Comfort food of the week is Ascoli panino at New York Panini in Huntington

If a grilled cheese sandwich is your favorite comfort food, then a panino will be your ultimate.

The panino is a toasted sandwich with any number of fillings. It originated in Italy centuries ago. Now, panini are widespread, made with either special presses, pans and weights, or another form of top-and-bottom griller.

They’re very satisfying, whether you’re moving fast or ready for a sit-down meal. New York Panini in Huntington is a fine stop for both.

The varieties are many. Panini are filled with cured meats, pork, chicken, beef, vegetables, various cheeses and spreads.

You can follow the map of Italy and order a Caltanissetta, with hot soppressata, Fontina cheese, hot peppers, tomato and arugula on ciabatta; or the Messina, with prosciutto, smoked mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and olives, also on ciabatta.

The Foggia combines breaded eggplant, sun-dried tomato, and olive paste on krispina; the Ascoli, slowly roasted pork, fresh mozzarella, broccoli rabe, and hot peppers on a country roll. All star.

There’s also a newcomer: hickory-smoked pulled pork with honey-barbecue sauce. It’s called the Kansas City, which, of course, is reason enough to try something more appetizing.

In addition to panini, you may order salads, soups, bruschetta, pastas, pizzas, fries, rice balls, main courses and desserts here. Gluten-free dishes, too.

But with 67 panini to choose from, stick with the specialty.

New York Panini, 9 Wall St., Huntington; 631-271-3450 nypanini.com