Vinny's Panini

4.0 star rating
15 reviews Rating Details

Category: Sandwiches  [Edit]

787 Dupont St
Toronto, ON M6G 1Z5
Neighbourhood: Christie Pits
(416) 531-9454
Hours:

Mon-Fri 11 am - 7 pm

Sat 11 am - 4 pm

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
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15 reviews in English

  • Review from Dirty H.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2012

    Everytime I'm in the area I have the steak sandwich medium with NO onions. By far the the best in town. It's like a taste explosion in your mouth. It's so good that I haven't tried any of the other sandwiches. Old habits are hard to break!!!

    My Fav Spots
    California Sandwiches
    Bitondo Pizza/Panzerotti
    Vinny's Panini Steak Sandwich
    South Pacific Chinese
    Metro Pizza
    Ricci's Pizza
    Big Smoke Burger
    Island Foods
    Duffs Wings
    Bom Appetite Portuguese Chicken
    Mary Brown Chicken
    Il Gatto Nero - Spinelli

  • Review from Susan C.

    • 3 friends
    • 123 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    7/29/2011

    This restaurant is tasty, but at the same time I feel a little disgusted after eating it. I always order the veal sandwich and it's massive. I always have to share one half with another person. It's tasty, but it will make your stomach feel bloated for the rest of the day, which is probably not my favourite feeling espeically when you have things to get done that day.

    My friends and I always call in advance and then just go by to pick it up. Their service is relatively fast. For example, ordering 4 veal sandwiches and it's ready to be picked up within 20 minutes. Usually when we get there, they're always ready to give it to us. The workers there are extremely friendly and are always willing to start talk.

  • Review from Vivek S.

    San Francisco, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    10/18/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Smashing sammich shop in Christie Pits. I strolled in around lunchtime on a Friday to find the place packed with gritty locals eagerly awaiting their eats. The entire restaurant isn't bigger than the inside of a moving van, and you probably couldn't seat more than a dozen people without a fight breaking out. The decor is simply put: orange and blue. There is a picture of the Azurri on the wall and the obligatory TV blaring CP24.

    Being a first-timer, I heeded Kent P's sage sangwich advice and scored the veal panini. Oh, man. The sauce, the crispy and moist breaded veal, the soft delicious bread, it all spelled perfection. Though I easily could have saved half for later, I stuffed that entire sombitch down, it was just that good. You veal a good panini, Vinny. Kudos.

    Obligatory Title Pun: It's veally amazing OR: the Vinner takes it all!

    Menu Readability: Written on chalkboards above the counter.

    Need to mention: The sammies can take up to 20 minutes, but we were sufficiently warned.

    What this place teaches me about myself: I will wait 20 minutes for a sandwich, provided it is forged by Gods on Earth.

  • Review from Daniel B.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/16/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Some people say that they don't like veal.  

    Something about how it's cruel to kill a cow while it's still a child.  

    Something about how this is against the laws of nature.

    Then they have one of the spectacular veal sandwiches here and they start making plans to kill other young animals to see how they'll taste in sandwich form.

    A superb sandwich.  Freshly made to order.  Hand pressed.  Perfectly spiced and cooked.

    Unlike other veal sandwich stores in the area, Vinny's does not overwhelm you with sauce on your sandwich... everything is painstakingly painted on with care.  It's a massive difference and one that successfully differentiates this sandwich from the others down the street.

    You have to wait at least 5-10 minutes for your food, since everything is made to order.

    If you're coming for lunch, prepare for lineups.   Well worth it.

  • Review from Elaine K.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    7/10/2010 1 photo

    A sandwich shop that's supposedly better than California Sandwiches AND in my neighbourhood? To good to be true!

    In fact, the sandwiches here are pretty amazing, I'm not sure I can say they're better than Calisan (our nickname for California Sandwiches) since I hadn't been there in the past year, but the sandwiches here are pretty amazing. Note: their medium is medium, unlike Calisan, where the medium is pretty hot.

    We had the veal sandwich and it was great, good bread, not too too much sauce, a little salty, but that wasn't a big deal. Totally worth it, I will go here again for their meatball sandwich.

  • Review from Noel D.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2009 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    I live right by this little place so it's kind of hard to avoid as there aren't many good places to grab food in this section, apart from Universal Grill and the grocery store. It's a shame they tend to close at 5:00pm most days so you have to hit them up during work hours. (Note: They've extended the hours to 7:00pm on weekdays)

    I see people drive up and park outside for pick up orders all the time. Local blue-collar workers head over to Vinny's for takeout constantly. And for good reason: their sandwiches are incredible. I would compare them to the infamous California Sandwiches, but I actually prefer Vinny's because they are a little less sloppy and have more flavour. The portions are big. I sometimes eat half the sandwich and think about saving the other half for later, but it's just too good to pass up on. Plus the staff are always super friendly.

    Sitting in is an option but they only have maybe 3-4 tables so you might be better getting takeout instead. Most times I walk by the place is relatively busy, though I still think this might be a bit of an undiscovered gem to those outside the Dupont area. I think it's also family owned, which is always a good sign for me when it comes to quality and service.

  • Review from Vespertine B.

    • 4 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Really casual and small sammie shop. Generous portions with lots of meat. Enjoying a veal with onions and green peppers. The spice, if requested has a healthy kick!

  • Review from Marie F.

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    5/19/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Disclaimer: In my books soggy bread is a cardinal sin! If I wasn't so anal on my bread being perfect this place would have easily gotten 4 or 5 stars because the sandwiches themselves are great.

    I was excited to order a veal panini from this place based on all the great reveiews. If you're thinking ordering a sandwhich and you're in a hurry, call ahead because wait time can take up to 15 mins.

    The location is small but has adequate seating and you can tell that they are probably the best eatery in the area based on the constant traffic in and out of this place.

    My sandwich came and as mentioned earlier my bread was soaked in sauce resulting in soggy bread. The veal was perfectly breaded and the sauce was yummy (I got medium which was a little spicy with some kick).

  • Review from Annie D.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    7/29/2011

    Pluses:  the bun is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and barely soggy by the time I ate my sandwich at home; good value for the money, the sandwich can easily be shared between two people; filling, cheap comfort food that will definitely hit the spot on cold winter nights when I don't want to make supper

    Minuses:  hot peppers overwhelmed the other flavours, I'll try leaving them out next time

  • Review from Michelle A.

    • 50 friends
    • 165 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    11/6/2010 3 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Vinny exists! And, he's a really nice guy. They were out of breaded eggplant sandwiches on the day I visited, and since I don't eat meat, he made me a super veggie sandwich with extra mushrooms, peppers and onions (although, a little skimpy on the peppers). You kind of have to eat this open-face style, which takes away from the cruncy kaiser bun effect, but it's still very tasty and super filling. If Vinny tells you to grab a fork and knife, do it. Ask for extra sauce and get it spicy, it's not THAT hot and you have more than enough bun to rip off as a chaser if you're wimpy.

  • Review from Kent P.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/6/2010 4 Check-ins Here

    Had the meatball today after they wrote about it in the National Post. It's the messiest sandwich I've ever attempted to eat. It's really good, too. Get it spicy (unless you're a sissy).

    Listed in: Meat., Toronto's Best Sandwiches…, VEG that's more than risotto., The Biggest Meals You Can Get

    Was this review …?

    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      9/27/2010

      Tried the steak and breaded eggplant tonight. Both excellent...I'm still more of a veal guy- but… Read more »

  • Review from Robin E.

    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/11/2010

    Definitely a good sandwich, and one of the few places in the area for some quick eats.

    To describe the decor as "humble and utilitarian" would be an understatement. But then people come to Vinny's for the sandwiches.

    I think vinny's is about on par with California, maybe a little above. I think that they give you a few more peppers with your veal.

    The other poster is right about the wait, and if it's busy you can wait 20 minutes for a sandwich. But if you're not in a big hurry, stop in and check them out.

  • Review from eric g.

    • 6 friends
    • 98 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    3/25/2010

    I can't even think about Vinny's without getting hungry. it's one of those classic places that choose to focus on just one or two things and do them extremely well. Huge, delicious sandwiches -- veal or chicken. Spicy, flavourful, never dry, and to my taste, far better than California Sandwiches. Good idea to call in advance at lunchtime, as they do get busy and orders can take up to 20-30 minutes.

  • Review from Makr E.

    • 5 friends
    • 1 review

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    1/30/2009

    Vinny's makes one of the best veal sandwiches in Toronto. They're not only great but big enough to split into two, and eat over two meals. You can eat at Vinny's but it's a small place so best for take-out. I suggest you call15 to 20 minutes ahead so they have time to get your order prepared.

  • Review from mark s.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    6/26/2010

    This place has the best veal sandwich in the city it's  fresh and tastes amazing.  I highly recommend this place. Forget California sandwich this is the place.

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