Panini Grill

Been there a few times… I really cannot say much on the positive side since my first time there a few years ago. Everyone has been telling me how good the place is since the new owner.
So I gave it another chance tonight. Take it from me — go elsewhere!
My wife ordered grilled calamari on a bed of salad… More like burnt rubber bands on drowned greens. So much balsamic vinegar even the greens were inedible.
I ordered linguini Bolognese… folks, Bolognese is NOT marinara sauce with crumbled hamburger in it. To top it off, the sauce was so sweet I couldn’t add enough grated cheese to tone down the sugar. Chef Boyardee has some stiff competition here. Sorry guys but you should stick to paninis and pizza — if that’s what you do best.
All told, this will be my final experience with this restaurant… there are far too many quality eateries in the area to subject yourself to the disaster they call Italian Cuisine.
I wish you luck if you choose to eat there…

Food was excellent. Our waitress was excellent. We went on a Sunday evening and were the last table. When we walked in at about 8:30 there was only one table seated at the time. After our dessert a friend asked one of the staff, «Oh, are we keep in you?» Which I guess we were since we were the only table at the time, which was about 10pm. The staff member just looked around as if we should’ve known and hurried ourselves out of there. I went to the bathroom and when I came out I could hear him telling the other staff members the story. I’ve worked in the restaurant business a good chunk of my life and I understand the late table scenario but we were seated early. If they would’ve said they were closing at a specific time then we might have chosen a different place to dine. I’d go back because the food was superb and our waitress was as well. As for the blonde douchey guy that’s another story.

My boyfriend and I love this place. It’s our #1 choice to eat at on the island for special date nights and when guests come and visit us. The inside is beautiful, the food is delicious and very reasonably priced and they have so many options you don’t see anywhere else on the island.

We wanted to try again here because it’s under new ownership. You could tell the prior owner lost all interest. They’ve fixed up the interior, and we liked the staff who were attentive and friendly. The food options are better and I think we will keep coming here

Our family enjoyed delicious feast at the Panini Grill! Our burrata appetizer, with added special peppadew peppers, set the stage for great dining experience. The special gourmet, thin crust pizza topped with oyster mushrooms, speck, white truffle oil and burrata is the most delicious pizza our family ever enjoyed! Without a doubt, this pizza is one of a kind made with the best quality ingredients. We also enjoyed eggplant and pepper paninis and Rosario’s own protein special panini filled with white beans, avocado and spinach! Our dessert, chocolate molten cake with ice cream and whipped cream was mouth watering as well, especially while sipping cold espresso mousse that is outstanding! Truly, the Panini Grill is a gem. The most professional management, most attentive waitstaff and pretty atmosphere are all a plus! Buon Appetito!

I’ve ordered twice where I got something I did not order. Wondering why, I compared the paper menu to the online menu and it’s not the same. So instead of a quick phone call to find out what I’d like instead of deleted menu item they guessed what I’d like. Both guesses were wrong. The latest replacement was a sandwich that’s not on either menu. It looked like a sandwich a child might make out of leftovers in the fridge. I ordered Greek panini and got crumbled tortillas, hot peppers, tomato, olives and cheese. This laziness has lost my business. Completely unacceptable.

The food here is absolutely DELICIOUS!!! Every single thing we tasted was fantastic. Very comfortable, romantic ambiance with beautiful décor. The servers and everyone working here is so kind and helpful. Linda and Rosario were our servers and they were two of the sweetest people. Very accommodating and gave phenomenal recommendations. Can’t wait to come back!

It was my first time here. The food was delicious! It is such a cute place. The ceiling is so darling with silver plated tiles and lit branches giving it a romantic feel. We got a pizza with chicken, red peppers and mozzarella cheese and shred between 3 of us. The calamari is fresh and the best part is the peach sangria!!! $ 25.00 a pitcher but it is fantastic and has a great taste. Our waitress was so sweet and very attentive. I would definitely go again. A great place for a date night or just a night with the girls

We came here for a friends birthday this past weekend, originally they lost her reservation for almost 15 people. We had to wait a little over a half hour to finally be seated. After we started ordering drinks, they came by with complimentary margarita pies as an appetizer for us all in apology for having us wait so long. It was delicious! Drinks were generous with liquor and then we ordered our food. Everything was absolutely delicious! Then our birthday girl ordered a lava cake and it was so tasty and they brought a fun firework/​type candle for the cake for her. They did mess up the bill a bit at the end, but they were more than happy to fix it. All in all, because this was such a large group, they did a great job accommodating us and were very friendly. The eggplant and mozz panini was to die for. And generous portions too. So good! Prices were fair as well. Will definitely come back!

What a delightful place! Atmosphere is fantastic, food is delicious, staff is friendly & courteous. Mozzarella in carozza is wonderful. Rice balls, perfect. Artichoke hearts app, soooo yummy. Every dish i saw looked amazingly delicious, down to the dessert. Definitely recommend!

Great place for sandwiches and pizza!
Good food, generous portions, quality service, nice interior, decent prices. What else can anyone ask for?
Highly recommended!

I went there for the first time tonight and it was purely because we were driving around and couldn’t figure out where to go. We never heard anything about this place so we weren’t sure what we were in for, but our expectations were exceeded just by walking in. It’s very well kept and perfect for a casual gathering or a date night. The menu had many options and although we naively assumed our choices would be confined to sandwiches, we were pleasantly surprised to see some really good appetizer and entrée options, as well as pizza and plenty of other things.
Our waitress was very attentive and friendly, and patient with us as we took a few minutes to decide on a meal. The food came quickly and I had what was probably the best eggplant parmigiana I’ve had on the island to date. It was fresh, the portion was large, the sauce was great, and the eggplant itself wasn’t greasy or buried in too much cheese or bread crumbs like most places. It was perfect. My boyfriend had a pork-​chop entrée and he was very surprised by how well made it was. He said there wasn’t any fat on there and that it was all meat. The sauce it came in was phenomenal. We both chose the vegetable and potato side rather than pasta so we hopefully force down some dessert, and we did. Their special was the pistachio tartufo and thankfully we had the sense to split it because it was big… But so good!
The prices are fair and the only thing we’re upset about is that we haven’t tried this place sooner.

Great place. The food was amazing. Service was very good. Ate a lot of food. Had lots of food and dessert. Will be back here again

I ordered cheese fries and they gave me French fries with slices of melted American cheese on top. What?!? That is disgusting. And they’re way overpriced and they take forever. Will not return.

I’ve always liked Panini Grill. I thought the food was good with the original owners.
I’ve been here about six times since the new owners. The employees are all very friendly. They updated the interior a bit. It still has that small café feeling, but more modern. Also, they have a full bar now. I’d like to give it four stars, but my last experience pushed me over the edge back to the three.
The nachos italiano are really good. The pasta chips are quite unique and tasty. If you like meat, they certainly don’t skimp. The portion is large enough for four to split. We usually just take the leftovers home, not my idea because they are probably soggy the next day, but usually the person I’m eating with likes them THAT much!
I’ve always been a fan of their balsamic dressing, so I tend to order a salad. Any of the salads are good and a decent portion. I like the house salad. I add fresh mozzarella and chicken to it. The chicken is good, but not my first choice for a protein on this salad. With the old owners, I’d order a scoop of tuna fish. The new owners have their own style to making tuna fish, which just isn’t enticing to me. I think they should have both options available because everyone I have dined with has agreed their combination just doesn’t sound desirable.
January 2016 I added grilled shrimp instead of the chicken, to switch things up, and the shrimp was very undercooked (clear rather than white). I had to toss it since I only noticed once I was home with my take out.
I’ve also tried the eggplant parmigiana panini. It was pretty good, but I still like the salads best.
The other night (Wednesday) I ordered and arrived to pick it up 20 minutes later. It wasn’t ready. I had to wait an additional 15 minutes. The wait time was beyond excessive, especially since I was picking it up. My friend ordered on Friday and waited over an hour, then called to ask if the food was on its way. It seems they can’t keep up with the demand. As I was waiting I noticed a $ 5 off coupon in their menu-​score! It would have been nice if they just offered this discount, since I stood there for 15 minutes. Also, they didn’t include the extra dressing I asked for.
I won’t say I won’t be back again, but based on a few deltas, I won’t be rushing back. I hope they can find a way to speed up the service whether it’s pick up or delivery or I won’t be returning.
*June 2016-​for take out paid $ 18 for a salad that was mostly lettuce that had turned brown

First time eating here since new owners took over. We ordered for delivery with a good distance between our home and the restaurant (we are in sunny side).
I ordered panini steak sandwich with mozzarella and onions. Was delicious. Actually came hot!
My husband ordered the panini burger with lettuce, tomato, and mayo and it came with fries. We added grilled onions and American cheese to it. It came on a nice size English muffin and was amazing!
The food was hot and the delivery guy was wearing a costume and was so grateful for the tip. I’m actually impressed and it opens up our Options now to takeout since I’m not impressed With anything in my neighborhood and we never order in.
Very happy with our meal and they even have coupons online at
(also in the coupons section of paper)

Excellent Italian food in a casual setting. The stuffed rigatoni Bolognese was outstanding.
The Bolognese sauce was rich, meaty and very tasty.
The Pasta Fazuil is excellent.
The portions are huge.
Service is friendly and efficient.

No gravy, no ketchup, no plates, no plastic forks, no napkins that included 2liter complementary soda (read below to find out why?) Oh! And I forgot to mention, No cups.
Stopped by for lunch with four colleagues. Once seated it took them a while to bring our menu and take our drinks. Time passed and the server finally takes our order. We noticed at another table customers were waiting for their food as well! We asked how long they have been waiting… «A while «we were told. We started to get worried as we needed to get back within the hour. Well the food never came and we wound up paying for it to be delivered.
There is an old Italian saying «chi paga prima mangia pesce marcio» translation «those who pay first eats rotten fish»
My colleagues were not happy with the delay and once the food arrived it was not appealing at all. Burned American cheese that we had to throw out. Where is the gravy… I placed this order for the gravy» one of them said. And where is the ketchup for my fries… Another said. «Where are the plates for the pizza and do you have a fork so I can eat the salad?» BTW (by the way) the Asian salad was really BAD; romaine lettuce and Asian dressing. I could have made a better one at home. We had to get water from the vending machine as we did not have any cups to drink our complementary soda.
Lunch is about an hour; less to get to and fro. If you can’t serve us, let us know ! so we ca grab something fast at another locale. BTW we should have gotten the hint of the delay. We noticed when we arrived there was a group of people waiting, not to be seated but to pick up their food. And lefts minutes before we did!
Management better step up your game! As us gals will definitely NOT be coming back.

The new management did a really excellent job. The décor is quaint and warm.
They have really great service. They’re super attentive and give you an iPad to rate the service at the end of your meal. Your opinion is valued, for sure.
This has become my go to restaurant in West Brighton for lunch or dinner. I have yet to be disappointed. I’ve tried a few different menu items and I’ve gone with a few different friends, and everyone has enjoyed their meals. My favorite is the positano salad with grilled calamari and balsamic. It’s always fresh and delicious. I look forward to trying brunch here!

I haven’t eaten here but the Staten Island Children’s Museum uses Panini Grill as the exclusive caterer for their birthday parties. We were a bit bummed initially that we couldn’t pick out our own caterer. However, after eating the food, we were pleasantly surprised by how good the food was.
We ordered a hero, paninis and pizza. The pizza was just average but the heros and paninis were SO good. The ingredients in them were just so tasty and fresh.
In case you are reading this because you’re having your kids bday party at the museum and wondering about the food… don’t worry at all. The food is excellent.