Highly recommend their romanesco antipasto salad if you like their Italian sandwich. Grab it if it is available.
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I love Gjusta’s biscuit, with or without the preserves. I still haven’t tried the Italian sub because I’m full-on addicted to the veggie sandwich. For the record - it does not travel well. but I still often take home half for the next day’s lunch, at which time I disassemble it, toast the bread to de-soggify it, and then put the fillings back in. Also I don’t know how often it’s on the menu, but they had an Italian chopped antipasto salad a couple months ago that was basically the Italian sandwich fillings in salad form. Really really good.
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Yeah, I had to deconstruct my sandwich too, due to the fact I have a small mouth. So, it sort of became an antipasto salad, with bread on the side. (I also had the actual antipasto salad a few months back, and loved it so much.)
I also had to basically wear a lobster bib while eating the sandwich (at home) – I like that they aren’t shy with the oil! Super juicy.
I am all fired up to try those sardines! They look soooo pretty in the photos. The plating looks really appealing.
Def gonna hit Gjusta again soon for a late afternoon fish-fest…maybe settle in at the bar area with another shrub and a fish sampler. 
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That was probably a Paris Brest.
Update 13:
Market Salad: Dandelion Greens, Herbed Vinaigrette, Toasted Breadcrumbs:
Pleasantly bitter, vibrant and a great way to start the day at Gjusta. 
Pozole Verde:
Thanks to @Bookwich for the recommendation! Their Pozole Verde was indeed lovely: It tasted like the most pure, vibrant Pozole Soup we’ve ever had. The piquantness of the Tomatillo, the brightness of the Herbs and Vegetables, the earthiness of the Hominy. The side of fresh, Housemade Toasted Wheat Sourdough to dip into the Soup just made it even better.
Market Salad: Asparagus with Bottarga:
The Asparagus were tender yet still crisp enough, but it was the pairing of generous shavings of Bottarga that made this dish really standout! The Cured Fish Roe… so distinct in its beautiful brininess worked so well with the Asparagus.
Sprouted Rye Toast (Almond Butter, Honey, Olive Oil, Sea Salt):
I love Almond Butter, and realized this might be a good way to try Gjusta’s own Housemade, Fresh Almond Butter. Their Housemade Almond Butter is fantastic! So nutty and clean, it is just an excellent product. The generous spread on their fresh-baked Sprouted Rye Toast works well, except that we forgot how serious their Sprouted Rye Bread is! 
I like Grains, I love healthier multi-grain Breads, but Gjusta’s own Sprouted Rye is serious business! It’s hardcore Bread, dense (but really nutty) and it stood up to their own fantastic Almond Butter, Honey, Olive Oil and Sea Salt and just brushed it all aside. 
I think this would be amazing on any of their other 7 different types of fresh-made Bread, but the Sprouted Rye is too bold I think. 
I bought a jar of their Housemade Almond Butter for a friend of mine, and she’s been letting me know repeatedly how amazing it is.
Mergeuz Sandwich (Tatziki, Cucumber & Radish, Fermented Chili Sauce, Pickle Red Onion, Herbs & Sprouts):
Because of course Gjusta makes their own Housemade Merguez Sausage. 
Yes, a new Sandwich has appeared, and in Gjusta-level execution, it is superb! Their Handmade Merguez Sausage hits you immediately with its Lamb-y gaminess, enticing notes of Cumin, Harissa, Coriander and other spices. It is really delicious!
Add in their stellar crusty, crunchy Housemade Sesame Baguette, the crunch of Pickled Red Onions, the refreshing Cucumber and Radish and Sprouts… and this is another standout Sandwich worth ordering. It might not dethrone @CiaoBob’s legendary Prime Rib Butcher, but it’s pretty good.
Sparkling Ginger Lemonade:
Their Sparkling Ginger Lemonade… so powerful, so bracing, a blast of Fresh Ground Ginger, Housemade Lemonade. So good! 
Smoked Brisket Banh Mi (Baguette, Smoked Brisket, Pickled Daikon, Carrot, Cucumber, Cilantro, Chili Dressing, Garlic Aioli):
The one Sandwich on Gjusta’s menu that we’re not a fan of has been their Banh Mi Americano. It just doesn’t taste like “Banh Mi” at all, even though their ingredients are impeccable. So against our better judgement we decided to try their Smoked Brisket Banh Mi. Mainly to try their Housemade Smoked Brisket.
This one held up better in terms of reflecting what a traditional Banh Mi tastes like. It still isn’t there, but it’s better than their Americano. Their Smoked Brisket is beautifully smoky, tender, but it’s not the super tender, low-and-slow BBQ-style Brisket. More like smoky slices of their Prime Rib Butcher, but not as sublime. We’d probably skip this Sandwich.
Multi-Grain Porridge Waffle (Butter & Syrup):
The last time we ordered this, it was one of the highlights of our week. This is Gjusta’s Housemade Multi-Grain Porridge, that they take and use as a base to create a Waffle out of it(!). 
This time it was slightly less crispy than the last time, but still nicely toasted and slightly crisped.
But with some of their Butter & Syrup…
This is an extremely nutty, aromatic, outstanding Waffle! Really unique and my favorite recently (along with Howlin’ Ray’s Waffle). 
Veggie Sandwich (Whole Wheat, Roasted Peppers, Tomato, Fennel, Radish, Pickled Turnips, Avocado, Sprouts, Tahini):
It had been too long… Gjusta’s simply named “Veggie Sandwich” is just so beautiful in its balance of flavors: The Roasted Peppers, Avocado, Tahini are the core of creaminess, mix in the Tomato, Fennel and Pickled Turnips that take your taste buds in pleasing directions, the Sprouts and Radish giving it that Spring-time note, and their Housemade Whole Wheat Bread. This is nothing like a typical “Vegetarian Sandwich” at all! My favorite! 
Housemade Chili Hummus:
I confess, I’m now a Gjusta Chili Hummus addict! Darn you @A5KOBE! Why didn’t you tell us about this earlier?!! (j/k) 
I finally remembered to look at Gjusta’s To-Go Refrigerated Case, and I found the innocuous-looking container that @A5KOBE said was like crack.
Oh I wish I resisted the warning… I just tried some this afternoon with some Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips…
It is SO GOOD!!!
We couldn’t stop eating it! In another example of ridiculousness, Gjusta makes their own Hummus, and they top it with a Fermented Chili Sauce, which is basically “Crack.” 
It’s got a noticeable heat that hits you with from the Fresno Chili, but it’s mellowed out by the Fish Sauce and Grapeseed Oil. It’s got this really crave-worthy savory aspect; that’s really the best way to describe it.
And it is one of the best Hummus I’ve ever had!
On another visit, we met a friend and I vowed I’d just order a few Market Salads for lunch. And then I stupidly looked into their Smoked Seafood Case…
So… we started with a Market Salad at least…
Market Salad: Barley, Turnips & Swiss Chard Salad:
Farmers market fresh Roasted Turnips, toothsome, earthy Barley, and the soft, beautiful Swiss Chard. A great way to start.
Tuna Conserva (Olive Bread, Caper Aioli, Roasted Peppers, Salted Cucumbers, Radish, Sprouts, Tapenade):
Best Tuna Sandwich I’ve ever had! This is so much better than the one at Wax Paper (which is a good improvement over most Sandwich / Delis’ version of a “Tuna Sandwich”). The Housemade Olive Bread is incredible, soft, pillowy, nice crust on the outside, the Caper Aioli was on point, the Radish, Sprouts and Olive Tapenade all add a textural contrast to the Sandwich, and of course the Tuna. It truly is so much more than just a “Tuna Sandwich.” A must order!
And because of the glance into the Smoked Seafood Case, sigh…
Fish Plate (Small):
Cold Smoked Kanpachi:
It’s back! Their amazing, supple, subtle Cold Smoked Kanpachi is so worth ordering! @MaladyNelson @bulavinaka @wienermobile.
Smoked Wild Black Cod:
Their Smoked Wild Black Cod was meatier, but still flaky and tender. It was a much more pronounced smokiness. So good!
Smoked Salmon Belly:
Their Smoked Salmon Belly has ranged from very good to the best that Gjusta has to offer. For this meal, it was perfect! Luscious, delicate, buttery, just outstanding!
Their Housemade Sourdough was excellent with the fish today:
Praline Paris-Brest:
Gjusta has a new Dessert Pastry. Which meant we had to try it once.
Their Housemade Choux Pastry shell is sufficiently light and delicate, and it gives way to the most amazing Praline Cream I’ve ever had! After taking one bite, and closing my eyes, I looked down and the rest of my half of the Paris-Brest was gone! Somehow it “magically” disappeared, devoured in seconds.
This is now a Must Order every time we go back! @PorkyBelly @Bookwich and others, don’t miss this!
Gjusta
320 Sunset Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
Tel: (310) 314-0320
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Gjusta Gjusta Gjusta
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Glad you liked the hummus as I did. Truly amazing stuff.
I need to try that Paris Brest and lamb merguez. Sound right up my alley.
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I’m not going to make any friends here, I know that. I’ve been sitting on this statement for about 2 years because I know how unpopular its going to make me… but…
I don’t like Gjusta.
Not at all.
Not even a little bit.
I’ve been more than six times. I’ve had the veggie sandwich, the falafel, the smoked fish, the tuna, the waffle, the breakfast pizza, the carrot cake, the huevos rancheros, and at least twelve salads, toasts, drinks, and desserts (I don’t eat meat, but do eat fish… yes, I know). I liked bits and pieces, but mostly I was frustrated and disappointed. I understand this makes me a philistine.
I feel like they lean to heavily on bitter elements like tahini, and cured/pickled elements. I always leave feeling like I’ve eaten too much salt and spent too much money.
I’m not going to say I hate it, but I will say that if I was forced to go with friends I’d probably order a few salads from the case and call it a day. I simply haven’t liked any of the menu items to order them again, and a few (the veggie sandwich and the falafel, to choose two standouts) were actually pretty unpleasant.
I feel like I’ve revealed a deep dark secret about myself. I’ll slink off and hide now.
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Don’t feel bad at all.
At times, this board may feel like the Gjelina/Gjusta/Raku/Langer’s/etc. boosters club.
… But it’s not. And your voice weighs equally along with everyone else’s.
I’ve never even been to Gjusta.
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Gjusta rates 3 1/2 * on yelp. This obviously indicates that on a relatively large rating base, many feel the same way as you about the place. No one is expecting you to follow in line with what many like here - a counterpoint is respected.
Now I think if you had said something to the effect of, “_______ sucks,” and worse - not qualifying it, your comments would have little if no respect.
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Hi @Moomin,
No, no, there’s no need to “slink off”! That’s what makes FTC (and our old board) so much fun. Everyone has a unique palate and their own opinion. That’s why this is a discussion board and not just a… static “poll” or “petition” type situation where everyone has the same opinion. 
Definitely respect your feelings on Gjusta. I have friends who despise Providence (they seriously hate it). I happen to enjoy Providence, but we still talk and go visit other restaurants together.
Just notice the threads on Pizza, and how people love or hate different places, swearing by some and hating others. In the end it’s all good.
Thanks for posting!
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@Moomin’s a witch! Burn him!
Seriously, though, your comment does make me wonder how much I would love Gjusta if I weren’t a meat eater. I mean, I do love the veggies and salads more than you seem to. But the items that keep me coming back are the porchetta melt, chicken parm, Italian sub, prime rib, and brisket.
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Same here. I just live vicariously through this thread.
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Yeah, I know. And I do appreciate the support from everyone.
The thing is, I live nearby, and every time I see the gushy Gjusta posts, I feel like… Okay, I’ll walk on over and try it again. Then I go, and I feel like most of what I order walks the line between adequate (but hugely overpriced), and kinda gross.
I like some of what I’ve had at Gjelina, but again, mostly salads/veggie items… but there too I’ve felt like I could probably do just as well for half the price.
Mind you, there are other sacred cow places that leave me cold (like Guerrilla Tacos, which has the most exciting looking menus in town, but tends to skew toward bitter/bland/soft flavors and textures in my 5-6 experiences), so it might just be me.
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Ooh I need to try that merguez sandwich. I’ve had the sausage as a plate at Gjelina and it was delicious.
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Anyone know if it is the merguez baguette from when they first opened? that was one of my favorite sandwiches!
Hi @Moomin,
Gjusta, fine, but hatin’ on Guerilla Tacos?! That’s it! You’ve crossed the line. 
(j/k!)
Seriously, it’s fine. Not everyone has to like every restaurant. I still don’t know why Jonathan Gold loves Eagle Rock’s Casa Bianca Pizza so much, but there’s something there he enjoys and others don’t. Everyone has different tastes. Post on.
Hi @aaqjr,
Ooh! They had a Merguez Baguette when they first opened? Good to know. I tried asking about that, and the manager said they can’t 100% confirm (it was before their time), but thinks it might be, because they have a history of rotating in / out a few sandwiches over time.
Either way, we really loved their Merguez Baguette that’s on the menu right now.