Rome Day 5: A must-try Italian street food experience…read more.. While exploring Rome, we had to stop at All'Antico Vinaio for one of their famous schiacciata sandwiches. The bread, the flavors, the fresh ingredients, and the whole experience made this more than just lunch -- it was a taste of Italian food culture. Fun fact: All'Antico Vinaio started as a small family business in Florence in 1989 and became famous for its traditional Tuscan schiacciata sandwiches. Over time, it grew into an internationally recognized brand, with locations including Rome. What I loved most was being able to experience something that began as a local Italian tradition and has now become a place people travel to try. Another delicious memory added to our Rome adventure.

All'Antico Vinaio: Worth the Hype? Legendary sandwich shop…read morelives up to its internet fame, serving up massive, high-quality Tuscan schiacciata sandwiches ($18-$20) that easily feed two. * The Hits: La Paradiso (mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream) is a creamy, savory masterpiece, while La Schiacciata del Boss (prosciutto, pecorino, truffle cream) offers a perfect salty, earthy kick. * The Catch: You should expect long lines--though the queue moves fast and the payoff is worth it. The Verdict: 4.5/5. It might seem pricey for a sandwich, but the premium Italian ingredients and giant portions make it a must-try.

Great spot for a quick meal…read more Got the prosciutto panini (#1). The menu is only in Italian, so I played a fun game of looking at the pictures, and tying them to the menu numbered items (Roman numerals). Guy working starts speaking to me in Italian. I stare at him blankly, and ask for a number 1. He says, "Oh, so you're not Italian then" in perfect English. Embarrassing assumption, Italian menu only = only Italian speaker working.

most amazing bruchetta plate ever. TO DIE FOR. I was thinking I was ordering the normal, tomatoes,…read morebread and whatever... nooo noooo noooo. each bite was a different combination of ingredients. the lard sammich one way my favorite. holy fat, that was so unexpected. total foodie plate. order up my fellow Gastranomes. love the atmosphere. great beers on hand. will be back soon!

Absolutely worth the hype. This was one of my favorite sandwiches ever! Second and third generation…read moreowners Claudio and Luca run this tiny storefront near Piazza del Popolo. When I arrived there was no line, so maybe I got lucky, just one couple in front of me already inside the shop. Take a number and wait your turn. It's worth it. Sandwiches are made on pizza bianca, a crisp and chewy flatbread native to Rome. They will fill your sandwich with whatever you like, and then weigh the sandwich to price it out. I got mortadella, stracciatella, pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. The sandwich was phenomenal, so delicious and memorable that I recreated it when I got home to the US, bread and all. The sandwiches may seem simple but the ingredients are the best around which really takes things to the next level. Don't miss it if you're in Rome.

Waited an hour in line for our sandwiches. They were good, but not sure if it's an hour good to be…read morehonest. We got the Bobby flay (porcheta, stracciatella, pesto) with sun-dried tomatoes and a mortadella sandwich with stracciatella cheese and pesto spread. Both were good sandwiches, but I felt like the meat and cheese to bread ratio is off. One sandwich had too much filling while the other had too little. That said, both sandwiches were tasty.. and after waiting an hour, I had high hopes but unfortunately it just didn't wow me. Service was excellent though.

I woke up this morning dreaming about the pucce I had here and as a result regretting that I didn't…read moreget just one more. How do I describe how amazing a fluffy, hot bread stuffed with perfectly thin slices of tomato, fresh zucchini and stringy cheese can be. Simple and incredible. I had to do a few double takes every couple of bites and reassure myself there was no prosciutto or meat inside because it was THAT good. The focaccia classica is also amazing and I'm pretty sure I fell a little in love after glimpsing in the kitchen just as the salt was being delicately tossed on top in a sort of romantic waltz. Or maybe it was the Peroni.

I found this place walking to Alfredo's from St. Peter's. It was 3:30pm and Alfredo's didn't open…read moreuntil 6:00pm. Even though I didn't get fettuccine alfredo, I walked out feeling amazing and satisfied. This place is phenomenal. The server had an amazing mustache. The displayed the meat made me drool. I didn't feel bloated or sluggish. I had the smoked swordfish sandwich, the Gallipoli. It was perfect. I love fish, and this swordfish sandwich hit the spot. I feel like the prices are fair as well. For a great sandwich, 6-6.50 is pretty good. Their branded sandwich with the unsmoked bacon and mozzarella was amazing as well. Overall, a five-star quality place that is even open during siesta/ripped.

This place is absolutely amazing. Genuine workers, amazing food and the sandwich was made in front…read moreof you with the freshest ingredients. Would definitely recommend!

I stumbled across this place wandering around Rome. There was no one there, but the menu looked…read moregood. The lady working was very helpful, explaining everything in English. The panini was made fresh in front of me, and sitting with a beer and wifi, it was a great lunch. Not fancy, but quick, good, and fresh.

Best sandwich of my life - ruined all American sub shops for me. The bread was so flaky, and the…read morecombo of grilled zucchini, red onions, provola cheese, balsamic vinegar, and ham was perfect - highly recommend lunch here.

Sometimes you just want a sandwich. After days of pasta and pizza and regional specialties it's…read morenice to sit at a small table on a patio and have a sandwich. Once again my simple expectation has been blown! I had the Fumino: zucchini & Eggplant with manzo affumicato on the most delicious crunchy brown (I think they meant wheat) roll. Delicious! Great flavors & fun textures.

I knew I wanted a takeaway sandwich on my second solo day in Rome. My plan was to find a park bench…read morein Villa Borghese and enjoy the beautiful weather. As luck would have it, La Pagnottella Gourmet wasn't too far away (though I needed to use Google Maps to find it!), so I headed over. Their panini menu looked incredible, so I chose the Delisizio (I assume I just butchered that, sorry!), which came with turkey, ricotta cheese, olives and a basil pesto spread. Pretty perfect, right? Since this wasn't located in a touristy section, the staff didn't really speak English. Most of our communication was non-verbal, though I did my best to order in Italian. I had a good feeling when I noticed how busy they were. One person was picking up a massive order as I placed mine! Soon after ordering, I received my sandwich and walked over to the park. And what a stellar meal! It was the perfect size for me and made with quality ingredients. If you don't want a carb-overload meal but do want an authentic, delicious sandwich, there's no need to look any further!

Best panini in Rome! Small place, single chef. Panini are made to order. Much different then the US…read morepanini. Highly recommend.

Came here to get a panini to-go for my plane ride, ended up getting the Leonardo which had crudo…read moreham, lettuce, and mozzarella. Since I had it later, it probably wasn't as good as if I had it immediately, but it was still quite good. Bread was fresh, really liked the ingredients inside. €4.5 for the panini!