Gjusta

Gjusta is a bakery, deli and grocer on Sunset Avenue in Venice, a few blocks back from the beach and close to the Venice Beach Boardwalk. It comes from the same family of businesses as Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Boulevard and shares its focus on seasonal, ingredient-driven food. The business has grown into three parts: Gjusta Bakery, Gjusta Grocer and Gjusta Goods.

For visitors, the bakery and deli are the main reasons to come. The counters are stacked with breads, pastries and baked goods, and the deli offers prepared dishes, sandwiches and plates that make an easy breakfast or lunch. Coffee is served throughout the day. The grocer side sells pantry items and carefully chosen products, which are useful if you are staying in a rental and want good ingredients.

Because of the range of options, it helps to have a look around before ordering. Counters can be busy on weekend mornings, when locals stop in on the way to the beach, and the atmosphere is lively and casual. Opening hours are not listed on the home page, so check the website or call before making a special trip.

Gjusta suits food lovers, families assembling a picnic and anyone exploring Venice who wants a relaxed alternative to a sit-down restaurant. It is a good place to pick up supplies before a day on the sand or a bike ride along the beach path towards Santa Monica, and baked goods travel well.

Gjusta also offers catering for events and sells gift cards. Gjusta Goods focuses on a curated selection of products, from homeware to food gifts, which can be a source of souvenirs with a local connection. The sheer choice can be overwhelming on a first visit, so a sensible approach is to choose one baked item, one savoury dish and a coffee, then return another day to explore further. Seating is informal, so many visitors take their food to the beach or eat on the go, especially on sunny weekend mornings when the space is at its busiest.

Getting there is easiest on foot or by bike if you are already near the beach; street parking in this part of Venice is limited at weekends. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, with its independent shops, is a short walk inland, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk and skatepark are just a few minutes away towards the ocean.