My 3 Favorite Schiacciata’s in Florence
If you've been to Florence then you've had this local street food that locals adore. What is a schiacciata? It's a typical bread from Tuscany that is flat, squarish and commonly gets confused for focaccia but it is slightly denser and much crispier. It is also brushed with a mixture of EVOO, water and then sprinkled with salt in contrast to traditional Tuscan bread made without salt.
Schiacciata is also the name of the sandwich that is savored and enjoyed locally. There is that one super famous place that has plenty of hype and recognition which I won't mention here, but since it is our street food there are so many more places in Florence that specialize in this sandwich. Each place has a suggested menu with different pairings of salumi, spreads, veggies and cheeses or you have the option to build your own. What's great about a schiacciata is they're very inexpensive, very filling and taste REALLY good. Another plus, when many Italian restaurants close between lunch and dinner hours, schiacciata places usually stay open. So if you're looking for food options after hours at a museum or after climbing to the top of the duomo, a nearby schiacciata will be waiting for you with a glass of wine to pair.
These are my 3 favorite schiacciata places:
Lo Schiacciavino
My first two years in Florence found me back at school, enrolled in an intense culinary program. I would spend hours in class or I’d be completing service hours at the school restaurant. In between my busy schedule, breaks were always at the most random times, which would allow me to run home, grab my dog and head to Lo Schiacciavino. It’s located conveniently near Santa Croce where much of my break time was enjoyed with a schiacciata and wine to unwind. My dog loved snacking on the crumbs that fell from each bite of the crispy schiacciata bread and she was always hoping for a taste of whatever salumi I pinched off. My go-to order at Lo Schiacciavino, 9 times out of 10, is porchetta. I add eggplant, spicy sauce and arugula. Every now and then I go for a prosciutto cotto with truffle cream or mortadella with artichoke cream or give one of their menu options a try.
This place is typically frequented by locals, but Lo Schiacciabino are very tourist friendly. They’ve since added more seating at the Santa Croce location but you can always grab your schiacciata to go and sit on a bench at the piazza with a great view. In the past 7 years I’ve lived here, they’ve expanded and have two additional locations listed below.
Details:
Lo Schiacciavino
Santa Croce: Via Verdi 6/R
San Frediano: Via Pisana 10/R
Gioberti: Via Gioberti 174/R
Sapori Toscani
This tiny spot on Borgo dei Albizi had my attention for quite a while, as it is on a street I’m always walking through for my errands across the city. I didn’t get to try it for so long because they often have a line with plenty of locals. Don’t worry, the line does move fast and most guests get their schiacciata to-go. If you’re lucky, you can grab one of the few stools just outside their place which this time around, I was able to do. As I was tasting two different flavors on my last visit, I did notice I heard zero English spoken, it’s a true local spot with classic Florentine hospitality. They have a long menu of options including strictly vegetarian sandwiches and are more than happy to make a custom combo. They have their house red wine served in plastic cups for only 3 EUROS. I’m OBSESSED with porchetta so I got their Chiantigiana which has porchetta, eggplant cream and mozzarella and their Mitica which has finocchiona, a classic Tuscan salumi with fennel seeds that impart a beautifully intense flavor paired with artichoke cream and pecorino.
Good music was playing and the workers were open to song suggestions from guests. It’s a friendly environment in the middle of a bustling street. This schiacciata is a must-try, the address is below:
Details:
Sapori Toscani
Borgo Albizi 31/R
Schiacciamatta
This is a neighborhood favorite in the tiny strip of Sant’Ambrogio that I call “aperitivo row”. They have a 2.50 house wine, serve spritz and have all the usual fixins for their schiacciata. They make their own bread daily, and they’re served toasted to perfection. If you visit around aperitivo time and onward into the evening, you’ll see it packed full of local university students. I often get my usual combo of porchetta with eggplant. The most popular one that I recommend to friends who join, is the Beatrice, named after the love of Dante Alighieri’s life. It comes layered with stracchino, grilled eggplant and zucchini, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes and arugula salad. It's so simple yet so tasty. Their sizes are generous and if you’re in a time crunch, this is a one-stop meal that will leave you satisfied but also wanting more.
Details:
Schiacciamatta
Borgo La Croce 68/R
