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Panini Kabob Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Panini Kabob Grill
7.9
The Marina del Rey outpost of Panini Kabob Grill serves a broad, health-leaning Mediterranean menu with grilled kabobs, salads, and panini in a polished fast-casual setting above the Villa Marina Marketplace. It’s popular with office workers and shoppers who want reliable portions, fresh ingredients, and patio seating without a long wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kabob Plate, Salmon Kabob Plate, Hummus with Grilled Pita
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean fast-casual with grilled kabobs and big portions.
Who should go: Office groups and shoppers needing reliable, healthier Mediterranean plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and early dinners before peak shopping crowds.
What to order: Chicken kabob plate, salmon kabob, hummus with warm pita.
Insider tip: Order kabobs with side salad and rice to stretch portions for sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared Marina Marketplace lot with plentiful free parking; rarely fills except during peak weekend shopping hours.
Dress code: Casual and polished-casual are both fine; most guests come from nearby offices or shops.
Noise level: Moderate—easy for conversation at most tables, though lunch rush can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes; fast-casual format keeps turnover quick.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during office rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, hummus plates, grilled veggie kabobs, and customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Some options—grilled veggie kabob, falafel plate (confirm sauces), salads without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Multiple grilled kabobs and salads are naturally gluten-free; pita can be omitted. No dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for a casual daytime meet-up; the fast-casual format and counter ordering make it less ideal for a more polished date-night experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed or taken. The counter-service style means tables turn quickly and seating is usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—spacious seating, high chairs, and familiar foods like grilled chicken and rice make it comfortable for families with kids of any age.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, healthier plates with large portions, quick service, and easy parking—ideal for office groups and shoppers who want consistency.
Skip if: You want a more atmospheric, full-service Mediterranean meal or are looking for unique, chef-driven dishes instead of fast-casual classics.
Panini Kabob Grill
7.6
Panini Kabob Grill in Villa Marina Marketplace brings a Mediterranean spin to sandwiches, salads, and kabob plates in a roomy upstairs dining room. It’s a comfortable sit-down option when you want paninis alongside grilled meats, pastas, and shareable spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Strawberry-Date Salad, Chicken Shish Kabob Plate, Falafel Plate
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Mediterranean chain outpost offering paninis, kabobs, and big salads in a casual dining room.
Who should go: Groups wanting healthier-feeling plates with hearty portions
When to visit: Weeknights and weekend lunches before peak shopping crowds
What to order: Strawberry-Date Salad, chicken kabob plate, falafel with sides
Insider tip: Ask for extra pita and tzatziki to stretch plates for sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large surface lot and parking structure at Villa Marina Marketplace; generally easy except peak weekend brunch and early dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual; athleisure, jeans, and work-casual outfits are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; tables can converse comfortably, though it gets livelier during weekend lunches and larger group meals.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on shopping-center traffic; large parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of salads, falafel plates, hummus spreads, and veggie paninis.
Vegan options: Moderate options—falafel plate without tzatziki, hummus with veggies, and customizable salads.
Gluten-free options: Many kabob plates and salads are naturally gluten-free; pita and paninis contain gluten but can be omitted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Reasonable for a casual first date if you want a relaxed, low-pressure setting with healthy options, though it leans more practical than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t required and walk-ins are the norm; only larger groups may face short waits during peak periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; families are common, high chairs are usually available, and the menu has approachable kabobs, rice, and salads for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Healthier-feeling Mediterranean plates with generous portions and a calmer environment than most fast-casual sandwich spots.
Skip if: You want a quick grab-and-go sandwich, crave hyper-authentic Middle Eastern flavors, or prefer a more atmospheric dining experience.