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Pane Bianco
Category: Restaurants Sandwiches Sandwiches [Edit]
4404 N Central AvePhoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 234-2100
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
242 reviews for Pane Bianco
Review Highlights
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"Lux next door has awesome lemonade, very sour." In 7 reviews -
"I had the Soppressata with Aged Provolone & Roasted Peppers." In 7 reviews -
"I had a delicious mozzarella/tomato/basil sandwich." In 7 reviews
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242 reviews in English
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Review from Gabi M.
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love is in the air... yes, Valentines Day is around the corner, but the love is really about the spontaneous lunch date I had the other day at Pane Bianco.
For those wondering, my date was with my husband. We left the baby at home (with a babysitter of course), and went out for a few hours to enjoy the beautiful weather. After a stop at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, we were both hungry and finally agreed to head to PB. I hate to admit this, but it was my first time there... I had high expectations and PB delivered!
We sat outside on the picnic tables instead of taking advantage of the full service inside. We shared a tomato mozzarella sandwich and a tuna salad. Both were delicious! Melt in your mouth delicious! We also brought home their market sandwich for our babysitter (aka my mother-in-law). It was a vegetable sandwich which she said was delicious.
I'd heard the menu was limited, which it was, but there was still plenty to choose from. I can't wait to return for lunch or dinner... and perhaps to take advantage of their private little room in back. Anyone up for a little dinner party at Pane Bianco?! -
Review from Christopher L.
Mesa, AZ
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I absolutely loved my experience at Pane Bianco. I spent a long day of working, drinking, and making merry at the Phoenix Pride Festival, and decided I'd find much better food while I wandered my way over to the bar....
Such great food I found! I ordered a Margherita Pizza and a bottle of coke... While the price felt a little steep for the volume of food received, the quality of the pizza, as well as the AMAAAAAAAAZING AMAZING AMAZING FANTASTIC staff ultimately made the $20 I threw down feel like a value!
I was impressed by the speediness of service for a Saturday evening, and enjoyed the environment on the little patio outside. -
Review from Jessica H.
Concord, CA
If I had a more sophisticated palate, I would probably rate Pane Bianco much higher.
It's a little confusing where you come in because you need to go to different areas if you're dining inside or taking your food to go- sidenote: Eating at their outside patio is TO GO.
I went with the mozzarello, tomato, basil sandwich. Their fresh baked foccasia bread was delish, and my sandwich was really filling. I also liked that they had sweet tea as a beverage option.
Also, their parking lot is weirdly set up. -
Review from Matt D.
Phoenix, AZ
5/8/2012
Where do I begin? If the food is from Chris Bianco you know it's going to be good, but was tad dissapointed at our antipasto plate. It was rather ordinary and sparse compared to any of the dozen or so times I've had it at Bianco downtown. We also ordered the Rosa which is one of their signature pizza pies with cheese, onion and Arizona pistachios. Delicious. We also thought wine would be a nice choice. Unfortunately, they don't have their liquor license sorted out yet. So a hit and a two misses.
But here's the main reason they only got two stars:
We ordered the antipasto plate and when we asked the blonde female waitstaff person who brought it for bread she said they didn't have any. OK, uh, what? Seems that Pane Bianco (White Bread in Italian) doesn't make bread on Saturday's. I said, well, since they make pizza, perhaps you can throw some dough into the oven and bake some. She said they couldn't do that. What? In the meantime our resourceful waiter overheard the conversation and brought us some...wait for it...BREAD. She just looked vacantly at the newly arrived substance and walked away. Word to Mr. Bianco: Please fire her. -
Review from Moose K.
Phoenix, AZ
4/10/2012
While the decor and people of Pane Bianco are certainly of the chic and cool crowd of downtown Phoenix, AZ, the food is lacking in quality and excelling in its price. The bike rack out front, for the latest hipster's recently purchased 10-speed, is a nice addition to the patio seating however, the food served could have used about a $3.00-$4.00 discount in pricing.
I was with a group of eight people, of whom i am out to eat lunch with on weekdays and weekends and, all of us had never been to Pane Bianco. I ordered the Tuna Sandwich, while others in our group ordered the Mozzarella Sandwich. We all agreed that the the food was somewhat tasty however, it certainly didn't match the pricing or even the over-self-assured staff. The decor inside seemed nice however, out of place in Phoenix, AZ, as it was resembling a Kansas-Linen look, with a hollow and ghost-like feeling of emptiness, no matter how many people were there.
I wouldn't recommend Pane Bianco to those who care about a good ratio of the quality and price of the food, unless you have a $10.00 and $5.00 bill burning out of your purse or pocket, and are equipped with an equally snobby attitude, a thick un-Phoenix-like beard or, can still fit into your size 2 skinny jeans and Jackie-O sunglasses. All in all, this is a place for blowhards and posers, not for the price conscious educated palate of most of the Phoenix area restaurant visitors. -
Review from J M.
Phoenix, AZ
5/8/2012
Been here several times over the last year. I don't mind the price knowing that I'm getting quality food and ingredients. The bread is delicious and atmosphere is unique! We will return!
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Review from Martha N.
Phoenix, AZ
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoy their lunch and dinner. A little known secret is that they serve pizza after 4pm. The pizza is the reason that we first tried this place. Now that they have opened the option to sit inside, it is a great place to take out or eat in. I am a huge fan of their Marinara Pizza while my boyfriend swears by the Margherita. It's the same price you will pay at Pizzeria Bianco and basically the same quality, minus the Pizzeria Bianco atmosphere and wait. For lunch I have the Housemade Mozzarella, Local Tomato & Basil sandwich or salad. The Mozzarella is fresh and delicious and I do not normally eat cheese. One more thing, I love that I can buy a pizza here and go next door to Lux, order a lemonade and read a book while enjoying my pizza. Great place! The only caveat is that the wait at lunch time can be up to 20-25 mins during peak hours (downtown Phoenix lunch crowd).
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Review from Jennifer S.
Dallas, TX
5/1/2012
It's been awhile since I've been to Pane Bianco and I remembered tonight just how good it is. Since the expansion, the new section is great...rustic and comfortable - I absolutely love most of the pieces in there. The menu is simple but good, the service was quick and friendly and the food is delicious!
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Review from Soli A.
Tempe, AZ
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
As you walk in, the aroma of freshly baked bread gets you. We had the Tuna Sandwich, and the salad version of it. Not THAT good, but just right.
The wait can be up to 15 minutes though...apparently they kid you not when they say everything is made FRESH. -
Review from Brett D.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2012
In town for a Spring Training trip and had a dinner at Pizzeria Bianco circled twice on the agenda. I guess I should have figured that with every food critic/organization under the sun singing its praises that it might be a popular destination, but was still blown away when their hostess told me that my buddies and I were looking at a minimum 3 hour wait to get our hands on some of this famed pizza.
But wait!! They have a sister restaurant across town that serves EXACTLY the same pizza? And we can essentially stroll in there with no problems? Sign us up. I'm also guessing this is reasonably new development because a lot of these reviews below me don't seem to even acknowledge the pizza's existence.
Right now they've got four options for pizza - the Marinara, Margherita, Rosa, and Biancoverde. Our group of 7 tried all but the Marinara (no hard feelings, cheese-less pizza). I was impressed with all three with the Biancoverde taking the crown as the best of the night. One of the chefs there really took care to explain all of the fresh and locally-grown ingredients that they used, and you can tell that the entire staff really takes pride in the food they serve.
Why only four stars? Fair or not, I'm afraid it just couldn't overcome the hype. My buddy from New York INSISTED that he could find a handful of pizza places that could outdo this in NY (although talk about hype...). If anyone has ever tried Pitfire Pizza in Los Angeles, Pane Bianco is like a better version of that...with a measure of distance there, to be sure.
I'd still be sure to get off your butt and check it out if you've been struggling to come to grips with the zoo over at Pizzeria Bianco - I can't imagine this will remain a well-kept secret for long. -
Review from Mandy L.
Phoenix, AZ
3/7/2012
Ok Pizza Bianco is on my list (one day damn it). Recently came for the dinner menu at the new location well, um, building. We just noshed on a fennel salad and the anti pasta and had the rice pudding to finish it all off. Food was good as expected. We love the layout with the counter and the small counter for two off to the side. Service was wonderful as expected. The pudding was the dazzler of the night so creamy so good.
Great little tender (oh so tender) raisins. One day we will be back and maybe I will have a pizza. -
Review from Jacob P.
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you're into family-style seating with strangers, limited menus, not having a drink with your meal, and small portions with large price tags, it's perfect.
I hope to go back when they have their liquor licence; that'll give it at least one more star (depending on how many drinks I have ;) -
Review from Carol K.
Gilbert, AZ
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
3.5 stars..Wanted to love this place and do really like it. Thought the menu was limited but very fresh. The market sandwich was a winner. Didn't care for the tuna at all. The balsamic made it far too sweet for this tuna fan. The pickled sides were a highlight. The lentil soup was good, not great.
Love the decor of the place, especially the mid century modern swag lighting over the bar. It is an eclectic casual joint but a bit pricey. We will return and give it another whirl. -
Review from lauren c.
Chandler, AZ
4/13/2012
One giant MEH! I was so disappointed after reading all the good reviews. Went after 5 PM on a week day. The place was empty and they had a limited menu (no sandwiches). Ordered an iced tea and they gave me a plastic bottled iced tea (Sweet Tea brand kinda like Snapple). I was expecting freshly brewed ice tea in a glass with a lemon. I sat outside on the benches and waited and waited. I went inside and they had my food sitting there in a paper bag. I never said I wanted it to go and there were no utensils in the bag. The dish (a crepe) was good, but a super tiny portion. Over priced and a cold experience. I won't go back.
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Review from Frank G.
Anthem, AZ
4/1/2012
Wow, great fresh food!
tomato mozzarella sandwich was terrific. Fresh house made Mozzarella and real tomato flavor.
Everyone in our party had something different, all very good. -
Review from Brett B.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/10/2012
BIANCO PIZZA - NOW SERVED HERE FOR DINNER!
Yep, the word is slowly dribbling down the mouths of Phoenix foodies that Panne Bianco has now expanded into the old LUX location next door, and they are open for dinner with a limited yet delicious selection of pizza's, salads, and pasta selections. This should be cause for celebration.
I recommend that local fans of the now insanely crowded Pizzeria Bianco downtown make a stop here soon (pizza after 4PM) for some of the best pizza on the planet. Right now, no long 1-2 hour waits to sit down... order a pizza and with 10 min your pie is ready to be lovingly devoured. This is the same dough that made Chris Bianco justifiably famous and a James Beard award winner. Perfectly thin crust, just the right crispness and bite, with Bianco's own sensational tomato sauce (really just hand crushed Bianco DiNapoli plum tomatoes with a hint of basil). The pizza selections here are more limited (I was crushed...no "Wise Guy").
Once again, Bianco fans should come and get their pizza here soon before the word gets out and the place becomes a crowded scene.
The decor in the new "restaurant" side is tasteful and adorable, with a British/European sensibility and a small number of tables.
I've been a regular here for many-many years. The sandwiches are always high on the yummy scale, great vibe, always fresh, one of the best reasons to go downtown.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Iain B.
Phoenix, AZ
11/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
OK, it was good. The bread was great. But $8.50- $10 a sandwich??
For a sandwich? And a really crowded uncomfortable area to eat with Hippies that smell like Hemp Oil? Was it the Occupy Wall street protests or just a overpriced sandwich?
Had the Tuna and the Italian salami sandwich. $20 with nothing included except Ice Water. Yeah, I can afford it, but come on...
Actually, the sandwich was a bit dry come to think of it.....
Sandwiches were very nice and the bread was excellent but not worth that price IMO.
Also, when asked for 2 medium Ice Teas they said I could buy them next door at Lux.
WTF? They only sell Sparkling water or something like that?
Look, I know everyone is all foodgasmided about this place, but seriously?
Go to St Francis, have a great Lunch for about $10 more than the price of 2 sandwiches.
Probably won't be back, unless it's like right there and there is ample parking (another conundrum btw).
It doesn't take much to impress some of you....
***Update***
1/7/2011
Went back to try a sandwich to go. Packed, hard to get parking but this seems to be the norm with these CenPho hip places. Nevertheless, I have to admit the sandwich was really quite good and pretty big. The bread, bread, bread. They also have the other side open and Chris Bianco was standing there saying hi to everyone.
I think I like a take-out option, then I can grab to go and watch Top Chef on DVR while enjoying.
Revised, from 3 to 4 stars, I was a bit rough previously. Ps also bought a baguette to go, seems comparable to St Francis $3 baguette, will go nice with a rustic, robust, and emulsifying Sunday evening dinner. -
Review from bob d.
12/26/2011
So they now have the entire building and a dinner menu. Alcohol license pending.
Now is the time to sneak in for some of the best food in the Valley.
We went 3:30PM Friday,
-wild arugula salad with roasted beets, goat cheese and toasted pecans
-pizza margarita
-roast pig, she apologized that it had just come out of the overn and was resting for 10 minutes.
Absolute heaven.
We left at 5PM Friday, still almost empty place. I must be in bizarro world.
I wish my budget allowed me to eat there every day until the alcohol license arrives. Or bizarro world stays put. -
Review from C N.
San Diego, CA
2/2/2012
Mozzarella sandwich w/tomato and basil is amazing. Very fresh, very tasty. The bread on the bottom of the sandwich can get a little soggy but it's all very tasty.
Chickpea potato soup was fantastic. One of the best soups I've had. Not cream based, very healthy and fresh.
Sopraseta sandwich is also very good.
You can take your food to Lux if you order a beverage at Lux! -
Review from Scott M.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/7/2011
Time to chime in. It sucks that a place could be so good that they have back lash from hipster hating self loathing wanna be hipsters in denial.
This place is exactly what it is supposed to be. A cool ass walk up sandwich shop w/ homemade everything.
They only offer 4 sandwiches during the day, all four are delicious. All bread is baked constantly, served warm and w/ a small amount of quality meat and cheese. Everything is put on the sandwich w/ a purpose and it all plays well together.
Yes the sandwiches are kind of expensive, no they don't have a huge drink selection, and yes you have to sit outside on a picnic table.
But as others have posted, LUX is connected to this place and they have all kinds of sodas, coffee, tea, etc. Yes they are different businesses, but they have a symbiotic relationship and would love to serve you a iced tea to go w/ your delicious sandwich.
********************THis just in*******************
Now open for dinner, you can walk up and get an artisan pizza and eat it in the park. I have been waiting 10+ years for this perk. This is basically a Pizzeria Bianco Pie w/ out the hassle. That's whats up!
Ease up, enjoy. I would come here daily if it made sense. -
Review from Keith R.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/7/2012
This place is unreal...i am addicted to the mozzarella, tomato, and basil sandwich. the bread is so fresh, just try this place out and you wont regret it.
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Review from Robin Ann W.
Phoenix, AZ
10/12/2011 1 photo
~Pizza @ Pane Bianco~
I am Hesitant, do I write this review or not?!
I mean if I do not... I could plead the intoxication of FEZ's Fabulous sugar-rimmed WatermelonMargaritas (which come with genuine GummiWorms to "Lure" You).
The 23rd of September was one of those RollerCoaster rides with My Mate. At first He's, "I just want a small salad, I am kind of still full from lunch." To, having the FullOn yummy monthly DinnerSpecial at FEZ, ~Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu~ it came with a side of perfectly cooked spinach (which I did get a taste of). We arrived at HappyHour and the WatermelonMargaritas were 2-4-1, so of course...
Next, We headed North toward the next LightRail station, yet not before heading to LUX, where We realized We were not prepared to wait... They were a bit busy.
I suggested We pop into Pane Bianco for a loaf of bread from, Their wood burning oven. We didn't even make it through the (new) front door before, the aroma of pizza hit Us. After drinking like a fish and nibblin' on GummiWorms, I was so ready for pizza.
They only offer 4 different types of pizza from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.;
MARGHERITA - Tomato Sauce, Fresh MozzarellaCheese, Basil
MARINARA - Tomato Sauce, Oregano, Garlic without Cheese
ROSA - Red Onion, ParmesanCheese, Rosemary, AZ Pistachios
BIANCOVERDE - Fresh MozzarellaCheese, ParmesanCheese, RicottaCheese, Arugula
You would think it would not be a difficult choice, think again. I finally narrowed it down to the Rosa only to be told by the sweet, petite, CounterGirl that the Bakers were still getting Their game on, so I could have a second pizza for free.
TooMuch for My alcohol infused GreyMatter to process, Mate tells Her to make the second one a Margherita.
Okay so here's My Dilemma, do I even try to tell You how IndescribablyGood, a pizza with ArizonaGrown pistachios is/can be. That a wood burning oven cooks a pizza in less than 10 minutes, so We were in and out in less than 20 minutes. That soon Pane Bianco will be attempting another form of seduction by serving, Crow's Dairy Gelato.
Maybe...
You are not someone who reads My reviews, someone who does not understand the subtleties of Flavour, someone who does not love Locally Grown.
Maybe, Maybe not.
Do I risk it?!?! -
Review from Cherry D.
Los Angeles, CA
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cute hipster spot for sandwiches with just little bistro seating in the shop and group seating outside. The staff mentioned they were going to be opening a full service restaurant next door.
My friend and I got different sandwiches (salami and vegetarian) and they were very good. The bread is freshly made at the shop and you can see them pull them out of the oven.
I liked it a lot and thought the vegetable soup was good (more of a stew really). -
Review from Thomas I.
Henderson, NV
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Possibly in the coolest area of Phoenix!
Left side of restaurant= eating in
Right side= eating on patio Or ordering out.
Don't get confused on that -
Review from J.D. L.
Phoenix, AZ
An Italian surname Pane Bianco is occupational. The bearer of the name would be a baker who sells his bread, feeds and nourishes.
Great lunch today in a beautiful farm and market style dining room with two thoughtful and lovely gals providing gracious service.
Soup of the Day is an Arizona grown tepary bean, vegetable soup with a slice of out of the oven Italian country bread 6. The tepary bean once a staple in the Sonoran Desert and a legume the Papago Indians embraced.
My sandwich on their made to order focaccia round bread is tuna with red onion, gaeta olives, lemon and arugula 9.5
The treat, I had some vanilla bean rice pudding. Thought I would show a little small business love. Complimenti alla cuoca, ciao, ciao, arrivederci.Listed in: Downtown Midtown
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Review from Jennifer W.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/18/2012
LOVE the expanded space! Charming décor, friendly staff and quaint ambiance. Picnic tables are still available outside for patio weather, but now that it's "chilly" (by AZ standards), cozy up inside and delight in the charming atmosphere.
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Review from Tom D.
12/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Not your ordinary sandwich!
Now I have read some of the comments that the sandwiches are over priced, or should I say more expensive than most sandwiches. Well, this isn't your typical deli. First off, if you can finish the whole sandwich I am impressed. I have a hearty appetite and I am perfect with just half a sandwich. That is another half for another meal. Talking dollars here. Now let's break down the Pane Bianco creation:
Fresh Ingredients: There is nothing more important than fresh vegetables, cheese and meats. Pane Bianco hits the mark on this qualification.
Seasoning: Love the dressing they used on my Soppressata sandwich.
Bread: Good luck finding a better bread for your sandwich. Delicious and right out of the oven.
Atmosphere: I like it. I know some people had issue with it, but this place is about a simple menu with a simple process to get you seated and eating ASAP.
My favorite place for a $5 sandwich. Yeah, there is enough for two meals!! -
Review from Rahul K.
Tempe, AZ
12/27/2011
Great place to for for lunch. The sandwiches were delicious, we had the mozzarella with tomato and basil one as well as Sopresetta. There was plenty of seating arrangements outside but i'm imagining during rush time there won't be a whole lot left.
Great atmosphere and had lots of parking too. -
Review from Val B.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2011
When I lived a block from Pane Bianco, I used to make it a point to spend (and eat) as little as possible throughout the week just to be able to grab one of their sandwiches (preferably the mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich) on the weekend.
A little pricey, but worth every penny; the food is crafted so well that you start to dream about it and wonder when you can run back for more. If you're a coffee or tea fan, it's perfectly paired with Lux right next door; ample seating to eat your sandwich in peace and enjoy the people watching. -
Review from Jess W.
Phoenix, AZ
12/15/2011
So I've got to start off by saying that this is obviously not your run of the mill sandwich shop. My gorgeous dining companion and I tend to split the fresh mozzarella, basil & tomato (so delish) and their market sandwich (their sandwich de jour) - and normally we can't finish the entire second half, which makes for a nice afternoon snack. We like to sit outside, weather permitting - which really people, we live in Phoenix, so that's almost always - and slurp Coke from the bottle.
I was a little disappointed with my experience today, although I am sure it was somewhat tempered by the fact that I wasn't accompanied by my man, but was instead grabbing food to go for us. Apparently you can call in to go orders, which I didn't know, but numerous people cut in front of the long line by simply saying "I called in my order." Well, excuse me! The long lonely line is one thing, but the kicker was the tuna salad that didn't have olives as advertised and the bean/veggie soup that really wasn't anything to write home about - it lacked salt for sure.
The girl in front of me wanted to order pizza and was told you can only order pizza at dinner time. She was pissed and really, I can't blame her because we stood in line a long time. But sweetie, really, go to Pizzeria Bianco if you want their pizza. (PS: We ate there for dinner last night and I will post a separate review...I guess the holidays bring out my Bianco cravings...)
As I'm re-reading this, I realize it kinda sounds negative. Which really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things because this place is hugely popular and will continue to be I'm sure.
Take away: yummy sandwiches, not cheap but that doesn't bother me if the quality is there - and it is. Go early or a little later to avoid the lunch rush and enjoy! -
Review from Pepper T.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 10/23/2011
I tried the Rosa HERE! and it was better than the Rosa I had at Pizzeria Bianco. The pistachios were baked on and not just tossed on at the end so the flavor developed. The Rosa HERE had Rosemary on it that you could see and taste and the crust was far less black , it was charred but not black .
The Escarole salad we ordered with it was very good.
It's take out but you can eat out side at one of the tables and it wasn't busy at all.
The menu last night was, a few salads, 4 pizzas, 2 pastas and Italian ice.
I don't know if they started milling their own flour yet from heirloom Arizona grains yet but I find that interesting.Listed in: FIVE Star HAPPY, Best Sandwiches
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/29/2011
This weekend I had the Market sandwich that was made with very good and not tangy goat cheese ,… Read more »
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Review from James S.
Phoenix, AZ
10/21/2011
I can only speak to one food item here, and that's their tomato and mozzarella sandwich. If they only served one sandwich, and I had to eat it for the rest of my life, then I would die a happy and full man.
We spent our honeymoon in Italy, traveling around the country and eating as if we had gone hungry the other 30 years of our life, and I swear this sandwich matches, and occasionally exceeds, the simple fare that was so overwhelmingly good across the country. The sandwich is huge, and every time I think I'll have some leftover for later, and each time I prove myself wrong by eating every last crumb and wayward tomato. One day I'll order something else, but then maybe I won't. -
Review from Erick P.
Phoenix, AZ
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great food for hipsters. No really, the food is genuinely great. Had the fennel salad, and discovered a new vegetable: watermelon radish???
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Review from Ian B.
Phoenix, AZ
10/11/2011
I really like this place. My mom loves this place. My girlfriend loves it too.
I'm knocking it a couple stars for the following reasons:
1. If I call in an order, I want it to be waiting for me so I can avoid standing in line with the rest of the mouth breathers. I'm a busy guy, I'm a mover and shaker, I've got shit going on, and standing for an hour in line waiting on a sandwich, which albeit is awesome, is just kind of a waste of my time.
2. When I am not all on my A game to call things in, that place sucks on ice to stand around in. Its small, its warm, and a lot of hippie-dippy types tend to like to eat there. Its a free country, eat where you want, but do a brother a favor and take a shower. Quit making me believe the joke "Where's the best place to hide money from a hippie? Under the soap!"
3. I'm what you might call a "man with an 'eating disorder.'" Shortly put, so long as there isn't fish or chicken in it, I eat everything, and with much gusto I might add. Some sides might be nice. Don't get me wrong, the "wafer thin mint" is a nice touch, but maybe something else to go with my ultra healthy sandwich.
I get it, I'm hard to please, but I don't think these are unreasonable requests. Maybe deodorant at the door if you have dreads? Just a though... -
Review from Jordan G.
6/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Two things:
1) Pizzeria Bianco is easily the best pizza I've ever had, and Chris Bianco is a god among men when it comes to food.
2) I realize what I'm about to say is sacrilege...
...but I don't get Pane Bianco. I shouldn't say "I don't get it". I mean, it's good and all, but these aren't the best sandwiches I've ever had. Their solid, and I'll go back if friends of mine want to try it out, but I just don't think it's all that great.
I'm sorry to say this, but I cannot deny my heart, and my heart doesn't really care about these sandwiches. Even the mozzarella one. -
Review from James D.
Gilbert, AZ
2/11/2012
First time trying this place today almost looks like one of those hole in the wall places from the outside but going inside its nice, me and the wife ordered the mozerella tomato basil sandwich....sooo good the bread is amazing the sandwich is so simple but works so well together. Definitely recommend this to who haven't tried it.
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Review from Alexander C.
Scottsdale, AZ
Yay dinner!!!
It's no big secret that I'm a huge fan of Chris Bianco. His simple honest to goodness approach to food is not only inspiring but down right delicious. If you're one of his fans who don't mind waiting 4 hours for one of his amazing pies at Pizzeria Bianco, then you're in for a real treat. While they don't serve pizza, one of my all time favorites, Pane Bianco is now serving dinner and no serious wait either! In addition to ordering one of their famous sandwiches, you can expect an ever changing menu of rustic Italian inspired plates.
If you've been to Pane you know the drill, go in, order at the counter then either decide to take your score home, or eat there on one of the communal outdoor tables. No wine or beer is served at this time but there is talk of Pane expanding into the Lux Coffee space next door which will eventually offer inside seating and hopefully wine by the glass. If all of this goes down, Lux will simply move to the adjacent building also getting a larger space. For me Bianco's food just screams for a glassed of red wine.
Ordering the Crespelle ($12) had me really excited due to the unique nature of the dish itself. Basically an Italian crepe made the garbanzo bean flour; it's filled with luscious ricotta cheese, hints of spinach then bathed in a slightly sweet tomato sauce. It was clear that after the first bite I was in love with this dish, I simply couldn't stop though glares from my dining companions made me to relinquish the plate.
I can't sing enough praises for Biancos Housemade Mozzarella ($8), thick slabs of hand pulled cheese is paired with fresh tomatoes, a few leaves of basil, olive oil and a sprinkling of salt, that's it. The resulting texture and flavor is so toothsome and fresh that I've yet to have another as good. The salad comes with bread which I put to good use soaking up every drop of the salads milky elixir.
Served on house made flat bread, the Soppressata with Aged Provolone ($8) which also comes topped with a healthy shave of Parmesan cheese and slices of roasted onion. The pungency from the provolone is a nice compliment to the pork-tastic slices of soppressata.
Bianco is dedicated to local purveyors and for good reason, they make some of the best Phoenix has to offer. Take the Sausage with beluga lentils and polenta ($10) for instance. The sausage comes from our very own Schreiner's Fine Sausages over on 7th Street and let me just say, this plump link had just the right amount of meaty well seasoned punch to compliment the hearty lentils and super moist polenta cake.
If you're more of a lighter eater, I'd suggest the highly flavorful Roasted Seasonal Vegetables ($5). On my last visit the pan was filled with long thick spears of asparagus, sweet potato, cabbage, radishes, broccolini and cloves of garlic. Grab a loaf of their chewy bread ($3) and you have yourself a vegetarian option even a meat eater like me would love.
Now if they added pizza to the menu, my life would be complete.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/15/2008 ROTD 9/12/2008
I of course have a crush on Chris Bianco. Not because of his rugged good looks or what could be… Read more »
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Review from Iris R.
Phoenix, AZ
2/8/2012
Love love love this place... an almost weekly lunchtime Mozz sandwich is a must!
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Review from Nesto M.
Chandler, AZ
5/5/2011
Helpful Stinkweeds employee pointed this out as the place for a sandwich in Central Cenpho. It did not dissappoint.
I had tuna, which is garnished with lemon, olives, and arugula. It was a perfect lunch. on a well crafted artisian flatbread.
They have great baguettes for sale, and everything on the menu looked very tempting.
My only gripe is that the menu is very scaled down. A little more variety would make this a 5 star deal for me, but I will be back.
Ambiance is fantastic. Staff was top notch.
Well done. -
Review from Georgie S.
Phoenix, AZ
4/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Totally expect to get my ass kicked by the serious Pane Bianco devotees on here, but oh well. Meh. I don't like paying $10+ for a sandwich, and then almost $4 for a side, and $2-3 for a bottle of water/bottle of soda. That is not an acceptable lunch option to me. Especially when I have yet to patron Pane Bianco one time and not been hungry an hour later. This is the freakin' sushi bar of the sandwich world.
While I'll agree that the ingredients are fresh, you get so few of them it would be difficult to know otherwise. I've been several times now and pretty much always get the tomato/mozz sandwich as I don't eat tuna salad or have a taste for sopressatta. The other day however I got the market sandwich and I was so excited to be able to try something new because it had turkey in it. 2 whole super thin supermarket looking slices of turkey. Mmmmmm. Delicious giant pieces of bread with two super thin slices of turkey in the middle. How could I say anything nasty about paying $10 for you? How dare I be hungry an hour later when you made me so full with all of that bread? You get the picture. Stick the the tomato/mozz sandwich if you're heading this way. Oh, and make sure someone else is picking up this ludicrous tab.
