Pane Bianco

Being a massive fan of Pizzeria Bianco, it’s kind of hard to approach its spin-​off establishment, Pane Bianco, from an unbiased standpoint. The restaurant’s concept is slightly different than the pizzerias, as it seems to have garnered the reputation that, despite offering dinner, being more of a local lunch spot that primarily serves focaccia sandwiches.
Over the years, I’ve had many sandwiches here and have never been disappointed. The house mozzarella and wood-​roasted pepper combination, as well as the sopressata with aged provolone, are two of my absolute favorites. Every day, they also offer a market sandwich, which uses locally sourced ingredients. These can vary greatly, making it impossible to try everything that is offered. The fact is, few of these sandwiches ever disappoint. The ingredients are always top notch and the bread used for the sandwiches is what I’ve come to expect from Bianco. The only downside is that I do feel that prices are unreasonably high, especially considering I can get a whole pizza for what they charge for some of the market ones. There’s a fine line between charging for quality as opposed to charging because of «brand» recognition. However, they do make every effort to source out locally, so you can’t really complain too much.
One of the true gems at Pane is their pizza al taglio. This is more along the lines of the traditional «by the slice» pizza squares that I feel is a style more people are familiar with. It’s extremely well done and we insist on splitting a square of it during every single visit. On most days, they only offer a tomato sauce with cheese, but we’ve also spotted a Rosa-​inspired version and ultra-​cool variations that I’ve always wanted to try.
We’ve been putting off going to dinner here for the longest time. Mainly because the full-​range of pizzas can be had elsewhere, meaning that we’d essentially just order the same thing that we’d order at Town and Country. Although they might have a few specials that are unique, the plates are pretty consistent with the pizzeria restaurants in terms of their alternative dishes. Desserts are also mostly what you’d find at their other locations, including the so-​so flourless chocolate cake, delicious Italian ice, and if you’re lucky, their superbly made «seasonal» tres leches cake that always seems to be in season.
Parking here can sometimes be a real pain! Not because of the Pane diners, but because the nearby Lux coffee shop clogs up the lot due to its massive popularity as a local hipster hangout.
I might update this review when we finally cave and go here for dinner. But for now, Pane will remain one of my favorite lunch spots that I can’t resist giving a strong recommendation to!

I love this place, the chicken salad sandwich just melts in my mouth. I litter my bought six loads of breads from the rack. Cleaned out their breads in minutes. Must go there if you want a good sandwich!

The sandwich was good but I paid $ 14 dollars for it and that’s the only thing it came with. Who charges $ 14 for a sandwich? Can’t believe I actually paid for it. But won’t go back again.

I haven’t been here in a while so I’m not sure when some of the small things changed. I went in for take out, they were quick (no one was there) and the sandwich was good as always.
It was the small things that made this more than just a run of the mill above average sandwich place that enticed me to come from ½ hour away. I always enjoyed the less than average sodas (bubble up etc.) now there is just the run of the mill coke products. And the added chocolate from Cerretas was a wonderful local touch, so I was very disappointed to see that that is no longer their practice…
So it’s good as a sandwich place if your in the area but nothing to go out of your way for.

This place never disappoints! Tonight we had the Rosa, antipasto, and a loaf of the best damn bread I’ve ever had. Thanks guys.

When I worked downtown, I used to lunch here at least twice a week. Since moving away, I miss the tomato and fresh mozzarella sandwich so much I dream about it sometimes. Nowadays I can only get down here during dinner time, which is a bummer, because the sandwich side of things closes up at night. However, there are no lunch rush lines at night, and the food is fantastic. You can get a Pizzeria Bianco classic pie here without the crazy wait time of that shop. Last time I came they told me they were serving the fresh mozzarella for dinner with prosciutto instead of tomatoes. It was a revelation.

Excellent service and very fast. There’s a small selection of local beers on tap, which I like and a small menu of sandwiches and salads. We had the chicken salad sandwich and the prosciutto sandwich and both came with a tiny slaw on the side. Everything was excellent. I think our bill total for the two sandwiches and 2 beers was around $ 40. Beers were pricey at $ 6 each a pint, but they are a buck or two cheaper at Happy Hour. Sandwiches are tasty and fresh healthy ingredients.

The perfect sandwich for national sandwich day! Love the package of the take out sandwiches. The bread is delicious and I just love the sandwich. I will definitely come back soon!

**Takeout review**
I’ve tried the other bianco businesses in town and I am a big fan.
I couldn’t resist the margherita pizza with the market salad.
The salad was a shredded Brussels sprout slaw with cabbage, radishes, grapes, and the highlight: an amazing blue cheese that literally was the star of the meal.
My pizza was fresh with nice simple preparation of a classic red sauce spotted with mozzarella and basil. Unfortunately for me this was about soggy in the center but I warmed my pizza stone at home to crisp it up.
As far as the service, Ariel was professional and kind when I picked up my order. She took the time to ask about my day and invited me back soon. Next time I will dine in because the wine selection looks great.

Always go for the tomato basil mozzarella sandwich on fresh baked bread. So glad the hours are expanded. Parking is always a bit difficult so best to go during none meal hours. With the nicer weather it also means there is a chance to get outside tables when it is less crowded. Family style seating inside so be prepared to share other than just a couple of small tables.

I’ve heard this place is delicious and has clean food which I do enjoy. Eating healthy has now becoming a part of my lifestyle. I was told this place was a sister company of another restaurant.
It’s kinda hidden when we first pulled up next to a bicycle shop. They had a patio out front which was a nice option if you didn’t want to eat inside. I didn’t know what to expect before entering but when I entered the place, it seemed as if I was taken back in time. I was a little confused at what I’ve heard and the mental thought I already had, and the incorporation that was now in front of me. It was like an old, vintage, antique-​ish, theme. (Maybe this shop is like those in Italy?) One side was to-​go and other side was dine in with tables. It wasn’t a busy lunch day but maybe half the tables were filled with people during this time. It was quiet, no music, and the sounds of your table neighbors. I like this for the fact that you can actually talk and hear your lunch dates. The tables were already set with fork, knife, napkin, and menu. Presented a nice clean atmosphere. They had a chalkboard up against the wall that noted the all the daily special, in this case lunch specials including meals and drinks. Our waitress was so kind to read and tell us the daily special. Looking through the menu, it wasn’t so detailed with descriptions of what was inside each sandwhich or salad. Since it was a new place for me to try, I was all game for what the surprise would be. They had their sandwhich and salads and veggie soup in the front and drinks in the back. I heard their sandwhiches are pretty scrumptious but I was in the mood for eating like a rabbit, so I opted for a salad. I ended up getting the 2 wash ranch salad I believe is the name? As far as my date, he had the special pulled beef sandwhich and their square pieces of appetizer pizza.
To my surprise my salad was loaded. It came with a piece of bread wrapped in brown paper that reminded me that you would wrap fish if you were to get from a market. The salad had lots of dark mixed greens which had already been tossed in their dressing (delicious, but i cant figure out exactly what is in it!) and they had sliced one fresh tomato in half (which still had the vines on it) and a scoop of what looked like their version of chicken salad. Inside their chicken salad was tiny chops of chicken with red onion, celery, quinoa, and possibly minced parsely or basil? It was very delicous, light, refreshing, and made my tummy full and satisfied. Also, food came out quick. I think after ordering, it literally might have came out 7 min later. That was quite impressing. I would def recommend for people to try and I am definitely coming back for seconds another day, next time I’ll try their sandwhiches.

I drove up and I parked in the insanely full parking lot.
I walk in to Pane Bianco and I am the only one there? Apparently LUX is the most popular place in all of Phoenix, and the owners of these two businesses are affiliated with one another…
So…let’s just say the service when you are the only diners there was impeccable. Oh, I ordered my sandwich. I said a sentence. And then my sandwich (plus a small slaw/​salad that came with, gratis) arrived. INSANELY fast.
I guzzle water like I’m dying of thirst, and I never even had to look for our server to refill the glass. She was there to help out but not obtrusively so.
Dined in and took my excess half of the tomato, basil and (housemade!) mozzerella sandwich home for dinner! Not bad to get two full meals for a $ 10 sandwich!

I’ve been coming here before the took over lux’s old space. Farm fresh food local and what I luv most is even the olive oil the use is made by them. Woodfire sandwich bread is amazing. Happy hour all day Sunday & light rail drop off station just in front.

No pain here.
Just Pane
Sopressato is unreal. Salty meat, creamy cheese and the best sandwich bread on earth, made by Chris Biancos brother. These guys are genius.
Friendly female server. Seems like Bianco keeps his employees a long time. Must be a nice man.
The side salad is perfect with the sandwich.
Wish there would have been more
But oh well

I visited and ordered carry out based on a friend’s recommendation. It’s a small place and has a neat appearance inside. The menu is written in chalk on a large board, and each table setting has a menu as well.
They don’t have noodles except on Fridays is what I was told. I ordered meatballs and a pizza pie to goad I really wanted to try their pasta because I’m a sucker for good pasta.
The food was very good.

I loved this place! Went tonight for dinner and wine and had a great Panzanella… I would definitely recommend it! Ariel was super sweet and her service was outstanding. Low sodium and perfectly balanced…, introducing cucumbers to it add a refreshing, crunching touch! Glad you sliced them super thin and cut them in half.
Décor, ambiance and quietness was perfect! I love places where I can either talk to my friends without having to yell or be able to «have a conversation with myself» and still hear myself.

I’m a big fan of the Bianco family. I can’t believe it took me this long to discover Pane existed! (I frequent Pizzeria Bianco)
They have two rotating taps and two constants. Today it was Four Peaks Hop Not and a SunBru if I remember correctly– then a sour and prickly pear wheat. I went with the sour for a nice refreshing kick in this AZ summer heat. The short beers are $ 3 and pints are $ 6.
For lunch I ordered a fennel grapefruit salad which was like no other salad I’ve ever experienced. It was refreshing and light. Definitely a lighter lunch so I don’t recommend if you are starving but a great pick for something unique and light!
Our server was very pleasant and sweet.
Will definitely be back soon to check out their dinner menu which looked killer.
Warning they close earlier than most restaurants so keep in mind!

Pane has delicious fresh pressed olive oil. Love the food and friendly service, love the pizzas and sandwiches. Love the deserts too, made by his mom.
We go to Pane Bianco for most of our special occasions and highly recommend this restaurant

I’ve been bouncing back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for this place based on my first experience at Pane. In the end, I settled on three though its probably closer to 3.5 stars. There’s plenty to like about this spot, though I wouldn’t say it has the wow factor. Though in the interest of full disclosure you should know that Pizzeria Bianco doesn’t have a wow factor for me either. If you’re a big Pizzeria Bianco fan, you’ll probably love this place. If you’re sorta meh about Pizzeria Bianco as I am, you’ll probably have some of the same gripes as I do about Pane.
I’ve been to Pizzeria Bianco a number of times, but I’ve never tried Pane despite driving past it thousands of times over the years. Finally on a Wednesday mid afternoon I made the journey here. My timing was perfect as I arrived right in between the end of the lunch rush and prior to the dinner brigade. However despite my good timing, finding a parking spot was still a chore as I had to park about two blocks away. I couldn’t even imagine how brutal parking would be when its busy (especially since Lux, another wildly popular establishment, is right next door). I got a little confused walking inside as you’ve got two entrances. The left door gets you into the restaurant while the right door gets you to the take out counter. You guessed it, walked into the wrong door. No matter, as I detoured straight to the bar area.
The aesthetics here are somewhat hard to describe, though the numerous Unilocal photos of the interior pretty much paint an accurate picture. A small place with a hipster vibe, though perhaps with a hint of elegance in the décor. Not unlike the setup you’d find at Chris Bianco’s other establishments, though I’d say this one is a little more laid back. The bar area is pretty small, though they had a decent number of craft beers and wines to choose from. They also feature a number of daily dish specials in addition to the regular menu they advertise (including a number of dessert options).
For starters I went with the Four Peaks Sunbru for my beverage of choice as it was on tap for the day. For my main dish, it seemed like the Sopressata sandwich with provolone and red peppers is a huge hit based on Unilocaler reviews so I went with that. The sandwich comes with what I suppose is a side salad, though its so small it could basically be a garnish. First off, no complaints about the foccacia bread. Cooked perfectly for the right amount of crunch while soft on the inside. But the sandwich itself was a little disappointing to be honest. The seasoning of the red peppers was such that it basically overpowered the texture of the meat and the cheese, to the point where the red pepper was pretty much all I could taste. Perhaps swapping provolone for mozzarella would’ve mellowed out the red peppers just enough to balance it out. The portion size was about right and the side salad (what little there was) was good so the dish wasn’t a total disappointment. For dessert, I asked for a piece of their tres leches cake, but they had just run out. So instead I went with their flourless chocolate cake (which I’ve had before at Pizzeria Bianco). Just as I expected, it was outstanding. Super moist and decadent with a light vanilla crème sauce as an accompaniment. Every bit as good as the one they serve at Pizzeria Bianco and a perfect cap on any meal.
Total cost for the beer, sandwich, cake, tax and tip came to about $ 28. Pretty pricey (especially the sandwich), though to Chris Bianco’s credit he and his staff do take great pains to source their ingredients locally which I appreciate. Still, the markup seems a little steep. Much like Sam Fox, Chris Bianco’s strong brand identity probably drives the prices higher. So like I said, if you think everything Chris Bianco touches turns to gold, you’ll love this place. And better still, they also serve Chris’s famous pizzas at Pane as well. I’d come back if asked by a friend or family member, but overall I feel like Chris Bianco’s original pizzeria in Heritage Square is still a preferable experience to his CenPho concept.

I think Mr. C said it best «I’m not overwhelmed or underwhelmed just whelmed.» This place had me confused. The setting is comfortable, trendy and hip. The ingredients were all fresh and tasty. The service was fine. But… Altogether I wasn’t impressed. Both of us couldn’t put our finger on it but it wasn’t that great.
We went for lunch and the menu doesn’t have very many options which isn’t a big deal to me. I ordered the mozzarella basil sandwich because while simple it’s one of my favorites. I enjoyed the sandwich but I was like ummmm okay whatever. The problem is this place isn’t cheap. I think my sandwich was $ 10 and Mr. C’s was $ 12 and it was just a sandwich nothing else and nothing crazy special. Where’s the chips or pickle or something?
I’m still looking forward to trying pizza Bianca. Our server did say they actually do have pizza here in the evenings without the wait although I want to try the real thing.