Best Sandwiches in America 2019: Panini

Winner: Big Pauley Panini

Restaurants: Constantine’s Deli, Oakland Gardens, N.Y.

Units: 1 

Price: $14

Food cost: $3.70

Creator: Michael DiMarco, chef/owner

Ingredients: House-roasted top round, broccoli rabe, fried eggplant cutlet, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, sharp provolone cheese, fried pepperoni and a housemade balsamic reduction. It’s served on
ciabatta bread, which is heated and pressed on a flat-top grill.

What makes it special: Named for a favorite customer, this is a sandwich that pulls together different textures, flavors and temperatures for a big flavor profile. The roast beef goes on cold and other items are hot, offering a delicious contrast. DiMarco said he prefers to heat the sandwich on the grill, rather than a panini press, because it fries a lot better and gets crispier.“It’s not the top seller, but it sells well,” DiMarco said. “The people who try it really like it.”

See all of the 2019 Best Sandwiches in America here >>