There’s a new attraction at The Paseo, and it’s already drawing a crowd. Panini Kabob Grill has taken over the space once occupied by Great Maple, and it’s bringing fresh Mediterranean flair to the former designer breakfast spot. We stopped by for dinner a week after their recent opening and left with full bellies and happy tastebuds.
Manager Israel Montezuma was all smiles as he greeted diners and explained what sets the restaurant apart.
“It’s been awesome,” he said. “Lots of business from the Convention Center.”
Montezuma credited the eatery’s freshness for its initial success.
“Everything is cooked fresh daily,” he told us, noting that ingredients are delivered every morning and never sit around. “Consistency and freshness—that’s what keeps people coming back.” Judging by the already-busy dining room and steady flow of takeout orders, he’s clearly on to something.
We sampled the Beef Koobideh Kabob and grilled salmon, two choices that highlight the menu’s strengths. The grilled salmon, served with fluffy rice and grilled vegetables, was flaky and flavorful—light, clean, and satisfying.
And who doesn’t love Mediterranean food?
The vibe at Panini Kabob Grill is laid-back and friendly, with plenty of indoor seating and a generous outdoor patio. If there’s one minor quirk, it’s the outdoor lighting—some fixtures cast an unusual red hue over the patio area, making the vibrant dishes look slightly off-color. It’s a small detail, but one that might throw off your Instagram post. That said, the food itself tastes as good as it looks (if not better), and the atmosphere is still welcoming and relaxed.
Panini Kabob Grill is a welcome addition to the Paseo Colorado dining scene—fresh, fast, and full of flavor.
Panini Kabob Grill is 300 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 114, Downtown Pasadena. (626) 657-3400. www.paninikabobgrill.com
