If there's one easy comparison to Gjusta, the new bakery and cafe by Gjelina now open on a sleepy stretch of Sunset Avenue in Venice, it's probably San Francisco's Tartine, or possibly Huckleberry. The long space features some of the most charming skylights on the Westside, with the redolence smells of a massive kitchen and baking area dominating most of the interior. Painted white brick, futuristic light fixtures, stencil boards, and cases full of delectable foodstuffs fill things in the rest of the space. (Turns out Matt Winter actually designed the interior). This is the European-style bakery cafe done through the lens of a perfectionist, or maximalist.
Toward the front, a full complement of pastries from croissants, cookies, bialys, breads, scones, and more, all made in house every morning. Move further down and one will find some massive pies available by the slice, such as banana cream or apple. Beyond that, a cold case of prepared foods, sandwiches, cured fish, charcuterie - essentially anything a gourmand on the go would desire. As for sandwiches, consider everything from porchetta and roast beef to falafel and merguez, all plopped into the house-made bread.
At the moment, service can be a little tricky to figure out. Step up to the counter and order as best as possible from one station, though with everything spread out it's a bit of a challenge. Patience is rewarded by some of the best cafe items in town, like the juicy prime rib sandwich. Things may not flow as logically as they might at Gjelina Take Away, but the offerings are definitely worth it. Even the coffee is great, with G&B Coffee introducing a variety of milks with top notch espresso.
Open daily at 7 a.m.
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