Opening a bistro sounds like a dream, right? A place where friends gather, strangers become regulars, and every dish brings joy. But the reality? It’s as challenging as it is rewarding. Here’s a look behind the scenes at the journey of creating what we hope will become Malta’s go-to spot for comfort food—Gusti.
Design & Planning: The Heart of a Bistro
Every successful eatery starts with a vision, and for Gusti, that vision began with designing and planning a kitchen that could handle the rhythm of a busy day. We wanted a layout that kept the team connected, efficient, and ready for everything from quick morning snacks to full-on evening platters. Because let’s be honest: a kitchen that’s built well works as hard as we do.
Then, there’s the main area—the soul of the bistro. We didn’t want just tables and chairs; we wanted a space that feels welcoming, where people can relax, share, and unwind. Balancing comfort with aesthetics, and creating that effortless flow from seating to service, is an art. And we’re proud of every inch that captures the vibe we’re building.
The Menu: More Than Just Food
Creating an enticing menu might sound straightforward, but it’s an art of its own. We set out to bring Malta a mix of flavors that are comforting and exciting—menu classics, local favorites, and everything in between. This isn’t just a menu; it’s a love letter to comfort food, designed to make people feel at home. Every dish, every cocktail, every combination has been carefully crafted to make Gusti a place people return to, again and again.
Getting the Ball Rolling
“Just find a good location,” they said. But let’s be real—location helps, but it doesn’t make things easier. Gusti’s first spot in Msida? It’s good, but sure, we could have found somewhere flashier. What matters more than location, though, is the work behind the scenes. Every step to get the doors open involved a hundred smaller steps: licenses, suppliers, schedules, and finding the right team. It’s a juggling act, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Running a bistro isn’t glamorous; it’s a constant challenge, but it’s one we embrace wholeheartedly.
Maximizing Time: From Morning to Late Night
Gusti isn’t just a lunch or dinner spot; we’ve worked hard to make it the place to be, morning to night. Quick, fresh morning snacks, satisfying lunches, and an afternoon aperitivo hour with two-for-one cocktails and platters to share. It’s about creating a flow to the day that suits everyone—whether you’re stopping in for a bite or staying for the evening.
The Fresh Food Hurdle
Here’s the thing: good food takes time. At Gusti, we’d rather serve a dish that’s fresh and packed with flavor, even if it means waiting a few extra minutes. Yes, it’s a challenge, especially in a world that’s all about speed, but we’re here for quality, not shortcuts. Our goal is for every dish to be worth the wait because that’s what comfort food is really about.
The Takeaway
So, was opening a bistro fun? Yes, but not in the way people think. It’s hard work, long hours, and an endless series of decisions. But it’s also passion, dedication, and the vision of creating a place where people feel good about what they’re eating and where they’re eating it. Gusti is built on the idea that food should be fresh, made with love, and worth coming back for. And that’s why every day, we’re here, rolling up our sleeves and giving it our all.