By Tess Berger

If you’re feening for a salty, creamy, crunchy panino but don’t have the time between class to wait in the never-ending line at All’Antico Vinaio, don’t stress. Florence is filled with yummy sandwich shops from the city center all the way to the outskirts of town. From build-your-own delis near campus to hidden gems with unique fillings, here’s where to go for a satisfying lunch — or, pranzo in Italian — that won’t break the abroad bank. 

 

Semel: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 44

Distance from SU Florence: 20 minutes

Located right next to the Sant’Ambrogio market, Semel flaunts some of Florence’s most interesting paninis for just €4. From bologna and sautéed broccoli rabe to pear and herring, you’ll keep coming back to find out what cool combo Chef Marco whips up next. If you’re not in a rush, grab a €1 wine glass, stick it in one of their cute wine cubbies, and chat with the locals at their standing bar.

 

 

 

 

Un’Caffe: Via Cesare Battisti, 3

Distance from SU Florence: 10 minutes

This is a great spot halfway between campus and the Duomo, right around the corner from the Galleria dell’Accademia. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite after admiring Michelangelo’s David. This place is full of options: Un’Caffe has a set menu full of delicious sandwiches, but you can also choose to build your own. If you’re not too hungry, they’ll make you a half sandwich, and you can choose to have it hot or cold. Bonus: their playlist is fire.

 

Punto Simply Market: Via Degli Artisti, 28

Distance from SU Florence: 3 minutes

This little supermarket is located behind campus and has everything you need for a nice lunch in the piazza — paninis, fresh fruit, cookies, and the all-important wine juice boxes. Head to the back and stuff your schiacciata (what Florentines call focaccia bread) with a variety of meats, cheeses, and spreads. My go-to was pesto, thinly-sliced salty zucchini, prosciutto, and stracchino, which is essentially the creamy insides of burrata cheese. The deli also has homemade to-go pasta and a variety of hot dishes like lasagna and roasted potatoes.

 

 

Antica Bottega del Pane: Via Frà Bartolommeo, 18

Distance from SU Florence: 3 minutes

As soon as I discovered this deli, it became my number one spot. Not only are the paninis to die for, the staff is so friendly and helpful. Ordering is easy because they have a list of all the fixings and their prices: at least a dozen meats, plenty of cheesy options and veggies to keep it fresh — you could get something different every day. Make sure you try the mortadella — it’s cheap and delicious.

 

 

L’Antico Noè: Volta di S. Piero, 6/8/r

Distance from SU Florence: 20 minutes

Hidden under an old archway, L’Antico Noè is a quintessential abroad student panini shop — but that doesn’t mean it’s a tourist trap. Locals and visitors alike gather here for filling paninis and larger dishes like pasta. You can order a sandwich at the counter, or kick back on the patio. All the sauces are delectable, but you must try the rosé and walnut sauces. My personal favorite sammy? The “#9”: Roasted turkey, caramelized onions, brie and spicy sauce — but I swap out the spicy for the rosé. If you’re not in Florence, check out their location in Manhattan.