Me Gusta

Located around the corner from the Google Venice headquarters, the new Silicon Beach canteen, otherwise known as Gjusta– Gjelina’s new deli and bakery- has a very unassuming facade from the street. However, once inside the white washed warehouse with a set of accordion style windows, everything changes. If Gjelina is the jewel in Venice- and one of L.A.’s best restaurants- then Gjusta just may have the best cured meats and fish this side of New York. With a massive kitchen space, maybe the biggest in LA, and large skylights that wash the room in sunlight, you’ll embrace large lines of enthusiastic foodies happy to grab and go- or stand, as seating is sparse- the likes of special breads prepared on site, fruit pies, bialys, croissants, quiches, porridge, granola, smoked and cured meats and fish, sandwiches, salads, and soups which are laid out on the main counter, stretching the span of the building.

Although Gjusta can get as jammed-packed as the 405 during rush hour, there are personal shopper-esque attendants behind the counter to guide you through your food-worthy experience…if what to order may be your biggest worry of the day, you’re having a good day. Maybe standing while eating is your thing- less messy than driving – so the long marble counter at the coffee bar where 49th Parallel espresso and coffee is poured is where you’ll want to indulge breakfast sandwiches, like the English muffin with bacon, cheese, fried egg and pesto, or you can navigate your way through a pastrami, smoked brisket, blackened cod, or prime rib sandwich at the sandwich station. But if it’s your lucky day, you just may score an unoccupied crate outside to devour your goodies gracefully. But not to fret, for the truly civilized, there’s a stunning cobblestone outside patio in the works. www.gjusta.com