Patrizia

It’s about two blocks up from NYU’s Florence campus so this spacious home-​style deli is ideal for its fresh savory panini (plus a drink of your choice for a total of only 5 euros!) and prompt service. You’ll probably see a few ‘90s cartoons like Dexter’s Laboratory playing on the tv as you eat. I came here regularly for lunch with my roomie, trekking the two uphill blocks before rolling back to campus for class, and we’ve learned to be cautious around this area. Florence has alarmingly narrow sidewalks (compared to NYC) so we were skimmed by passing cars every so often. And what kinda person would ride his vespa ONTO the sidewalk???
Besides that, I’m not complaining since the panino I always ordered here was just that good: sundried tomatoes, focaccia bread, salami, and sweet peppers (I ordered in italian each time since the owner and his son who make the panini don’t really speak english). Your mouth starts watering as you watch them make it in front of you, and those enormous slabs of freshly baked foccacia were some sight as they got sawed in half. My tastes run to the salty and spicy, but non preoccuparti (don’t worry!) since they have an array of toppings for you to choose from in constructing your custom panino. I often avoided adding any extra sauces or cheese to my sandwich, since the bread already came drenched lightly w/​olive oil. The guys who work here are super friendly too, and I’m feeling sad now knowing that I never got to say a proper good-​bye to them.

This sandwich shop is the prefect lunch spot. It is pretty far up Via Bolognese, but its a short walk from many residential areas including the study abroad campus for NYU. Inside this small restaurant there are a couple tables to sit at, a café/​bar area, and a panini counter. Along the back wall is a small stock of cleaning products, snacks, and hygiene products, which is nice for last minute errands seeing as how the closest supermarket and pharmacy is down at the bottom of Via Bolognese. The café serves everything from espresso drinks to tea. They also have a glass case of breakfast pastries and sweets, including cannoli and cakes. The sandwich counter also has a glass case with cold cuts and cheeses. The sandwich menu is separated into meat, cheese, sauce, and veggies. To order you pick one from each category and extras are .50 euros more. The couple that runs the place is very particular about their sandwiches and likes to take their time putting everything in place. Although this takes a few minutes longer than a subway, its worth the wait. Their breads are fresh and they slice the meat and cheese individually for every order. They also time the panini press just right so the sandwich has grill marks on it and the cheese is melted without burning the edges. The prices are quite reasonable as well; a sandwich plus any drink (including espresso) was 5 euros. The couple working that day were very nice and after I finished eating offered me a free cookie! What more can you ask for?! This place is panini perfection!