Park Avenue Paninoteca

Park Avenue Paninoteca is a family-owned American-Italian restaurant at 230 Monroe Avenue in Rochester, NY. Founded in 2014 by Tom Joy and his father-in-law Stefano Accordo, the business started as a small one-room deli on Park Avenue — the street that gave it its name. After a second stint at the corner of East Avenue and Alexander Street beginning in December 2020, the restaurant moved to its current Monroe Avenue location in 2024, taking over the former Vinalia Urbana space. Tom Joy now serves as sole proprietor, and the kitchen draws on family recipes rooted in Naples and Sicily.

The menu centers on artisan panini, with more than a dozen varieties including the Napoli, Roma, Sicilian, Campagna, and the house bestseller — the Vincenzo, made with chicken cutlet, soppressata, arugula, red onion, provolone, and roasted red peppers. Beyond sandwiches, the kitchen turns out pasta dishes such as penne vodka, pasta Bolognese, and gnocchi, along with hot items like beef braciole on a skewer, traditional and spinach-cheese arancini, and Italian sausage plates. A rotating soup lineup features Italian wedding, tomato basil tortellini, and vegetable minestrone, among others. The dessert case includes tiramisu, cannoli pie, Nutella cheesecake, and mini cannoli. A full deli counter sells imported meats and cheeses by the pound — prosciutto, sopressata calabrese, mortadella, pecorino Romano, and more. The bar program features espresso martinis and other cocktails, and the restaurant also handles catering.

Park Avenue Paninoteca is known for its deli-meets-full-service format, bridging a traditional Italian sandwich shop with a sit-down dinner menu. The Vincenzo panini has been the top seller since the restaurant's early days. The operation also stands out for its housemade arancini, braciole, and rotating daily specials — staples carried over from the original Park Avenue location. Private event hosting, including bridal showers and gatherings, is available at the Monroe Avenue space.

The restaurant sits at 230 Monroe Avenue in Rochester's Park Avenue neighborhood, a walkable corridor of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants near the intersection of Monroe Avenue and South Goodman Street. Highland Park, home to Rochester's annual Lilac Festival, is a short walk south. Street parking is available along Monroe Avenue, and the area is well-served by city bus routes. Hours run Monday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.