Gjusta Review - Venice - Los Angeles - The Infatuation
"Unless you’re new to eating in Los Angeles (in which case, hi there, we hope you like crudo and little gem salads), you probably don’t need us to tell you about Gjusta. You’ve likely read about the Venice deli/marketplace on some guide, or saw a micro-influencer post about it on Instagram. Or perhaps you’ve already eaten here yourself. Either way, you probably also know that Gjusta can be a complete and utter scene—a wasteland of the tannest, most attractive people on earth, all of whom are currently standing between you and that beautiful tuna conserva sandwich. Lines are long, the ordering system is archaic and complex, and there’s not a discernible parking lot in sight. So, is Gjusta worth the hype? Short answer, yes. But that love is conditional, the way you feel about a television show that keeps hinting it might kill off your favorite character. There’s a correct time and place to come to Gjusta—show up on a weekend or particularly sunny Friday, and expect a significant wait. Although there was a brief moment when they offered table service, Gjusta has gone back to its roots, a semi-chaotic ordering system where you take a number, wait to be called, then order at the counter. Although, real pros know to order ahead on Toast. Gjusta has also greatly expanded their patio in the last few years, which used to only be a small section at the back of the restaurant. Now, it’s an entire parking lot affair, which means there are a ton more tables to snag. Be warned though, we’ve seen people go full Battle Royale over these highly coveted seats. Imagine the most charming bakery or deli you've been in, either in real life or in your dreams. Now multiply that by ten. Cases here are piled high with smoked fish, pastries, salads, and pizzas that change depending on the day. Sandwiches are almost second to none, especially our favorite, the tuna conserva. And if you can get past the roast chicken’s high price tag—$36—it’ll ruin every other rotisserie in the city for you. You can order almost anything at Gjusta and be confident that it will taste extremely good, even after all the fuss it took to get it to your mouth. So, yes, Gjusta is a hassle. You’ll curse the Westside whenever you roll up at 1pm on a Wednesday and see a long line snaking down the block. You might break down the moment someone beats you to a table. But we also know that we’ve never taken a bite of the tuna conserva and thought, “Eh, this wasn’t really worth it.” " - Team Infatuation
