All’ Antico Vinaio is a hugely popular panini place in Florence. We turned up there one sunday afternoon to be greeted with two long lines of people like they were waiting for the new iphone. Indeed they were waiting for their panini.

You will also notice two lines forming and wonder if you are in the wrong queue. There are two shops exactly actoss each other which serve the same panini’s.

There is no menu in sight but you see one as you approach the entry. There are various ones recommended and you can customize to make it your own. However customization is a tad difficult with the rush and urgency. If you are vegeterian just let the people know and then trust them to make you a delicious panini.

You can also pour yourself a glass of house wine. We saw many people drinking a glass of red with their panini as the sat along the sidewalk. Wine is indeed part of any meal here in Florence, you dont need to be seated at a fine table for this. 

We ordered the La Favolosa and a Vegeterian. Both were delicious and filling. 

The foccacia is what really makes them special. They are soft and light, not grilled so easy to bite into. 

The different creams like pecorino or artichoke are savory and keep the panini from being too dry.The Sbriciolona was wonderful and spicy with hints of fennel and extremely filling.

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This makes a very cheap and filling and delicious lunch. Get a panini here for 5 euros approximately and eat it perched on the sidewalk of these narrow lanes just like others are doing or walk a bit out to the plaza where you can enjoy it sitting on the stairs.