For those planning to grab a cheap delicious sandwich at All'Antico Vinaio while in Florence this summer, the "panino ban" is again in effect. From now until September 15, it's prohibited to stand or sit to eat on the sidewalks along Via dei Neri and the adjoining streets from 12:00-3:00 (lunch hour) and 6:00-10:00 (dinner hour). If you've ever experienced the panino-eating mob scene in this area, you'll understand why the city once again took this step.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8027 posts
So it’s permissible to sneak around, or duck around a corner with your lunch, as long as you don’t get caught? What about wearing a trenchcoat, and hiding the panini up your sleeve? It would get really messy if you tried that with lampredotti. I guess a sit-down meal isn’t such a bad way to go.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5624 posts
So it’s permissible to sneak around, or duck around a corner with your
lunch, as long as you don’t get caught?
Actually, yes. No need to sneak, just take the food to an area not affected by the ban. Only 4 streets are affected:
the four streets affected by the ban -- Via de' Neri, Piazzale degli
Uffizi, Piazza del Grano and Via della Ninna -- are among the busiest
in the city and the restrictions are in place during peak eating times
Posted by
OP
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
It's permissable to walk and eat while bolding displaying your sandwich, you just can't sit or stand blocking the sidewalks. The problem being addressed is that so many people were sitting along Via dei Neri and nearby that pedestrians and cars couldn't pass because people eating wouldn't move.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Let's not forget that people living there has seen the value of their properties drop, whereas the owner of Antico Vinaio is making more and more money.
Forcing hundreds of tourists not to camp any given day in 3 tiny streets is the most sensible choice. Those who haven't seen it with their own eyes can't really get it. It's not just the sweet family politely sit on the curb, it's the crowd of 18 years old students whose families never thought how to manage alcohol. Crowds of students abroad that can freely drink for the first time in their lives.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
795 posts
I THINK I know which place this is, obviously have never been there, but is it really THAT GOOD? From the comments already, it seems to be popular with study abroad kids, which how the place I thought it was was described to me when we were walking by once.....
Posted by
OP
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Their sandwiches are very good, or at least they were the last time I bought one. Lines are now ridiculously long at peak hours, so it's been a while. The number of study abroad students in Florence has ballooned in recent years, and All'Antico Vinaio has become a favorite of those students and other young travelers on a tight budget. Good news for the owners; bad news for everyone else.