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I Panini Di Ambra
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Italian Sandwiches, Italian [Edit]
5633 Hollywood BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90028
Neighbourhood: Hollywood
(323) 463-1200
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We are a full service italian restaurant that specializes in our hand crafted New York style pizza's. We make the doug fresh everyday and use only the… read more »
103 reviews for I Panini Di Ambra
Review Highlights
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"...included a delicious salad topped with olive oil & balsamic." In 8 reviews -
"...next to my favorite cafe around the area (Sabor y Cultura." In 3 reviews -
"It came with a wonderful little side salad." In 8 reviews
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103 reviews in English
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Review from Tina C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Turkey panini was excellent. Side salad was tasty and fresh. Service was great, very personable owners. Presentation of food was creative. Tiramisu = YES!!!!
Downside: mini-pizzas were overpriced! $3.50 each is too much for the portion size. $1.50-$2 is more like it. -
Review from Freakin J.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 4/6/2012
Just a Note 4/6/2012 RECEIVED FROM OWNER OF BUSINESS !!
New!12 friends7 reviews
Ambra D.Los Angeles, CA
Send MessageFor your review of: I Panini Di Ambra
Still you are a coward and I do have proof on video! Easy to feel big hiding behind a computer!!! Keep on going and I will too. You can attack me freely and I have to shut up!!! Go ahead! I am not scared of you ...and this bs of yelp
MY RESPONSE
Thanks for the message & further reinforcing what I was sharing in my review initially.
enJOY !! Why would you be scared? All I said was that I wanted a hot cup of coffee & experienced some rude service. I guess we're not in Kansas anymore...........1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2012
Went for a cup of coffee here on Sat morn because I told my friend who was visiting from out of town… Read more »
Comment from Ambra D. of I Panini Di Ambra 4/6/2012
And again I did send a polite message as suggested by yelp… More » -
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Review from Bryant Y.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is the epitome of local hole-in-the wall : I had to drive around the block a few times to find it. Tip : Look for the flags.
I found this place via Yelp and decided to check it out. The wait is a little long, but the sandwich I got (Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese + side salad) was fantastic - probably the best I've had in a long time. It felt like all the ingredients were extremely fresh, and were carefully laid out to be even across the whole sandwich - it was great.
The side-salad was only 50 cents and good, i'd recommend it with any sandwich. I've only been here once, but it certainly was excellent and I'll be back to try out some of the other food offered here. -
Review from Joshua R.
Pasadena, CA
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
"I Panini" is a great place to stop at, if your in the mood for a lean, but, satisfying lunch or dinner... The owner of the place makes you feel at home and if you ask to try something he will be more than happy to let you try it!!!
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Review from mark w.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 4/11/2012
Just dropped by for the first time in months. Micky had me try the new coffee he's mixing himself. Wow! It's great. Make sure you give it a go.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/15/2010
Wow it's been two years since my first review of I Panini Di Ambra Bakery. I still eat there… Read more »
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Review from Matthew C.
Hancock Park, CA
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Already did a quick tip, but authentic Italian paninis. Try one with olive paste!
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Review from Lou E.
Burbank, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Authentic Italian casual restaurant without breaking the bank. Quality ingredients made by authentic Italians.
Caprese panini was golden. Love that panini. The fresh mozzarella was amazing and after I ordered the counter guy told the next customer that he had the super fresh mozzarella ready so they ordered one too. The basil leaves don't come off it when you take a bite. It's more subtle and the cheese is not overly melting so it tastes extremely fresh.
There's a little 3 year old girl at lunchtime that runs around like a madwoman and yells as she runs. "Mamma, mamma, mamma, mamma!!!! But you have to put in an italian accent to it. She's such a central casting little italian girl it's scary. I thought I was in a italian commercial for a minute. Mamma mamma!!! It was cute.
There's parking in the back so make sure you go there instead of paying the meter. -
Review from Aaron E.
Los Angeles, CA
4/11/2012
Best, strong coffee in the whole city... the roast is called Gaia, ask for it. Also, the owners are very open to creating and offering vegan/vegetarian options. Can't say enough, love the place and the folks!!!
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Review from Christine T.
Costa Mesa, CA
Thank you Yelp and Yelpers. I found this place with my Droid app and seeing it's relatively good reviews stepped inside for a quick lunch. I LOVE this place.
They carry Italian teas and juices in bottles as well as fresh, organic coffees brewed in the store. They have up to 22 various paninis, but I went for the ones in the fridge display. I overheard the owner talking about the displayed ones to another customer and we both went for the Salami and cheese panini. It was so tasty! It gets a huge plus from me that the entire store uses only organic ingredients.
As I was eating, I watched them put out freshly made pizzas into the display. She said she made the most popular ones, but they do offer others too.
I also had Americano coffee and awesomely, they carry soy milk and almond milk as non-dairy milk alternatives.
The people and the food options reminded me very much of my trip to Italy and made me want to go back even more. I plan on telling all my friends about this place and return for "business" lunches as often as possible.
Street cleaning on Friday from 10am-12pm. There is small parking lot in rear. No restrooms to the public. Visa/Mastercard only. -
Review from Mariam K.
Los Angeles, CA
3/15/2012
If youre looking to grab something fast and like paninis, you have to try I Panini. Micky, the owner was very nice and made me the best turkey panini with grilled veggied, ive ever had. He also had great sweets to satisfy your sweet tooth after your meal. Definetly recommend to everyone.
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Review from Nav S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/5/2011
This place is awful and over-priced so do not waste your time or money. I first visited 2 years ago and got a panini which was not impressive in any way. Too much cheese and very poorly constructed. Never planned on visiting them again until my boyfriend convinced me we should go there for pizza because the reviews on Yelp were so great. I gave them another chance and wish I hadn't. You would seriously be better off finding the nearest Little Caesars pizza. It was $5 dollars per SLICE which was about the size of my iPhone. To add insult to injury, they charge 75 cents for a cookie. And I don't mean like a regular sized cookie. 75 cents for a cookie that's about the size of a nickel.
I'm not cheap by any means. I don't mind paying for good food and Hollywood is full of lots of places worth visiting, but this is not one of those places. I am shocked at the good reviews people have left! Are they paying you for them, could the owners be the ones leaving these reviews, who are these people with missing taste buds who like to waste money? Please do me a favor and let this place close so something better can replace it.Comment from Ambra D. of I Panini Di Ambra 11/7/2011
Dear customer, we are truly sorry you had such a horrible… More » -
Review from Michelle G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/2/2012
It's 6pm on a Wednesday, hours are until 7pm. Second time I have tried to eat here and it's closed during business hours. So disappointed! I give the 2 stars purely based on the reviews of others. Two strikes so far, maybe the third time at bat will be a home run?
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Review from Lexie V.
Los Angeles, CA
3/18/2012
Very sweet Italian owner, he loves to serve you and take care of you. Wonderful sandwiches! Italian music, decorations, a little slice of Italy! ;)
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Review from Mark S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/25/2011
This place has good food for a good price! I got a Proscuitto Provolone panino while my girlfriend got the Smoked Salmon panino, both with a side salad. Your panini come sitting on a wood cutting board looking thing, which just gives it a rustic feel. Look at me using big words. Point is, the panini are pretty good, though kind of bread-y.
But if you go, make sure to get a slice of tiramisu!!!! She makes it from her own recipe, and my god is it amazing!! -
Review from KC O.
Sunset Beach, CA
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Super underwhelming panini. Typical small business that the hipsters n Euro dreamers will love because they're hipsters n Euro dreamers. But admit it...you've had a better panini.
Of course, there are those that will say, "Oh, KC you are not so sophisticated. You are fat American who no understand the complexity of soccer and things European."
Yea...that soccer is pretty perplexing. How could a dumb American ever figure it out? One ball, no hands, 11 on 11 and a net. Sounds as complicated and sophisticated as a sandwich. -
Review from Vinnie P.
Los Angeles, CA
8/23/2011
Amazing food and the owners are so cool. I live up the street and try to make it in at least once a week. I usually order their veggie pizza which is phenomenal. The veggies are so flavorful and the cheese will melt in your mouth. The dough is the perfect balance between soft and crunchy.
I also recommend the cappuccino. It's the best I've had in this neighborhood (compared to Bourgeois Pig, Oaks Gourmet, etc.) If you like Italian food you need to check this place out. -
Review from lindsey a.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2012
I'm so excited that Yelp led me to I Panini Di Ambra! It's right down the street from my house.
It's kind of hard to miss from the outside because it's so small. When you walk in, you feel like you have teleported to a little cafe in Italy. The owners are both Italian and they were super warm and welcoming. It seems like they have a lot of regulars because they knew pretty much everyone that walked through the door.
I don't remember the name of the panini I got but I remember it was great. It was more expensive than I thought it would be. We got 2 paninis, 2 side salads and 2 drinks for $40. Next time i'll stick with the panini only and get a water because I'm cheap. -
Review from Blake S.
San Diego, CA
2/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Most amazing sandwiches in Hollywood. Owner is awesome. Come check this place out, you wont be disappointed.
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Review from Nicole M.
7/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Just came back here again... first time I went was within an hour of closing time, so they were literally GUTTED of all food. All that was left was the roast beef panini and one kind of pizza. But the man who works there (one of the owners I think?) was sweet as sweet can be, and gave us extra pizza and managed to rustle up an arugula side salad through some kitchen magic, and offered us drinks on the house. The panini was crusty and delicious, the pizza was really good, and the salad was so fresh and wonderful, even though it was technically the dregs of the day, it was still pretty awesome, so I knew I'd want to come back when the full menu was in effect.
I did today... and there's so much good stuff to choose from, I could hardly decide. Since it was hot, I went with the Insalata Mista with Grilled Veggies (very, very good... nice balsamic dressing, and all the vegetables were fresh and flavorful, plus it came with a side of focaccia unlike anything I've had... I could have eaten that bread for about eight hours straight and not tired of it! All craggy and fluffy, with just enough crust, a sprinkle of salt and olive oil... so simple and good! All the food is like that... simple and good. Great ingredients, you can tell.) I think the salads are where this comes out the best, though the panini come with a side salad, so you don't have to miss out on your greens.
I had a feeling the desserts were where it's at, so I got a cappucino (EXCELLENT) and got two creme puffs and a baccio di dama. They were incredible. The baccio just melted in my mouth, all crumbly and good, a perfect baby bite, while the creme puffs were straight up sinful. It convinced me that I had to check out the tiramisu (go glutton day), which was equally perfect... creamy and wonderfully balanced. If you're looking for a quick yummy dessert with a good coffee, I suppose you can go to the cafe next door, but this is DEFINITELY not to be missed.
So, in brief... I'd say if it's a hot day and you want a great refreshing salad, go here... and if it's a cold day and you want a great cappuccino and a creamy authentic Italian dessert, also go here.Listed in: Lunchtime!, Best Pizza
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Review from Evan L.
I told Mickey as I was leaving, "Expect to see me back here at least once a week." He laughed and responded, "What, is every day too much to ask?" I wish...
I can't begin to count how man times I've passed by this place without having stopped in. But I had today off from work and was wandering around Hollywood so I finally visited. I asked Mickey what he recommended and he said the ham and mozzarella, because the cheese was as fresh as could be. That sounded great, so he told me to grab a soda and a seat and he'd bring it out to me in a few minutes.
I went outside and sat at one of the two small covered tables. Almost immediately he rushed outside to tell me that the mozzarella was all gone, but he was going to make me a turkey and provolone sandwich with homemade pesto and tomato that would be just as good. Maybe ten minutes later he arrived with sandwich and salad. The salad was really good. Perfect balsamic dressing. The sliced cherry tomatoes were quite flavorful and fresh.
I started to hear some yelling inside, and a minute later Mickey rushed out with a tiny pizza the size of my palm in his hand. He put it down on my plate and said, "Try this, it's fresh out of the oven and very hot!" At that moment I realized I Panini Di Ambra is a special place. Where else in this city are you going to find an owner who's so excited about his food that he wants to give out samples just so customers can experience more of the menu!? I thought that was really cool.
The little pizza was incredible, too. One of the best crusts I've tasted in a long time, crispy with a little bit of flakiness. I'm sure the pizzas on the menu are just as good. The panini was even better. The bread was outstanding, the ingredients were great, and the homemade pesto complimented to the turkey and cheese well. Nothing was overpowering, everything was harmonious. Top notch panini.
After I finished eating I talked with Mickey for five or ten minutes about how good his food was, and how the place reminded me of my favorite family-owned Italian deli/sandwich shop back in New Jersey. He was really happy to hear that and encouraged me to come back whenever I wanted to chat and eat more. Without a doubt I'm going to take him up on that offer. -
Review from Dibital N.
Los Angeles, CA
8/5/2011
My favorite spot in the hood. There's something about the crust of the pizza that I'm addicted to. I just get the simple, plain tomato sauce, olive, and oregano pizza, and it's literally perfect.
Plus, the husband and wife owner tandem are so friendly and hospitable that you feel like you've stepped miles off Hollywood Boulevard. They present a sort of courtesy and genuineness that you don't find in the rest of the city. Walking through their doors is like taking a deep breath.
My only complaint is that they're not open for dinner! If they were, I think I'd stop cooking altogether, and live off their food. -
Review from Mimi C.
5/22/2011
3.5 stars ...
Their paninis are super delicious. The bread is neatly pressed and doesn't even have the awful charcoal marks that you see some places have. It's not easy greasy - not remotely!
It's got this delicious chewy inside bread with crispy shell.
We got the salami, provolone and lettuce panini and everything just fit together so well... like everything was made in perfect balance and proportion. It came with a wonderful little side salad. DELICIOUS balsamic vinegar dressing.
We also got one of their margherita pizzas ($5)... it's HUGE and comes
on a breadboard. Although I liked the crust, the cheese was overwhelming for me and I wasn't a huge fan of the cheese they used. It was good but nothing great.
Overall - come for their paninis.
My friend tells me that their tiramisu is also superb (but I didn't try it that day).
Street parking! -
Review from Juliana N.
Fullerton, CA
6/17/2011
I waited far too long to write a review for Panini Di Ambra...lazy, lazy, lazy yelper. Well, I thought this hidden gem would be the best way to start off another round of reviews. First of all, amaaaazing owner. Friendly and certainly knows how to keep the customers coming back. The owner made sure I got a BIG taste of Italy in his quaint Italian dive. I am all about the service and this place definitely made me a happy customer and the delicious food and fresh ingredients was the whipped cream and cherry on top. My suggestions for first timers? Get a little bit of everything. Definitely the panini is a must must must! Then have a slice of pizza and save room for those Italian cookies. Knowing the owner, if you go with a friend or two, he will throw in a lot of extra food on the house so you and your friends will get a taste of everything.
Great business, great food. -
Review from Timothy H.
Los Angeles, CA
5/20/2011
This place is cool. Yeah, it's just panini and pizza, but there's something about their panini that well...
tastes European.
Yeah, it didn't feel like an American sandwich. Maybe it was the thinner, less massive bread. Maybe it was the tart dressing or the sharper flavors on the cheese and salami. I'm not sure, but everything just felt a little different than normal.
Kinda like how Vinnie said, they got the same s**t over there, but it's a little different.
No Royale with Cheese here.... -
Review from Rita L.
Glendale, CA
6/19/2011
Who would have thought that organic food could be so sinfully delicious?
The food is amazing and the staff is lovely. As I watched the regulars come in, I enjoyed the relationships between customers and staff - there's a real sense of community.
I highly recommend this restaurant for great food and incredibly friendly service! -
Review from Jason H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2012
Best croissants I have found in my 15 years in LA.
The paninis are also incredible.
Place is a little hard to find. Look out for the big BAKERY sign on Hollywood Blvd just West of Western. -
Review from LF L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/6/2011
I have lived in LA all my life and to find such a spot as authentic and amazing as this little cafe, is priceless. I can count on one hand the truly great restaurants in LA. I have the good fortune of living 3 blocks, walking distance, and the people, atmosphere and hospitality, but above all, the food, make the trip worth it every time. I have hesitated to write a review for years because I am selfish and want them to stay the secret they appear to be. The best salads and unbelievably good Pizza and pastas. the deserts, everything is top notch. One of my top 5 LA spots.
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Review from Elizabeth T.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2011
Before going to the theater, I was starving. I hadn't eaten anything all day, for no good reason, but I wanted to stop by Ambra's for the first time, to get a snack.
It was hard to find the place - we passed it twice before seeing it and the signage was definitely nothing noticeable. As usual, parking was a pain (what else can you expect in Hollywood?). I got out and ordered food while the beau found parking.
Upon entering, Ambra's is a "hole in the wall". It's not really fancy but it is clean and nicely deco'd, with the artwork on its walls, which i enjoyed.
A group of about 6 people sitting at a few of the small tables inside, pushed together, but no service-person behind the counter. I stood and waited. Then i rang the bell a few times. Then I rang it some more, trying to do so in such a way that it would resound to the kitchen. A few minutes later, a dude came out of the back and asked what I'd like.
Well, I was there for the pizza and sadly, the only ones left were Margherita and red (just tomato sauce and spices, no cheese) since it was about an hour from closing time. I happily ordered one of each and one Caffe latte as well; it came up to $12 for everything, so i don't think they are too strict about menu pricing, especially since i expected tax and it would have easily been over the amount I paid.
I ordered everything to go and it took about 10 minutes for the pizza to be reheated and boxed, and for a fresh latte to be made. He handed me a jar of sugar and a spoon over the counter. The service person was very proud of his caffe, as he mentioned it openly. And he had every reason to be! One of the few great caffe lattes I've had in the States.
We ate the pizza in the car and I must say this is one of the closest things I've tasted to pizza and coffee in IT and even though it was quiet expensive for what it was, I'm certain I will return in the future for more.Listed in: Ristoranti Italiano
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Review from Dawn B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/19/2011
Holy cannoli, best cannoli of my LIFE!
I slipped in here with my Living Social deal just a few weeks before it's expiration, and boy am I glad, because I will come back frequently. I can WALK here, too!
Picked up a feast to go consisting of the ortolana panino, veggie pizza (Pizza con Verdure), a couple of canoli, nutella panino, tiramisu, and cafe Americanos. As my friends and I shared in the joy that was this food (including my Italian friend, Carlo, who freaked out about finding food like this in America), we marveled at every item's deliciousness, right down to the coffees.
Seriously, though, the cannoli. Let me take a second, because OH MY GOD.
Can't wait to try more on the menu and finish it off with one of those again. The tiramisu and nutella panino were also perfection. Much love to this adorable, authentic, and delicious spot. -
Review from Matt R.
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went here for a late lunch today and it was really good. Reasonable prices, great paninis, and tasty desserts. I had the tirolese and my fiancee had the parma ham and mozzarella. We were both really happy with the food and the service was excellent.
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Review from Angela H.
5/7/2011
Came here with some friends to celebrate the completion of an exam (woo!); our vegetarian friend has been bugging us (the carnivores) to come here all school year and we finally came. The place is small and adorable and the staff is so friendly.
What I liked about this place was the variety of options to suit different dietary needs. We had a vegetarian in the group and someone else was lactose intolerant (no cheese!), but I Panini Di Ambra had lots of non-meat pizzas and even pizza without cheese! perfecto!
I got the veggie pizza w/mozarella b/c I had to have pizza smothered with cheese and got a side salad (for a couple cents more). The pizza comes on these wooden cutting board type things and are very good decent portions. If you're looking for something enormous like big mama's pizza, then go somewhere else (we really shouldn't be eating so much to begin with). The vegetables had a nice smoky flavor to it and the crust was thin and crispy. The salad was delicious, I love balsamic vinegar dressing.
To top off this already amazing meal, I got an assortment of their cookie desserts. You have to get their cream puffs; they're able to make the dough thin and pack that little sucker with so much cream! If you're driving around, go here! If you don't have a car, take the red line here! -
Review from Grace U.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2011
After finding out about this place for a few months, I decided it was finally time to try it out and I do not regret it.
The Pros:
1. The lady there is SUPER SUPER NICE. She is really helpful and if you need any help with the menu at all she will be glad to no matter how indecisive you are (like I was).
2. The food was amazing. I really like paninis and hers are by far one of the best I have ever had.
Now for the cons...
1. The place is a bit hard to find unless you put in the exact address in a GPS or look out for a big Bakery sign.
2. The place is a bit small so not a great place to go in huge groups, unless you order take-out!
3. The food takes a while to come out (I think she is the only one who works there hence the waiting) and the portions are a bit small. After I was done eating I found myself wanting some more food.
Overall the customer service and the food quality impressed me enough to overlook the few cons. -
Review from Nico m.
West Hollywood, CA
12/28/2011
The food is ok, but some item looks hold or with a weird color. I can't tell you if this is authentic italian food because i never been to italy. I doubt it is. The service is ridiculous. The male owner is very nice. The female owner "Ambra" is extremely rude depending on how busy she is when you get there.
The store is dirty, go see it for yourself. I saw them touching money and then food without using glows and or washing their hands in between.
I saw the people who works there going outside and shake hands with their friends/customer and then they go back behind the counter serving and touching food without washing their hands. Maybe I am a little too picky but I don't want my bread to be touch by someone who shakes people's hands, touching things and money and then my food. My wife didn't like their food and she noticed the same things and we are definitely not going there anymore.
They need to learn to treat people nicely and focus on how to run a business. Oh and definitely cleaning their place more often and WASH THEIR HANDS before touching people's food. Thats nasty!
CLEAN YOUR HANDS AFTER YOU TOUCH MONEY!
USE GLOVES !
DO YOU REALIZE HOW BAD IT IS TO TOUCH MONEY AND THEN FOOD???
EEEWWWWW
NEVER EVER AGAINComment from Ambra D. of I Panini Di Ambra 1/2/2012
Thank you Sharon! This is number 2 in less than one month!… More » -
Review from Marc D.
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you like good food, come here, immediately. At first bite this went on my shortlist for most delicious regardless of price. Everything is so fresh, and so homey, that the only way you wouldn't consider it absolutely delectable is if your taste buds were burned off.
Look at the distribution between 5 star and the rest of their ratings, then go now, and if you're really skittish about your neighborhoods or demand McDonalds swiftness on your food then order ahead and get it to go. Do not miss out on this absolute gem of an institution. -
Review from Simone S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/2/2011
To my opinion, the best item on the menu of little spot on Hollywood blvd is their cornetti (Italian croissants): they are the most authentic I`ve found in Los Angeles, good flavor, often made right on the spot, delicate... A real addictive continental breakfast specialty, that goes well with their nice cappuccino!
Their pizza by the slice is no joke either: that`s how "fast food" should be conceived, literally. Among the different toppings you might find, I recommend the one with Crescenza cheese, if you`re lucky (a rich creamy fresh cow's cheese which is common in Northern Italy).
Love their salads too, especially the fact that the dressing is never exaggerated, always balanced and yummy :) -
Review from Diana L.
Rowland Heights, CA
11/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
Impossible to find. If driving down Hollywood blvd, look for "BAKERY" sign, and the teeeeeeny little "i panini di ambra" is barely scribbled next to it.
The owner is terribly sweet. She gave some excellent recommendations, which she would, since apparently she is also the one making all the food. Try the sausage pizza and the vegetarian, both are a bit oily, but the crust is thin and to die for.
Paninis were simple: meat, cheese, and some sort of vegetable on the side for decoration. For $6-8/panini, and $5 for pizza it's really not that bad.
Must try: DESSERTS! creme puffs cant compare to Beard Papa, but cookies are love.
If you have some sort of coupon (ie: From Living Social), make sure you show her BEFORE you order. Otherwise she will get grumpy and mumble and grumble and make a big deal out of having to make another receipt.
Good luck finding parking!Comment from Ambra D. of I Panini Di Ambra 5/16/2011
Diana, it clearly states on Living Social regulations that… More » -
Review from Patricia d.
New York, NY
I first stepped inside I Panini De Ambra a few short months after the bakery opened in 2008. I had just moved to the neighborhood and was going through a rough time -- which showed all over my demeanor. Ambra and her husband, Miki, the owners/operators, literally welcomed me with open arms, smiles, genuine interest in my life, fed me delicious, authentic food at extremely reasonable prices and very quickly became true friends that I love dearly. I'm not kidding when I say they helped heal my broken heart with love laced with delicious capuccini, cookies like you wouldn't believe, the freshest panini and salads, and a quality of pizza that compelled me to violate my diet more times than I care to admit!
Ambra and Miki greet all their customers with a quality of love and interest that I've not found anywhere outside the neighborhood cafes of Europe. One Yelp reviewer commented it's like stepping into their home rather than a commercial establishment, and that's spot on!
Random notes:
The numerous 5-star reviews are accurate on every count.
Catering services available.
Limited parking (shared with other businesses on Hollywood Blvd between Gramercy and Wilton) is accessible from Gramercy. If no parking there or on Hollywood Blvd, try St. Andrews Place, a half-block east of Gramercy, south of Hollywood Blvd.
Cut to the chase: GO! Go enough times so you can try everything on the menu!Comment from Ambra D. of I Panini Di Ambra 12/2/2010
Thank you Patty! We love you too and we will miss you very… More » -
Review from Annie C.
Hollywood, CA
11/13/2010 4 photos
Cuuuute, very small, and unpretentious Italian cafe with the nicest owners...it felt like I was stepping into Italy. The lady behind the counter was so sweet to offer recommendations and it seemed like she really wanted to get to know her customers. She said to us as we were leaving: "Nice to meet you!" So cute.
I really liked the vegetarian pizza. The wooden boards that the slices of pizza came on was such a nice touch! I also LOOOOOVE that they sell San Benedetto Peach Iced Tea -- I haven't had that since I visited Italy 4 years ago!
But my most faaaaaaaaavorite thing there was the Affogato, which is a semifreddi (we got the Torroncino, which is hazelnut/praline) topped with a shot of espresso. Rocked my freakin' world. Please save some room for dessert!
I love that this little shop is surviving on a random block on Hollywood Blvd. I love supporting mom and pop shops like this! I will be back! :) -
Review from J.Anne Y.
Cerritos, CA
4/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I absolutely loved everything about this spot. I'll definitely be going back.
Sibilla (roast beef, grana [ type of parm. cheese], grilled bell peppers, and tartar sauce) - DELICIOUS. There is nothing negative to say about this sandwich. The thinly sliced meat with the grilled bell peppers and tartar sauce was perfection. The cheese tipped it over the edge.
Creme puff pastry (Bigne) - Small puffs with not overly sweet creme inside. We each had one, but would have bought more. Fortunately for my waistline - a smart gentleman bought the rest on the tray.
What my boyfriend and I both agree on is that the owner is just as great as the food he prepares. He was friendly and welcoming. Everything is made from scratch by him and his wife.
We were given a complimentary slice of pizza and it was so good (and not because it was free)! You can't go wrong between the panini or pizza.
*Added bonus for the ice tea lovers --- They carry San Benedetto iced tea!!! We bought an extra bottle of it for the car ride home. -
Review from Jessica K.
Long Beach, CA
11/25/2010
This place is really good. I just tried it for the first time tonight for dinner and enjoyed every bit. The service is really friendly and it's a nice atmosphere. The decor is very cute and the location is very small.
I had the organic chicken salad which consists of grilled chicken, avocado, tomato, and green onions. It was YUMMY!! I'll definitely be coming back soon.
