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Alimentari Sandro & Ivana is the form of place you may stroll previous should you weren’t paying consideration however belief me, you shouldn’t. This tiny deli is packed to the ceiling with native flavors and character. It’s half specialty grocer, half neighborhood hangout, and half residing historical past. Whether or not you’re after a easy wedge of cheese or a full-on prosciutto tasting journey, this spot has change into one thing of a secret favourite amongst locals and curious guests alike. If you happen to’re a fan of pecorino, cured meats, or simply love searching cabinets stacked with jars of Tuscan sauces and olive oils, this one’s for you.

Location and Ambiance

The store is situated on a quiet avenue simply outdoors the standard vacationer circuit, giving it a very native, lived-in really feel. As quickly as you stroll in, you’re surrounded by cabinets stacked excessive with every little thing from pasta to wine bottles to truffle oils. There’s no seating space and the ambiance is a mix of old-school Italian grocery retailer and proud neighborhood establishment. Marzio aka “King of the cheese”, the proprietor, is often behind the counter, greeting everybody like they’re long-lost cousins. If you happen to keep lengthy sufficient, you’ll most likely end up in a chat about cheese with a daily or get provided a pattern of one thing he’s notably happy with that day.

Menu and Signature Dishes

There’s no printed menu and no want for one. What’s obtainable relies on the day, however some issues are all the time in inventory, most notably, the cheese. The creamy pecorino toscano fresco is a should, and should you’re fortunate, they’ll have the pecorino al tartufo obtainable too. I picked up a couple of differing types on my go to and the workers wrapped them up completely for me to take residence. There are additionally cabinets stuffed with native salumi, olive oils, pestos, and jarred sauces. All the pieces feels handpicked, and lots of gadgets are made by Marzio himself or sourced from producers he’s identified for many years. It’s the form of place the place you seize what appears good, not what’s trending on-line.

Ingredient High quality and Presentation

That is the place Alimentari Sandro & Ivana actually shines. All the pieces is top quality and largely native. The cheeses are clean and flavorful with out being overpowering, and the cured meats are sliced with the form of care that tells you somebody truly eats what they promote. Presentation right here is rustic and actual, simply meals that appears and smells like one thing you need to take residence and construct a meal round. The parts are beneficiant sufficient to share, although I’ve to confess I didn’t share a lot of the truffle pecorino.

Wine & Beverage Choice

Whereas wine isn’t the first focus, there’s a stable collection of bottles stacked across the cabinets, lots of them Tuscan, and most very moderately priced. I didn’t seize a bottle on this go to, however I did see a couple of reds that regarded like they’d pair completely with a number of the more durable cheeses or cured meats. Additionally they promote olive oils and vinegars that might simply double as souvenirs or last-minute picnic provides. There’s no wine tasting setup, however the workers are completely happy to recommend pairings based mostly on what you’re shopping for.

Service and Visitor Expertise

This place runs on dialog and connection. The service isn’t fast, however that’s not a grievance. Marzio chats, jokes, and shares tales whereas he wraps cheese and weighs slices of salami. It’s very relaxed and pleasant, and whereas the area is small, I by no means felt rushed. If you happen to’re quick on time, this might not be your ultimate cease, however in order for you a slice of actual Florentine meals, that is it. There’s no strain to purchase something particularly; it’s extra like being invited into somebody’s pantry and allowed to discover.

Pricing and Worth

The costs listed here are refreshingly truthful for implausible Tuscan meals. Most cheeses are priced by the hectogram and are clearly labeled, so there aren’t any surprises. You may simply put collectively a mini picnic or memento bag for underneath €10, or you may go all in and replenish for the week. Given the standard of the elements, the pricing feels greater than affordable. It’s not the most cost effective nook store, however you’re paying for taste and story, not packaging.

Why Select Alimentari Sandro & Ivana?

This isn’t a sit-down meal or a stylish enoteca. It’s ultimate for individuals who love exploring via meals, who need to strive one thing they’ve by no means tasted earlier than, or who simply take pleasure in chatting with somebody who’s enthusiastic about what they do. I’d particularly advocate it to solo vacationers and {couples} seeking to choose up one thing particular for a night snack or aperitivo again at their Airbnb. It’s additionally a terrific cease for constructing a takeaway picnic should you’re headed to a close-by park or backyard.

Last Suggestions and Suggestions

If it’s your first go to on a Florence meals tour, undoubtedly ask for a chunk of truffle pecorino. If they’ve any spicy salami within the case, seize that too. Go within the late morning or mid-afternoon to keep away from any potential lunch rush, although actually, it’s not often crowded. Don’t be shy about asking questions, Marzio is beneficiant along with his data and may even give you a style of one thing surprising. Simply know that there’s no place to take a seat, so plan to take pleasure in your finds elsewhere. And convey a tote bag, since you’ll most likely stroll out with greater than you deliberate.

FAQs

Do they take reservations, or is it walk-in solely?
Stroll-in solely, it’s a deli, not a restaurant.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free choices obtainable?
Loads of vegetarian choices among the many cheeses and pickled items. Not a lot for gluten-free friends apart from packaged merchandise.

Is there indoor seating or outside tables?
No seating in any respect. It’s a traditional grab-and-go store.

Are you able to order gadgets to-go or purchase packaged merchandise?
Sure, every little thing is to-go. Many gadgets are vacuum-sealed or wrapped for journey.

Is it family-friendly or higher suited to adults/small teams?
Completely positive for households, however the area is tight. Greatest fitted to small teams or solo meals explorers.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). 10 meals you need to strive in Tuscany. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/tuscany-food/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). 10 Florence meals you need to strive. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/florence-food/

Salumeria Sandro e Ivana. (n.d.). Salumeria Sandro e Ivana [Facebook page]. Fb. https://www.fb.com/salumeriasandroeivana/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Florence meals excursions. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/florence/