Alimentari Sandro & Ivana Review

Alimentari Sandro & Ivana is the kind of place you might walk past if you weren’t paying attention but trust me, you shouldn’t. This tiny deli is packed to the ceiling with local flavors and character. It’s part specialty grocer, part neighborhood hangout, and part living history. Whether you’re after a simple wedge of cheese or a full-on prosciutto tasting adventure, this spot has become something of a secret favorite among locals and curious visitors alike. If you’re a fan of pecorino, cured meats, or just love browsing shelves stacked with jars of Tuscan sauces and olive oils, this one’s for you.

Location and Ambiance

The shop is located on a quiet street just outside the usual tourist circuit, giving it a very local, lived-in feel. As soon as you walk in, you’re surrounded by shelves stacked high with everything from pasta to wine bottles to truffle oils. There’s no seating area and the ambiance is a blend of old-school Italian grocery store and proud neighborhood institution. Marzio aka “King of the cheese”, the owner, is usually behind the counter, greeting everyone like they’re long-lost cousins. If you stay long enough, you’ll probably find yourself in a chat about cheese with a regular or get offered a sample of something he’s particularly proud of that day.

Menu and Signature Dishes

There’s no printed menu and no need for one. What’s available depends on the day, but some things are always in stock, most notably, the cheese. The creamy pecorino toscano fresco is a must, and if you’re lucky, they’ll have the pecorino al tartufo available too. I picked up a few different types on my visit and the staff wrapped them up perfectly for me to take home. There are also shelves full of local salumi, olive oils, pestos, and jarred sauces. Everything feels handpicked, and many items are made by Marzio himself or sourced from producers he’s known for decades. It’s the kind of place where you grab what looks good, not what’s trending online.

Ingredient Quality and Presentation

This is where Alimentari Sandro & Ivana really shines. Everything is high quality and mostly local. The cheeses are smooth and flavorful without being overpowering, and the cured meats are sliced with the kind of care that tells you someone actually eats what they sell. Presentation here is rustic and real, just food that looks and smells like something you want to take home and build a meal around. The portions are generous enough to share, though I have to admit I didn’t share much of the truffle pecorino.

Wine & Beverage Selection

While wine isn’t the primary focus, there’s a solid selection of bottles stacked around the shelves, many of them Tuscan, and most very reasonably priced. I didn’t grab a bottle on this visit, but I did see a few reds that looked like they’d pair perfectly with some of the harder cheeses or cured meats. They also sell olive oils and vinegars that could easily double as souvenirs or last-minute picnic supplies. There’s no wine tasting setup, but the staff are happy to suggest pairings based on what you’re buying.

Service and Guest Experience

This place runs on conversation and connection. The service isn’t quick, but that’s not a complaint. Marzio chats, jokes, and shares stories while he wraps cheese and weighs slices of salami. It’s very relaxed and friendly, and while the space is small, I never felt rushed. If you’re short on time, this may not be your ideal stop, but if you want a slice of real Florentine food, this is it. There’s no pressure to buy anything in particular; it’s more like being invited into someone’s pantry and allowed to explore.

Pricing and Value

The prices here are refreshingly fair for fantastic Tuscan food. Most cheeses are priced by the hectogram and are clearly labeled, so there are no surprises. You can easily put together a mini picnic or souvenir bag for under €10, or you can go all in and stock up for the week. Given the quality of the ingredients, the pricing feels more than reasonable. It’s not the cheapest corner shop, but you’re paying for flavor and story, not packaging.

Why Choose Alimentari Sandro & Ivana?

This isn’t a sit-down meal or a trendy enoteca. It’s ideal for those who love exploring through food, who want to try something they’ve never tasted before, or who just enjoy chatting with someone who’s passionate about what they do. I’d especially recommend it to solo travelers and couples looking to pick up something special for an evening snack or aperitivo back at their Airbnb. It’s also a great stop for building a takeaway picnic if you’re headed to a nearby park or garden.

Final Tips and Recommendations

If it’s your first visit on a Florence food tour, definitely ask for a piece of truffle pecorino. If they have any spicy salami in the case, grab that too. Go in the late morning or mid-afternoon to avoid any potential lunch rush, though honestly, it’s rarely crowded. Don’t be shy about asking questions, Marzio is generous with his knowledge and might even offer you a taste of something unexpected. Just know that there’s no place to sit, so plan to enjoy your finds elsewhere. And bring a tote bag, because you’ll probably walk out with more than you planned.

FAQs

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

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
Plenty of vegetarian options among the cheeses and pickled goods. Not much for gluten-free guests aside from packaged products.

Is there indoor seating or outdoor tables?
No seating at all. It’s a classic grab-and-go shop.

Can you order items to-go or buy packaged products?
Yes, everything is to-go. Many items are vacuum-sealed or wrapped for travel.

Is it family-friendly or better suited to adults/small groups?
Perfectly fine for families, but the space is tight. Best suited for small groups or solo food explorers.