Pleasantly surprised this time around! The Italian meatloaf was absolutely delicious, the meatloaf itself was flavorful and not dry. Don't sleep on their fingerling potato salad - it was unbelievably tasty! The price points are a bit steep though. I'd categorize this is a splurge meal. read more

I've been to Il Bambino countless times before, but this last visit was a little weird. It was restaurant week and all I really ever get from this spot is a panini obv, so I thought it was a good opportunity to try out some apps and dessert since the special came with it. We arrived over an hour before closing, but when I came in the hostess said they were closing and that if we wanted to eat we needed to order fast and have everything come out at once. We agreed, but then watched another duo walk in 20 minutes later and get to take their sweet time. We started out with their tomato soup and chickpea salad. Tomato soup was rich and came with a slice of bread with melted cheese on top, and the chick pea salad was light and refreshing. I had the Piggie Smalls as my main which is my go-to and was great as always. For dessert we shared a panna cotta and this chocolate dessert that had these chocolate crunchy crumbles on top that was out of this world. 10/10 food, wish I could've enjoyed it without being rushed. read more

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Il Bambino will never disappoint me. They have the best panini in the world and I could eat their food everyday. I love how they constantly innovate with new menu options and maintain the quality every time. The Roast Chicken with Mozzarella is my go-to but I've tried so many other sandwiches, crostini, hash browns, fries, and coffees from them and it's all delicious. The workers are always so nice and they can substitute anything if you have preferences or dietary restrictions. They will also offer recommendations if you can't decide. I've gone on weekends and weeknights and while weekends are busier, we can usually get a table especially when they open up their backyard for seating in the summer. I always bring out of town visitors here and everyone raves about it. I even bought a jar of their homemade spicy mayo because it's so iconic. The sandwich is so filling, I almost wish they served half sizes so I could try more things on the menu at once. I can't say enough good things about Il Bambino, I will continue to support them forever. read more

Il Bambino - Roast Chicken with Mozzarella - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

great food and great service. this would be a hidden gem but everyone in this neighborhood has probably already been here or heard of it read more

Il Bambino - truffle fingerling potato salad - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Came back here and tried some new things: - Hash brown special: I forgot that hash browns and tater tots are different things, so that's on me. It was tasty and all sorts of toppings like scrambled egg and cheese, but don't think it's a must do. - I got the sir oink a lot and I appreciate the maple bacon aioli as a distinct taste, but the sausage is in pieces rather than grounded so I think I'd opt for a meat option that's more distributed next time around. - Also tried some desserts: the almond apricot tart was good but a little too much almond flavor for my personal taste. The pecan shortbread was much better but the edges were dried up so I'm not sure how long this was sitting there since the jar was full. read more

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My favorite go to spot for a Panini! The service is always great. The food is delicious. It's a great environment with a back patio, which is great during the summer. read more

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Well, this sucks... I hate to have to do this because the food here has always been good, but today we had a HORRIBLE experience and it needs to be called out. We walked in a bit after 1pm and sat outside, which is what we usually do when we come here. They quickly brought us water and menus, and soon took our order. Everything was fine.... Until I noticed that the table diagonal to us (who came in AFTER us) was being served their food, yet we still didn't have anything on our table.... **For context, my husband and I each ordered a panini as well as one order of truffle fries to share. This couple appeared to have only ordered one panini that they split, so I wasn't too alarmed....yet. I was server for 8+ years so I know that sometimes smaller orders get brought out first as they're quicker to finish. HOWEVER, shortly after this I noticed that the table next to them (who also came in after us, and even after that first table I mentioned) got their order... They ordered FOUR dishes and all of them were delivered to them next. What is going on??? Why do we still not have anything on our table? At this point, I'm super starving and we've already been sitting here for 30 minutes. I'm not happy. I walk inside and up to the counter, looking for management so I can see what's going on. This is when I was informed that "the manager isn't here". Uhm, what?? So next I literally asked, "okay so what's taking so long for our food to come out? Why do the other tables have their food and not us?" I was told that they would ask my server and try to figure it out. I'm hangry and VERY not happy at this point. As soon as I sit back down, the fries and my panini are brought to our table (the fries were cold, by the way), but my husband's panini is still nowhere to be found. Some other server brought it out, so she quickly ran off as it wasn't her responsibility to look after us. After waiting 5+ more minutes with my husband's panini still nowhere in sight, I flagged down our server and asked where it was. She responded by saying "it should be out soon, let me go check". Within about 2 minutes, she brings it out and apologizes for the delay then quickly walks away. Here's the thing: I specifically asked what was taking so long, and I never got an answer. No, "I'm so sorry, I forgot to put in your order, let me get the kitchen to rush it out". No, "they accidentally made it with chorizo instead of the potatoes that you subbed since you don't eat meat, so they're having to make a fresh one. So sorry about that!" NOTHING. As I mentioned earlier, I used to be a server. I GET IT! Mistakes happen, but be adult enough to own up to them. Had our server owned up to a mistake and offered to try to make it better, I wouldn't have been so angry nor would I be writing a 2-star review right now because I've definitely made my fair share of mistakes as a server back in my day. I'm very understanding and empathetic. But instead, all that was communicated to us was a quick "I'm sorry" along with a "pity brownie" that was given to us with the check, which we immediately asked for once we finally received my husband's panini. We don't eat excess sugar like that, so we left the brownie on the table as it was a poor way to try to make up for this awful experience. Note to management: why are you leaving your staff unattended without someone to guide them when something goes wrong??? I know that they were doing the best they could to rectify the situation, but I would've much rather been ASKED what could be done to make my experience better than to just have a pity brownie that I don't eat tossed at me. What if I was allergic to chocolate? What if I'm gluten intolerant and can't eat the brownie? Regardless, it's really not fair to your staff to be put in a situation where they don't have the authority to better fix a mistake that then leads to a bad experience. The only reason this review is 2-stars is because the food is actually good, which is why this experience really, really sucks. We used to like coming here, but we're NOT planning to come back after today. To those reading this, if you don't mind dealing with bad service, you can still give this place a try. Otherwise, if you prefer to be respected when you go out to eat, steer clear. read more

Still a must-try restaurant in Astoria. Still the best sandwich, panini, and crustini eatery in Astoria. I just came back after eating a chicken cutlet and a coconut dream with a hot cup of coffee. Everything was delicious, and this is a must-try recommendation if you are in Astoria! read more

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I was in the area on a Sunday and me and my boyfriend craved something simple. A sandwich sounded perfect, so after a quick look on google we found Il Bambino. This is a small, no frills, beautiful panini and appetizer cafe :) we sat down and ordered an iced coffee (oat milk for me!) and our paninis. They were served warm and just pressed, beautifully stuffed. We also had the mortadella with parmesan spread and it was served with toasted bread. Lots of flavors! We really enjoyed the food. The place was clean and service was quick. Def will come back! read more

Really cute coffee bar and restaurant. I visited for the first time and got the cookie butter latte and one of their homemade cookie bars to go. The baristas are pulling double duty taking and making orders so you may have to wait a few minutes if they are busy but the wait is worth it. I would like to come back and try the full sit down menu. read more

Il Bambino - Bakery Counter - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

Definitely the place to go if you want a panini. They know how to create a textured crust and flavor combos are refined.

Nice little joint. Great panini's, delicious baked goods and beautiful women. It's practically nirvana!

Every time I come here the food is too notch. I usually can never decide what to order because all the panini are amazing, by the string bean salad with truffle oil is a must get as is their brownies- seriously don't sleep on the brownie! read more

You're not going to get filled up that's for sure. Good combo of pressed sandwiches to choose from but more bread than filling. Not cheap either. read more

Have I really never reviewed my favorite restaurant?! I have lived in Astoria since 2008 and Il Bambino is still my favorite restaurant. From sandwich specials to soup to sides (don't skip the potato salad) to desserts to Nutella hot chocolate (!) this place has it all. I order from here almost every week. I cannot recommend it enough read more

Il Bambino - Homemade mozzarella sticks - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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The reviews don't lie - this place is amazing! I was visiting some friends in Astoria for brunch, and they recommended we meet at this place as it was one of their neighborhood favorites. I can see why - at its core it's a panini shop, but to just call it a mere sandwich shop does not do it justice. The ingredients are top tier, their paninis are perfectly assembled with perfect ratios of everything, service/atmosphere is cozy and friendly. The place was buzzing on a late morning on a weekend day despite inclement weather outside. Sipping on a warm coffee, enjoying a delicious sandwich, in the company of good people and good conversation, while looking out the window while it was raining @ Il Bambino will always be a core memory for me. read more

Il Bambino - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

This is truly one of those hidden gems that you'll appreciate IYKYK. I'm absolutely obsessed with this place--everything on the menu is exceptional. Their paninis are perfectly toasted, delivering just the right crunch and flavor every time. The real showstoppers, though, are the crostinis. They're beyond incredible! I literally come here just for them, and every single one is a masterpiece. While it's a bit on the pricier side, the quality and flavors make it well worth it. I highly recommend this spot for breakfast or lunch--you won't regret it! OBSESSED!!! read more

My wife and I make a yearly trip to Astoria to relive the year when we first started dating and I lived here. Luckily for us, each time we make the trip it starts here. An incredible panini shop. Every sandwich is incredible. While my wife has been loyal to the sir oinks a lot, I have meandered across the menu. Impressed everytime. We live pretty far away these days but will always make the yearly pilgrimage. Staff is super friendly and the seating area is always clean and inviting. read more

Il Bambino - The Shrine to Swine - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Such a great spot. All the panini's and baked goods are amazing. Feels so neighborhood and homie. Kind of place that makes Astoria and NYC special. read more

Omg I looooove their roast mushroom panini Always a great experience and I'm never disappointed with the food!

Cute little lunch spot in Astoria! I was craving a panini and salad after a morning run and decided to stop by Il Bambino. I loved the cozy, homey vibe of this place! We decided to order one of the specials of the day -- a panini with pulled pork and jam. The panini was crispy, just how I like it. We shared the butternut squash soup with pesto smothered grilled bread + mozzarella floater. This combination was fantastic! They were kind enough to split it into two bowls for us. Baby arugula mimosa salad was also really yummy (and huge). The shaved egg really was the glue to all the flavors coming together. Service was very attentive and welcoming. This is definitely a solid gem in the neighborhood! read more

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The coziest place to grab a bite during the holidays. The sandwiches are to die! You can't go wrong

Ordered for first time using Uber Eats. It was absolutely delicious! Been dreaming about that eggplant panini since I had it! Will definitely be ordering again! read more

One of our favorite neighborhood spots! We come for lunch, brunch, and to-go food. Ugh the soups are sooooooo good. read more

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This place is killing the panini game! Truth be told, I've never seen a place with such a concentration on brunch panini. The flavors are rich and certainly unique. I went on a morning where I had the cute, quiet cafe to myself. The staff was very friendly as well. What a great spot! read more

Il Bambino - Sir Oink-a-Lot - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

The paninis here are delicious!! I love the Roast Chicken Adobo panini! They paninis are also very filling, so make sure to come hungry or save half for later! il Bambino does not take reservations and does get packed, so if you have a larger group, make sure to come in the earlier side for lunch. read more

Il Bambino - Roast Chicken Adobo - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

4.5 stars - sandwich was great but a bit pricey. The bread is extra crunchy, flavors and aoili were all fantastic. The brownie met its expectations of being the best brownie - it's fudgy and the walnuts add great texture. It paired very well with their steamed maple milk. It was crowded for brunch around 1:30 but service was really good! read more

Il Bambino - Berkshire Smoked ham panini - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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I always ordered the shrimp scampi or shrimp parm from here. They are soooo good and the portion is always huge. The quality is always so good. I plan to try out the wings at some point, I just found them online. read more

It's hard to find a good panini in NYC, but I'm Bambino does a great job of balancing the crispiness of the bread with an appropriate amount of flavorful filling. The menu is extensive so it's difficult to pick one, but thankfully the paninis are sliced in half if you wanted to share and try different types of paninis with your friends. read more

Il Bambino - Prosciutto , Basil Pesto , Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

Il Bambino delivers and it has been delivering the goods since it opened. I haven't been here in a while and I had forgotten what I've been missing. Namely: top quality and reasonably priced toasted goodness. On this occasion I went for the Notorious PIG, egg panini enhanced by smoked bacon and truffle oil. I also has the beet, goat cheese and arugula salad. I thought I'd have enough room left over for the home-baked, super-sized and decadent chocolate chips cookie, but it was not to be. Next time... read more

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They've got really good Paninis and an awesome outdoor spot. I recommend coming during brunch time. I thought it would be busy but I was actually able to get seated outside by the way and it was a beautiful day. On top of being a lovely spot, the service is also lovely. Overall, this place is definitely worth your time if you were already on yelp considering going lol read more

Il Bambino - The Love Handles - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

Great panini shop in Astoria! We've been here twice and they have always been great with service and food. We really like the taste of their food. You really can't go wrong with any of the pressed paninis. I would recommend the El Porko Royals as well as the Piggie Smalls, both of which the server recommended as well. You only get the panini with your order, and have to get sides separately. Parking is often difficult because it's all street parking and it's hard to come across an open spot. But it's worth the effort! read more

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I've ordered online a few times from Il Bambino. The sandwich selection is extremely impressive and hard to imagine a universe in which someone couldn't find one they like. I've only been inside here once to pick up an order and it doesn't necessarily have the vibe that would make dining in there appealing but that's okay! The staff was very friendly and my order was ready on time so no complaints at all. read more

I needed lunch and I needed it fast. That's when I stumbled on Il Bambino. A cute little cafe away from the hustle and bustle of Steinway. When I walked in (with foggy glasses) I was greeted by the staff behind the counter. Not knowing what exactly I wanted I engaged in a conversation with the host/server and she was very helpful with her recommendations. After careful consideration of the menu I landed on a crostini with rosemary ricotta cheese, tomato and olive spread. I did not stop there. I also ordered a panini with prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula and olive spread (yes I love my olive spread). I dined in so after showing my vax card, I sat in the dining area and waited for my food. The back has a cute small seating area. Some of the walls had photos while one wall has a bunch of handwritten recipes which look to be done by kids from a local school. How cute is this? Water was brought to my table and shortly after my crostini. Omg was it delish. The ricotta was smooth, the tomato fresh and the olive spread was perfection. Not long after my panini came and boy was it good! Between the friendly service and the amazing food, I feel like I might be a frequent diner get. And on my next visit, I'll need to see if they really have the best brownie ever, as advertised. I definitely need to be the judge of that. read more

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Would consider this a 4.5/5! My one complaint is that it's on the pricier side, with my meal being almost $25 for a sandwich+dessert, but very very tasty overall. The Cubano was flavorful and well prepared, and the brownie was absolutely phenomenal! The sign out front says "best brownies ever (no really)" and I gotta say, it lived up to the hype. The staff were also incredibly kind and helpful, taking only 5ish minutes for me to get my food. read more

Il Bambino - Best Brownie Ever - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Yato was once a bambino. Full of life and vigor. Yato would race around Astoria and marvel at all the wonderful places to eat and a wonderful price. Those times have come and gone. Astoria, now overpriced, covered with shitty restaurants and weed shops, is a place where either the food will be amazing or horrible. Where does Bambino sit? Here's a clue; Yato's has better paninis at his local deli. read more

I never thought a panini could change my life but HOT DAMN BAMBINO ya did me dirty, in the best possible way. Came for brunch and had the Notorious PIG. Perfection. Every bit of it. I also asked for the chili hot sauce on the side and it just added to the overall epicness of the meal. Side note, their baby string bean appetizer may sound weird, but it was amazing. Don't knock it till you try it. They offer flavors for their mimosas - regular, passion fruit, and guava. I had guava and it was delicious. Cannot wait to come back and try more paninis. read more

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Creative paninis. Out of this world desserts. Fun decor (handwritten recipe "wallpaper"). read more

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I went on a Sunday to treat myself to a nice brunch. I had one of their brunch paninis and I was glad I didn't order a side because it was massive! It's cute inside and they made sure I had a full cup of coffee. Very enjoyable. I ate inside but there is a little outdoor area. They also had sweets but I was stuffed from my panini! read more

It's a panini shop. But on the pricier side. It was delicious tho. Staff was friendly and accommodating. They have brunch and dinner options and also saw some wine on the back shelf. They have an outdoor patio too. Glad I tried the place and I'll be back to try their other paninis. I've got my eye on the Cubano next time. read more

Il Bambino - Italian Near Me - Astoria, New York