The Best Fine Dining Italian Bargain In Northern Virginia!
I have been going to this restaurant for several years and it has consistently pleased me and my guests with exceptional food and service.

When you drive into the shopping center parking lot you will wonder if you are at the correct address, but don't worry, upon entry you will be greeted by a gracious staff and nicely decorated dining room.

I have never had a dish that was not superbly done, and requests are welcome.

Desserts are to die for.

This is one of the best bargains around!!    [04 Oct 2002 10:45:41]

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Recommended Dishes: Veal, Fish

     ­A Bass   

A Great Find
This is a really superb restaurant and the trip from Maryland is part of the fun. Once you get over the shock of the shopping center, you enter a world of great food (select from the daily specials), excellent service and VERY attractive ambiance. We have been taking people from Maryland since we found the restaurant several years ago and everyone has always loved it.    [19 Jul 2003 17:38:09]

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     ­Anonymous   

Unfortunately, we have recently discovered that some restaurants won't say so directly but will make it patently obvious that they don't want children in the dinner party.

We, my husband, myself and our 7 year old daughter experienced this unwritten rule when we tried Panino's in Manassas this past Friday night, 01/07/05. Most of the food was wonderful and the atmosphere pleasant, however, the waiter, without specifically telling us that he did not wish to serve a table that included a child made it clear that they do not want children as patrons. He did this in a variety of ways. First, in the middle of reciting the specials, he turned toward our 7 year old daughter who was quietly eating a bread stick and admonished her, "no more bread sticks for you -- you'll ruin your dinner!" He then went right back to his recitation. My husband and I were both too shocked to respond. He then disappeared for a long time. When he came back to take our order and he was picking up the menus, I asked if we could have the bread, as my daughter was famished. He said, "No. The bread comes out after the menus are taken up!" I said, "you just took up the menus!" He said, "True, so now I will go back to the kitchen and ask that your bread be placed in the oven -- when it is ready to come out I will bring it to you!" I know my mouth dropped open! I have to tell you that not only have my husband and I eaten in some of the most renown restaurants in the DC area, but I traveled for the Federal Reserve for 7 years and have eaten in many well regarded restaurants in every major city and never been admonished for asking for bread!

Third, we adults were served our appetizers promptly but my daughter's meal, a half-order of rigatoni bolognese, was held back. The waiter was accommodating when I asked for a small side dish to share my soup with my daughter; however, when she asked him when she could have her pasta, he told her "you complain too much -- you are not welcome here anymore!" She was crushed and worried the rest of the meal about being "banned." When he finally returned with our main course, which was cool to the touch, she asked him if she was really banned and he told her "your parents are welcome but you may not come again!" He then departed and we only saw him again when he admonished us for ordering "just dessert and not coffee or tea." After that, we did not see him again -- the dessert was brought by a different server. And, we had to ask the hostess for our check. The bill was $111 before tax, so we were not exactly skimping. And, despite the server's poor attitude and that it took more than 2 hours from the time we entered until the time we departed, my husband left a 20% tip.

Who knows what is the proper response to the situation? We were initially greeted by the hostess who noted and spoke to our daughter. We were not given any indication that children were not welcome but obviously the waiter was espousing a different gospel. Moreover, when we got up to leave, we were largely ignored and had to wait 10 minutes for someone to get our coats from the coat check. Even then, we were not walked to the door, thanked or wished "Good Evening." Truthfully, when I saw the Zagat notation "top 10 Restaurants in DC" by the door on our way out, I was surprised.

We will not partonize Panino again, with or without our daughter.    [09 Jan 2005 16:36:34]

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     ­Anonymous   

Outstanding!
We moved here 2 years ago this September. While we were house hunting, we asked our realtor is she knew of a good Italian restaurant here in Manassas. She told us about Panino's. We were very pleased. The food and service is outstanding. It is so nice to have such a wonderful restaurant so close to home. We frequent it often.    [21 Aug 2005 11:17:01]

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     ­Sheryl Iovanna, Manassas   Neverfifty at aol dot com

BEST RESTAURANT IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
Panino's has it all! The quality of the food is second to none. Four stars in all areas, the food quality is fresh and prepared to perfection (I do prefer my food served a little warmer but not at the expense of it being overcooked!) and it was cooked to perfection, beautifully presented, flavorful combinations of fresh herbs, a true masterpiece of perfection. The appetizers, entrees, desserts offered an excellent selection. Some of you may relate to this, the bread was the authentic NY style, incredibly soft yet hardy inside with a delectibly crunchy crust. No need to worry about ruining your diet either, many healthy meal options. The cost of our meal for two without wine or alcohol was $120 but included appetizers, salad, entree and dessert. I set a high standard but am willing to pay the price to anyone who can meet it and Panino's certainly did. The food was equivalent to the Four Seasons without the hefty price and the same exceptional service! A true dining experience.    [18 Sep 2005 01:11:27]

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Recommended Dishes: Escargot, grilled fish with asparagus, fresh tomato salad, creme brulee

     ­Bryanna Kramer-Altman   Baltman at thecomputerdoctor dot biz

Piemontese Truffle Dinner
This dinner was the worst dinner I have ever eaten at this restaurant. The food (what little there was served) was disgusting....and I like truffles and other mushrooms. My husband and I suffered through this disappointing event that we had so looked forward to attending. We are from Haymarket and I have eaten at Panino's many times and always had excellent meals....NOT THIS TIME.    [15 Nov 2005 20:51:29]

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Recommended Dishes: The worse dish: Rabbit sausage and rabbit loin

     ­Anonymous   

Worth going to
If you are looking for an elegant restaurant with decent prices this is a great find.    [15 Mar 2007 14:07:37]

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Recommended Dishes: Salmon, fish

     ­Anonymous   

More than Just
Just moved to the area and was referred to this Special Little Restaurant...thought we were just going to another Italian Restaurant and was pleasently surprised., not just with the wonderful atmosphere and the friendly service - BUT the selection of food was FANTASTICO!!! The Bread was the BEST as well as the escargot, salmon and lazagna along with the homemade desserts. This will be our special place to go...as often as possible. Also, we were greeted by a the hostess Lynne as though she'd known us for years, made us feel so welcome - and our waiter Angelo added the special touch of home.    [02 May 2008 12:35:29]

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Recommended Dishes: Salmon & Lazagna

     ­Maddie Schumacher   

Excellent food far better than average
Sure dining at Panino's isn't cheap, but it is quite worth it. We went there with family, kids and friends and were very warmly welcomed. Food was great and servings were just right. Ambiance is quiet. Wine is outstanding. And deserts... wooauw    [07 Aug 2008 10:38:09]

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Recommended Dishes: Daily Specials

     ­Anonymous