Update 15:
With the recent visit to Wax Paper Chinatown, and all of their great Sandwiches, it also reminded me of our favorite versions at Gjusta. So in the interest of “research” (and to make extra sure our taste buds weren’t out of whack), it was time for a revisit. 
Their wonderful fresh farmers market-driven Salad & Flatbread case (rotating daily):
The best Smoked Seafood case in the city:
Sparkling Ginger Lemonade:
As bracing, shocking, refreshing as always! I love that blast of fresh-grated Ginger, sparkling in their Housemade Lemonade. 
Wild Mushroom Flatbread:
This was a touch salty, but the layers of freshly-baked, piping hot Mushrooms, melted Cheese and toasted, crunchy Flatbread were still delicious.
Italian Sandwich (Ciabatta, Sopressa, Mortadella, Ham, Chopped Escarole, Tomato, Pickled Peppers, Fontina, Aioli, Red Wine Vinegar):
I loved Wax Paper Chinatown’s Larry Mantle (Italian) Sandwich, but as soon as I took a bite of Gjusta’s Italian Sandwich on this visit…
There’s no comparison: Their Housemade Ciabatta Bread (baked fresh daily, multiple times a day) has a slightly crunchy exterior (but still pliant), but then it gives way to the soft, airiness within (@ChineseChou no worries about cutting Bread here). Then you’re greeted by this incredible porcine flavor from their Housemade Mortadella and Ham, and the Sopressa Salumi - the level of quality of their meats is incredible! - then the Chopped Escarole, which feels like a great match in this Italian, the Fontina Cheese adds a bit of delicious fat and subtle funk, their Housemade Aioli and a bit of tart from the Red Wine Vinegar for balance.
Absolutely incredible! 
Porchetta Butcher Sandwich (Horseradish, Chimichurri, Toasted Baguette):
Not to be confused with their Porchetta Melt (separate Sandwich), their Porchetta Butcher is as decadent, mouthwatering and luscious as always! The layers of lean and fatty of Roasted Pork are nicely seasoned, enhanced with their Housemade Chimichurri, but served simply otherwise, on Toasted Baguette (made in-house). It tastes fresh (no leftover / refrigerated Pork here), ridiculous in its lushness and porky flavors, and balanced! 
Smoked Fish Plate (Small):
Octopus Escabeche:
Tender morsels of their Octopus Escabeche, as delightful as usual.
Smoked Salmon Belly:
Ridiculous.
Seriously, this is SO INCREDIBLE I have run out of words to describe it! Lightly smoky, fatty, luscious and when paired with their Housemade Breads, it is one of the best bites out there! (@TheCookie @PorkyBelly @Gr8pimpin @wienermobile and others.)
Smoked Oil Cured Oysters:
Shut the front door! 
Seriously. These are like the perfect morsels of creaminess, light smokiness and some of the best versions of Oysters we’ve had recently, being Smoked and Oil Cured at Gjusta! So good!
Excellent Condiments to go with the Smoked Fish Plate:
The Heirloom Tomatoes were so ripe and naturally sweet, umami, that they made all 3 of our Gjusta Smoked Seafood case selections even better!
A selection of their Housemade Breads always accompanies this Smoked Fish Plate:
The fresh baked Country Sourdough and Sesame Whole Wheat were standouts, lightly toasted, still soft, pilllowy, nutty, some of the best Breads in the city!
(NEW) Fig Coffee Cake:
Another new item that just somehow was great (as usual): Gjusta had a seasonal Fig Coffee Cake today! It was moist, lightly crumbly, not too sweet, with bursts of Fig flavor baked into the Cake itself.
Hazelnut Paris Brest:
It’s back. One of Gjusta’s best Desserts / Pastries: Their Hazelnut Paris Brest (in the cold case next to the Pastry Case), the Choux Pastry was firm enough to hold the filling, and then you have that incredible wave of creamy, aromatic, delicate nuttiness that only Toasted Hazelnuts can give you. The Creme filling was light and well-executed. Served chilled, this is one of the best Desserts we’ve had recently. (@chinchi @PorkyBelly @J_L @Bookwich and others)
Another Visit:
While we always enjoy Gjusta’s great in-house, fresh-baked Bread via their Sandwiches and Fish Plates, it had been a while since we bought some to bring home. And we were doing a comparison with some other freshly baked Bread at another place.
Country Sourdough (Half):
Look at the gorgeous color on that Sourdough! We were impatient and asked for a slice to enjoy immediately.
The crusted exterior has a nice textural contrast with the absurdly soft, airy center! The tang from Gjusta’s Housemade Sourdough Bread is what bread lovers dream of!
Outstanding Bread!
Gjusta sells their Fresh-Baked Bread as Half and Whole Loaves.
Roast Turkey Butcher Sandwich (Au Jus, Baguette, Roasted Turkey, Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper):
While I really enjoyed Wax Paper Chinatown’s new Turkey Sandwich (easily my 2nd favorite in the city), Gjusta’s Turkey Butcher is, again, on another level. Gjusta actually takes the time to roast their own Turkeys daily(!), hand slice the Roasted Turkey per order, and that makes all the difference in the world.
It’s not some mass-manufactured (or refrigerated Turkey from days before): Fresh Roasted Turkey, sliced for your Sandwich order! 
It’s simple in its presentation: Slices of Fresh Roasted Turkey, their Housemade Baguette (also baked fresh daily), and that Turkey Au Jus, which is just all the decadent Turkey drippings.
This is what a “Turkey Sandwich” should taste like. (But never does at 99% of the places serving “Turkey Sandwiches.”)
It is incredible.
Veggie Sandwich (Whole Wheat, Roasted Peppers, Fennel, Radish, Picked Turnips, Avocado, Sprouts, Tahini):
If you ever wanted to know one reason why Chef-Owner Travis Lett and Gjusta is so standout, look no further than their simply named Veggie Sandwich. You might think that the “Veggie Sandwich” must be some throwaway item to appease the hamsters of Venice, the vegetarians who want something as the meat-eating customers are basking in the glory of Gjusta’s Prime Rib Butcher, Italian and beyond.
You would be wrong.
Many Chefs can make Bacon or Prime Rib taste good; it practically sells itself. But how many can make Vegetables sing? Chef Lett has a special talent for bringing out incredible flavors in Vegetables, and the Veggie Sandwich at Gjusta is a great example:
It begins with their made in-house Sesame Seed Whole Wheat Bread, toasted to enhance the Sesame Seeds’ nuttiness and aroma even more. There’s the textural contrast, as you get this lightly crunchy exterior, giving way to joy within: The Roasted Peppers are tender, almost silky, lightly sweet, then you have the Radish and Pickled Turnips, giving some tart and crunch, the Fennel is brilliant, adding this lightness, Anise-like taste, along with grassy, Spring-like Sprouts. It’s all brought together with creamy Avocado and their Housemade Tahini.
It sounds like a lot, but somehow, some way, Chef Lett works the magic. This Veggie Sandwich is simply OUTSTANDING!
I’m not vegan, nor vegetarian, but I could eat this every day without complaint, it is that good! (@TheCookie @Bookwich @chinchi and others.)
Italian Sandwich (Ciabatta, Sopressa, Mortadella, Ham, Chopped Escarole, Tomato, Pickled Peppers, Fontina, Aioli, Red Wine Vinegar):
Gjusta’s Italian Sandwich was so good on our last visit that we had to order it again.
Seriously.
Incredible porkiness from their Housemade Mortadella and Ham, the Sopressa is beautiful, the fluffy Housemade Ciabatta, the Escarole, Fontina Cheese, Red Wine Vinegar, it’s a world-class Italian Sandwich! (@PorkyBelly @Ns1 @A5KOBE @Gr8pimpin @J_L and others!)
I continue to marvel out how much of a well-oiled machine Gjusta is. We rarely see Chef-Owner Travis Lett at Gjusta (probably more busy at sister restaurant Gjelina), but he has managed to bring together a well-run kitchen & staff, executing some of the best Smoked Seafood, Breakfast items, gourmet Sandwiches, amazing Breads, fresh Salads, Desserts, and more, at this casual, order-at-the-counter spot in Venice.
From outstanding Breakfast Sandwiches, one of the most incredible crunchy Waffles (Multi-Grain Porridge Waffle), soulful Chicken Dumpling Soup, incredible gourmet Sandwiches like the Prime Rib Butcher, Porchetta Butcher, the lovely Italian Sandwich, the best Veggie Sandwich in the city, an amazing Falafel Sandwich, the best Smoked Seafood selection around, some of the best fresh-baked Bread Loaves, and the list goes on and on, Gjusta remains a delight.
Gjusta
320 Sunset Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
Tel: (310) 314-0320