Panificio Navona

RUDE! I don’t care how good your coffee is or hard you work on your pastries. Frank. you treat people horribly and you’re very condescending, Maybe you should take a ride to another local vendor like Oneil’s and learn how to treat people. I’d rather purchase a ticket to Paris for a pastry then give you another dime.

Coffee is delicious. My wife loved her pumpkin spiced latte. We had «Jim’s Waffles», a sausage egg and cheese, and southwest wrap (yes two of us). Everything was fresh and delicious. Glad we found this on Unilocal and listened to the mostly great reviews!

Well it started off not promising as we walked up and the door was locked but had the open sign on and we had just seen someone walk out. However a customer opened the door for us and we got in and had to tell the worker at the counter the door was locked. Duh.
Okay so after that we were presented with pasties and cookies at the counter to choose from, everything looked so yummy! Atmosphere was cool, modern mix vintage. We got a jelly donut and a slice of cake (please see photos) and it was like 11am so it was like a brunch we couldn’t resist. Then we ordered two breakfast sandwiches and a coffee and tea. Limited menu when it came to breakfast/​lunch but everything sounded good. The sandwiches were priced great, the coffee my boyfriend got was like a pumpkin latte (it was over priced) and he said it lacked a real pumpkin flavor. The tea was tea can’t complain but seemed like Starbucks pricing without the wow. Then the pastries were over priced too but since they are specialties I can understand it’s a treat every once in a while but not some place I would go weekly. If your in the area definitely worth checking out, it’s a little hard to find but worth the search.

I was excited to try this fairly new place for brunch on a Sunday. I am sad to say that I was not impressed! The menu is very limited and the food was just so so. I think going for lunch and trying some of their pizza options may be a better idea.
I ordered the French toast but it was nothing to write home about. It also was a little over priced. The coffee was bitter and service was a little iffy as well. One last complaint they don’t have bacon and that is a big no no in my book for a place that serves breakfast.
I did like the décor however as it was pretty eclectic and it was not what I was expecting when walking into a warehouse like building.

Worst latte I have ever had. I’m writing this review from the red leather chair facing the counter. It is Sunday afternoon with a moderate crowd. Three young girls work frantically behind the counter as if they were lost. All I wanted was a cup of coffee on a cold day. After reading other Unilocal reviews this place looked promising. Walking into the eclectic vintage style atmosphere is charming. I ordered a latte for myself and a cappuccino for my girlfriend. I also ordered a chocolate chip banana muffin. Both of our drinks tasted like burned coffee. The milk was steamed so hot that it had turned and omitted a sour taste. The muffin was nothing special; I’ve had better from a supermarket bakery. Overall very disappointed because the place is really cool inside.

I can honestly say this is the first place I have eaten where I sat under a bicycle suspended in mid-​air 8′ over my head.
I enjoy restaurants with eclectic décor, and at this, Panificio Navona excels. The top half of the 20′ high dining area features several bicycles, and also small boats, antique racquets and many international flags. On the walls, closer to eye-​level, you’ll find large crisp photographs of things like menu items interspersed with pictures of antique doorknobs. Accent tables have dairy and sugars for your coffee, books, and seasonal décor. The tables and chairs are a mix of bistro, antique, and plush.
The local friend who brought me here claims this is one of the best-​kept secrets in the area. That makes sense, considering it’s probably the only restaurant in an industrial complex off a town road. I question just how unknown it actually is. While we dined, a steady stream of customers came through, and this was on a Saturday. I would imagine they get a lot of customers at meal times from the complex. I might also suspect the local businesses have to make sure their employees don’t get too comfortable lounging here after lunch hour.
The menu is limited. You have one blackboard with breakfast items, one with lunch items. Decadent desserts are to the left and right of the counter where you place your order. Soups and coffees are also featured.
My winter salad was a mix of Romaine lettuce and baby kale, finely chopped vegetables, cranberries, and pears in a house balsamic dressing, accompanied by half a round of cheese-​topped bread. The turkey sandwich comes on a full loaf of this-​type of bread, accompanied by chips. The grilled cheese sandwich is actually 3 small sandwiches of a good-​grade cheese (didn’t ask what type) between grilled slices of brioche.
Portions are good, prices are reasonable. They bring your meals, please return the silverware and plates to the appropriate stand when you’re done… which just happens to take you past the dessert counter yet again, a truly evil plan on their part.

My husband and I have been frequenting Panificio Navona for just about a year. We love the décor, the homemade breakfast sandwiches as well as the delicious sweets. Sandy and her staff are very helpful and pleasant.
However, the man who dealt with us this morning, (Sandy’s husband?) was disrespectful first to me and then to my husband.
I had ordered a scone heated well from the young woman. It was barely warm and I like it «just baked warm» and so I wanted my scone heated just a bit more. I approached the counter. I knew the café was busy, so I waited for someone to be free before asking. Even though «he» was walking out to deliver two plates to customers, he wanted to know what I needed. When I politely said what I wanted, he took a deep breath, pursed his lips and stop short of rolling his eyes before taking my plate. I was really taken aback by his actions. I tried to put that aside as I read my paper.
Just a few minutes later, my husband asked me if I had seen the woman with his dog IN the café. I had not… until she walked outside. I said to my husband I didn’t think a dog was permitted in a food service unless it was a service dog, which that didn’t appear to me to be (however, I admit I am not an authority). Ever so quietly, my husband went to the side of the counter to ask Sandy (or the young woman) «is it your policy to have dogs inside the café?» She said yes if they are lap dogs. From across the order area/​entrance to the kitchen, the man there curtly erupted with (paraphrased here) «Bethel allows dogs and I could bring my dog in here (and nose pointed to their kitchen area) if I wanted!» My husband didn’t even know he was talking directly to him for a moment, because «he» was projecting his comments from across the order taking area. Then, when it sunk in, my husband felt disrespected, as I had just moments prior.
Again, up until today, we have enjoyed Panificio Navona and have recommended it to our son and a many friends. Needless to say, today’s experience left a sour taste in our mouths. I am a firm believer of paying a compliment when deserved, so yes, the food and décor is wonderful. However, I would hope, from this point forward, the man who dealt with us today, reads this and leaves his ill wills at the door before re-​entering (his) establishment again.

There are so many things to love about this place!
Don’t let the outside of this building deceive you with its industrial-​type neighborhood. When you enter through the door for the first time, you can’t help having a feeling of peaceful ahhh. The atmosphere is comfortable and hip and attractive — located in a nicely converted warehouse, there are corners of sitting areas with comfy leather chairs and big wooden tables and reading lamps and interesting odd objects everywhere. Old doors hang from the wall while bicycles and glass art dangle from the rafters. The music is artsy and peaceful and pretty and makes a perfect background for an hour or even an afternoon of laptop working. And yes, there’s free wifi!
This morning was my first time here and the owner (Sandy) offered a happy, warm hello when my boyfriend and I approached the counter, which surprised me and right away set a good ((vibe)) for me. We placed our orders, then set up our laptops and got cozy in two of the side-​by-​side leather chairs while we waited. What seemed like only 5 minutes later, she brought our orders — and even gave us a free slice of cake!
The southwestern egg burrito was hearty, toasted perfectly, and just felt really «healthy.» Sandy even specially made for me a peach iced tea at my request. I’m not a big fan of pastries and cakes, but if I were, this place would look like heaven with their many freshly made, unique offerings. The food menu is limited (about 5 or 6 items for breakfast, and another set of items for lunch) and their hours are pretty specific (Thursday through Sunday, 8am-​2pm), but in my opinion, it’s a real treat to the belly, heart, and soul to visit when you can.
Panificio Navona really nailed the recipe for a terrific customer experience: a high-​quality, signature menu; a warm, community-​feel atmosphere; a friendly staff; and a relaxing place to sit, eat, drink, and laptop work. This isn’t just a «bakery» as they advertise, it’s actually a really wonderful café. Score!

The food is delicious. The atmosphere is pretty cool. The service is friendly.

What a find. Amazing breakfast and lunch items. The baked good are better than most bakeries in Fairfield County. Great staff — they are so patient while I stand in front of the baked good counter trying to decide how many calories I can consume in one sitting. Prices are very reasonable, cute décor too.

Cute place, great spot for gatherings, pastries are amazing and they even have one or two gluten free offerings. Only recommendation I have would be for them to up their coffee and tea program. A place like this deserves to have great coffee and tea, preferably from a local provider like Harney & Sons, Simpson & Vail and/​or Redding Roasters.

Been to bakeries the world over and this place is the best. Great place to sit, have coffee and enjoy deliciousness. Pastries are simply awesome. Even the sausage, egg and cheese wrap is one of best I’ve ever had. Don’t miss chance to go here.

I used to like go inside and get a coffee and a snack, sometimes a meal, while waiting for the bike races to go. This morning, I was told by the rather surly people behind the counter that the bathrooms are no longer open to customers because their plumbing couldn’t handle the traffic, including from paying customers. If you’re coming to watch the races, you are better off bringing a thermos and healthy snacks from home and spend your money where it’s wanted.

Excellent pastries and breads. Second visit was as good as the first.

Have eaten food from here twice, and wow, it’s good. Had breakfast type pastries (muffins, scones, biscotti, etc) and you can tell everything is made fresh. From the outside you’d never suspect that the interior is cool and spacious as it is. Highly recommend eating here for the great food, coffee and awesome interior.