Panini Day: 5 Places to try Panini in Mumbai

Representative Image.Pic/iStock

The US celebrates August 11 as National Panini Day. Tracing its origins to Italy but popularised by the US, the panini is a sandwich made with Italian bread such as ciabatta and focaccia, and is stuffed with vegetables, meats, and cheeses of choice. Much like other foods which can be customised, it is available in thousands of variations across the globe today. On National Panini Day, we have rounded up five places in Mumbai that serve the most flavourful panini.

Italian extravaganza

Mia Cucina is a favourite among lovers of Italian cuisine. Be it anti-pasta or mains, their menu goes much beyond generic pasta and pizzas. The Pesci Panini (INR 415) with crispy fish, tartar mayo, lettuce slaw, and pickled veggies and the grilled Panini Manzo (INR 445) with sliced tender beef, mozzarella cheese, red sauerkraut and caramelised onion are recommended for those who relish authentic Italian flavours.

AT: Lake Boulevard Road, Hiranandani Gardens, MHADA Colony 19, Powai (Also at Versova,
TIME: 12 PM- 12 AM, Monday to Sunday
CALL: 9732814019

Panini fusion

Plate and Pint is known for serving an exhaustive menu with multi-continental dishes, from European to Pan-Asian. Their Jain Hot Sauce Grill Panini (INR 425) with cottage cheese, chilli, and green capsicum is ideal for those with a restrictive diet, while their Lebanese Grill Panini (INR 395) with falafel, hummus, harissa, pickled vegetables, and garlic cream makes for an indulgent meal. Those who prefer meat may opt for the Peri Peri Chicken Panini (INR 425) with fried egg and mushrooms.

AT: 106, Dhunabad, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Kemps Corner
TIME: 9 AM- 11 PM, Monday to Sunday
CALL: 7045361991

Decadent

Serving mouth-watering tapas isn't the only thing La Loca Maria is good for. Fans of panini will not be disappointed after grabbing a bite of their sumptuous Eggplant Parmy (INR 470) with crumbed mozzarella, eggplant, spicy tomato sauce, and parmesan wrapped in a soft panini. If you prefer your panini to be well toasted, the Pork Cubano (INR 590) with spicy braised pork, mustard, crispy onions, scallions, and parmesan is a great alternative.

AT: 5, Plot 139, Carlton Court, Perry Road, Near Citibank ATM, Pali Hill, Bandra West
TIME: 11:30 AM- 10:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
CALL: 9324404335

Pesto's freshness

A cosy cafe serving continental dishes, The Nutcracker serves a refreshing Pesto Panini (INR 450). The in-house herbed bread is grilled to perfection and loaded with mushroom, roasted red peppers, zucchini, and feta. You can also customise the panini by choosing to add a number of toppings and protein, from grilled tofu, boiled eggs, to extra cream cheese.

AT: Dr VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda, opposite One Forbes Building, Fort
TIME: 10 AM-11:30 PM, Monday to Sunday
CALL: 8591050486

Basic ‘wiches

For those who like their food fuss-free, En'creo serves a wide range of sandwiches and burgers. Their Roasted Chicken Panini (INR 275) with roasted chicken, green olives, capers, and garlic mayo has a delicately balanced flavour while their Char Grilled Paneer Panini (INR 275) with grilled veggies, paneer, green harissa, and mozzarella packs a bold punch.

AT: Shop 3, Jharna Kutir, Shubhash Road, Near Inch Pinch Gym, Vile Parle East
TIME: 12 PM-10 PM, Monday to Sunday
CALL: 9167470598