Giusto - CLOSED

Overview

The first encounter I had with Giusto was when they came round to our office handing out delicious raspberry mini muffins – we were chuffed and those muffins were such a tease, we all vowed to go get more. My co-worker Nile is a bit of a coffee aficionado and he seemed to make regular visits to these maker of muffins for his morning caffeine hit. Clearly, they had a lot more to offer than teasing people with tiny muffins (their marketing strategy was evidently effective).

Sale Street is a rather big hub made of commercial companies and considering how populated it is with office workers, there seems to lack cafes and restaurants that serve both a dine-in and à la carte menu. Successfully bridging this gap in the market, Giusto seems to have already become a go-to eatery for professionals in the area.

Both health-fanatics and will be happy to know that although Giusto gratifies a healthy approach to their food, it does not penalize the taste – meaning you won't be eating miscellaneous grass that tastes like... well, grass.

Starting my Saturday brunch with a fresh pressed juice, the "Refresher" was an absolute delight. The cucumber mixed with the sweetness of pear, the zing of lemon, a fresh tropical tang of pineapple and a hint of mint was an epic combo that satisfied my late morning craving.

The Dukkah crusted salmon was one of the best salmon dishes I've ever had ($22). Cooked to perfection, the fish was soft and juicy while the skin was cooked to a light crisp. Served on potato-herb rosti, home-made pesto (free of nuts if by chance you're allergic), super-fresh micro greens with a dash of something zesty and two poached eggs, it was pretty much the ideal meal that I didn't know I needed. Although it wasn't exactly my order, I semi-stole it and then annihilated it.

The chargrilled bavette steak, cooked adeptly to medium rare was a big lean meat party on top of a bed of steeped dates, puy lentils, button mushrooms, baby spinach and pinenuts ($25). For those who love meat but are on a health-buzz, this salad should make a good compromise. Plus, you can leave the dates until the end to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Serving the full range of Immigrant's Son Espresso and also selling them at wholesale, the coffee is not to be missed. Working with the industrial trend of exposed services, high ceilings, incredibly long bar and functional decor of a huge coffee roasting machine, it's your new must-try eatery that will soon become your go-to.