When looking for good food spots in Florence, you might have come across Panini. Panini are sold at every corner in Florence and are a must try when visiting the beautiful city and we have some favourites.
On platforms like Instagram or TikTok you might have seen the most famous Panini shop ‘All’Antico Vinaio’ which has multiple locations in the city of Florence. Their Panini are really good and they have a really nice selection of Panini, however, they are quite busy and there are many places more affordable and just as good. Here are our top tips:
1. Pino’s Sandwiches
Pino’s Sandwiches definitely has one of the best Panini in Florence. It is located at Via Giuseppe Verdi, 36R, 50122 Firenze. This place is perfect for a Panini after a visit to the Santa Croce since it is only 3 minutes by foot. They have a good selection from 5-7€.
The staff is really nice and depending on the time of the day it moves pretty quickly – however, if you come during the usual lunch time it might take some extra time. There is a nice little seating area inside the shop but also outside. It is also just a 5 minute walk to the Arno River where you can enjoy your Panino with a view onto the Ponte Vecchio.
2. I’ Girone de’ Ghiotti
This is definitely one of my favourites, maybe even the favourite. They have a great selection of their usuals which are 5€ or a small one which is 3€. The small one will be enough if you are only looking for a lunch snack. They also have special offers with added ingredients which are normally around 7€. They also have a few vegetarian options but are willing to change topics as you wish.
I’ Girone de’ Ghiotti is located at Via dei Cimatori 23/Rosso. There is no seating area outside but a little one upstairs. It is quite close to the Piazza della Signoria where you can also find a tab to refill your water for free, with both sparkling and still water.
3.Panini & Vini
Panini & Vini is a little hidden gem close to the Piazzale Michelangelo, located at Via di San Niccolo’ 69. They have authentic panini for 6€. There will not be many people in line and the owner is super nice. It is only a 5 minute walk to the Giardino delle Rose, where you will have a breathtaking view over the city surrounded with beautiful roses.
Our Tip: a 4€ Aperol Spritz or Limoncello Spritz along the Panino, it will fit perfectly especially if you are planning on watching the sunset at the Piazzale Michelangelo. The Grande Classico is really good.
4. SandwiChic
They have the perfect Panini for 5€-7€ or even cheaper if you are a student. Especially their truffle Panini are awesome. You can find them at Via S. Gallo, 3r. They do not have seating area inside or outside, so we recommend getting it as a takeaway and maybe walking to Basilica di San Lorenzo where you can sit down or searching for a good picnic spot beforehand to fully enjoy your Panino.
However, they will take a long time because it will always be packed. We one left and went to another place because the line did not move and the shop is quite small – so if you want to try it, bring some time. Of course this can vary.
5. Panini Toscani
Panini Toscani is directly at the Duomo in the centre of Florence; Piazza del Duomo, 34/R. They have your usual Panini for 6€. What makes them special is their ambiente – they have a seating area with a view onto the Duomo and their Panini will taste even better with a glass wine, we recommend the local Chianti wines ; )
All these places are affordable and most importantly: they all taste amazing! Try them and let us know which one you like the most.