In a city where grabbing a sandwich too often means buying a mass produced concoction that has been shrinkwrapped and left to go limp on a coffee shop counter – an Italian deli serving freshly made rolls is a godsend.

Meaning ‘bread and wine’, Panino Teca is based on the Italian concept of a coffee shop and bar where diners take their pick of a wide selection of fresh bread, served with a variety of cheeses, salami, hams, vegetables and different dressings. ‘One might think panini can be filled with just anything,’ says owner Giuliano Movio, ‘but combining the filling and dressing is a different matter.’ To make sure they got the right stuffing, Movio and his son Luca undertook a panini pilgrimage to Italy, to uncover recipes so they could offer Beijing a sandwich as close as possible to what is served in the ‘old country.’

The results of their search are over a dozen types of sandwiches served on either square ciabatta, round panini or baguettes. The neatly printed three-page menu also includes wines, soft drinks and a good selection of Italian coffee.

The tasty Bistechina (38RMB) is a minute steak sandwich in French bread, smeared with hot mustard and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and served with French fries. Just as good is the Insolito (30RMB) – a toasted panini filled with cooked ham, brie, baby artichokes, lettuce and tomatoes. The Genovese (32RMB) chicken sandwich with pesto sauce is served on French bread and also filled with lettuce and tomatoes. Every bite is satisfying.

The Imperial mixed salad (30RMB) is great value and a meal in itself; served in a large bowl it contains tasty and moist strips of chicken breast, which have been lightly seasoned and grilled to give the salad a great character. The home-made tiramisu (25RMB) is a great way to finish a meal – creamy, smooth layers of custard, chocolate and a wet ‘cake’, with just a hint of liquor – if there’s a better slice in Beijing we want to know about it.

Panino Teca’s décor is an airy and cheerful blend of modern and rustic themes. The terracotta flooring nicely contrasts with toothpaste-white walls interspersed with sets of red brick; potted plants and flowers on the window ledge lend the place a homey feel. The work station with coffee machine and enticing counter filled with sweet tartlets, pastries and croissants is set in the middle of the room so that no matter where you sit you will be able to see staff preparing your drink or sandwich.

1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang district (tel 8454 1797) Open 8am-10pm. Meal for two between 90-150RMB.

Panino Teca 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号