The story
Semel has quietly become a 4.8-star destination in Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood, thanks to its rare semel bread sandwiches. Franchino Er Criminale calls it a “hidden gem” serving “creative, high-quality small sandwiches with great wine at a fair price,” while Francesco Zini declares it an “iconic spot” with constantly changing flavors like Ravioli con Ragù di Cinta Senese e Funghi and Fegatelli di Maiale, all for around €5 each.
The tiny counter-seating space keeps things refreshingly no-frills, reinforcing a local vibe that punches above its weight. For a quick, well-priced bite that balances inventiveness and tradition, Semel delivers exactly what its champions describe: excellent wine and standout sandwiches in an unpretentious setting.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2024.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 4 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers consistently praise the tortellini with mushroom ragù, calling it a standout. The overall vibe is one of rustic, earthy comfort that feels both refined and deeply satisfying.
“When I first read it I couldn't believe it: tortellini and mushroom ragù, carbs on carbs. I've never eaten anything like this. It's really strange because the ravioli is almost overcooked, so it blends with the mushroom texture, and they make their way through the crunchiness of the bread dough. Really weird but good.”
What creators say
2 creators have covered Semel. Most active: Francesco Zini, Franchino Er Criminale
Semel is a tiny hole-in-the-wall in Sant'Ambrogio, Florence, serving rare semel bread sandwiches with constantly changing flavors, all for €5 each — a truly iconic spot.
Dishes mentioned
Semel con Ringhe Affumicate, Pomodorini Secchi e Pecorino
This sandwich has smoked herring, dried tomatoes and pecorino. The bread is super crunchy, slightly crumbly, and it's a gift from heaven. The combination of the semel with pecorino and Pachino tomatoes almost feels like eating a pizza. It's beautifully oily.
Semel con Tortellini e Ragù di Funghi
When I first read it I couldn't believe it: tortellini and mushroom ragù, carbs on carbs. I've never eaten anything like this. It's really strange because the ravioli is almost overcooked, so it blends with the mushroom texture, and they make their way through the crunchiness of the bread dough. Really weird but good.
Semel is a hidden gem in Sant'Ambrogio serving creative, high-quality small sandwiches with great wine at a fair price.
Dishes mentioned
Ravioli con Ragù di Cinta Senese e Funghi
This is a small sandwich filled with ravioli in a cinta senese ragù with mushrooms. The bread is crunchy and hand-broken, the filling is generous. It's a little bite-sized thing, but the quality is huge. Two of these sandwiches plus two glasses of wine cost €12 — that's the idea, you eat two and you're set.
Fegatelli di Maiale
This is a small sandwich with pork fegatelli. It's structured, rich, and the bread is crunchy and friable. The ingredients are top-notch — they don't skimp here. It's a little bite but packed with flavor.
