He Said: Pane Bianco is a tasty option in downtown Phoenix

Drive too fast and you might miss it. Tucked almost behind Lux coffee is an offshoot of the infamous Pizzeria Bianco, Pane Bianco.

Using a focaccia bread they wood fire just as they do their pizza crust is just the start on this great mostly sandwich shop. I say mostly because while they do have fantastic sandwiches, you can also get fresh salads and for dinner the selection includes antipasti, typical Italian restaurant choices like lasagna, and of course the best pizza in America.

To entice you even more, the wait is typically a lot less than the flagship Pizzeria Bianco in Heritage Square. On our lunch visit we were seated right away.
There are a lot of outdoor picnic style tables if you feel like grabbing a sandwich from the to-go section of the shop. Perfect option if you have a short lunch break or are heading home and want to pick up some dinner.

If you require a bit more service there is more traditional dining inside. It has a warehouse feel to it with a very high ceiling and gives you the impression it has been around forever. The bar is beautiful and kitschy along with the furniture for the tables. Some are the bench and table configurations perfect for a large party or there are a few normal tables and chairs. No matter where you sit you’ll be warmly greeted and told about the days specials, if you can’t remember they are up along the bar on a chalkboard.

It is a small menu, especially during lunch, but the ingredients are such great quality that you won’t care.

On our trip I took the sandwich special, which was mozzarella, basil, and prosciutto with a drizzle of olive oil. So simple but you will crave it even after finishing off the large sandwich. It was also accompanied with a slaw that was just as enjoyable. I don’t particularly enjoy slaw normally but this was a great combination of flavors that pair well with the bread from the sandwich.

I wish it was closer to my house so I could stop by and pick it up for lunch every week. I expect to soon return for dinner because each time I have visited for lunch I begin craving the pizza or large plate of the day (especially when I see it is a lasagna).

If you happen to be downtown and want to have a casual high quality lunch or dinner this is the place for you. But don’t say I didn’t warn you about the cravings that will begin the moment you walk out the door.

Give the She Said review of Pane Bianco a read as well.