La Schiaccia dell'Opio — Restaurant in Unione dei Comuni Valdichiana Senese

This little unassuming schiacchia (flatbread) sandwich shop may serve some of the best Italian sandwiches we have ever had in the world! These schiaccia were so incredibly delicious that we are still thinking and talking about how delicious they were a year after we visited this place in Montepulciano. We stumbled upon the neighborhood gem after not being able to secure a table at the restaurant nearby for lunch. There were lots of people eating their sandwiches inside and around the shop. So we decided to give it a try. Little did we realize that this turned out to be one of the most unforgettable foods we had on the trip to Italy! Their flatbread was very thin and crispy. In the middle of the flatbread you could choose locally sourced deli meats (salami, prosciutto, anchovies, etc) were extremely flavorful. The fresh cheese was also local and tasted creamy and fresh. They had different types of grill vegetables, and homemade sauces or spreads that they added to the different sandwiches. When you took a bite, all the flavors blended together perfectly and they melted in your mouth. The sandwiches were all large and very inexpensive. Even half of a sandwich was already quite filling. If you were thirsty, they had local wines in little cups for only a few euros. There was not much space to sit in the shop, but these sandwiches were perfect for a picnic on a bench overlooking the beautiful Tuscan countryside nearby. To this day, we still dream to return to Montepulciano just to enjoy...

Best sandwiches EVER! We paid about €9 for two Scacciapensieri sandwiches and man were they blow us away! Made with mortadella with pistaccios, parmesan cream and balsamic glaze on a fresh and hot bread all the flavours and textures blend to create a droolworthy sandwich! Its such a fresh sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner. The sandwiches are quite big so we each had half for dinner and half for breakfast. The day after, the sandwiches tasted amazing, and I loved how the bread they used wasn't rock solid after being in the fridge. It kept its crunch shell but soft interior, and it didn't get soggy either with the cream and glaze! Such a great price and even better taste! The staff at the locale are also super nice, friendly and you can tell they love providing a taste of heaven to those who visit. There is seating space however it's just big enough for two. So this is more a to-go option, and they also sell wine or beer so perfect to grab and eat by the two square, or as a picnic or even just on the run or at home!...

I chose this place in favor of a restaurant for a quick lunch because our tour did not give us much free time in Montepulciano.

The schiacciata was good but it was not worth waiting for it 40 minutes AFTER placing the order (placing the order took around 10 minutes). We were also not allowed to wait inside being told, and at one point even shouted at (in Italian) that we should wait outside and so people were standing in the sun or the little bit of shade they could find waiting for their name to be called. Many people only come to this city once with only a couple of hours to explore it, so it would be very lovely if you could either improve the conditions in which people wait or inform the customers aproximately how long it would take since the customer cannot estimate how long the preparation takes, some people order more than one schiacciata each.

All in all, I personally did not have a pleasant experience and this review reflects my own thoughts. I wish I had eaten...