Ok ok ok – if you’ve know me well, you know I’m a little bit biased, but I truly do think Pino’s serves up some of the best panini in the Florence city center for a great price, as well as having the most versatile options for a quick lunch stop. Besides the portions being absolutely massive (for real though, the panini are bigger than my head)), they also have vegetarian options AND gluten-free bread, so no matter your dietary restriction you can find something to eat here. And if you’re not wanting a panino, don’t fret – they also have an entire “gastronomia” section, which is essentially like a deli counter for hot and cold pre-prepared foods.

Beyond that however, Pino and his family are some of the most wonderful and kind people I’ve ever met. Pino is known as the “study-abroad dad” in Florence, so inside the shop you can find dozens of university banners given to Pino from grateful past and present study-abroad students as well as pictures from past study-abroad students that have made trips back to see Pino after 10, 15, or 20 years. It’s not hard to see why – Pino has gone as far as helping study-abroad students fill out confusing government documents, navigate Italian bureaucracy, or simply just give them a space to feel a little bit closer to home when they’re missing it.

Basically, go to Pino’s. The panini are great and the people even better. I could go on and on, but I’ll end it there.