London's super-competitive lunch market has a new contender as Milanese restaurant, Panino Giusto opens this April at Royal Exchange. Panino Giusto, which has been serving up paninos in Milan for the past 34 years has already opened some stores in Japan, but this will be its first UK site.
Expect superior sarnies with the Tanara brothers’ famed 24 month aged, cured Parma Ham, Tyrollian Speck and Braesola from Valtellina. Signature paninos include the Tartufo (24 month aged Parma Ham, Brie, Tomato, Rocket and Alba Truffle-flavoured oil) and the Diplomatico (Prosciutto Cotto Di Praga, Fontina Cheese and Salsa Rosa). Everything works on a “number 7 rule” which in practice means "70 grams of fresh cold meats, 70 grams of cheeses, vegetables, choice sauces and oils, enclosed in 70 grams bread produced exclusively for Panino Giusto”.
What probably marks this spot out as more interesting than the average place to grab some lunchtime sustenance is that it'll be open in the evenings too. After work they'll have aperitivo tasting platters to go alongside an extensive wine list which includes Cabanon Farm’s organic wines as well as plenty of Italian beers to choose from.
There'll be 30 seats on the ground floor and a further 60 in the basement room and the design will be down to Fusion who brought us Leon in King's Cross and Cigalon.
Panino Giusto opens on April 22, Monday to Friday, 11.30am - midnight at 1-3 Royal Exchange Buildings.
