Last updated on May 8th, 2024
I am not going to name names but if you have done any research about where to get a schiacciata panino in Florence one name pops up time and again. But what if I told you that is actually not the best spot in Florence for schiacciata?
After eating countless schiacciate over the course of my years here in Florence since 2012, I am confident in sharing my local, insider knowledge on where to eat the best schiaccata in Florence without waiting in the longest line in the city!
I guarantee you there is no need to wait 30 minutes under the sun, nor do you need to elbow your way through crowded streets.
In this article, it’s all about secrets in Florence, starting with the best schiacciata sandwiches without a long wait and crowds of tourists. Read on to discover my top 8 favorite spots to pick up a schiacciata panino in Florence
If, instead, you are looking for the best sandwiches and general bakeries in Florence, read 7 Off The Hook Sandwich Shops In Florence, Italy – A Florentine Family’s Favorites and Best Bakeries in Florence.
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Things To Know About Schiacciata In Florence
Schiacciata in Florence is basically a Tuscan version of a focaccia flatbread characterized by a golden, crunchy salty crust and pillowy center.
When used to make a panino or sandwich, it’s usually filled with just one type of meat, one kind of Italian cheese, perhaps a sauce or spread and maybe a vegetable, but not always.
Schiacciata sandwiches are not stuffed to the brim with meat. They can be but this is not how the really good ones are made. Schiacciata in Florence is so good that it’s not a vehicle for other ingredients but rather, the star of the show.
Tuscan ingredients like prosciutto toscano, pecorino cheese and crema di tartufo (truffle mayo) bring out the best in a good schiacciata, not outshine it.
Make It: Schiacciata is easy to make at home and can be easily replicated with the help of my recipe: Schiacciata Recipe – Tuscany’s Favorite Salty Focaccia Snack.
Tips For Ordering Schiacciata
After living in Florence for years, I have come to learn that it’s possible to create any schiacciata panino to fit your needs and desires with these tips in mind:
- Most schiacciata panino shops have a fixed menu but you can always build your own sandwich by choosing your own ingredients as long as you stick to the 1 meat + 1 cheese rule
- Florentines tend to eat a whole sandwich for lunch so most places don’t cut it in half for you. If you would like this, you need to ask.
- Some places offer whole wheat schiacciata even if it’s not on the menu.
- You can easily make a vegan schiacciata by asking for marinated vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant. They might have a vegan pistachio sauce, artichoke spread, or other olive pâté to choose from as well.
- If you have never had a schiacciata sandwich in Florence, consider ordering a classic combination from the menu to get a real taste of the local flavors.
- If you are looking for a sandwich to go, all these recommendations are happy to pack your sandwich in a bag for later.
Eating in Italy Basics: If you are curious to know more about navigating dining in Italy, you may be interested in
How To Order Food In Italian
Tipping In Italy – When & How Much From A Local
What Is A Coperto? All About Italy’s Cover Charge
A Visitor’s Guide To Eating In Italy
Map Of The Best Schiacciata In Florence
The Best Schiacciata In Florence Quick Guide
| Name | Address (Neighborhood) | Best For | Good To Know |
| La Fettunta | Via dei Neri, 72r (Santa Croce) | An energy boost after the Uffizi Museum | Seating area indoors + serves classic Tuscan foods in addition to schiacciata sandwiches. |
| Pugi | Scattered throughout the city center (most central location in San Marco) | People who can’t agree (choose from schiacciata, pizza a taglio and other snacks) | Sells a wide selection of excellent desserts, cookies and bread |
| Lo Schiacciavino | Scattered throughout the city center (Santa Croce most central location) | Gluten-free and whole wheat schiacciata in Florence | Pop into Vivoli next door for some of the best gelato or pastry in Florence (if you have room!) |
| Schiacciamatta | Borgo la Croce, 68/r (Sant’Ambrogio) | Off the beaten path / Students | Local hang out for pre-dinner aperitivo in Florence |
| I Maldetti Toscani | Via dei Cerchi, 19r (Historic District) | Budget friendly | Serves take out street food as well |
| Caffè Dogali | Viale Malta, 5R (Campo di Marte) | Schiacciata before a soccer game or for kids before hitting the Campo di Marte park | Also a fully serviced restaurant with light lunch options and classic Florentine dishes. |
| I’ Girone de’ Ghiotti | Via dei Cimatori, 23 (Historic District) | Best schiacciata in Historic District | Get there early (at noon) to avoid a line |
| La Schiacciata Firenze | In Mercato Centrale (Central Market) in Via dell’Ariento (San Lorenzo) | Gourmet schiacciata | Located on the top floor of Central Market making it ideal for friends/group of travelers who don’t all want schiacciata. |
| Schiaccia Passera | Via dello Sprone, 13r (Oltarno – Santo Spirito) | Pairing with the best gelato and coffee in Florence | Sit inside or order at their take-out window on the side. |
| Retrobottega | Piazza dei Cimatori, 5r (Historic District) | Alternative international flavors to traditional schiacciata combinations | Come here for a cocktail, coffee or cool beverage anytime of the day to cool off and recharge. |
La Fettunta
Best For: An energy boost after the Uffizi Museum
Via dei Neri, 72r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
La Fettunta is an amazing alternative to the most well-known schiacciata sandwich shop in Via del Neri in Florence.
Choose La Fettunta for a classic Florentine schiacciata with traditional combinations without the wait. Choose from a decent selection of local Tuscan wines as well as other classic Florentine first and second course dishes such as bistecca and ribollita.
If you want to eat your sandwich street side, just ask for it to go and enjoy it on the sidewalk. If not, they have seating indoors as well as two small tables right outside the entrance for a lucky few.
Pugi
Best For: Schiacciata sandwiches, pizza by the slice and snacks for later.
Piazza San Marco, 9/b & Via San Gallo 62/r most central locations with locations in Via G.Orsini 63-65 , Via Anton Francesco Doni 10, and Viale Edmondo de Amicis 49 on the outskirts of Florence.
Pugi is one of Florence’s oldest bakeries made famous for their memorable schiacciata, which can either be purchased all’olio (plain with olive oil), with various toppings or as a sandwich filled with cured meats and Italian cheeses.
Pugi has done so well for themselves that they now have five locations scattered throughout the city, all of which are small but have some kind of seating area.
Don’t stop at the schiacciata sandwiches. Take a look at their amazing bread selection, pizza by the slice with seasonal toppings, regional cookies and even pastries for breakfast.
Lo Schiacciavino
Best For: Gluten-free and whole wheat schiacciata in Florence
Via Verdi, 6r (most central), Via Gioberti, 174r, Via Pisana, 10r
Lo Schiacciavino is another favorite sandwich window in Florence serving up some of the best selection of schiacciata sandwiches in the city. Choose from alternative schiacciate made from whole wheat flour or gluten-free bread.
Lo Schiacciavino makes its schiacciata sandwiches slightly more full when compared to other recommendations in this guide. I highly suggest you pick a schiacciata from the menu. The combinations are unique and each location offers different specialties.
The prices are super affordable, each enormous schiacciata setting you back only €6.
Good To Know: Lo Schiacciavino also serves large insalatoni or salads for those of you looking for a bread-free lunch.
Schiacciamatta
Best For: Off the beaten path / Students
Borgo la Croce, 68/r
Schiacciamatta is where you want to be if you are staying in the Sant’Ambrogio area of Florence and looking for a cool, local hangout.
Many young students and residents show up here for an aperitivo or cheap lunch between studying. Here you can find Tuscan classic combinations such as prosciutto and stracchino with arugola as well as more creative combinations with finocchiona (a Tuscan specialty) and radicchio.
I recommend Schiacciamatta for travelers hitting the Sant’Ambrogio market and looking for a quick bite to eat.
Good To Know: While you wait, consider a glass of wine at the enoteca or wine bar just across the street.
I Maledetti Toscani
Best For: Budget friendly
Via dei Cerchi, 19r
I Maledetti Toscani was one of the first places I first came to as a student back in 2012 and remains a favorite of mine to this day.
Starting from just €3, make your own schiacciata sandwich choosing from ingredients such as prosciutto crudo, prosciutto cotto, prosciutto arrosto, finocchiona, sbriciolona, salame toscano, salame Milano, sausage, pancetta, soprassata, bresaola, pecorino, fontina, stracchino, mozzarella, and homemade sauces.
The mushroom, artichoke, olive or dried tomato sauces are what make the schiacciate panini here different and unique. Don’t forget to pick your sauce when you order.
Good To Know: I Maledetti Toscani also sells pre-made street food take out options such as ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, pasta e fagioli and more!
Caffè Dogali
Best For: Schiacciata before a soccer game or for kids before hitting the Campo di Marte park
Viale Malta, 5R
Caffè Dogali is one of Florence’s most famous spots for schiacciata sandwiches outside the city center, making it my top pick for those of you looking to take a nice long walk or going to a soccer game at the Fiorentina stadium in Campo di Marte.
They are most famous for their homemade creme or creamy sauces to put on your sandwich. Pick what you want (also regular bread), grab a beer, coke or glass or wine and enjoy your panino on the side of the road or at one of the small indoor or outdoor tables.
Good To Know: Caffè Dogali is also a full restaurant serving up amazing Tuscan classics, delicious salads and light lunch options.
I’ Girone de’ Ghiotti
Best For: Best schiacciata in Historic District
Via dei Cimatori, 23
I’ Girone de’ Ghiotti is one of the best places to get schiacciata sandwiches in the Historic District of Florence. Located just off of Piazza della Signoria, this small hole in the wall makes sandwiches with perfectly crunchy and crispy schiacciata (which is not always the case!).
Although located on a side street, this small sandwich shop can get quite busy so be prepared to wait a short while. If you get there early, however, around noon, you can avoid this.
Good To Know: I’ Girone de’ Ghiotti also serves charcuterie boards known as taglieri.
La Schiacciata Firenze
Best For: Gourmet schiacciata
In Mercato Centrale (Central Market) in Via dell’Ariento
La Schiacciata Firenze is the best spot for gourmet schiacciata sandwiches in Florence located on the upper floor of the Central market in the San Lorenzo neighborhood.
I suggest coming here if you are looking for alternatives to the same old Tuscan classics. The combinations are much more varied and sophisticated than other schiacciata shops in this guide.
Make time for a visit to the Central Market, especially if you are traveling with folks who want different things to eat. The unique formula of the Central Market allows each individual to order at a different food stand and then sit together at large communal tables. If you want schiacciata but your friend wants a burger (or handmade pasta, pizza, a steak, chinese, cheese platters!), this is the place for you.
To learn more about the Central Market read 5 Food Markets In Florence, Italy – A Local’s Favorite Things To Eat And Buy.
Good To Know: La Schiacciata Firenze has plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Schiaccia Passera
Best For: Pairing with the best gelato and coffee in Florence
Via dello Sprone, 13r
Schiaccia Passera is relatively new compared to some of my other favorite spots to get schiacciata in Florence.
I suggest this spot for schiacciata if you are with children and need a quiet place with little traffic off the beaten path. Pair your sandwich with gelato at Gelateria della Passera next door.
Choose from an interesting schiacciata menu and either sit at one of the indoor tables or order from the schiacciata window and enjoy your sandwich street-side in the square or on one of the benches.
Good To Know: Piazza della Passera is one of the cutest ‘hidden’ squares in Florence with some of the best vegetarian options, Best Coffee In Florence, Best Gelato In Florence, and bars for aperitivo.
Retrobottega
Best For: Alternative international flavors to traditional schiacciata combinations
Piazza dei Cimatori, 5r
Retrobottega is my top pick for schiacciata in the Historic District with a more interesting take on classics. You can choose from Florentine favorites but also find more international touches to the schiacciate. My favorite is the Pork’n’Roll made with roasted porchetta, ginger, pumpkin purè, and pecorino cheese flavored with truffle.
If you are just looking for a snack, Retrobottega also serves little bites such as crostini and cicchetti paired with a glass of wine.
Good To Know: Although Retrobotega is just a sandwich window, you can easily find shade at Retrobottega as it’s at the crossroads of many small shaded streets downtown.
Spending Time in Florence? Make the most of your time eating and drinking in bella Firenze!:
Best Pizza in Florence
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Best Coffee In Florence
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence
The Best Cheap Eats in Tuscany
Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Florence
Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
Where to Have Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Where to Eat on Your First Visit to Florence
My Favorite Places to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence
Where to Have Brunch in Florence
Coolest Bars in Florence
International Restaurants in Florence
My Favorite Wine Bars (Enoteche) in Florence
Wines to Try in Tuscany
Where to Find Florence’s Best Schiacciata
Florence’s Best Panini
Food Markets in Florence
Where to Find Florence’s Best Pastries
Best Bakeries in Florence
Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
Where to Have Apericena in Florence
Where to Get Takeout in Florence
Where Locals Eat in Florence
Florentine Food Souvenirs
Where to Eat with Kids in Florence
Where to Get a Quick Bite with Kids in Florence
Traditional Tuscan Food
