Lunch Review: Pane Rustica

(Credit: Sarah Gottlieb)

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Pane Rustica

Eclectic venue for lunch, dinner or baked goods.

Pane Rustica photos

Whether you're looking to grab a quick bite or settle in for...

At first thought, Pane Rustica feels slightly like a classier version of Panera. Though possibly a good thing in itself, this local restaurant deserves far more credit.  The husband and wife team-with Culinary Institute and business experience, respectively-bring fresh charm to the bay area with delicious recipes, moderate pricing, and the ultimate comfort: good, warm bread.

The scene: For an unassuming storefront in a small parking lot, Pane Rustica is surprisingly large and bustling. A wall nearly divides the space in two, separating the order counter, booths, and tables from additional seating and a large, round bar. Polished dark wood tables (garnished by flowers in small vases), chairs, and booths offer plentiful seating. Photographs, warm yellow walls, soft lighting, and stainless steel appliances give the place comfortable, modern sophistication.

The crowd: Pane Rustica attracts just about any group, including families with children, couples young and old, and large groups of friends. Few dates, business meetings, or power catch-ups appear out of place.

The goods: Lunch orders are placed at the long counter to the right of the entrance. At peak hours, the line starts just shy of the front door. As you quickly move down the order line, though, sweet-smelling fresh breads and desserts on wire racks and pizza on wooden counters may have you second guess your original menu choice.

After some hesitation, my friend ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich ($7.95). Another friend ordered the Smoked Turkey Sandwich ($7.95), complete with sweet onion jam, tomato, and aioli. I ordered the Oven Roasted Vegetable Sandwich ($7.25), thick slices of eggplant, zucchini, and roasted red pepper with herbed goat cheese and basil.

Each of us had the option of choosing our sandwich bread. At our cashier's suggestion, I went with the rosemary focaccia-a good choice. Each vegetable on my sandwich was cooked and seasoned perfectly, though I had hoped for a warm sandwich rather than a cold one.

Since both my friends were continually nodding their heads at their plates, I took a bite of both their sandwiches. The chicken salad was moist and tasty. The smoked turkey sandwich was completely perfect with soft meat and bread and sweet sauce. All sandwiches came with sides of oven roasted potatoes and very strong olives. The three of us hardly left anything over.

The sip: Wines and beers are available for dine in and takeout. Pane Rustica offers handcrafted, family-owned wines and imported and domestic beers.

Insider tips: Specials change daily, so keep your eye out for new creations. And, if you're working up a serious bread appetite, it's good to know that Pane Rustica caters and also makes bread delivers throughout Tampa bay.

The bottom line: Whether you're looking to grab a quick bite or settle in for drinks and a long meal, Pane Rustica is a delicious bet.