It's time to finally give this place a review. I don't know where to start with this review, everything is just simply amazing. I'm not really the type of guy that goes for Panini's or Crostini's. Hell I didn't even know what a Crostini was until I came here awhile back, I was definitely missing out. Reason being I've never had a Panini that was made the way they do. Normally places take a sandwich they made and press it, then call it a Panini. Not this place. Everything here is made with such detail. To the taste of the food, right down to the way it presentation. I serious applaud these cooks in working such a tight space, and pump out food the way they do. Last night is what really stuck with me but I should have made my review sooner. Here's what happened: My friend Paul and I work at a restaurant downtown and after we finished closing shop we were starving (Ironic right?). We both live in queens and decided to shoot over to Bambino. Half way there we realized that they would be closing in 30 mins, so we gun it to the restaurant. Upon arrival we were greeted by the adorable young lady at the register. She had polity told us that we aren't seating anymore. We respond by asking if we can grab take out. She said "not a problem", we decided to order quickly so not to hold them back any long then they need too. My default order is always the Truffle egg salad crostini. I can eat that for the rest of my life and die happy from all the cholesterol. I forgot what Panini I ordered as well but it was yummy as well. I feel the crostini's are always a better choice than the Panini because they are always amazing. The problem I have with the Panini's is everyone I have has it was a bit salty or not balanced. Hey, I can't complain, they're still is the best Panini's I've ever had. All in all. Hands down the best Panini's and Crostini's I've ever had, I dream about this place once in a while. read more

Il Bambino - The pu pu platter! - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

The service, the food and the atmosphere is on point. It's a small place but it's very comfortable. This place is the reason I have a new found love for crostini. I come here a couple times every month for lunch. I usually get the PuPu platter ( 6 different crostini ) and get full around the 3rd piece. I wouldn't recommend saving some and reheating for later, they tend to get soggy. Always eat the egg salad crostinis first. Lighter Crostini: - Mushroom Truffle butter (refined indulgence), Dirty Chips (deli at 4 o'clock in the morning indulgence), and Parmesan There's something very exciting that happens when two indulgences from different ends of the spectrum collide. Go ahead, give it a go. You won't regret ordering this one. - Smoked bacon, Cracked Pepper aioli, and Manchego I'ma sucker for bacon and cracked pepper. But who really isn't a sucker for bacon? Heavier Crostini: - Egg salad, Smoked bacon, and Lawless' Spicy Mayo The spicy mayo and the egg salad give it a deviled egg taste with a bacony kick. - Smoked bacon, Goat cheese, and Lawless' Spicy Mayo Similar ingredients, but totally different taste. It comes off a bit tart. - Truffle Egg salad and Shaved speck The shaved speck adds a savoriness to the mellow taste of the egg salad. Very satisfying. Yes i know that's only five, but I only review my favorite. read more

People have said these are the best panini and cupcakes in Astoria, so I decided to try both. The panini was overly greasy and had way too much sauce on it. The cupcake was bland, flavorless, had too much frosting, and really not worth the $3.00. Yet another place in Queens to avoid. read more

Ok I think it's safe to say this place has the best panini's on the planet LoL I actually had no idea about this place until my mother stopped in with a friend of her's for dinner one night, and she told me how delicious the food was and that I should try it. I can't speak for how the place looks or anything because all I have ever done so far is ordered for delivery from here. I will eventually make it physically to the place one day! As far as the delivery goes though, I can say it arrives pretty fast and I have never had any issues whatsoever. The food is also wrapped up really good so that it doesn't arrive like a mess by the time you open it. The prices are very fair and reasonable as well. My favorite panini is the prosciutto, pickled peppers, olives, rosemary aioli, and mozzarella one! It is soooo good! It also is a pretty large sandwich! I often can't finish it in one setting- which is totally fine by me, means I get to have some again later haha I have had many other panini's as well from here and never have I been disappointed! I really do have to make my way over to the place so I can check it out in person! But for now, I stand by my words- this place has excellent food! Definitely stop in here or order for take out!! read more

Il Bambino - Prosciutto, pickled peppers, olives, rosemary aioli panini, and mozzarella - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

Good sandwiches, I asked for hot sauce because I like everything spicy...let just say it shouldn't be called hot sauce. But besides that I really enjoyed my sandwich, just wished they offered more heat! Also the waitress wasn't very attentive, with only 2 people dining...common now. read more

Il Bambino - Roast chicken sandwich - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

Best Panini I've tried. Really really good. This place it's a MUST! Please order a beer with it. read more

Il Bambino - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

This is one of our (me & wife) favorite restaurants, maybe our favorite while we lived in Astoria. We would order, eat in or have a take out at least twice a week. I have to admit, sometimes we would go here twice a day! The crostinis are amazing (you definitely should try the taleggio, the owner knew us as the "taleggio couple") and the paninis are always delicious. Our favorite is the mortadella, but the fontina panini is also very very very good. If you like a nice sweet & sour mix, go for the fig spread panini. We would absolutely give them more them five stars, if possible, for a few reasons: - the delivery is always very quick; - because one day we went there at 10h25pm (they close at 10h30) and they let us in and order a take out (they were already cleaning up the restaurant...); - the price is reasonable, for high quality, fresh ingredients - paninis cost around $9 and crostinis around $4.5; - finally, the food is consistent (we never had a bad choice) and the service is very friendly. One small caveat: people also seem to know this place for the cupcakes. I've tried them and, while they are good, they are not in the same level of the crostinis and paninis. I'm telling you: stick to the taleggio panini and the mortadella panini and you'll always be happy. read more

Il Bambino - Trays of gorgeous cupcakes - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

This is an adorable little spot in my neighborhood. I really should visit more often. The service is alway quick and the food is fresh and delicious! And when I say fresh, I mean it! The produce tastes like it was just picked fresh from the garden. It's a cute little restaurant, and a great spot if you just want to take a coffee. i've been here a handful of times, and it is always one of my go-to lunch spots when I have family visiting. So, let's talk about the food: To start, I could eat the Beets with Baby Arugula salad every day. That's no joke. I would eat it every day if I had the time and the money to do that. It's a simple salad really: beets, arugula, goat cheese, and walnuts. If I remember correctly, there was a simple olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper dressing, and maybe a hint of balsamic vinegar. Two other salads that I've had and enjoyed are the Baby Arugula "Mimosa,' with shaved egg and smoked bacon vinaigrette, and the Baby String Beans, with toasted bread, shaved parmesan, and truffle vinaigrette. Both were fantastic! I'm so hooked on the beets and goat cheese though, so I end up going back for that one. The soups of the day always sound delicious. I've only personally had the lentil soup, which was so good. And the bowl was huge! That probably could've been my meal, but I never just get soup. I've had the goat cheese, honey, rosemary oil crostini. The flavors are incredible, but I always wish it was just a little bit bigger. I don't go here for the crostini, though. I go for the panini! Now it's time for the panini! The Prosciutto is my absolute favorite, with gorgonzola dolce and fig spread. The Soppressata, with hot peppers, asiago, and basil pesto, comes in at a close second. I've also had the Porchetta, with spicy pickle slaw and rosemary aioli, and the Berkshire Ham, with garlic spinach, peach mustard, and taleggio. They are all great! Again, I wish they just a bit bigger for the price. However, the flavors are incredible! My husband is a big fan of the brunch panini, because a lot of them are served with eggs. This makes them a little more substantial. The coffee is great and I've heard they have hot chocolate made with peanut butter. This I will save for the winter! read more

I used to live right by this place, and while I frequented the Taverna next door, I'd always been weary of this one. Boy oh boy was I wrong. Il Bambino has some of the smartest crostini and panini options I've ever seen, for such great prices. The portions are huge, and the prices are SO reasonable. I had their soup -- it was on special, a butternut squash bisque -- and the artichoke, goat cheese, and olive crostini. I am still full from lunch several hours ago, and my meal was only $13. They offer the full menu during brunch, as well as select brunch panini options. My friend had one of those and she really enjoyed it. I will DEFINITELY come back here. read more

The tomato bisque soup whewwwww amazing. Im a big fan of lobster bisque, but this tomato bisque is the one. The panines are amazing as well

I'm not from NY.. and when I got here in Astoria, there seemed to be all this hype about this place. And so I didn't want to get caught up in it, but when you take a look at the menu and specials it's like, OK this place is legit. I had the Egg Salad w/ truffle & prosciutto crostini. Dude, who the hell likes MF Egg Salad?!??! THIS GUY, right after trying it with MF truffles & prosciutto! Then the prosciutto panini, BOMB. Then the meatloaf panini special, BOMB. And finally the chicken liver pate crostini. BOMB. WOW. I love Astoria. read more

Take out or sit down, this place is a gem for sure. The food is simple, fresh, high quality and packed with flavor. Its small, warm, place with attentive service and staff that always has a great attitude. Best Panini and Crostini in Astoria for sure, maybe the best I've ever had outside of Italy. The prices are good, the portions are big, this place is just excellent! One of my favorite offerings is the prosciutto, fig spread and Gorgonzola Panino. Large crunchy bread, perfectly toasted, great ratio of meat to cheese, perfect match of sweet, salty, and umami. The Iced Latte was very good, but I would have liked it a bit stronger, perhaps another shot of espresso. The peanut butter hot chocolate is divine! Very peanut buttery, sweet, delicious. On a recent visit I was impressed by the Chickpea Panzanella Salad. Its not often I order salad, but this was an absolute winner. Perfect balance of acid and salt, great textural contrast from the soft chickpeas to the crispy chunks of bread. Huge portion, memorable and worth a visit. The special of the day a Crab Crostini with crispy shallots and creamy avocado was absolutely perfect. Loved every bite of this, amazingly flavorful yet simple Crostini. The food is simple but goes way beyond expectations. This is a must try for lunch or for dinner. Love this place! read more

Il Bambino - Sardines... Amazing! - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

The paninis here are on point! I got the one with prosciutto, pickled peppers, olives, rosemary aioli, and mozzarella and it was absolutely delicious. The bread was crispy and balanced out the saltiness of the prosciutto and sourness of the pickled peppers and olives. One sandwich was enough to fill me up and they're all decently priced as well. There are a couple of tables inside in addition to a backyard for outdoor dining. It seems like ordering take-out is a pretty popular option too if you're considering getting your sandwich to go. Looking forward to coming back and trying all the different types of paninis that they have to offer! read more

Il Bambino - Prosciutto, pickled peppers, olives, rosemary aioli, and mozzarella panini - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

I need this sandwich place at the corner of my street like ASAP. like RIGHT NOW if you haven't been to this place yet, you need to go. Prior to going to this place I wanted to order all the damn things. Everything sounds so good. And looking through yelp photos didn't help at all. There was nothing I saw that look bad. 5 chicks and we ordered our own sandwiches with a lot of appetizers. Appetizer Olive Bowl Crostini as appetizers: not sure if I remembered everything we ordered but I will try my best to list what I can remember - *Mushroom truffle butter, dirty chips, parmesan *Truffle egg salad and shaved speck. *Prosciutto, olive spread, goat cheese, chive oil *Chorizo, apricot butter, goat cheese *Goat cheese and fig spread *Smoked bacon, goat cheese and Lawless' spicy mayo (I think that is what we got...I know for a fact the top 3 we got because that is what I chose =] ) sandwich: I got a Panini that includes *Chorizo, romesco, shaved red onion, mozzarella, truffle aioli...I asked them if they could add spicy pickled slaw because you know I like things spicy. it was delish! BUT before I chose that I was going to choose a breakfast Panini and I wish I chose my original choice because one of my friend got the breakfast and we all shared our sandwiches to have that great experience and I loved her Panini the best. there eggs man...they put some drugs in there that makes it so addicting. this place is very small...so going here in large groups you may expect to wait a little. but it's worth it. damnit! I would drive there again to eat it because it's worth it. But reality...I wish it was near me. read more

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Having been here for both lunch and brunch, and I can readily give this place a glowing recommendation. It's so refreshing to eat at a restaurant that fully understands the flavors they're putting into a dish and knows how to balance them properly. Couple that with outdoor seating and preposterous panini names, and you have a recipe for an excellent afternoon. P.S. - Unreasonably good coffee. read more

Il Bambino - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

Oh, Il Bambino, everyone raves about you and you're good and all but now that I've tried a few of your other paninis, I don't love you quite as much as that first time. For one thing, the quality of your prosciutto is just not there. It was dry and tough and sliced thicker than good prosciutto should be. Prosciutto usually comes in thin tender fatty slices of salty deliciousness that melts in your mouth but not Il Bambino's. The mozzarella panini lacked a hit of salt and just came out rather bland. Yes, the portions are fairly large but when all the sandwiches are mostly bread stuffed with a little meat and cheese, it'd be great to have a small salad accompany the $9-$11 sandwiches. Especially if the ingredients aren't super amazing. So, sorry, Il Bambino, but you're just A-OK. read more

I have been to Il Bambino a few times now and have never been inspired to write a review. Their paninis are delicious and all but I wasn't absolutely as blown away as yelp kept telling me I would be.. ..until this morning when I went with a friend for brunch. I ordered the appropriately named Notorious P.I.G. breakfast panini which comes with scrambled eggs, bacon (of course) and truffle spread. Um truffle spread? Yep I was sold. This sandwich isn't for the dainty eater.. It can get messy. But each bite is better than the last and even though I was full I kept going back for another and another. The real star of this place is the bread. I personally think bread can either make or break a sandwich. And this bread is soft and chewy enough where you can tell it's freshly baked and crispy enough where each bite crackles as you bite into it. Brunch is where it's at with this place. Delicious read more

Il Bambino - The Notorious P.I.G. - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

This review is so overdue because I've been coming here for over 3 years and have yet to have a dinning experience that is anything less than outstanding. Bambino, and places like it, are the reason I love NYC. It's just shows you what this city has to offer that you can't find anywhere else. It's trendy, unique, high quality and affordable. I bring everyone I like here and recommend it to anyone who will listen. Let's start with the place. It's casual, clean and sports very funky/eclectic décor. Anyone that can use a pig as decoration and it not only doesn't offend this long time vegetarian but actually appeals to them is doing something right. They don't take reservations but I think of that as a bonus. You're always guaranteed a table. I've waited upwards of 35 minutes for a table but most of the time hit it at just the right time that I get seated right away. Service is ON point! I adore the servers there. They are friendly, professional and know the menu. I am not a daring eater by nature but I almost always get the special crostini or Panini if it's meat free. The tomato bisque that they serve gets my mouth watering when it's mentioned and is served with this garlic toast that elevates it to culinary mastery. Now for the main event ...the food. I am at a loss for words to describe how inventive, delicious and well plated their paninis and crostinis are. Don't expect elaborate sides, just what's on the menu. However you will LOVE every single bite. I also have to compliment their variety. The diverse range of cheeses, sauces, and flavor combinations is the best in Queens ...maybe anywhere. Plus it's so dam inexpensive. A Panini will set you back $9-$11 and the crostinis are approx. $6 to $7. You'll have plenty of cash in your pocket to return over and over again. I've been here for breakfast, lunch and dinner ...on dates and with groups of friends, sat inside and out on the patio. Never found one thing I didn't love, love, love. read more

great panini's, a few good vegetarian options that can easily be made vegan (or daily free). Lots of delicious and innovative brunch paninis too. Gorgeous backyard patio you can eat in spring/summer. The coffee is delicious. Organic and fair trade. They even sell it by the bag so you can use their grounds at home. Love! read more

I came back hoping to have a better experience but this time was even worse. It took my party of 3 forever to get our food (note: the restaurant was mostly empty). It took an hour to get our crostini platter, and another hour to get our 3 paninis. The waitress's reason for everything taking so long was because they do their Seamless orders first. What functional business would prioritize a takeout service over their physical customers? I also saw other customers who came in after us, finished eating, and LEFT before we even got our paninis. Regardless of how many Seamless orders they had, it should not take 2 hours to serve a sandwich. There was no management present, which is unusual when you're running a restaurant. And the cherry on top was that I ordered their Speck panini (which has 3 ingredients), and it came without the speck. I really don't understand all the great reviews because I've given this place several chances and it has disappointed me each time. I've learned my lesson though, and will not be coming back again. read more

Uh WHY WAS THE CROSTINI PLATTER/SAMPLER SOO GOOD?! It's just stuff on toast damn it! With COVID my choices were limited because they were only selling 6 types total but I got one of each and somehow they were perfect to eat together. They have this down go a science and I am mad I am craving what amounts to fancy toast. They delivered everything well and each was pretty and tasty- something hard sometimes with delivery. read more

What more can I say about the best Panini joint in Astoria? They have a back patio seating area which is dope for half the year. Service is always great. Food comes out quick and is always filled with delicious flavors. I love the pork belly panni. Do it. Recently went with my gf and mom. Sat out back in the sun. Got a bottle of wine, all got different panninis, all loved it. Stop living in a sub par pressed sandwich world. THIS. IS. ASTORIA!!! read more

Il Bambino - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

Best Italian tapas in Astoria! I would like to start by saying how amazing the service is here, from the host to the three different waiters who helped us. Their wine list is good, I would recommend adding some rose to the list since its summer! The menu is super specific, they do a great job at describing what each item comes with. Since, it was my first time here I decided to go with The Pupu Platter, which lets you choose 6 different tapas. They are good size tapas, they are perfect to share. The decoration of the place is very dark, with high ceilings and a wood bar at the entrance. The outside sitting area is super chic! They have these great things hanging, which covers you from the sun but at the same time you get that NYC summer sun. read more

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Very nice cafe with a nice-sized back garden for al fresco dining. We came in at lunchtime on Saturday and were sat immediately. (The main room indoors was bustling.) I wasn't sure if it was an old school Italian paninoteca or a more new-age joint. It was more of the latter, as exemplified in the beer-savvy drink list and punny panini nomenclature. Our chickpeal starter was a nice kick-off, light and simple. My companions got the brunch paninis, all egg-based. They were happy, though finished only about 2/3 of the sandwich each. I tried the chorizo with pickled jalapenos, avocado, Russian dressing, and farmhouse blue cheese, from the regular menu. It was nice and spicy! I'd get something more traditional next time, like bresaola or prosciutto, to survey the tantalizing cured meats. Wines were a steal, all priced between $20-30. There's really not a bad thing to say about this place. read more

I heard only good things about this place, so I was excited to try what everyone was raving about. From the outside looking in, the restaurant looks fairly small and narrow, but there's a good amount of outdoor seating in the back. Despite it being mosquito season, my friends and I decided to be risqué and sit outdoors because of the breezy evening weather. Their menu is simple: appetizers, paninis, crostinis, and drinks. My friend got the arugula salad with beets and goat cheese. I'm not a fan of salads, but I did like the little goat cheese chunks. Now, I'm wary about ordering paninis because I always end up getting them served crunchy, crispy, and difficult to eat. But I must say, they were made perfectly here. I ordered the Italian meatloaf, and I loved the way everything came together: the onion jam, pesto, and spicy mayo made it unexpectedly sweet with a little spice. I wanted to try the ginger beer they had here, but it was pricier than I would've liked ($9). Service was attentive and they were patient with us, as we waited for one of our friends to arrive before ordering anything. If I do come back, I'd like to try their crostinis or their pupu platter (comes with your choice of 6 crostinis). read more

Il Bambino - Italian meatloaf - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

Roasted mushroom panini with their tomato soup! I will intentionally drive here to eat here! Everytime I come here, I order the exact same stuff! I crave for it all the time! Their paninis here are rather on the bigger side! The breads alone and the meat inside is considered a lot compared to other places I've eaten. The roasted mushroom one is oily, juicy, and has a very rich taste to it! Along with drinking their cheesy tomato soup with garlic bread is even better! It pairs along very well weather in a hot or cold day!! Must have these two combined! I've also had their hot peanut butter drink here before but wasn't a fan of it at all. It was basically like eating up peanut butter straight up. The place is very small in here with mostly spine tables size. So get here early or else you may have to wait about 30 minutes or so but it's totally worth every second of the wait to eat their food! The inside of the Resturant is also not very well ventilated because after eating or just coming out from here will make you smell a bit! All that oil and smell from the Resturant gets into my clothes and hair a lot of time! But other than that, it's awesome! Just wash yourself afterwards! ^_^ read more

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My brother recently moved to Astoria in Queens, NY. I was helping him move some things into his new apartment and was hungry for for some lunch. I think Astoria is a great neighborhood that's super hot right now. While it might have once only been known for Greek restaurants--of which there are still many--it is now a haven for artists, musicians, foodies and hipsters. All over Astoria there are gourmet eateries ranging in cuisine from spicy Thai to brick oven pizza, authentic Korean to gourmet grilled cheese, and many more.  Il Bambino opened in 2006, and is a cute, little hole in the wall place on 31st Avenue specializing in Italian sandwiches and panini, with a second location in the West Village as well. It has a casual atmosphere with a big selection of panini and crostini, as well as salads, antipasto, and a special brunch menu on the weekends. It has an open kitchen in the front where there are multiple panini presses working at once sending out creative meat, cheese and veggie combinations. They use ciabatta bread that is freshly baked daily, local produce and handmade condiments. There's also a great meat a mind cheese glossary available for perusal of those that aren't familiar with some of the selections. We got there during the weekend lunch rush and luckily were able to snag a small table near the front. Everything on the menu looked amazing, and even though I was somewhat distracted by the giant salad being eaten by the woman next to me, we decided to save time and each went with a panini.  The Bacon Butty ($12) has a powerful and pungent blue cheese flavor. There is a good amount of moist, chewy bacon--it had the perfect texture and amount of smokiness that have some oomph to the sandwich. The combination of avocado, scrambled eggs and blue cheese made for a great combo, and the creaminess from the spicy mayo added a certain level of unctuousness to the sandwich as well. The hot bread was nice and crusty, with a wonderful crunch as it was bitten into. It was also a pretty big panini--perfect for a filling brunch or lunch.  In contrast to the Bacon Butty, which was slightly more traditional American, the Pass the Hash ($11) was very, very Italian. The eggs were cooked well and not dry at all. The garlic roasted potatoes provided some needed heft and the chorizo bumped up the meatiness of the panini. The whole sandwich had a great truffle flavor from the aioli that also perfumed the filling. The addition of Parmesan made the panini luxurious and really elevated the rather simple ingredients to something special, and tied it all together. The inside of the panini was creamy and contrasted with the crustiness of the grilled bread.  Those two panini were super filling and so delicious that a couple of weeks later we decided to pick up a panini to share as an afternoon snack--alright, I'll admit...a big snack!--and it was the best decision. The Porchetta ($11) panini was definitely made for the carnivorous at heart. Porchetta is a boneless pork loin that is stuffed with herbs, garlic, then rolled and roasted with the skin still on to keep then meat moist and delicious. In the Porchetta panini, the meaty pork loin was fatty with juice gushing out of the meat. It was topped with a fresh and spicy slaw that was definitely helpful in cutting through the rich, fatty meat. The pickle slaw were a nice surprise hidden in the middle of the panini, and the rosemary aioli also gave the sandwich a nice earthiness and deep woody flavor. The bread soaked up the pork juices and it was mouthwateringly delicious. Il Bambino is the perfect spot for some lunch, brunch or anything in between. It has a ton of great Italian panini available and great beers and wines to pair with them. While the restaurant might be small in size, it makes up for it with big played and bold flavors. Buon Appetito! read more

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Enter a rustic casual spot with a counter filled with some sweets. Behind the counter is a row of panini presses. A quaint dining room leads out to a cozy outdoor space. Since we weren't starving, two of us shared a Crostini and a panini. The avocado butter and chorizo crostini, seemed liked such an odd combination. However, it was creamy and worked so well together; it was very tasty. As for the panini we opted for the roasted mushroom version. Wonderfully crisp bread with caramelized onions, dirty chips, truffle spread and fontina. It was delicious, not at all greasy and included the perfect ratio of ingredients. The panini was large, quite a hearty version, that was delicious. On the way out, we thought we couldn't leave without picking up something sweet. The peanut butter hot chocolate was decadent and hit the spot on a chilly day. The red velvet cupcakes are a sight and should not be passed by. A huge cupcake that is well worth the under $4 price. It was moist and loaded with frosting, but not too sweet; it was harmonious and divine. Seriously an awesome spot that I want to visit again. read more

I ran into this spot last weekend, and thoroughly loved it. For what the offer, they are outstanding, and really have the best available products. I was born and raised in Italy, so I know what I'm talking about when I describe the quality of Italian products. These guys have the very top. Porchetta special panino: delicious, and very sizable. Smoked bacon cracked pepper aioli and manchego crostini: very good. Salume tartufo Rosemary ricotta chestnut honey crostini: I was not charmed by the combination of flavors, but it's only a matter of taste. The crostini were very well prepared nonetheless. They have an outstanding Garnacha for $7 per glass. An absolute steal. Dina was a very helpful and professional waitress. She was very patient with us, and thoroughly described their plates. I can't wait to go back. read more

The best flippin' sandwich in the city. I've been three times in seven days, and I can't stop going. The truffle egg salad with speck crostini I could devour every single day. I lick the bowl clean every time I get the fingerling potato salad, a mound of tender coins of sliced spuds tossed in truffle aioli and drizzled with pesto, then covered with fried shallots and a blizzard snowfall of pecorino shavings. I may have a small crush on all of the staff, everyone is so incredibly friendly and welcoming. They've always offered cupcakes from Crumbs, but today I tried the homemade panna cotta. Best. Panna Cotta. Ever. Vanilla bean specks in a creamy cool custard, in a pool of strawberry sauce, surrounded by clusters of chocolate-coated corn flakes. Absolutely divinely outrageous. Quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants. I swing by on the way to work to take a salad and panini with me, and my coworkers are green with envy every single time. read more

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Delicious cappuccinos, amazing crostinis - get the sampler. Any flavor is tops, my goal in life is try every single one. You can split each one in half if you and a friend are down with that. The outdoor seating is adorable and the service is great. Also - try the Red velvet cupcake... so fresh and tasty. Love it here, have to come more! read more

Il Bambino - Sampler plate full of goodness - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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We came when the restaurant was completely empty. Half of our group (7) had already ordered drinks while the other half was getting ready to sit down when we were rudely asked if we were going to order any food. One of my friends replied "yes." The owner/manager then said "well we aren't a Starbucks." So we felt that we were not welcomed there and had to leave. Good thing Avenue Cafe was close by. I have been here several times on my own and had great food and service. I never was treated like this before, but I must say that I am sadden to know that our group was not feeling welcomed at all. And yes, some of us had sleeping babies in strollers and 3 toddlers in the group. He clearly did not want us in his restaurant. Horrible for groups with kids. I'd like to actually come back and speak to the guy, I just don't understand why he needed to ask. read more

Ommegang and porchetta (with arugula and blue cheese)... yeeesssssss. I'm so glad I came here. I read a bunch "best of" yelp reviews and decided to hop onto my bike and ride on over. The ride itself was only 6 mins from my house, so that's a major plus. Upon entering, I was immediately seated. Another plus. I opted for the counter instead. Took out my laptop and immediately tried to go online. No dice. This place has no WiFi, which immediately means one star off. However the panini (porchetta with arugula and blue cheese) And beer (ommegang) was great -fantastic flavor for both. Wish the panini had a bit more pork, but whatever. I'm not usually a beer lady, but ommegang was fantastic. The counter guy is really chill, quick to serve and personable. Yes this place is a bit hipster, but the food is awesome. Slightly pricey for a panini and beer, but other reviewers are right when they say that this may be the best panini you've ever had. I'm definitely coming back. read more

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Always fantastic bites! Yes it's paninis but you've never had them like this before. If you are in Astoria, you NEED to try this place. Today we tried the Nutella Hot Chocolates, yum! My husband had the OPP, he really enjoys the olive tapenade that is used on the sandwich. I had the Roasted Mushroom - caramelized onions, mushrooms, cheese and dirty chips! I freaking love those chips. We didn't have it today, my husband doesn't eat veggies, but I've had the green bean appetizer, it has shaved Parmesan and truffle oil on it... bang! That is tasty! We've tasted a variety of sandwiches here and have never been disappointed. So happy that a friend introduced me to this place xoxoxo read more

This cafe is a touch overrated but a place I'd frequent often if I lived in the neighborhood. In fact, i sort of lived in the neighborhood- for a week- and I did come here twice because it's good, affordable food with an interesting menu and a delicious atmosphere. For me, the superlative cuteness of the joint is its best asset. See the pix I submitted-- From the chalkboard outside under the scalloped awning to the bright cupcake decorating the wall behind the espresso machines, you couldn't ask for a sweeter looking spot to rest your feet and sip a cappuccino. Even better, theirs is an excellent cappuccino, the best I had on this trip to NYC. On my first trip I followed my own proclivities and had mozzarella, tomato, and pesto panino. It was tough, I wanted to try them all, but a good caprese is my soul food and I can't seem to find truly wonderful fresh mozzarella in LA. Also it's hard to order a proscuitto when you're facing a wall with a huge diagram of a pig dissected into cuts of meat. So the panino was good- hot and tasty with mozz much more decent than I get in LA. Not a life-changing sandwich that you may expect from the many 5 star reviews, then again its a bit sad if you need a sandwich to change your life, no? I followed with the brownie, since my server concurred with the reviews on that point. It was extremely rich and dense- a bit too rich and chocolately for my tastes. Brownie-wise, I think I like the boxed mix-and-pour best with no nuts added. I couldn't even finish it, something that literally never happens with me and desserts. On my second visit I ordered what I felt I "ought to"-- the prosciutto/blue cheese/fig panino that everyone loves so much. That was me branching out, since blue cheeses are my least favorite and I am not a big fan of cured meats, even in Italy. So you may not be surprised to hear that I did not care much for the panino. Too much sweet-and-sour going on for me. I had a mini epiphany-- I don't care for blue cheese. And that is _okay_. I don't have to eat it from now on. So there. That day I had another stellar cappuccino. I followed with the cookies and cream cupcake. It was huge in size and also disappointment. It just tasted like a generic pile of calories without the moist sumptuousness to warrant eating it. But it bears repeating I'd be a regular here if I lived nearby. I'd have 2 cappucinni instead getting dessert. read more

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*drool* My favorite #1 grilled panini! Unlike any other you will EVER have. I'm hooked on The shrine to swine for brunch. I've been here for dinner as well and all the open crostini are delicious. Dessert: Panna Cotta is a MUST have! read more

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My first time attempting the dine-in experience, and of course had to order off the brunch menu. I love how quirky the menu is, hold a mass appeal to pork lovers everywhere. I usually go for the porchetta but decided on the "shrine to swine" and "pork chopper", both with porchetta as the prime protein. The panini was surprisingly light and savory, but kept me wanting a a heavier hand on the salt. One of the most delightful things about a porchetta is the cracking, which these were lacking. The servers were attentive and made sure the keep the coffee coming! I would definitely come back again, but I'll stick to the reg sandwiches next time. read more

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Yes, you should go here, to answer your question. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and it hits that spot in your taste buds and tummy that you didn't know you had but now what to hit again and again. Their brunch menu is a breakfast panini paradise, and their regular menu also features a bunch of cheeses and meats option. Don't be overwhelmed by all the names of the cheeses and meats...they have a terminology guide so that you don't have to feel and look like a turd! read more

Panini lovers hangout. SO GOOD! I feel like a real hipster here. =p Mad hip. Update: 5/8/16 - Why did I give this four stars!? Came here a few times after my review. Love everything about this place!! read more

Il Bambino - Sausage panini - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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This is my FAVORITE Astoria restaurant! The crostini PuPu platter is heavenly! For $18 you can pick 6 from a list of 20+! I have tried so many and loved them all! The fingerling potato salad is a delicious starter. I have also tried the chickpea salad, but didn't love it. They also have amazing panini's. Although I prefer the crostinis. The service is always with a smile and quick. I have been several times and they are all great! Summertime in their back garden patio is the best! It's a beautiful patio with comfy chairs and flower baskets hanging along the wall. Tip- usually super quiet before 12pm on weekends. 1-2pm is much busier for them. read more

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