A sandwich is a more generic concept: two slices of bread and something in between. A panino (since in italian panini is plural) is a sandwich made specifically with Italian bread, like ciabatta or focaccia, and italian ingredients.

In many English-speaking countries, the name panini is given to a grilled sandwich made using various breads, including baguette, ciabatta, focaccia, and michetta.

Panini is derived from the singular panino and translates to “small bread, bread rolls” in Italian. A variety of fillings may be served between two slices of either focaccia or ciabatta bread.

What is a Panini? Panini means “small bread” in Italian. A panini sandwich, sometimes called a panino, is made with grilled Italian bread, usually made using a sandwich press. It's packed with delicious ingredients like cheese that melt and warm up while the sandwich cooks.