Gusto Review - Il Fanal

Currently, hubby and I are upgrading our home.. and it's the kitchen's turn! As you can imagine, while spending some time without a kitchen top, sink or hob, we've taken to eating out quite a bit :) Suggested by Gusto, and being close to home, we've visited Il-Fanal twice this month...

The location: In the center of Marsascala's hub, opposite the sea on the right hand side when driving down via the new Marsascala bypass from Zabbar. Parking on the street not a problem on weekdays.. though a definite congestion problem exists on the weekend if you're with a private car.

The place: Typical Maltese noisy restaurant with tables quite snugly placed, where you can hear the conversation of the table next to you with considerable ease :) Down-to-earth, no-nonsense decor as a Maltese traditional piazza.

The menu: The place to go to is Il-Fanal if you cannot decide whether you want pizza, pasta, grills, chinese or burgers for lunch or dinner! They serve the lot! :) Food is well-portioned and on the good side of edible and tasty... not the place to go to for fancy plates or gourmet food.

The staff: Considering how busy this place always is, the service is acceptable.. that is if you're not in a hurry and are willing to have a laugh with your lunch/ dinner date over the conversation your fellow eaters are having at the table next to you :)

Gusto: No problem getting our 50% off dinner the first time, or a 10% discount the second time. No bookings or prior mention of Gusto needed. Completely hassle free, allowing last minute decisions for popping in for food :) Saved around 55 euro between the two meals - considering this place is really great value for money, that's a lot! Thank you Gusto!

P's recommendation: If you want to eat out, but have no idea what you feel like eating YET, go to Il-Fanal :) And if you really don't feel like dressing up (OK, maybe not on Saturday night) but do not want to look out of place, then again, Il-Fanal is the place for you :) And you can save 50% off your food bill by getting your Gusto Card here :)

Gusto Review - Basilico

After hanging around Sliema and Gzira all afternoon, hubby and I wanted a nice, relaxed dinner before heading home. After consulting Gusto for a restaurant suggestion, we decided on Basilico.

The location: Part of The Waterfront Hotel on the Gzira seafront, though having a separate entrance. Lovely views of Manoel Island as located on the first floor. Parking is not usually a problem as this restaurant is not bang in the middle of the ever-busy, traffic-congested Sliema :)

The place: Simply decorated and notably clean. Tables situated near the large glass windows with great views. You can feel at home after a couple of hours of shopping with tonnes of bags whether for lunch or dinner! :)

The menu: Definitely varied with a great selection of starters, salads, pasta, meat, chicken, pizza and fish :) The mushrooms in garlic starter served with a slice of warm bread was heavenly... hubby and I actually got one of each as we didn't want to share!! The beef rib eye was properly cooked (we ordered one medium-rare and one medium-well).. both were served exactly as ordered.

The staff: Immediately acknowledged us on walking in and served us graciously and knowledgeably with a smile throughout!

Gusto: Saved 22 euro off our dinner :) Accepted Gusto with no prior reservation and totally hassle-free!

P's recommendation: For a good, well-priced, lunch or dinner in Gzira (note for the foreigners: Gzira practically merges into Sliema), Basilico comes highly recommended! And there's enough space around your table for all your shopping bags too :) And you can save 50% off your food bill by getting your Gusto card here :)