Ayy, Panini! Don't You Be A Meanie
Introduction to Firenze’s Panini’s
Here in Florence, you can experience a variety of Panini (Sandwiches in English) that vary from multiple price ranges, sizes, flavor profiles, and overall crowdedness. My friends and I give you a basic rundown of our favorite panini spots around Florence.*
My friends like to really eat and do not want to feel super hungry through out the day, so these are the three spots we frequent in order to get through our days. We chose these spots based on overall taste, quality, and overall CPE
Transcript provided at the bottom of page*
All’Antico Vinaio
All'Antico Vinaio is a gem nestled in the heart of Florence, renowned for its mouthwatering panini and vibrant atmosphere. As you approach the unassuming storefront, the sight of a bustling crowds awaiting their turn, is a testament to the eatery's popularity on Tiktok and Instagram. Despite the long lines, the wait is well worth it for it’s renown sandwiches that come at relatively nice cost.
Upon entering, the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, instantly whetting the appetite. The menu boasts an impressive array of panini, each crafted with Tuscan ingredients. From porchetta to creamy pecorino cheese, every bite bursts with authentic flavors that showcase the region's culinary heritage.
What sets All'Antico Vinaio apart is not only the quality of its food but also the lively atmosphere that permeates the space. The charismatic staff members, in their signature red aprons, exude warmth and hospitality as they expertly assemble each sandwich with precision and care. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll feel like part of the family as you indulge in these delectable creations.
One of the highlights of the experience is the opportunity to enjoy your panino al fresco, soaking in the vibrant street scenes of Florence. As you savor each bite, surrounded by the city's timeless beauty, you'll understand why All'Antico Vinaio has become a loved among locals and visitors alike. But also despised because of the crowds
Can expect to pay 8-14 Euros
Pino's Sandwiches-Salumeria Verdi
Pino’s shop is located on the same street down the bustling Santa Croce. Although not as busy All’Antico, Pino’s lines are constantly out the door with relatively more locals. Known through my friend group as the best place for CPE (Calories per Euro), Pino’s is none the less a strong contender as a highly rated Panini shop.
With the shop being quite intimate and dense, the tender, love, and care is really displayed out to the world in these panini. With Pino’s rich green sauce that dribbles down the side of my face or the picante sauce that I cannot get enough of, Pino’s has a special place in my heart.
As Pino is often seen at his shop, he never forgets the face of his customers. With quirky names of some of his beloved panini, it is no surprise as to why my friends love to keep going back. My favorite being the Savage, this meet filled sandwich was custom made for people like me. An absolute savage who like their sandwiches with thinly sliced cold cuts smothered in pesto sauce. The Savage is honestly the only one I have ever tried, but my friends could not stop eating my panino.
Can expect to pay from 7-13 Euros
Tripperia Pollini
Tripperia Pollini is one to surprise. Trippa or Tripe, is one of Florence’s signature proteins. Tripe is something not for the faint of heart, but is something I love to devour. Tripe can be the lining of cattle, pigs, or sheep. I know this may seem super weird, but I have had Balut before so this is nothing to me.
Trippa alla Fiorentina is one dish specific to Florence that is similar to a tomato stew, but Lampredotto is one of the most popular of the dishes with tripe. Lampredotto specifically from Tripperia Pollini is my favorite because of the way they assemble their panini to perfection. Once you enter their space outside of their truck, you are already welcomed by tourist and locals trying to just get a panino for lunch.
The staff is always super accommodating trying to make the process of creating this delicacy to the clients desire. The team will usually ask if you want the special, which just adds a few more vegetables to make is some what healthier, or just the trippa. I always chose the trippa because I did not want to waste my time trying to attempt to fit it all in my mouth.
Once it is your turn, the staff usually asks if you want all the sauces and all the salts to make sure really enhance your experience at their store-front. Now the first bite is always my favorite because its with my eyes. As I see the team prepare my lampredotto, I see the top of my bun dripping from dipping it in some sauce, my bottom bun smothered in picante and green sauce, and the best part is seeing the lampredotto be sprinkled with salt to enhance the flavors. Just like a pulled pork sandwich at a barbecue, I scarf that baby down
Can expect to pay 7-11 Euros
Nicholas Fernandez [00:00:00] All right, this is bingeing on a budget. With Nicolas Fernandez as your host. And today we have.
Oscar Vargo [00:00:12] Oscar, Oscar Varago.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:00:16] And.
Ka'eo Jones [00:00:17] Ka'eo Jones
Nicholas Fernandez [00:00:18] Ka'eo Jones. Today we're going to talk about our favorite panino places that are relatively cheap. And. Yeah, so Oscar where's your favorite Panini place.
Oscar Vargo [00:00:29] Personally, I really like Pino's.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:00:31] Pino's. All right. Ka'eo. What is your favorite panini place?
Ka'eo Jones [00:00:36] I really, you know, it's it's a traditional answer, but I really like All'Antico Vinaio.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:00:42] Antico. How interesting.
Ka'eo Jones [00:00:45] Grazie
Nicholas Fernandez [00:00:46] My favorite panini place. Honestly, probably has to be that one. I don't know the name.
Oscar Vargo [00:00:57] The porchetta one?
Nicholas Fernandez [00:00:57] M-m.
Oscar Vargo [00:00:57] Have you had the one?
Nicholas Fernandez [00:01:01] I've had porchetta
Nicholas Fernandez [00:01:02] Lampredotto.
Ka'eo Jones [00:01:03] What.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:01:04] The lampredotto.
Oscar Vargo [00:01:05] No. The porchetta one.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:01:07] Dové?
Nicholas Fernandez [00:01:17] B ut I had this really good lampredotto near Sant'Ambrogio. That one was really good It was €7, and it was super juicy, super good. And the bread wasn't too hard. And it was like, I usually can eat tripe like by itself. I had a tripe soup here once, and like the sandwich, it was super good. Oscar, what are your thoughts on, Pino's?
Nicholas Fernandez [00:01:47] Pino's. I think it's good. I mean, it's Pino is in there, you know, he's he's doing the work. You know, he's talking to the customers. He takes your order. You know, just really big, good menu, so you can really switch it up. You can do custom sandwiches there, too. Line's a little long, but not nearly as long as All'Antico Vinaio.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:02:10] Yeah. Ka'eo. So expand on why you like Antiguo.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:02:15] Well, you know, I think one thing we need to consider here is CPE, and that is calorie per euro. Now, I think when we consider that is that, you know, anti-colonial might be a little bit more expensive than the average sandwich place. I mean, it ranges from €7, maybe up to sometimes a €13. But I mean, those sandwiches are as big as these are basically two meals in one. And a lot of, a lot of like, noobs do not realize that in that there are multiple All'Antico Vinaio stores and they never stand in their correct line. So oftentimes you can just go up in order.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:02:46] And act.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:02:46] Very quickly.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:02:47] And Antico recently also opened one in Santa Maria Novella.
Ka'eo Jones [00:02:51] In the Train Station. So yeah. No, I mean.
Ka'eo Jones [00:02:53] I've been to that one. It's the ingredients are it's good, but I would recommend the other ones. But you know, I still think it's a great sandwich and you can't beat it for the value and the authentic experience.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:03:05] And how much did you pay for this panini?
Ka'eo Jones [00:03:08] It depends. I mean, I really like the Paradiso. €10. Great value, great sandwich. Great experience.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:03:16] All right, I.
Ka'eo Jones [00:03:17] Great CPE.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:03:17] An Oscar. How much do you usually pay at peanuts?
Nicholas Fernandez [00:03:20] All those sandwiches are either 6 or €7. My most recent one was €7.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:03:25] Yeah. We also have to consider size.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:03:27] Yeah, size. I think the lampredotto is very-i t's a lot smaller than Antico and Pino's.
Oscar Vargo [00:03:36] This is the thing that we're comparing different sandwiches because you're talking one product over and we're talking. schiacciata.
Oscar Vargo [00:03:43] But we're binging on a budget.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:03:46] We're binging on a budget.
Oscar Vargo [00:03:48] We're talking two different types of sandwiches. I think we've got to clarify what we're talking about here.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:03:54] That is true, I guess, but a panini is a panini.
Oscar Vargo [00:04:02] You know, how many different types of sandwiches that have in this country.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:04:05] That is that is very true.
Oscar Vargo [00:04:06] Like you got and you know, panini toast like schiacciata.
Nicholas Fernandez [00:04:13] And I think once you're in Firenze a Lampredotto is a traditional panini.