Florence, Italy’s famed All’Antico Vinaio, is currently running a weekend popup from the storefront of Mozza2Go in Hollywood. Mozza2Go is Pizzeria Mozza’s takeout operation on Melrose and Highland. The popup began on Sat Jan 28, and runs through Sun Jan 29.
All’Antico Vinaio opened in Florence, Italy, in 1989. Over time it occupied four storefronts in Italy and, most recently, two shops in New York City. Pics and videos of their square flatbread sandwiches made from schiacciata have gone viral on social media and become tourist attractions. Lines trail out the door as customers stand outside to eat.
We arrived at 10:15 a.m. and were surprised to see that the line on Melrose Ave wrapped around Highland Ave past the alley, and we were in front of a residence. We inched northward on Highland, finally placing our order at Mozza2Go four later at 2:30 p.m. The trio of precision sandwich makers quickly prepared our orders.
Six sandwiches are available for the weekend popup; the La Favolosa ($19) and L’Inferno ($17) are sandwich combinations you can order in Florence. The remaining developed for LA and the LA Nancy ($20) was a head nod to restauranteur and baker Nancy Silverton.
Both my wife and I thought the bread surpassed the one we experienced in Florence. It may have been because my wife noticed bread coming directly out of the oven. Biting into it, I enjoyed the slightly crisp texture and sweetness. It paired perfectly with the meat.
Unlike the La Favolosa, the La Paradiso ($17) is a mild-tasting sandwich with mortadella. The creamy stracciatella cheese didn’t overpower the mortadella, and the pistachio cream added moisture and pleasant contrasting flavors.
I enjoy the delicate taste of porchetta, and The L’Inferno didn’t disappoint. They spread a small amount of ground nduja sausage to add depth, but I appreciated the addition of arugula, which gave it a slightly peppery taste. When we were in Florence, I noticed “rocket” as an ingredient on many sandwiches. I discovered that rocket is what we call arugula.
It was chilly that day, and I appreciated that they allowed us to dine indoors at the adjoining Chi Spacca. You can pair your sandwich with a beer, wine, or beverage. After standing for four hours, I appreciated being able to sit down to enjoy the meal!
The All’Antico Vinaio popup concludes Sun, Jun 29, from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. If you plan to go, ensure you get there well before 11:00 a.m. We arrived at 10:15 on Saturday, inched through the line, and finally ordered at 2:30 p.m.
Restaurateur Joe Bastianich partnered with the original owners to add locations in New York City. He recently announced that he would open locations in LA’s Koreatown, Las Vegas, and Montreal.
All’Antico Vinaio pop-up
Sun Jan 29 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
6610 Melrose Ave Los Angeles CA 90038