Introducing Totino Panino, a panini shop with a cult following in Shanghai. The sandwiches, made by owner and panini maestro Salvatore Giammaria, are considered the gold standard for Italian-style sandwiches in the city.
About Totino Panino
Totino Panino relocated to Shankang Li earlier this April, taking over the Gin & Juice space. The panini shop opened late 2019 and was previously located on Changshu Lu.
Its current home is much larger than its previous space and has double the amount of seating — high-top tables, a cozy wooden banquette, and street-facing bar seats. In addition, there’s a galley terrace that leads out into the main Shankang Li square.
It has a neighborhood vibe, a little like Cheers, where everybody (especially the staff) knows your name.
The Paninis
Paninis at Totino Panino are made with freshly baked ciabatta, sourced from a reliable supplier, delivered daily to the shop. There are 30 different paninis on the menu, stacked with a combination of prosciutti, beef, salami, burrata, sausages, porchetta, and mortadella, plus a few vegetarian options. Whatever your preference, there’s bound to be something for you.
Sandwiches range from ¥45, Italian Caprese with mozzarella and tomatoes, to ¥125 for the Wolf #2 and Wolf #4, the latter of which is arguably the biggest sandwich on the menu, see below.
I could have used one less layer of tomato, but it was otherwise very enjoyable. Half of this sandwich could be enough for some as a meal.
It’s part of the “Wolf” series, named after a regular customer. Unsurprisingly, there are a couple other paninis on the menu dedicated after loyal patrons.
Other sandwiches sampled include the Porchetta, laden with a nice amount of thinly sliced baked pork, subtle artichoke cream, and a sinfully thick slice of gorgonzola. This is sandwich is right up my alley. Then, you have the N’duja. The fiery, meat sausage soaks the ciabatta red with its delicious oils, and spicy bell peppers, mozzarella, lettuce, and tomato balance it out. For a lighter option, there’s Sir Dave (¥80), made with roast beef, fior di latte, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, mayonnaise, and mustard.
Large sandwiches for large appetites!
Drinks & Specials
In addition, they also have cold cuts and cheese platters, as well as specials like lasagna.
As for drinks, there’s coffee, soft drinks, beers from ¥30, and house wine for ¥40. Cocktails are mostly of an Italian origin, ranging from ¥48 to ¥58 for Spritz, Negroni, etc.
Totino Panino
Address: No. 106, Bldg 3, Shankang Li, 358 Kangding Lu 康定路358弄越界陕康里3号楼1层106号
Tel: 13918410140
Hours: Daily, 11am-9:30pm
