The Ponte Vecchio is is probably the best-known sight of Florence, along with the Duomo. The Ponte Vecchio is a brindge that crosses the Arno River and is full of jewellery shops. Just off the bridge you will find some nice restaurants with views of the river and bridge. Not all places are as luxurious as the Golden View Restaurant & Bar with their fancy interior and expensive wines….

Crossing the bridge when coming from the Duomo area, will lead you past the jewellery shops, ice cream shops and a supermarket straight into ‘Il Panino Del Chianti’. This is litterally just a few steps off the bridge in the first street left and recognized by some wine barrels which are used as tables. It may not look like much, but their sandwiches are amazing. The friendly staff speak will make any sandwich you like, with plenty of choice of meats, cheese and toppings.

Sandwiches are perfect. I had a focaccia with cooked ham, (basil) pesto and tomato. Where the strength of pesto can easily overpower the delicate flavours of the tomato and ham, the balance was perfect. The slightly salty pesto, the fruity tomato and succulent ham, I could taste them all; Perfect simplicity.

The place would not be Italian without a good selection of fine (but inexpensive) Italian wines. This really is Subway, in the perfect small-scale Italian style……