It is not every day that a global motorsport celebrity chooses to dine at a suburban Italian eatery on a quiet weeknight in Perth. However, Gustoso Italian restaurant in Floreat Forum experienced exactly that when they welcomed former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo and his family for dinner this week.
A Warm Welcome for a Racing Legend
The restaurant took to social media to share images of the memorable evening, posting a photograph of Ricciardo posing with staff member Elena. In the caption, they expressed their gratitude, writing, "Thank you, Daniel Ricciardo and the Ricciardo family, for coming in tonight for dinner. It was lovely to have you here. We hope to see you all soon."
Ricciardo, who was born in Perth and retired from professional Formula 1 racing in September 2025 after winning eight Grand Prix races throughout his illustrious career, appeared relaxed and content during the visit. Staff member Elena described him as "absolutely lovely" and noted that he thoroughly enjoyed the food.
Family Ties to Italian Cuisine
The former racing star's connection to Italian culture runs deep, with his father hailing from Sicily and moving to Australia at a young age, while his mother also has Italian heritage. This made the choice of Gustoso, a restaurant specialising in authentic Italian cuisine and Roman-style Pinsas—an oval-shaped, fermented alternative to traditional pizza—particularly fitting for a family meal.
Elena confirmed that this was Ricciardo's first visit to the establishment, but she believes he will be returning, especially since his parents also reportedly enjoyed their dinners immensely.
What Did the Ricciardo Family Order?
So, what does a retired Italian-Australian Formula 1 champion choose to eat at an Italian restaurant? According to Elena, the family selected a variety of dishes that showcased the restaurant's offerings:
- Scallopini Zingara: A meat dish served with a delicate white wine sauce, accompanied by roast potatoes and fresh vegetables.
- Sirloin Steak: A classic choice, prepared to perfection.
- Salsiccia Pizza: Featuring Italian sausage, potato, capsicum, and red onion on a traditional base.
These selections highlight the restaurant's commitment to hearty, flavourful Italian fare that appeals to both locals and visiting celebrities alike.
Life After Formula 1
Since stepping away from the high-speed world of Formula 1, Ricciardo has been embracing a more relaxed pace of life in Perth with his loved ones. He remains active in the motorsport community through his role as a global ambassador for Ford Racing and continues to promote his lifestyle brand, Enchante, alongside maintaining several other brand partnerships.
His visit to Gustoso not only provided a delightful evening for his family but also created a memorable experience for the restaurant staff, who were thrilled to host such an esteemed guest in their Floreat venue.
