Photo: Tatiana Arbogast
We thought it might be the Paqui plata or the Certeza reposado flowing through our veins, but this was no figment of our imagination: Santino's is reborn in Venice as a panineria. Santa Monica residents likely recall Santino's on Lincoln as a great date spot for tapas and wine until a fire devastated it in February 2009. Housed in the former Quizno's on Pacific below Winward, Santino's Panineria's owner tells us the opening last Friday came as a surprise, as he wasn't planning a sandwich shop until he spotted the real-estate available and snatched it up. The menu here is full of Argentine Italian-Spanish hybrids, with a selection of tapas like tortilla espanola, antipasti like bruschetta and crostini, plus ceviche and empanadas. There are also panini full of pastrami, steak milanesa, and prosciutto, alongside international salads and desserts from flan to tiramisu. Cafe con leche, cappucino, and mate complete the tour on a tight menu that offers every dish for under $10. So, what about the original Santino's?
Santino's CounterTatiana Arbogast
Santino's InteriorTatiana Arbogast
