna, manicotti, and ravioli. Il Gusto offers carryout, free delivery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dine-in options with a few tables in the restaurant.
From the start, the restaurant drew a crowd without any advertising. “The first day, we were packed,” Dervisholli said. “People were excited for a family-owned pizza place. Deer Park is very family-oriented, and many customers greet each other like old friends when they come in.”
Il Gusto’s community connection helped it quickly gain popularity. Recently, Yelp named it the 17th best pizza place in the Midwest, a recognition that Dervisholli appreciates. “That made me very happy,” he said. “I care about what my customers think. It felt great to be recognized, and I’m thankful for the community’s support.”
Looking ahead, Dervisholli hopes to open a fine dining Italian restaurant in the area but is currently focused on making Il Gusto the best it can be. He is grateful for the warm welcome he has received from Deer Park residents. “I just want everyone to know that I appreciate their support,” he said. “They have welcomed us with open arms.”
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