Tucked away in SoHo, Alidoro has been quietly making some of the best Italian sandwiches in the city since 1986. This place is a gem.

The Setting

The shop is tiny – barely room for a handful of customers. The walls are lined with imported Italian products: olive oils, vinegars, dried pastas. It smells incredible.

My Order: Il Tramezzino

Named after the classic Italian tea sandwich, this one features:

• Prosciutto di Parma
• Fresh mozzarella
• Roasted peppers
• Arugula
• Olive oil and balsamic

All served on fresh-baked focaccia.

The Execution

Every ingredient here is pristine. The prosciutto is sliced thin enough to see through, the mozzarella is milky and fresh, and the focaccia has that perfect olive oil-soaked quality that great Italian bread should have.

The roasted peppers add sweetness, the arugula provides a peppery bite, and the balsamic ties everything together. It's Italian simplicity at its finest.

The Catch

• Cash only (there's an ATM nearby)
• Limited seating (most people get theirs to go)
• They close when they sell out

Rating Breakdown

This isn't the kind of sandwich that overwhelms you with size or audacious toppings. Instead, it demonstrates that when you use exceptional ingredients and treat them with respect, you don't need anything else.

Pro tip: Get there before noon on weekdays to avoid the lunch rush.