As the warmer days of spring and early summer descend upon New York City, a new sense of life emerges. Bike riders whiz by, as dog walkers, exercise enthusiasts, and pedestrians fall into a cadence down the sidewalks. The parks are peppered with entertainers, couples, families, and those yearning for a bit of nature. Sun seekers pack up their cars for a beachside respite. As we give our tired ovens and hands at home cooking a break, our stomachs can rest assured by reaching for a quick, familiar, satisfying, and economical Italian staple, the panino. Panini or “sandwiches” make the perfect on-the-go meal, and Italians have really taken them to the next level by using delicious, high-quality ingredients. The countless combinations of imported meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments stacked on some of the best bread in town transport us to Italy in every bite, not to mention, they travel exceptionally well. Next time you’re going for a stroll, having a picnic or road-tripping, head to one of these NYC shops for a serious sandwich fix!
Regina’s Grocery
Pick-up or delivery directly through their website, Caviar, or Seamless
Mother and son duo Regina and Roman Grandinetti’s mom and pop grocery and deli has become a welcoming LES institution that’s outfitted from wall-to-wall with nods to family. Known for its high quality imported Italian meats, locally sourced bread, and provisions, Regina’s menu reiterates the importance of family, each sandwich inspired by specific characteristics of different family members. Since the onset of the pandemic, Roman has been supplying sandwiches to frontline workers and continue to feed the less fortunate through his Streetwork NYC donation initiative.
Hot tip: The Calabrian Chili Spread is a must. It’s made in-house by Regina herself!
Regina and Roman Grandinetti
Sergimmo Salumeria
Pick-up or delivery directly through their website, Delivery.com, or Seamless
Familial influences are a common theme when it comes to panini shops in New York City, including Sergimmo Salumeria. With 3 locations across Manhattan and Queens, brothers Sergio and Massimo Badalamenti are putting a Sicilian spin on Italian sandwiches. Their panini are piled high with imported meats, hand-stretched fresh mozzarella that they make daily, and are finished with olive oil that their father brings back from his native Sicily each year. In addition to sandwiches, Sergio and Massimo sell Italian provisions, salads, and pastas thanks to their mother, who is responsible for many of the recipes.
Pro tip: Order the VIP, their signature panino filled with prosciutto crudo di Parma, Sergimmo’s fresh mozzarella, Arcadian lettuce mix, extra virgin olive oil, and homemade fig spread.
Sergimmo Salumeria: the VIP panino
Pisillo Panini
Pick-up or delivery directly through their website, Delivery.com, or Seamless
Carmelo Nazzaro and his wife Antonella opened Pisillo Panini as a way of offering a taste of the Italian products that they formerly carried as importers to hungry New Yorkers. They have been slinging their supersized sandwiches from their shop in the Financial District since 2013, and recently opened a second outpost in Chelsea. “Pisillo” pays homage to Carmello’s grandfather’s coffee shop in Sant’Agata de Goti, a small hilltop village just north of Naples. The panini are named after different regions and cities in Italy, each one appropriately stuffed with geographically-inspired ingredients. We recommend the namesake Pisillo panino, made with prosciutto crudo di Parma, porchetta (made in house), bufala mozzarella DOP, roasted peppers, arugula, and homemade balsamic dressing!