One of the most famous sandwich shops in Italy has opened a London location

Consider yourself a true London sandwich cognoscente? Then the opening of All’Antico Vinaio should please you very, very much.

A favourite in Florence, a Soho branch – the UK’s first – opened on 61 Old Compton Street over the weekend, joining 47 other locations of All’Antico Vinaio, which can be found across Italy, as well as in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The brand has been going for over 30 years, started up by the Mazzanti family, who bake the Florentine flatbread schiacciata fresh and then stuff it with all manner of delicious Italian fillings.

The Old Compton Street space - which was once home to much-loved Italian deli I Camisa & Son - is serving up the brand’s classic offerings; La Favolosa (sbriciolona salami, homemade pecorino cream, artichoke cream and spicy eggplant), La Schiacciata del Boss (prosciutto crudo, pecorino, truffle cream and arugula), and La Toscana (salami, pecorino, sun-dried tomatoes and onion cream), as well as a number of unique creations made especially for London’s own sarnie squad. 

In 2014, All’Antico Vinaio was the most-reviewed restaurant in the world on TripAdvisor, and 10 more global locations are set to open by the end of the year.

‘I’m truly honored to open our first location in the UK, especially in such an important city like London,’ said Tommaso Mazzanti. ‘This marks a crucial milestone in All’Antico Vinaio’s growth, and we hope to replicate the success we’ve had in the US. This is the seventh country where we’re opening AV, driven by our passion for sharing a piece of Italian culinary tradition with the world.’

All’Antico Vinaio, 61 Old Compton St, W1D 6HT.

ICYMI: One of the world’s best sandwiches is right here in the UK – just outside of London.

The best burgers in London, according to Time Out.

Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.