A Culinary Adventure in Naples
Saveur magazine has declared All’Antico Vinaio as one of the best sandwiches in the world! Intrigued by this claim and also backed up by my Italian co-worker, I decided it was time to experience the famous Florence sandwich myself and share my journey with you.
The Quest Begins
In November 2024, I was on a press trip in Napoli (Naples) sponsored by Pure Flour From Europe. Although visiting All’Antico Vinaio Napoli wasn’t on the itinerary, I couldn’t resist squeezing it in. Accompanied by a journalist from NYC and my sister, who had visited the original Florence location, we set out to compare the two.
What Makes All’Antico Vinaio Special?
All’Antico Vinaio, established in 1991 by the Mazzanti family in Florence, has been under the leadership of Tommaso (Tommy) Mazzanti since 2006. Known for their paninis made with freshly baked schiacciata bread, their sandwiches are crispy on the outside and filled with generous, high-quality ingredients. Some of their signature sandwiches include:
- La Schiacciata del Boss: Prosciutto toscano, pecorino toscano, and truffle cream.
- La Dante: Capocollo, stracchino cheese, truffle cream, and arugula.
- La Paradiso: Mortadella, stracciatella cheese, pistachio cream, and crushed pistachios.
- L’Inferno: Porchetta, nduja cream, grilled vegetables, and arugula.
- La Favolosa: Shriciolona, pecorino cream, artichoke cream, and spicy eggplant.
Expanding Horizons
While their main shop is in Florence, All’Antico Vinaio has expanded to other cities in Italy, including Milan, Rome, Naples, Turin, Bologna, and even Dubai and the US.
My Naples Experience
We were shopping near the Galleria Umberto area and decided to walk to the All’Antico Vinaio Naples location. Arriving around 5 pm, we were pleasantly surprised to find the shop quiet, with only a few customers dining in and one person in line ahead of us.
The staff was incredibly friendly and could tell from my eager expression that it was my first visit and that we were tourist. They welcomed us warmly and explained that their bread is baked fresh and served hot with each order.
Location: All’Antico Vinaio Napoli, C.so Umberto I, 28, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
The Sandwich Selection
To make our decision easier, we asked the staff to recommend their favorite sandwich, assuring them we had no food
allergies. They first let us sample the Shriciolona, a type of salami that was soft and not overly salty – we approved!
The chosen sandwich for us was “La Favolosa,” featuring Shriciolona, pecorino cream, artichoke cream, and spicy eggplant. Watching the sandwich being made was a delight, with one of the staff even singing in Italian while preparing it. The schiacciata bread came out steaming from the oven, and our server was a total performer for the camera – perfect for those Instagram moments!
We asked them to slice the sandwich in half so we could share it. Now, it was time to dig in!
The Verdict: The Best Sandwich in the World?
The sandwich was truly incredible – the best I’ve ever had! The bread was ultra crispy, thinner, and less chewy than traditional focaccia. The way I like it. The chunks of eggplant had a nice kick, and both creams added a burst of flavor. At 8 Euros, it was a steal, packed and filling enough to share with 2-3 people.
How does it compare to the Florence location?
My sister, who has been to the Florence location, noted that while the Florence shop typically has a long line and quick service, the Naples location offers a more relaxed atmosphere with sandwiches made with care. The staff was amazing, and the sandwich – dare I say – perfect? 10/10 for me!
Share Your Experience!
If you’ve tried All’Antico Vinaio, let me know in the comments below:
- Which location?
- Which sandwich?
- Your review!
Cheers from Toronto, Canada! Make sure to follow me on @maryshappybelly
More travel posts to come!
No Comments