Faultlessly uneven cobble stone streets pave the yellow brick road to those seeking a Mediterranean culinary refuge. Thriving on the busiest corner of downtown Tampa at 519 N. Franklin St., wandering city dwellers are allured by the aroma of fresh baked bread and homemade baklava trickling from Paninoteca.
As you approach the entrance, swing symphonies of Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits introduce you to this small café with a big metropolitan attitude. Known for its booming lunch business, Paninoteca recently tweaked its menu and attained a beer and wine license in hopes of attracting a dinner crowd. Treat yourself and order a bottle of vino for the table, the selection is vast.
Modern spherical IKEA lamps hang from the ceiling dancing in the reflection of the sleek black granite counter and glimmering sea foam green tiled columns.
Wine racks line the corridor of the kitchen that was once visible to customers, setting a more elegant tone. The bright pink chalk on the specials board invites you to try something new and you’re ready to dig in. Don’t forget to request outside seating if you’re a hookah smoker, they have a wide variety of flavors.
Tapas plates of spanakopita, a Greek signature consisting of baked phyllo dough layered with spinach and feta cheese, and classic bruschetta, both priced at $7, are popular choices for starters. Everyone knows appetizers taste better when they’re shared, so be sure to score a dip for the table.
The taste and smooth consistency of the hummus garnished with a drizzle of authentic olive oil could possibly be the best $5.50 I’ve ever spent.
Of course, if you’re craving something new and more substantial there’s always the roasted garlic and Greek feta spread. Accentuating the menu, heaping portions of salads, sandwiches and wraps will never leave you hungry.
Italian bread baked in-house guarantees a fresh bite in every panino, but tastes better untoasted. Buffalo mozzarella, tomato, salami and fresh basil, smothered in pesto aioli and topped with olive tapenade make up the traditional Caprese sandwich with a Paninoteca twist.
Don’t leave your appetite at home for this $7.50 meal, served with a mixed green side salad. Tap into your Italian senses and substitute salami for prosciutto, dry-cured ham with a fierce salty boldness.
The rustic flavors of the herb roasted lamb pita speak for themselves while the tender meat melts in your mouth. Accented with a tzatziki yogurt sauce and finished with a dash of mint, ripe sliced tomatoes, mixed greens and onions, this $7.50 purchase will take your taste buds to their happy place.
Lamb Chop might have been your favorite childhood sock puppet, but don’t let that encourage you to make a regrettable dining decision.
Unfortunately, the customer service does not compliment the respectable food quality. It’s no secret that business hours peak during lunch for this tiny café, but the sense of urgency to flip tables weighs heavily on customers. Come in after 2 p.m. on a weekday if you want to relax, otherwise prepare to be rushed.
Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and conveniently in walking distance from the University of Tampa, this establishment is a must-try for students with Mediterranean pallets.
Switch up your normal weekend routine, try 2-4-1 Sangria Sundays and jam out with house DJ James Webb all day long at Paninoteca.
Melissa Santell can be reached at msantell@spartans.ut.edu.