The legendary queues synonymous with Florence's most famous sandwich purveyor have officially arrived in London. All’Antico Vinaio, the Tuscan sandwich institution, has opened its doors for the first time in the United Kingdom, choosing Soho's Old Compton Street as the home for its 48th global outlet.
The Soho Sandwich Sensation
This autumn, the bold red signage of All’Antico Vinaio became a new landmark in central London. The shop has quickly become a lunchtime magnet, drawing a mix of hungry office workers and food enthusiasts who spill out onto the pavement. Inside, the operation is a model of efficient, Italian chaos. Customers order at the counter, shuffle past the sandwich artists assembling the creations, and pay at the register, by which time their meal is already wrapped and ready.
The star of the show is the schiacciata, a Tuscan flatbread that strikes the perfect balance: fluffy and light inside with a satisfyingly crisp crust. This heavenly base is then transformed into a substantial meal, generously stuffed with high-quality Italian meats, decadent creams, and fresh cheeses. As the original review notes, eating one is a gloriously messy affair where elegance is happily sacrificed for flavour.
Navigating the Menu: From Paradiso to Firenze
Faced with 18 different options, choosing can be daunting. For first-timers, the signature La Paradiso is highly recommended. This 'paradise' lives up to its name with layers of mortadella, a thick spread of pistachio cream and stracciatella cheese, finished with chopped pistachios for extra crunch.
Other standout offerings include the Italiana, featuring basil pesto, 18-month-old prosciutto di Parma, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes. For those preferring a stronger, tangier note, the Firenze comes with sbriciolona salami, sundried tomatoes, and a rich pecorino cream. The portions are famously generous, offering undeniable value, albeit with a side of culinary indulgence.
Vegetarians are catered for with options like the classic Caprese AV or the Ponte Vecchio with pistachio cream and stracciatella. Customisation is also possible, provided the eager lunchtime queue behind you permits.
London's Slice of the Italian Dream
The London branch replicates the authentic experience found in Italy, with one notable early observation from a visitor: the Soho shop's bread was deemed fresher and crispier than its Milan counterpart. However, the Italian locations currently have one advantage – alcohol. Manager Carla confirmed that the London shop's alcohol permit is pending and wine is expected to be available in 2026.
Despite the inevitable queues and compact space, the operation runs smoothly, rewarding patience with a truly memorable sandwich. Priced between £11.50 and £15, these offerings are a significant but worthy player in London's ongoing sandwich revival. Is it the Mona Lisa of lunches? It's certainly a masterpiece of its kind.
All’Antico Vinaio London is now open at 61 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 6HT.
