Hot Schiacciata Summer Is Forever at Pino's Sandwiches

"Los Angeles has a complicated relationship with transplant restaurants. Some come to this corner of the Southland with an off-putting vibe that the city owes them something; others seem to know they need to be thoughtful about the Los Angeles palate to succeed. Pino's Sandwiches - a Florence-based sandwich shop that expanded into the U.S. for the first time in 2025 - falls into the latter category."

"The family-operated Italian import, tucked on North Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz, layers cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables onto crisp, airy schiacciata, baked on-site, for sandwiches that almost transport you to Florence's uneven stone streets. The only thing missing to complete the experience is a sidewalk glass of wine carefully cradled between two fingers and a cigarette - which are prevalent at the best Tuscan sandwich shops."

"The Ganzo gets stacked with salty prosciutto, creamy stracciatella, acidic sun-dried tomatoes, and a purple-hued caramelized onion spread for a salty-meets-slightly-sweet sandwich that has become my go-to meat sandwich on the menu. Both vegetarian options - the simple caprese and Lady D with spinach, stracciatella, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted bell peppers - hold their own against the meat-filled sandwiches on the menu."

"Don't overlook the Yummy - a schiacciata sandwich slathered with Nutella, with the option to add sliced strawberries or bananas. The strawberry version serves a dose of nostalgia midnight snacks of berries plunged into a bucket of hazelnut spread. Pair sandwiches with an Italian Molecola, which offers amped-up herbal notes similar to those found in amaro."

Pino's Sandwiches brings Florence-style Italian sandwiches to Los Feliz with crisp, airy schiacciata baked on-site. The menu builds sandwiches with cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables, creating flavors that evoke Florence’s street food. The Ganzo pairs salty prosciutto with creamy stracciatella, acidic sun-dried tomatoes, and a caramelized onion spread for a salty-slightly-sweet profile. Vegetarian options include a caprese and Lady D with spinach, stracciatella, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted bell peppers, each offered with pesto or garlic sauce. A sweet option, Yummy, features schiacciata with Nutella and optional sliced strawberries or bananas. Sandwiches can be paired with an Italian Molecola, and the restaurant offers free parking for convenient takeout and picnics.

Read at Eater LA