Serving paninis for a faster Italian experience, Mimi’s Panini has opened on Prospect Street with housemade focaccia, spreads and more. 

Pressed for time? The newly-opened Mimi’s Panini in The International Shops at 1237 Prospect St, Suite J, aims to serve a quick lunch with gourmet flavor in La Jolla.

Mimi’s Panini will also host a grand opening Saturday, April 18 with 50% off all paninis.

The paninis are made fresh, with high-quality ingredients on housemade focaccia, said owner Alfio Conti, who owns neighboring restaurant La Dolce Vita.

Layered with Italian cold cuts and cheeses are housemade spreads with pistachio, basil pesto, grilled artichoke and more.

All paninis are “tailored to what people really like,” Conti said, with signature, classic and pressed paninis rounding out the menu and a build-your-own option.

Operating in the former Deli-icious space, an Italian sandwich shop is “something I’ve always wanted to do,” Conti said, adding Mimi’s Panini (named for his wife) is a “quick and fast” option for those seeking a less formal dining experience.

“It’s gourmet fast food,” he said, noting the shop offers packages for offices, local businesses and similar group orders.

Mimi’s Panini strives to “deliver the best quality,” Conti said. “That’s what we do.”