Patch Picks: Best Paninis in Santa Monica

In case you haven't already heard, August is National Panini Month. Like you, we had no idea.

But now that we do know, we thought it opportune to bust out a panini-centric edition of Patch Picks.

Without further ado, here it is:

Best Paninis in Santa Monica

• : This European-style café has been serving grill-pressed paninis in Santa Monica since 1998. Seating is usually tight, but the top-notch service makes eating there worthwhile. Check out the Panino Classico (with prosciutto and mozzarella); the Panino Chicken Pesto; and/or the Panino Mushroom (zucchini, feta and basil also included).

• : The staff at Amelia's is comprised by members of the Diaz family, with Amelia at the helm. Here, the house favorite is Gianni's Italian Roast Beef Panini—but the turkey panini and porchetta panini are also popular. Don't expect to pay less than $10, though.

• : This cozy restaurant recently changed ownership, but it's still one of the best places to go if you don't want to shell out too much for a good Italian meal. Try the Panini de la Casa (proscuitto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes); or the Panini di Manzo (thinly sliced filet mignon with roasted bell peppers and grilled onions).

• : Originally founded as an organic coffee house working only with sustainable coffee growers, the company has grown to include organic teas, fresh farm salads—and, yes, paninis. They cost $12.50 apiece and include four choices: portabella and roasted peppers, caprese with sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto with fresh basil, and roasted turkey with Jarlsberg Swiss cheese.

• Utopia Caffe (2311 Santa Monica Blvd.): This blink-and-you'll-miss it gem has a surprisingly extensive menu, and each of its paninis goes for under $10. Selections include the vegetarian Hot Grilled Veggies Panini, the decidedly un-vegetarian Pork Tenderloin Panini and a pair of grilled chicken choices.

What are your favorite places to grab a panini in Santa Monica? Tell us in the comments box below.

Previous installments of Patch Picks:

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• Vegan Restaurants

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