All'Antico Vinaio, a renowned Florence-based sandwich shop established in 1991, is celebrated for…read moreits generous schiacciata bread sandwiches, featuring imported Italian meats, cheeses, and spreads. This location on Wilshire Blvd in Koreatown is the smallest of the three I've visited, with under 10 seats available. It's a compact shop, and most customers opt for takeout. It's a narrow shop, and most customers take their orders to-go.
I've previously enjoyed the La Paradiso and La Toscana, with the La Paradiso being my personal favorite.
For our first visit with our son, we asked the staff for recommendations, and they suggested either the Venice Beach (Turkey) or the New Yorker (Roast Beef). The staff was incredibly generous, offering a roast beef sample, which our son loved! We also appreciated them providing ice and straws for our water.
We ordered the New Yorker ($19.00) with roast beef, porcini cream, tomato, and arugula. The sandwich was thoughtfully cut in half, perfect for sharing. The schiacciata bread boasts a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, which beautifully complements the meats and cheeses. We opted to substitute the porcini cream for mozzarella, which was sliced into perfect bite-sized pieces and tasted incredibly fresh. The roast beef was thinly sliced and tender, the tomatoes were fresh and sliced to perfection, and the arugula added a delightful peppery crunch. It's a well-balanced sandwich and one of the best in LA. We would definitely order it again.
A big thank you to the female staff member who expertly cut the meat and offered samples, assisting us in making the perfect choice for my son's sandwich. This experience was truly a positive one for our family. I would definitely return to AAV for the excellent food and service. Given the small size of the shop, takeout is recommended, especially during peak hours.
The sandwiches at AAV are so good! Fuggedaboutit!