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 :)