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Panino Restaurant
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Panino Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The food is excellent with a variety of specials."
(in 3 reviews)
"...ravioli drizzled with olive oil, fresh corvina fish over..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...is stuck in the middle of a nondescript strip center."
(in 6 reviews)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Peter T.
Fairfax, VA
1/11/2012
The restaurant had been in Manassas for years but you wouldn't know it without searching for it. It is very well hidden in an unassuming mall and no, this is not the shadiest part of the town (that gem belongs to...oh i digress).
To find such an elegant dining experience such as Panino's is rare outside of a major metropolis such as NYC or DC. Expect to pay DC prices but you are getting something way above the Manassas standard. The long list of daily specials show the chef has taken the time and effort to prepare something you won't normally find at the municipal dump a.k.a. the Olive Garden.
Lasagne melts in your mouth, ravioli is light and sauce is not too heavy. Fresh rustic bread, crusty on the outside and warm and soft on the inside, when the meal starts compliments the grissini (the long thin ones) your table starts out with. Would have loved to try the many deserts if we were not planning on taking our guests back for coffee and desserts ourselves.
Friendly staff, attentive service, isn't that why you go to a restaurant to begin with? Who complains about that? We went on a weekday and was very quiet. What was probably intended to be a slow night was changed when a few more tables were seated and it seemed like the small staff was starting to get overworked. They still had smiles on their faces and never rushed us in any sort of fashion.
Four stars isn't enough and the only reason this isn't a 5 star review on Yelp is the odd location. Its in Manassas and does not justify the DC prices. Saying that, however, you cannot expect this level of culinary delight without the appropriate costs associated with it. Invite an old friend, bring a date, make an effort to come here at least once before the bad combination of economy and Northern VA haste drives this restaurant away. -
Review from Bil G.
Woodbridge, VA
1/17/2012
I first found this restaurant through Checkbook Magazine restaurant reviews back when Checkbook Magazine DID a restaurant review. The restaurant is hidden in that it is in the old Manassas Shopping Center which was built in the 50's and you look at the center and think that anything in the Center is going to be run down. But when I first found it Paninos was very good. The co-owner always wanted the daily specials cited by the server. I found that often the daily specials were priced higher than most items on the menu and wondered if the co-owner, Lydia, did the recitation thing to hide the prices which would have been obvious on a list or obvious by their omission on a list, not so obvious when recited. They had a wonder soffle which was only available on Saturday nights and if you made your reservation on a Saturday night you needed to also reserve your souffle. I haven't been there on a Saturday night in some time, only during the week. The quality of the food went down when they opened Girasole in The Plains. The food at Girasole is the same as at Panino's only it tastes better and the prices at Girasole are higher. For good Italian food now I prefer to go to La Rosetta Ristorante in Stafford but every now and then I return to Paninos.
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Review from Geith M.
Alexandria, VA
10/28/2011
Overpriced, bland sub-standard fare. They may have gotten a few press nods years ago, so I'm guessing things have gone downhill since. The service was fine, if a little too friendly and the food doesn't hold a candle to the better Italian spots in DC. Won't be going back.
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Review from Geordie K.
Fairfax, VA
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Funny, meh is exactly what I was thinking when I gave it two stars. It's overpriced slightly above average food that they seem to think is great. In a world of so many options I won't be going back.
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Review from Mariana V.
Manassas, VA
8/10/2010
Fantastic food! Two complaints that could easily be fixed. Lots of specials which sound very good, but they are only recited not listed, so I always have a hard time keeping up and remembering which one it was that sounded so good. A specials menu along with the main menu would be much appreciated for those with a crummy memory like me.
My other nitpick is the atmosphere, its a little too quiet which I think would be helped with lower lights and a little louder music.
Other than that Panino is a real gem. -
Review from Allen R.
Chicago, IL
8/29/2007
This restaurant is the opposite of a hole-in-the-wall. It's a gem located in an outdated strip mall in the middle of a scary section of Manassas. Why they've stayed there all these years is a mystery, since they now draw the creme de la creme of Fairfax Station and Clifton.
The fare here is high-end Italian, featuring many specials du jour, alongside a fantastic standard menu. The staff is uniformed, professional, and yet friendly.
The simply and elegantly appointed dining room can get a bit noisy on the busy weekends, but other than that, this place is perfect not only for a nice Saturday night out, but also for that special anniversary or birthday dinner. -
Review from Emily S.
Alexandria, VA
3/7/2011
Last Saturday night my boyfriend was having a craving for some Italian food and we decided to try this place out after seeing the reviews on Yelp.
We were not disappointed.
As other reviewers have mentioned the place looks a bit sketchy due to it's location. It looks a little old and worn down inside as well- but we both felt the food more than made up for it.
We both ordered specials (me with a lasagna and he with cannaloni) and they were DELICIOUS. I felt the portion sizes were perfect- they were on the small size for what I'm used to at an Italian restaurant but I hate when I feel like I need to be rolled out of a place because the portions are so large. On the plus side- this also meant there was room for dessert! We split a berry tart and as with everything else, it was great.
The only issue I had with this place was that I felt under-dressed. It's listed here on Yelp as casual but out of everyone else there we were the only ones not wearing dress pants/shirts.
It was a bit more expensive than we'd thought it'd be. The prices were not listed with the specials, so we weren't completely sure what the final tab would be. Both specials ended up being $28.
With all that being said, we'd definitely go back again. -
Review from Hoon C.
Vienna, VA
1/21/2010
This is one of the better Italian restaurants I've been to. This is really a place where you would only go because someone you knew recommended it, saw the great reviews on this site, or saw that it was good on zagat.
It is really in an odd location. A real old, almost run down strip mall in the heart of Manassas. You really wouldn't think a good restaurant would be in a place like this and so you would never stop for some excellent Italian food. Well, at least parking is plentiful.
I'm no Italian by any means but the food is really excellent here. You're not going to find family portions here like Maggiano's. Nor are you going to find heavy marinara sauce pastas. Think more beef carpaccio, homemade ravioli drizzled with olive oil, fresh corvina fish over grilled asparagus, and etc. We're talking gourmet food. Everything is served to fit clean and nicely on a single plate for single portions. Don't expect to be full with just an entree because you simply won't. You can gnaw on their fresh baked breads to fill you up if your budget is tight.
The decor is okay (it's very white) but is decently airy and the place is clean. The staff is very knowledgeable in all the foods that they serve and you can tell that the chef takes his food seriously when your waitress lists and describes all the specials of the day.
The food is really simple, delectable, and high quality.
Just wish the location was better. But then if it had a better location, you'd probably have a hard time finding seats in this place. -
Review from sean k.
Manassas, VA
Updated - 10/23/2009
Just a quick add on for this restaurant the web site is actually
http://www.girasole-pa.../
You can see pictures of inside the Panino restaurant and look at a sample of the menuListed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/10/2008
Location could definetly be changed to reflect this excellent restaurant. However once you get… Read more »
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Review from E A.
Manassas, VA
2/14/2010
Finally FINALLY made it to Panino for Valentines dinner. It was everything I was hoping for and more. When I noticed that there were so many 5 star reviews for this place, I knew it had to be a winner.
It is hidden away in an old strip mall but do not be deceived by its location. The food is out of this world and the service is excellent! When you come in from the door the greeter takes your coats to a coat check and promptly sits you. Once you sit down you are served homemade bread sticks and water immediately. The server then comes by and lists off a TON of specials. Their menu, at first glance seems very small and limited. That would be because they have some many daily specials to choose from. Neither one of us ordered a menu item but instead went with two specials and an appetizer special.
The best part about Panino is that they make everything themselves. The mozzarella cheese that came with our antipasto plate was awesome and made their in the store. Not many places I know of make their own cheese! Both of our entrees (seafood) were fantastic and cooked perfectly. The main event, however, was the homemade bread. The bread comes out fresh and warm right from the oven and is freakin delicious! Don't expect to take what you don't finish home, they will not let you. Had we known that, we probably would have eaten the whole loaf in our basket and taken our food home!
We also got an amaretto and hazelnut tart for dessert which was excellent. It was hard to choose from all the others they had on the tray. Seriously, everything about this place was perfect except for not being able to take home that bread. I can safely and confidently say that this is the best upscale restaurant in Manassas. It is pricey but definitely worth it for a special occasion. We are already planning our next visit! -
Review from Kate B.
Manassas, VA
2/17/2011
YUM YUM YUM!! Two visits for lunch, both impressive. Service impeccable. Food Delicious. Portions just right. The wine selection was great, salad and entree were fresh and creative. Love this place.
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Review from Lorac P.
Silver Spring, MD
7/29/2011
It was DELICIOUS, I don't want to take that away from them. However, it was way over priced. I had their "special" pasta with crabmeat which was basically their $13.50 pasta w/ sauce dish with crabmeat on top and they charged $31 for it!! I'm italian, and unless you are throwing surf 'n turf on top of pasta, it is NOT that expensive to make! (the portions were small too)
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Review from Aaron F.
Manassas, VA
4/21/2010
We celebrated our anniversary here last May and loved it. The food is excellent with a variety of specials.
DO NOT be deceived by the location. The shopping center is a bit older and some of the businesses nearby are somewhat rundown, but all that disappears once you step into Panino.
The staff is friendly and very attentive. The menu is a bit pricey, so I wouldn't recommend it for a casual weeknight when you don't feel like cooking. Leave the kids at home, dress up with the one you love and head in for a romantic, delicious evening. -
Review from Dan H.
Manassas, VA
3/12/2011
We have been going to Panino's for years (on and off, it's very much a "special occasion" place) and have never not enjoyed the meal. Occasionally, something will not be as good as we remember from a prior visit but, when you start with such high expectations based on past experience, it's not difficult to occasionally have a less than stellar visit.
Everyone writing reviews notes the location so there is no need to talk about it -- except to say that we once went to The Plains sister restaurant and, though the location, setting, and dining room were clearly more up to expectations, the food wasn't. My wife and I just looked at each other at the end of the meal at The Plains location and said almost in unison, "stay with Manassas in the future" (atmosphere only counts for so much!).
The bread is awesome (not the breadsticks on the table), the appetizers are fantastic (particularly the Oysters Rockefeller and the cold sliced portabello mushroom -- both of which unfortunately are only available as a "special" rather than on the regular menu), the service is the best, and the dessert tray is decadently persuasive no matter how full you are (just SHARE something).
Yes, a bit on the pricy side but worth every penny. The parking is convenient but is standard "mall" availability (i.e., not "private" in the sense of reserved for the restaurant). Yes, the specials are usually more interesting than the regular menu ... and there are lots of them (contrary to what others have commented, just ask for the price -- the only problem is you get the feeling that if you interrupt the recitation, the server might need to start from the top again!). -
Review from Moonpiie M.
Vienna, VA
6/8/2010
Panino's is a hidden gem. When we first moved to this area in 1998, and were told to go to Panino's, we drove up and down the strip mall looking for it, thinking the directions we were given by friends was a mistake. The location is strange for such a wonderful restaurant -- so don't be deceived by the exterior.
Service is always top-notch -- a great "date place", even for married couples! The Specials never disappoint. The standards on the menu are always well executed -- we've never experienced an "off" night yet. Food is always fresh and top notch. The restaurant is quiet and well-appointed. The wine menu is varied, and I always enjoy pairing their suggested wines with the specials.
This is a top-notch restaurant, with loads of parking, a quiet and romantic atmosphere -- without having to drive into DC!! They also have a second location -- Girasole -- in horse country. -
Review from Steven G.
Bristow, VA
8/1/2007
The food is excellent, and service very knowledgeable and attentive. The shopping center it's located in is really old and doesn't present this charming restaurant very well. Many, many specials - and it's not just typical Italian fare, but a lot of variety. Somewhat pricey, but nothing unusual for a restaurant with this caliber of food and service.
Listed in: Places for Great Food
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Review from Jerry S.
Pearl River, LA
1/3/2009
Excellent food and service. Went with friends for a Christmas dinner and was surprised for a place in a strip mall but it has been there for years serving great food.
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Review from Joanie C.
Manassas, VA
2/15/2010
OVERPRICED!! Food is fresh and excellent. However, portions are way TOO tiny!! As an Italian myself, I know you should never leave an Italian restaurant hungry. Pasta does NOT cost this much to make people.
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Review from Barbara S.
Washington, DC
5/3/2011
Panino's is by far one of THE better Italian restaurants in the No. VA area. It is in a lousy strip mall, but whenever I walk in I feel as if I am no longer in a strip mall in Manassas. The service is wonderful and the food is amazing. My husband & I have been going here for years and years...and I think in that whole time we have gotten one so/so meal. Although a bit pricey for area...it is so worth it and would highly recommend.
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Review from Carrie L.
Woodbridge, VA
2/14/2011
On Sat. night before Valentine's day we went to Panino in Manassas is Grisaole's sister restaurant to the one in the Plains. The food was good, small portions for the price. Expensive, $138.00. My entrée was $30. Wine was$10.50 a glass. Every time we took a sip of water it was refilled. You couldn't even have a conversation they were either refilling your glass or taking stuff on and off the table. We were out of there in 45 min ! We had appetizer, wine, dinner and dessert ! Not the romantic experience I was hoping for. The loud wife of the owner was the bartender and she was talking to the people at the table next to us and when she had a chance to acknowledge us or any other customers that she did not know, she didn't. You would think on one of your busiest nights of the year you would be more cordial. Fellas, if you are thinking of taking a date here, forget trying to have a decent conversation. Not happening. Pros were our waitress was kind and the food was delicious except for dessert which was average. The other posts about it being the older shady part of Manassas, true ! Right by the gun shop, barber and ABC store. One more thing, we were dressed in proper attire, there were folks in there in jeans and sweatshirts. Definitely not going again and will do my best to spread the word.
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Review from rick h.
Leesburg, VA
5/19/2010
Visited with 2 others later in the evening on a monday. The restaurant is stuck in the middle of a nondescript strip center. The server did an exeptional job with a vary large specials menu and was able to direct us to things we liked. The food is from scratch and directed by a talented chef. Some excellent items were the cold portobello appetizer in a lime marinate, my pecan crusted covino, and the combo gelato / ice cream sampler we ended the meal with.
Very pleasantly surprised (although I shouldn't be because if the large body of good reviews). -
Review from Ralph D.
San Rafael, CA
2/11/2010
Was in manassas 1st time for business. Didnt know restaurants at all.
Yelp search for Italian restaurants in the area yielded Panino.
I appreciate good Italain food, particularly Northern Ital.
I was worried when I found the restaurant in a mall, very understated.
But the room, the help and particularly the food was excellent.
really didnt expect to find this quality in Manassas, VA. Not exactly NYC, SF or the North End.
Good wine list.
Knowing CA wines, was very happy to see Lang & Reed Cab Franc on their list. You wont find that even in wine stores in SF. Well worth it. -
Review from Daphne S.
Manassas, VA
7/2/2010
After hearing much about Panino from friend and here on Yelp, I finally made if by with a small group the other week. While the service was very pleasant, and the food was decent, I couldn't find anything in the experience to justify the vaunted opinion held by many. I had no specific complaints - yes, the place is pricey; not above what I'd expect of a fine Italian restaurant per se, but I didn't think the food or ambiance supported such a high price tag. All in all things were relatively bland and without much heart. No bad, just not great.
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Review from Susan S.
Manassas, VA
3/7/2009
We went on 2/13/09 as this had always been one of my favorite places and it had been a while since we had been. I was very disappointed. My fish had no flavor and was swimming in olive oil. My husbands trout was fair. Our appetiziers and bread were great but the dessert was rubbery for flan. Not sure I would want to spend $150.00 for a meal for 2 that was this off. Very dissappointed, especially with the memory of such good meals in the past.
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Review from Mike S.
Bristow, VA
5/15/2009
Went there after finding it highly recommended here on yelp and I wasn't disappointed. Delicious appetizers ranging from 8 to 15 dollars, entre's going from 16 up to 30 dollars. Great wine list, delicious food. Bread is plentiful, wait staff is extremely polite and courteous. All around 5 star.
