Gusto Review - Zeri's Restaurant

Sadly for me, I was working on Christmas Day this year... happily for me, hubby decided to take me out to dinner on Boxing Day :) I had been longing to go to Zeri's for a while, so out came Gusto. I called and made a reservation, and even more happily, they were accepting the 50% discount offer that evening!

The location: Overlooking the fabulous Portomaso marina with the lovely lovely boats! Parking in the Portomaso carpark is kindly offered by Zeri's. A wonderful hassle-free start to a memorable night :)

The place: Not too big, not to small... but just right :) Very stylish decor and cosy warm ambience. So easy to settle into and get very relaxed :)

The menu: Now where do I start!! In their own words, the menu is "imaginative and inspirational" and that is right on the mark :) Hubby's carrot and pumpkin soup was superlative and my fish cake starters were simply heavenly. We both had fish for main course and boy, they definitely know their fish! My fresh tuna was perfect and I had it down in a minute.. so much so that the Chef Patron himself came over to wonder where it all vanished to! :P

The staff: It is obvious that the staff are all excellent professionals. The service was impeccable!

Gusto: Booking required to get the 50% off your food bill for two.. but I promise, that is a VERY minor hassle for a meal that you will remember for a long time in the most positive of ways :) We saved 35 euro thanks to Gusto :)

P's recommendation: As you've noticed, I've waxed lyrical about this place.. and in all honesty, it deserves it all and more! If you're out to impress yourself and your dining partner, this is it! I will definitely be back! And you can save 50% off your food bill for two, by getting your Gusto card here :)

Gusto Review - Zeppi's Restaurant

On a weekday when I was off work, I visited my sister and her 3 week old lovely baby boy! We went for a short walk along the St. Julians promenade.. and around 11.30am, we got hungry! Out came Gusto... and Zeppi's Restaurant it was :)

The location: Tucked away in Balluta Bay St. Julians, overlooking the little public garden opposite the Bay. If you don't look hard enough, you might miss it.. so look carefully :) Free parking on the street is a major hassle on weekends, though the pay-per-use carpark of the Le Meridien hotel is a stone's throw away.

The place: Small and unassuming decor, with three tables on the ground floor, by the kitchen. More seating available upstairs, and tables are available al fresco in the public garden if the weather is right.

The menu: Includes everything you would expect to find including sandwiches and baguettes, pizza, pasta and meats. We had garlic bread with cheese for starters, rib eye steaks for mains, and Sacher torte and apple pie for dessert :) Yummy!

The staff: Impressive! Firstly, we were allowed to enter the restaurant 30 minutes before their opening time because being December, it had started to rain! We appreciated the consideration loads! Secondly, they were extremely helpful by making space at the table for our little angel in his huge baby cot! They were also polite, courteous and timely throughout our lunch :)

Gusto: Got 50% off our lunch for two.. and saved a total of 23 euro! They accepted Gusto right away, even though we did not call before or make a reservation.

P's recommendation: For fantastic considerate service, Zeppi's Restaurant is the place to go! :) The food is good and well portioned. Parking not a hassle if you don't mind parking 15 minutes away and walking, or if you don't mind paying a few extra euros for a pay-per-use carpark. And you can save 50% off your food bill for 2, by getting your Gusto Card here :)

Gusto Review - Lo Squero

On a coldish December weekday evening, hubby came home from work wanting a juicy steak! Immediately the thought made my mouth water.. and out came Gusto! Lo Squero it was :)

The location: The postal address is Floriana but to get there, drive to Valletta. Then take the Marsamxett road and turn down on the left, right along the Grand Excelsior hotel. Keep going down and down as if to the sea. At a sharp right bend, find a parking spot. You will see Lo Squero right ahead.

The place: On the waters edge.. a beautiful view across the sea to Sliema. The sea sparkling from the Sliema lights and the moonlight is spectacular :)

The menu: A great Italian selection - including an extremely varied pizza menu, antipasti, pasta, and main dishes involving chicken, duck, quail, lamb, veal, pork and beef! The Chateaubriand for two sounded great, but we eventually settled for one prime Argentinian ribeye with mushroom cream sauce and one fresh Argentinian fillet of beef with green pepper sauce. They served a lovely bread and butter basket while we waited!

The staff: Discreet, polite and easy to get their attention :)

Gusto: Accepted Gusto with no problems and we saved €22.00 off our midweek dinner out!

P's recommendation: For great steaks, a wonderful waters edge view and no-nonsense good service, this is the place for you! And save 50% off your food bill by getting your Gusto Card here!

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 :)

Gusto Review - La Sikania

A few weekends ago, hubby and I were in the centre of Paceville as hubby had a gig at one of the clubs. Between an early sound check and the start of the evening, we wanted to slip in a quick dinner. Gusto suggested La Sikania.. and off we went!

The location: In the heart of Paceville. Parking close by on the street is a bit of a problem on the weekends, though should be OK on weekdays. Pay-for-use car parks are available not too far off though.

The place: Smallish restaurant but nicely decorated. Kitchen in full view so you can sit at the bar and watch your food being cooked. We sat outside, practically on the side walk, and enjoyed a spot of decent people-watching throughout dinner :)

The menu: A couple of interesting options, together with all the usual dishes. The chicken stuffed with ham and absolutely covered in a delicious creamy sauce was heavenly! Portions are also very well sized :)

The staff: Quick and efficient service with a smile :)

Gusto: Had no problems getting our 50% off, even without prior booking. We did confirm the availability of the offer on walking in though :) Saved a good 15 euro thanks to Gusto :)

P's recommendation: Ideal central place for a good, hearty, filling dinner in a tastefully decorated restaurant :)... and you can save 50% off your food bill by getting your Gusto Card here :)

Gusto Review - Blue Creek

Hubby and I have been together for two years :) so we understandably wanted to celebrate in style!! :) Our choice of upmarket restaurant was the Blue Creek in Ghar Lapsi... we had a night to remember!

The location: Though definitely off the beaten track, the Blue Creek is worth the drive. It is at Ghar Lapsi, limits of Siggiewi, right by the sea. If you're driving there at night, take it easy as there is no properly surfaced road! If driving there for lunch, enjoy the splendid views on the way!

The place: Very unassuming facade, though the restaurant is tastefully decorated on the inside. If possible, opt to eat out on the fantastic terrace overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea and the little rock of Filfla in the background :)

The menu: Mmmm... you will be spoilt for choice looking at the fish selection!! Hubby's Italian platter for starters was gorgeous and my home marinated salmon was pink and fresh! For mains we opted for a fresh barracuda (big enough to share) which was cooked to perfection. The chef was extremely helpful in dealing with my finicky inability to deal with fish bones! My double chocolate mousse dessert was heavenly :)

The staff: Extremely helpful and knowledgeable waiting staff, who were polite and served us with a smile, and the occasional joke, all night long! Hats off!!

Gusto: Had no problems getting 50% off our food.. and we saved 30 euro.. of which the waiting staff got a well deserved tip!

P's recommendation: For a romantic dinner, with sumptuous fish, a great atmosphere and excellent staff.. the Blue Creek is the place to go :) And of course, you can save 50% off your food bill by getting your Gusto card here :)

Gusto Review - Cote D'Azur

Since we've recently moved to the south of Malta, hubby and I had limited knowledge of the good places to eat out. We decided to trust Gusto on a busy weekday as I was not in the mood for driving more than five minutes to get to a great eatery! Our choice fell to Cote D'Azur.. and what a find :)

The location: Cote D'Azur is situated in a corner overlooking Marsascala bay and the Marsascala playing field. You get a great view of the harbour and of families having a fun evening out, while being far away enough to avoid the noise! Best spotted when taking the road out of Marsascala as can be overlooked on the way in, being on the other side of the road. Parking is easy on a week day, though considerably more of a hassle after 8pm on a weekend night.

The place: Hip modern decor, more elaborate inside than outside. Bathrooms are B-E-A-U-TIFUL, and you get to them with a couple of steps, under-illuminated with fairy lights! :)

The menu: Understandably specializing in fish, though their steak is not to be snobbed! Great tuna carpaccio starter and a great variety of well-prepared mains including fish, meats, pizza and pasta options.

The staff: Served by a smiling young lady, very knowledgeable about the menu. The owner also popped by to ask if our meal was going well :)

Gusto: Got 50% off our two starters, two mains and two deserts, and saved 37 euro :) They accept the 50% off offer every day except Saturday for dinner and no prior calling/ booking required.

P's recommendation: A stylish place for a good dinner in the south of Malta :) We even repeated the visit with another 5 friends of ours, and no-one was disappointed! So try it out whether for a date or a night out with friends... and save 50% off your food bill for two by getting your Gusto Card here :)

Gusto Review - Mustang

I had had a really long day at work on Thursday and cooking was the last thing I felt like doing... hubby suggested we go out to dinner.. what a man! :) Out came Gusto and Mustang American Bistro it was!

The location: This gem of a place is found in Naxxar, in the road leading to the old Trade Fair Grounds. Easily accessible even by public transport as it is close to a main road. For those driving there, parking on the road right in front of the restaurant is usually not a problem.

The place: Tastefully decorated.. you will spend a couple of minutes looking around and taking in the design and the wall paintings. A smallish restaurant, though to their merit, the tables are comfortably far away from each other to prevent you irritating your table-neighbours every time you get up!

The menu: This is a place for the MEAT LOVERS! They claim to serve "Malta's Largest and Juiciest Charcoal Grilled Steak!" My fiance decided to give the 700g Long Bone Cowboy Rib Eye a shot and he was nowhere near disappointed! A fantastic cut of meat! And they allow you to bring your own favourite wine with you (and only charge 2 euro corkage fee) while they throw in a free starter of their choice too with this offer! :)

The staff: Really nothing to complain about in this department

Gusto: Got 50% off our dinner and saved 23 euro in the process! :)

P's recommendation: If you're a meat fan, this is the place to go to! See if you can finish "Malta's Largest and Juiciest Charcoal Grilled Steak!" .. while getting 50% off your food bill by getting your Gusto Card here :)

Gusto Review - Black Pearl

A short while ago, my best friend came over from the UK for a weekend break. We consulted Gusto for dinner plans... and the Black Pearl in Ta Xbiex it was, seeing as we're both Johnny Depp fans!!

The location: Set at the Ta Xbiex yacht marina, the location is very central. Free parking is abundant nearby - a great plus particularly if it's raining (yes, it did rain on this particular Saturday evening in May!!) And the view of the beautiful boats is a feast for the eyes :)

The place: The Black Pearl is a ship (of course!!) The restaurant is on the upper deck, and the lower deck is reserved for Flynn's Lounge (but that will have to be another visit altogether). Indoor and outdoor seating is available and the decor is all you can ask for on a poshy (not only piratey) ship :) It comes complete with a ship's steering wheel, dark wooden floor boards and a slighty rickety gangway!

The menu: Great selection to choose from, particularly the seafood dishes! Norwegian salmon salad and the soup of the day were tasty and light starters, while the main course baked salmon was cooked to perfection. Hubby had a great time feasting on his steak :) Wine list above average and enough choice to compliment a fantastic dinner.

The staff: Well mannered gentleman who showed us directly to our table with no waiting time at all upon arrival. They served us in a timely and efficient manner throughout dinner.

Gusto: 50% off two of our starters, mains and desserts (we were a party of three) upon presentation of our Gusto booklet pronto. Prior booking is recommended. We saved a fantastic 35 euro :)

P's recommendation: A definite must for anyone in love with the nautical/ piratey theme and good food :) The place to go to wow your guests from the word 'Go'.. and you can save 50% off your food bill for two by getting your Gusto card here :)

Gusto Review: Patrick's Tmun Victoria Gozo

On a sunny Sunday, we decided to travel to the sister island of Gozo for a quiet day out.. and hubby had booked a sumptous Sunday lunch at award-winning Patrick's Tmun Victoria as suggested by Gusto.. and what a surprise!!!

The location: From Mgarr Harbour, drive to Victoria, Gozo's capital city. Patrick's Tmun is found close to the gym... ask the locals for directions for an added touch of Gozo :) Parking on the street is free and easily available.

The place: As you enter, you notice a couple of tables on the front porch - ideal for a lunch or dinner al fresco. Once you step inside, you are greeted by a stylish bar and cocktail area. The restaurant is set up further inside the restaurant, designed around a nautical theme (hence "Tmun" meaning "Ship's wheel"). A pleasure to behold :)

The menu: Definitely an upmarket selection from the cocktail menu to the world-representing wine list to the daily specials to the regular menu.. you will be spoilt for choice! Complimentary starters were on the house as well as warm Gozitan bread and olive oil (even available for buying a bottle and taking it home). Of particular note for all meat lovers (just like me) the 300g rib-eye steak of Irish Prime Steer .. and of course, don't forget to leave a corner for the wonderful home-made deserts!

The staff: Being greeted by owner and Chef-patron Patrick himself should say enough for the exceptional level of service at this restaurant :)

Gusto: 50% off our lunch and saved 40 euro.. booking required but other than that, totally hassle free!

P's recommendation: If you're in Gozo and want to impress partners, family, friends and business colleagues with a truly great eating and drinking experience, go to Patrick's Tmun Victoria Gozo.. and save 50% off your food bill by getting your Gusto Card here :)

Gusto Review - Hugo's lounge

A sunny weekday afternoon... hubby and I decided to have a lunch date!

Consulted Gusto - Hugo's Lounge it was :)

The location: Being Paceville, the area is very central and easy parking (parking a bit more of a problem in the evenings and weekends, unless you don't mind paying 5 - 9 euro for a pay-per-use parking area)

The place: Hugo's Lounge is very modern and artistically done up. We sat in the outside area and we could easily people watch throughout lunch :P ah yes, and the bathrooms are fab!

The menu: Cocktails were 2 for the price of 1 so that was a definite bonus (and this is a regular offer!!) Extensive and original sushi menu: we went for salmon maki and nigiri platter starters and had the wonderful Hugo's Ocean Platter for mains... it's massive and beautiful to look at and heavenly tasting :)

The staff: Happily serve you with a smile :)

Gusto: Easily got 50% off our lunch... and saved 25 euro :) No prior booking needed to get the 50% discount.

P's recommendation: For a great sushi experience, washed down with colourful cocktails, in the Maltese sunshine, at a trendy people-watching place, go to Hugo's Lounge :) And get 50% discount off your food bill too by getting your Gusto Card here :)

Dining in Malta at half the price!

This article is not just for Maltese people but also (and especially) for tourists who regularly spend time in Malta and dining across the Maltese fine restaurants!

If you are an avid restaurant visitor or like dining with your partner every weekend then you might have found out how expensive this hobby this might be. The joy of eating well in some of the nicest places in Malta is indescribable but it has a price to pay! However, did you know that there is an easy way for you and any of your guests, to enjoy your meal at a 50% discount?

We recently discovered this discount scheme called Gusto which gives you this benefit - the big thing is that it is not only a massive 50% discount, but it is also applicable to over 100 restaurants throughout Malta and Gozo...And the number keeps increasing - just keep updated through their website or on our blog.

We suggest you to purchase this Gusto card now, on the slightest hint of interest, because its price might increase again as it happened some 8 months ago. At the moment this card costs only EUR 60. Why is this good value for money? Let us do for you some simple maths:

• Restaurant 1: Average bill per person is EUR 20. That makes it EUR 40 total bill if you are a couple. With a half price discount on the card's holder + guest, you only pay for one  - you save EUR 20!

• Restaurant 2: Average bill per person is EUR 35. That makes it EUR 70 total bill if you are a couple. With a half price discount on the card's holder + guest, you only pay for one - you save EUR 35!

That's already EUR 55 you saved there - the cost of the Gusto card without you compromising on your palate of Maltese fine dining! You got the value of your money back after just two meals!

So let's reiterate all of the above - if you enjoy eating regularly or you would like to impress your partner or your friend with a nice gift, the Gusto card is for you as you only pay half the bill when you eat out! Now you look convinced to buy the card. Aren't you? But before you make this good decision, we have a little gift for you! Read on...

We would like to share with you a special promo code which you can use in the purchasing page of the Gusto site, to get a further EUR 15 discount on your card! Yep that's right..You can get the card for EUR 65 instead of EUR 80.

The promo code is: 2-1012

So enter code 2-1012 when you purchase the card from Gusto to get a special discount.