By far Florence’s most pervasive street food, panini here come in many shapes and sizes. But the version that is most distinctly Florentine is the schiacciata, a sandwich whose eponymous bread literally translates to “flattened”. Less doughy than other sandwich breads, schiacciata is baked in huge rectangles and should be crisp on the outside but tender on the inside. This textural variation makes it our favorite for panini, but you can also opt for rosetta bread, a knotted bread roll, or pane toscano, the region’s typical saltless bread. (On the other hand, those who lean towards the salty side of the spectrum shouldn’t miss the pizza dough bread that you can find at listing #2.)

Here, our 11 Florentine favorites, from the sandwich we would bike an hour for to the one with the best sauces. Note that some offer menus of pre-designed sandwiches, while others expect you to build your panino yourself.

1. La Bottega a Rosano

We’re sorry to say it, but the place that takes the cake isn’t actually in Florence city center. And that’s one of the reasons why we love it. About 16 km east of the city, the charmingly rustic La Bottega a Rosano is in the middle of the green, green countryside. The schiacciata is perfectly crunchy and salty, the cheeses and meats are top-notch, and there’s never a line. Sit outside on a bench, next to the little church, and watch the locals come and go for lunch. The particularly adventurous can reach La Bottega by bike (it’s about an hour), though a car is recommended. 

2. I Maledetti Toscani

Coming in at number two is I Maledetti Toscani, a small, takeaway spot in a little alley off Piazza Signoria. Maledetti may not have the range of other sandwich shops in the city–there are just a few meats and cheeses on offer–but it’s everything a panino shop should be. The people are lovely and fast; the panini are cheap and hearty. The schiacciata bread is great, but salt fiends cannot miss the pane di pizza, a sandwich bread made in-house with pizza dough. There’s no menu, so mix and match your favorite cured meats, cheeses, creams, and vegetables. This is also a great place to try lampredotto. 

3. Semel

On the edge of the Sant’Ambrogio market, Semel is a bit of a local institution. You won’t find the classic cured meat + cheese sandwich here: instead, owner Marco Paparozzi’s rosetta bread rolls are stuffed with cooked and stewed meats that pay homage to Florence’s culinary history. There are six different sandwiches on offer daily, but you can always find one with a rare filling like donkey or smoked aringa (herring). On the smaller side compared to the others on this list, the sandwiches can be ordered two at a time if you’re starving and should always be paired with a €1 glass of wine. There are just a few stools inside, but you can perch outside and watch the daily rhythm of the market. 

4. Schiaccia Passera

A newcomer to Florence’s sandwich scene, Schiaccia Passera, right on the corner of Piazza della Passera, makes one of the city’s best schiacciate. All sandwiches come on the homemade bread–thin and crunchy in the right places and soft and doughy in others. Top choices include “La Seria” (sbriciolona, preserved artichokes, pecorino, and fresh arugula), “La Laida” (lardo, gorgonzola, truffle oil, champignon mushrooms, and walnuts), and a rather surprising vegetarian option called “La Vogliosa” with curry-marinated red cabbage, sundried tomatoes, roasted vegetables, and taggiasca olive patè. 

Schiaccia Passera is a great choice if you’re looking to sit–there’s almost always a spot at one of the inside tables–though you can also order from the takeout window (around the corner to the right of the entrance) and eat on one of the piazza benches.  

5. Deli 1891 Firenze

In Piazzale di Porta Romana, Deli 1891 Firenze offers top-tier, build-your-own sandwiches. They pay particular attention to product sourcing–the meats and cheese are always perfect–and we love that you can choose vegetables or other products from their deli counter to fill the sandwich. Speaking of, the place is also one of our favorite gastronomie: if you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, you can take a selection of superlative vegetables, meats, and salads to eat at one of the few tables (the vintage-feeling ambience is particularly lovely) or takeaway. 

6. ‘Ino

The hip ‘Ino, right around the corner from the Uffizi, also does a great job of sourcing their ingredients from local producers. Their toothsome ciabatta-like bread and moistening agents are particularly spectacular: your bread might be slathered with artisanal mustard, lemon oil, balsamic vinegar from Modena, or salsa pepedoro (made with sweet peppers, tomatoes, and spices), before being stuffed with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The only reason ‘Ino doesn’t rank higher is because, at approx €9 each, the sandwiches are a bit more expensive than the average. 

7. Fattoria Lavacchio 

Another contender outside the city center, Fattoria di Lavacchio is in the middle of a farm–and it’s kind of a dream. Surrounded by vineyards and animals, you can eat a panino on their saffron focaccia–perfectly thin and crunchy–filled with either cooked or cured meats. (If you want the former, go for the polpette or arrosto; for the latter, prosciutto cotto.) Pair it with a glass of their natural wine and a scoop of olive oil ice cream, sourced from a farm nearby. 

8. I Fratellini

This landmark spot, open since 1875, is quite literally a hole in the wall. There seems to be about six centimeters of counter space, and yet panino makers rapidly churn out sandwiches and the line (yes, there’s usually a line) moves quickly. The menu is 30 panini long and the offerings are simple and classic, with just 2-3 ingredients each. Try the local finocchiona, salame di cinghiale, or salsiccia cruda, a fresh, raw sausage. 

9. I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti 

The line for I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti can get long too, but it’s a must for those who like their panini to be a bit more elaborate. The long menu features the likes of the “Golosa” (porchetta, gorgonzola, truffle cream, and arugula) and the “La Bianca” (finocchiona, goat cheese, artichoke cream, and sundried tomatoes), made with schiacciata bread. We like that you can get a “piccola” half sandwich for €3.50 or €4.50, depending on the choice, if you’re not too hungry, and there’s some seating upstairs. 

10. Un Caffè

Well within the University of Florence stomping grounds, Un Caffè is a classic student go-to for cheap spritzes, €4 each, and sizable, circular panini, also €4 each. You can sit inside–it’s a bit of a dive bar kind of vibe–but join the rest of the youngins and eat on the steps of Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.  

11. Lo SchiacciaVino 

This mini-chain has three locations: one in Santa Croce, one in Santo Frediano, and one right off Piazza Beccaria. Our favorite is the one in Santa Croce, just around the corner from the church, which turns into a lively aperitivo spot in the evening. The bread here is thicker than others you’ll find, and those who love a bit of spiciness should order their sandwich with the piccante sauce.