So, what is a Panzini?
About Us
Our Story
Welcome to the world of Panzini™, where tradition meets flavour in an extraordinary way. The Panzini is more than just a filled, oven-baked sandwich—it’s a taste of history, an experience bursting with rich, authentic Italian heritage. It’s not a sandwich, a burger, a calzone, or a wrap. It’s so much more.
The origins of the Panzini date back to the 16th century in the quaint farming town of Colle Sannita, nestled in southern Italy. The story began with our ancestor, Duke Carlo Ia Zeolla, who helped bring this culinary delight to life.
In those days, resourceful farmers would take freshly made pizza dough and fill it with whatever tantalising leftovers they had on hand—succulent pork belly, spicy sausage, tender beef, or other pantry treasures. The dough was shaped into a round bun and baked in a wood-fired pizza oven, infusing it with smoky, irresistible aromas. In just 15 minutes, the Panzini was ready to be enjoyed, hot and fresh or cold later in the day. Farmers would pack these for their long hours in the fields, often accompanied by a glass of homemade Campania red wine.
The story of the Panzini travelled from Colle Sannita to the nearby village of Decorata, where a young man from the Paschitti family shared his creations, calling them “Pane di Zizi” (Uncle’s Bread). His passion and skill transformed it into a local favourite, and over time, “Pane di Zizi” became what we now proudly call the Panzini.
Fast-forward to today, and we honour our ancestors by crafting Panzini with the finest Italian ingredients and locally sourced meats, alongside delicious vegetarian options. Each one is a celebration of our heritage, so unique that we’ve trademarked the name!
Join the #PanziniRevolution and taste history reimagined. Zizi would be proud!
Buon Appetito!
The Zeolla Family
About Us
Welcome to The Panzini Restaurant and Takeaway, a family-run business with roots deeply embedded in southern Italian tradition. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Antonio and Angelina Zeolla, we bring the authentic flavours of our hometown, Decorata, to your table. Together with their three children—Gianluca, Fabrizio, and Gabriella—the Zeolla family is proud to share their passion for southern Italian cuisine with you.
The journey began in 2005 with the opening of La Collina at The George Inn, a charming restaurant just outside Milton Keynes, in Little Brickhill. Renowned for its high-quality Italian food and warm, inviting atmosphere, La Collina quickly became a favourite for diners seeking authentic, home-cooked Italian dishes.
Over the years, La Collina has earned numerous awards for its exceptional cuisine and outstanding service. Now, the Zeolla family is starting an exciting new chapter with The Panzini Restaurant and Takeaway, blending heritage, innovation, and love for Italian food.
This is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the timeless recipes that bring people together. Stay tuned for even more incredible Panzini creations and mouthwatering Italian dishes.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
The Zeolla Family
