Il Bambino

July 30, 2007

Reader Rating: 10 out of 10 - Critics’ Pick

You might flit by this frumpy storefront, dismissing it as just another cupcake parlor. That would be a grave mistake. Inside, past the muffins, baby bundt cakes, and “Insane Homemade Brownies,” the delicate art of panini pressing is practiced almost clandestinely and with a high degree of finesse by Darren Lawless, who worked at Oceana and Lavagna in the East Village. In addition to panini, which runs the porcine gamut from coppa to prosciutto, there’s a wide range of snacky items, like a juicy tomato stuffed with tuna confit and preserved lemon, and an egg-salad crostino judiciously drizzled with truffle oil. At night, they dim the lights and place candles on the tabletops like a BYOB [ED NOTE: Il Bambino now carries a full line of wine and beer.] Astoria version of ’ino. –Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Issue 734 : Oct 22–28, 2009

Best food in Astoria, Queens

Though its sexy new garden isn’t long for this season, locals continue to hit up this casual Italian go-to for its crackling panini ($9), in combinations like fresh tomato, goat cheese and tapenade.