The world’s most famous sandwich shop All’Antico Vinaio has arrived in London. Based at 61 Old Compton Street, it is impossible to miss the energy radiating from All’Antico Vinaio’s very first UK outpost. What began as a small Florentine sandwich shop in 1991 has become a global culinary phenomenon, and now Londoners finally get a taste of the schiacciata that has captivated food lovers from Florence to New York.
A Soho Welcome
Soho feels like the perfect stage for All’Antico Vinaio’s London debut. This storied district, where culture, theatre, and gastronomy collide, mirrors the brand’s own blend of tradition and modern vibrancy. The storefront, with its inviting façade and warm Italian spirit, draws in locals and visitors alike, eager to see what has made these sandwiches a worldwide sensation.
Inside, the air carries the comforting scent of freshly baked bread mingling with cured meats and cheeses, a reminder that All’Antico Vinaio’s magic begins with its schiacciata. This traditional Florentine flatbread, baked daily to a delicate balance of crunch and chew, is the canvas for layers of artisanal ingredients sourced with care.
The Sandwiches
The menu is a celebration of both heritage and innovation. Let’s talk about THE BREAD. Schiacciata is a Tuscan bread that’s large and thin, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Once baked, it is brushed with olive oil and then sliced down the middle, revealing the most wonderful aroma and steam rushing out of the Schiacciata. Sandwich portions are generous and at the heart lies La Favolosa, the sandwich that first won over Florence. It is layered with crumbly Tuscan salami known as Sbriciolona, a velvety pecorino cream, a delicate artichoke spread, and lightly spiced fried aubergine. Bold and balanced, it has earned its reputation as one of the world’s finest sandwiches.
Alongside it, La Schiacciata del Boss and La Toscana carry forward the essence of Tuscan tradition, each with its own personality and flair. For London, the kitchen has gone further, creating exclusive new combinations that nod to the city’s cosmopolitan tastes while staying true to the Italian soul of the brand. Every bite is generous, rustic, and deeply satisfying — the kind of street food that feels both indulgent and authentic.
A Global Story with Florentine Roots
At the heart of this success is Tommaso “Tommy” Mazzanti. Joining the family business at just 16, he transformed All’Antico Vinaio from a single Florentine storefront into a brand with 48 locations worldwide. Today, the schiacciata is enjoyed across Italy, the United States, and the UAE, and London marks the beginning of a new chapter in the UK.
Despite the expansion, the philosophy has remained constant: to share a piece of Florentine culture with the world. It is this devotion to tradition, combined with a willingness to innovate, that has earned All’Antico Vinaio international acclaim, from Saveur’s “Top 5 Sandwiches in the World” to becoming the most-reviewed restaurant on TripAdvisor.
More Than a Sandwich
What makes All’Antico Vinaio extraordinary is not only the quality of the ingredients but also the sense of theatre and conviviality it brings. Watching your sandwich assembled — schiacciata sliced open, layered with creamy spreads, stacked with cured meats, finished with bold garnishes — is as much a performance as it is preparation. Each sandwich feels handcrafted with pride, served in portions that are as abundant as the hospitality behind them.
A New Chapter for London
With its arrival in Soho, All’Antico Vinaio is not just opening a shop, but planting a piece of Florence in the heart of London. It is a story of family, tradition, and global ambition woven into every sandwich. For Londoners, it is an invitation to experience Italian food at its most authentic, one schiacciata at a time.
As Tommaso Mazzanti puts it, this opening is more than expansion; it is the sharing of a passion. Forget the queues we had for our Evita Summer waiting to watch Rachel Zegler sing on the balcony of The London Palladium. The new hot queue is at Old Compton Street outside All’Antico Vinaio, and London is more than ready to welcome it.
For more information, visit All’Antico Vinaio
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All images courtesy of All’Antico Vinaio London.