- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Alidoro
Categories: Food Specialty Food Restaurants Sandwiches Specialty Food, Sandwiches [Edit]
105 Sullivan St(between Spring St & Prince St)
New York, NY 10012
Neighborhood: South Village
(212) 334-5179
- Nearest Transit:
-
Spring St (A, C, E)
Houston St (1, 2)
Canal St (1, 2)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
126 reviews for Alidoro
Review Highlights
-
"The sandwich is prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula and..." In 13 reviews -
"Pinnacle of an east coast Italian sandwich - delicioso." In 37 reviews -
"Alidoro is by far my favorite lunch spot in Soho." In 21 reviews
Loading...
126 reviews in English
-
Review from Dan R.
4/23/2012
They say when you marry your one and only, you get the whole family. This is especially true with overbearing, Italian-American clans. Just ask my wife. Or Debra Barone. Or anyone who has ever tried to declare their love for an Alidoro sandwich. Because here, the sandwiches and the staff, like your lover and their family, are a package deal.
By this adage, if you're ready and willing to open up your heart to this Sullivan St. joint's tremendous creations, you should know a thing or two about lettin' the in-laws in here, as well. The Alidoro household is comprised of the no-nonsense mother hen who runs the show with an iron fist, an icy glare, and the howl of a headmistress, the man of the house who makes mouth-watering sandwiches whilst being humored by unnecessary children's films (Babe 2: Pig in the Big City, Mouse Hunt), and some dude they may or may not keep in the back Gimp-style, perhaps the black sheep, crazy uncle, bastard son, who knows?
And as with any self-respecting abode, there are house rules. At Alidoro, these house rules could probably outlast a nunnery's. You must be mentally prepared to enter through that front door. You must close that door behind you or you will get called out for letting a draft into the establishment, even if the line is being pushed onto the sidewalk. You must not approach the counter without knowing your order. You must not ask them what their favorite sandwich is or if they have certain items not explicitly stated on the menu. You must not dilly-dally, attempt to engage in small talk, or show any human emotion. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
This is the understood, expected etiquette. You attempt to break this code of conduct, and Mama will throw your ass out. I've seen it happen. It's not pretty. Don't be stubborn. Do as you're told. Because if you challenge the in-laws, you will be denying yourself the most savory, ridiculously tasty sandwiches money can buy.
The Matthew (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, dressing, arugula) is all-around amazing. The mozzarella is some of the freshest you will ever taste, and it isn't even the star of the sandwich. That would be the dressing. While I have to believe the real ingredients to this secret sauce are probably some generations-old family recipe (and I wouldn't dare ask Alidoro to find out), it is most certainly balsamic-based, without that overwhelming bite that typically turns off a good deal of people. By no exaggeration, this is my perfect sandwich, the one I want to take home to my own mother, even if it is technically a dude named Matthew.
Similarly, with the Romeo, the highlight isn't its smoked chicken or even the Bel Paese cheese (both which are still absolutely delicious), but rather the hot peppers. Again, on paper, this is most likely the item that pickier eaters would ask to be left off their sandwich before anything else. The same goes for the Pinocchio and its olive paste, despite being jam-packed with prosciutto, sopressata, fresh mozzarella, and sweet roasted peppers. Thus, in defending these sandwiches, and all of Alidoro's creations, don't change a Goddamn thing. Order as is and don't look back.
I always get these masterpieces on Sfilatino bread (+$1.50), which is pretty much a baguette with its innards scooped out a bit to stuff in all the meats and cheeses. It is heavily floured and has a really nice pull to it once clamped between your teeth. It also happens to be as long as your forearm, which makes for a great bandleader's baton when you're celebrating scoring an Alidoro sandwich by marching down the sidewalk post-order. It also helps to more than justify the costs, which range from $8-$11.50, given that any normal human being can easily make this into two meals. If you haven't figured this out, I am not a normal human being. For me, these sandwiches rarely see dinnertime.
The joint is tiny, chock full of Italian cinema posters, country-home knickknacks, and the assortment of rules inked on printer paper scattered about the room. There is almost always a line, a group of hungry, hushed, monk-like loyalists. Occasionally, there is the uninformed rogue, who brazenly treats this like some basic-bitch deli, and of course, all hell breaks loose while the rest of the crowd looks on in disgust. I probably shouldn't encourage this type of behavior a la some pageant parent on Toddlers and Tiaras, but the threat of an incident gives Alidoro some added character, a bit of Manhattan mythology. And because I am a habitual rule-follower, and I respect the hell outta these sandwiches, I happen to eat this type of shit up. Truthfully though, most of the time, there is no incident. If you're not an asshole, you will get what you want. And if you are an asshole, you certainly don't deserve a sandwich from Alidoro. At least, that's what your Italian in-laws would tell you.Listed in: Bad-Ass Sandwiches
-
Review from David W.
4/8/2012
When people come back from Italy, they always rave about one of three things, the pasta, the pizza, and the gelato. I came back thinking about how good the deli meats were and Alidoro saved me from an eight hour plane ride to satisfy my prosciutto cravings.
First off, the menu is overwhelming...it leaves you staring at the menu way longer than you should. But when you finally settle on something, it's a flavor explosion in your mouth, with each bite, each layer that you bite into, you taste each ingredient separately. No, these things aren't cheap, running around $10 a pop, but they're not small either so you won't be hungry afterwards.
With that being said, why am I giving this spot only four stars? Well, some people have already mentioned it, the service leaves a little to be desired. Closed on Sundays, closed at 4pm on Saturdays, guy behind the counter isn't the friendliest, etc, but hey, I don't blame them. If you made delicious sandwiches that kept people coming back regardless, I wouldn't care too much about being super friendly either... -
Review from Christina R.
New York, NY
3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
The lady behind the counter is intimidating... I was afraid this strong willed Italian woman was going to chase me around the shop with a wooden spoon, if I answered a question the wrong way or broke one of the sandwich shops many rules.
Upon entering this adorable Soho spot I loved all the cute Italian details. I started to long to be back in Italy....then I realized I was in New York....rules adorn the walls. Follow them or no Italian sandwich for you. A "soup nazi" like atmosphere prevails in this place. Ask for advice on the perfect sandwich....you get kicked out....Ask for lettuce or "deli meat" then get out....don't read the menu before standing at the counter to order...OUT!
As for your receipt ask before hand, because I swear to you this woman was ready to kill me when I asked for it after my sandwich was made. READ THE RULES.
As for my sandwich. Delicious! I loved the Pavarotti . The sandwich is very large, don't come here if your not very hungry. You can taste the freshness of all the ingredients. The quality of the sandwich is what keeps people coming back for more abuse from these people.
and remember cash only. -
Review from Joleen Z.
New York, NY
2/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh my goodness, now that was a sandwich. This place is definitely no frills meaning no substitutions, no credit cards and no questions. Just say what sandwich you would like, pay the man, and be on your way.
I kind of love how no nonsense they are because they can be - that is how good the sandwiches are. They could offend me, tell me to piss off, anything and I would still come back. What can I say? Playing hard to get is kind of my thing.
Only reason I'm taking off a star is I wish there was more seating and I wish that I didn't feel like an intruder when I stepped inside. -
Review from Kathleen K.
Manhattan, NY
1/19/2012
Yes, OK, I know I just paid $15 for a chicken, mozzarella, & arugula sandwich at Alidoro when there's a perfectly decent and cheap dirty deli down the street.
Ask me if I care. Seriously. Ask me. NO! I love this place. It's the best Italian deli in all of SoHo. Unlike other $15 sandwiches in this neck of the woods, this place actually FEEDS you. I'm not kidding, the size of the sandwich is ginormous and in the land of overpriced cafes, skinny models and vintage dress shops, size still matters to the normal people.
How big is ginormous? You know those European women who pick up a fresh baguette from the bakery to bring back home so they can feed their entire family? Like her husband, 3 kids, and the dog? Now picture that baguette with meat, mozz, and dressing...and it's all for YOU. Mmmmm...
Even if you're as big and as hungry as Mario Batalli there's no way you'll eat the entire thing in one sitting. So for most people, you go, you buy, you eat half, then save the other half for tomorrow's lunch.
I've tried a few different combos - turkey, chicken, prosciutto,etc - and they are all great. Love the olive oil and balsamic dressings that they put on it.
Service is brutal, owner quite possibly Soup Natzi's mean older sister, but c'mon, you're at an Italian Deli in NYC. Stop complaining about it and embrace it! -
Review from Foufikins C.
New York, NY
2/3/2012
While walking on Sullivan looking for Grandaisy Bakery, we stumbled upon Alidoro's sandwich line up and oddly couldn't resist waiting in it. I find waiting in lines in NY to always end in fruitful findings, and in this case, the best subway sandwich I've ever eaten. Fellow line members were perusing the menu with great intensity, and I even had another patron WAY behind me in line pass me a menu to look at. Strange, how friendly... then it all started to make sense - he was helping this novice avoid a head on collision with the Sandwich Nazi.
But it was too late. Completely caught off by the new social order i didn't notice my 6 month old son grab the oddly placed oddly long wooden spoon (that keeps people from going behind the sandwich counter), and throw it to the floor. Yes people, the Sandwich Nazi will give the stink eye to a 6 month old. But this 6 month took it in NY stride and didn't cry like a baby. We'll be back. -
Review from James H.
Brooklyn, NY
11/25/2011
Ask for recommendations? They'll kick you out.
Take too much time ordering? They'll kick you out.
Talk to loud? They'll kick you out.
Do anything that is not exactly how one should order form the Soup Nazi in Seinfeld?
They'll kick you out.
Ali Doro epitomizes the New Yorkian idea that one can treat their customers any way one wants, as long as the product is perfect. (and it is). With over 40 sandwich ideas, (none straying too far from the traditional prociutt, mozz, tomato) it is impossible not to find a sandwich to love. Everything is great here, made to order, and as fresh as it comes.
Expect a 20 minute wait and a $13+ bill. -
Review from Grant B.
1/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Don't freak, the food here is a 5 out of 5. Easy. Sandwiches are the best south of Houston Street that I have found. The meats, cheese and toppings are always fresh, never sitting around (they go through it all quickly). The bread is baked every day nearby, and when they run out you are out of luck, and you really missed out. Because the sandwiches are so good.
Did you just ask for a substitution? Ooof. Now you are also out of luck.
Hence the 3 star review. Soup Nazi is funny in Seinfeld - kind of. Sandwich Nazi in real life is just dissappointing. I believe in quality product AND service. The guys are about as unfriendly and unaccomodating as possible.
But then again, dont get any substitutions. The sandwiches are pure gold. -
Review from Andrea B.
New York, NY
1/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great sandwiches selection and very good quality.
Too bad they don't toast them... -
Review from Claire O.
9/19/2011
Amazing menu - simple ingredients of the highest quality. Wonderfully crusty bread, sandwiches put together perfectly while you watch - my eyes lit up when I saw the huge hunk of prosciutto heading for the slicer.
I ordered the Dino - prosciutto, smoked mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes and arugula. A little drizzle of olive oil on the bread...totally sold. I wish I had a bigger stomach.
Cash only, be prepared for a wait, and it can get a little hot in there. Totally worth it.
Bonus - saw Owen Wilson! -
Review from Jessica S.
Portland, OR
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had the soppressata, arugula, fresh mozzarella. Can't remember the name. Delicious sandwich.
Not sure if it was worth the 25 minute wait though. Do not try and go if you're starving.
I might go back, if the wait wasn't so long. Liked it though. CASH ONLY! -
Review from Jillian K.
New York, NY
8/30/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Alidoro makes sandwiches exactly how they were meant to be: fantastic ingredients in thoughtful, intelligent combinations on high-quality bread. Unlike some places that feel the need to load up their sandwiches with every ingredient under the sun or hide low-quality ingredients under of pile of nasty mayonnaise,* Alidoro lets quality and simplicity shine.
My favorites are the Romeo (smoked chicken, bel paese cheese, arugula, and hot peppers) with added eggplant caponata and the Daniela (tuna, hot peppers, fresh mozzarella, and arugula). While all of the ingredients are delicious, I especially love the hot peppers and eggplant caponata. Just thinking about them right now is making my mouth water.
Yes, the lady behind the counter can be a little scary (today she yelled at people in line to stop holding the door open), but I actually prefer that kind of sassy, down-to-business attitude to the smoldering hostility I get at other sandwich shops (yeah, I'm talking about you Saltie). Just know what you want to order by the time you get to the front counter and you'll be fine.
The trek down from UWS? Worth it. The occasional long wait? Worth it. The risk that I'll someday get bitch-slapped by the owner? Worth it. These sandwiches are delish!
*A note for mayo-phobes like me: Alidoro doesn't use that revolting stuff in any of their sandwiches at all, including the tuna. Amen!Listed in: Making Me Fat
-
Review from Steph C.
2/25/2012
It was good but not great for the price. I expected to be wowed but I wasn't, probably because I prefer warm sandwiches
-
Review from Karyn M.
West Village, Manhattan, NY
5/10/2012
good. simple. straightforward. we're lucky to have it.
-
Review from Lisa H.
9/13/2011
Came to Alidoro for lunch today and ordered the Romeo sammie with the eggplant caponata. The meat is superb quality and the arugula is incredibly fresh. What I loved most though, were the spicy peppers.. a subtle kick with every bite as the dressing dripped off the sides of the crusty bread onto my fingertips.
Lucky me, I had just missed the rush.. situated myself behind 3 people on line but even at an early 1:15pm, they were out of wheat bread! So I had to settle for the white instead. Left a happy camper with my sandwich passing a line reaching out the door and then some. Make sure you bring enough cash and to be ready with your order by the time you reach the snappy woman behind the counter! -
Review from Michael F.
Manhattan, NY
7/7/2011
Yes this place definitely has a Soup Nazi vibe going on. It's also kind of annoying when the line to order is out the door, and the guy making the sandwiches seems more interested in watching tv than actually making a sandwich.
As for the sandwich itself, I can't say it lived up to the hype. I've gone twice now and had decent sandwiches both times. But for the price, absurd lines, and general shit attitude, it better be the best damn sandwich I have ever had. It wasn't.
A friend of mine said it best, "Like much of New York, overpriced and overrated." -
Review from Rick K.
Brooklyn, NY
2/4/2012
This is currently my favorite italian sandwich in the city. Tip - pay the extra buck and get the bread upgrade. Seems pricey to upgrade the bread after you're already dropping $12-$14 for your sandwich, but it is definitely worth it.
The seating is insufficient and the line gets bad, and since I guess the idea is an overall review I'm going to have to reduce a point there. But as the food goes its a 5 star place. -
Review from Lanya B.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2011
Nobody eats just one sammich from Alidoro. If you've had one, you WILL be coming back for another and if it's convenient, another.
I was living next door for a while and had to mentally import an intervention into my mind because eating here was becoming an addiction. They may put drugs in the food ;) -
Review from Karim Q.
5/16/2011
Visitors beware. If you have not lived in NYC for a long period of time, stay away from this place. Otherwise, you will inevitably call mommy and tell her New Yorkers are mean. Yea, Alidoro makes some of the best sandwiches in the city, but don't expect them to be nice about it. There are rules when you visit a place like this. There are menus strewn about the restaurant, so know what you want before you approach the counter. Don't ask for anything that's not on the menu. If whatever stupid combination you dreamt up was good for the masses, then Mr. Alidoro would have put it on the menu. Capisce?
Some woman rolled up to the front of the line and still didn't know what she wanted, so they sent her to the back of the line. Hah! That's what you get, woman. Next time maybe you will have your order squared away. My coworker introduced me to this place one day, but I went here three times that week, because it was that good. I saw a plate full of cookies on the counter so I asked how much they were. "Mrs. Alidoro" yelled from the back "I PUT THEM THERE FOR A REASON. EAT THEM. IF YOU WANT ME TO CHARGE FOR THEM, I WILL." Say no more, fair madam, I shall eat a dozen.
They have all kinds of combinations but my favorite is the Romeo, followed by the Alessandro. I do have to say that with a sandwich this large, the bread to meat ratio suffers slightly. On my second visit I asked for (and paid for) extra meat, and it was perfect.
Did someone below seriously rate this place lower because they should "take lessons from Chipotle or Subway on the proper quick sandwich making method"?! That's like telling Minetta Tavern to take lessons from McDonald's on proper burger grilling methods. Amateur. -
Review from Sara Ryan D.
New York, NY
6/13/2011
By far the best sandwiches of my adult life...
I love Alidoro...I love the Marco Polo...anytime I find myself in Soho I make sure to have cash so I can speed walk towards their quaint sandwich shop and devour the best sandwich of my life...and I am never disappointed. It's like rediscovering taste each and every time. In fact, while I sit here at my office in midtown, my mouth is watering...profusely...it's that good.
For the newbs who will be tempted try this place let me just explain for a moment that this is a no non-sense kind of place. If you don't know what you want before you get to the counter then you will be sent to the back of the (almost always long) line. If you try to come up with your own sandwich you will be berated for being an absolute idiot. If you ask for special treatment you will be treated like a special kind of stupid...
Do not expect gushy warm-feeling-inside customer service experience...this place is not about making you feel like the most important person in the world...this place is about the BEST sandwiches in NYC! That is not to say that the owners here are rude...I actually have grown to love them...if you follow their rules they have no qualms and sometimes you may even get a few smiles and jokes (this is how you know you are a regular).
Bottom line: Cash only, know what you want, order quickly, pay equally as quickly, get your sandwich and get the heck out of the way.
You will not be disappointed with taste and you will, one day, most likely be sitting at your desk, mouth watering, while dreaming about this little sandwich shop in Soho... -
Review from Adriana M.
Brooklyn, NY
8/26/2011
Mamma Mia! Sortof like the Soup nazi, this sandwich-only spot is non-apologetic as it states on the wall- NO we don't have coffees, expressos.... sauerkraut..." Very specific menu with specific ingredients.
There is always a line, but it goes quickly. I guess I got there late because they ran out of several types of bread by 1pm.
As a vegetarian, I had the mona lisa. Pretty good, yes expensive bc its soho- but you could tell they were very authentic, fresh ingredients.
Probably not my regular spot, but a generous portion and transportation to italy without the bs ain't bad at all. -
Review from Shahar N.
Manhattan, NY
7/15/2011
If you into grabbing an Italian sandwich and head out to one of the city parks you just found your place.
All the sandwiches are very big, fresh and delicious. The menu is one of these menus that doesn't really help you to choose as everything looks great.
Although there are a couple of small tables around, most people are here for a take away and this is what you should do.
Just note as much as the food is great and so are the lines that sometime can go out to the street. -
Review from C C.
New York, NY
1/7/2012
The Michelangelo (proscuitto, provalone, arugala and hot italian peppers - all of supreme quality) is the greatest sandwich I've had in my life. There, I said it.
-
Review from Sam P.
Brooklyn, NY
8/11/2011
The service is so unfriendly here it takes them down from 4 stars to 1 star.
The sandwiches are very good, but they are definitely not worth $10+ a pop. The dude who makes the sandwiches is OK, but his wife/front counter lady is total b!tch. She is rude, unprofessional, and ungrateful. They never THANK their customers. Some people don't mind getting treated like a dirt bag when they buy an incredibly overpriced sandwich, but I do. -
Review from Jenny R.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011
You know the typical New Yorker you see depicted in movies - the type that gets pissed off easily and has a grating accent and complains loudly if you make them wait one extra second for anything? Well, she's behind the counter at Alidoro. So be careful, and don't make it angry. Have your order ready. Have your cash ready. Be there to get the sandwich when it's ready. Unless you want to be berated. Honestly though, I would endure a substantial amount of abuse to eat these sandwiches. The menu is loaded with awesome sounding stuff in every imaginable combination so it's pretty difficult to center on one. And somewhat shockingly, they don't have a problem if you add stuff or change stuff on the sandwich.
-
Review from Peter D.
9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't get it. I've been eating sandwiches like this my entire life. There's nothing new or creative about the menu. Half of the breads were unavailable. The service person was rude and the store is minuscule.
-
Review from Jim V.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2011
HORRIBLE service, people working there are incredibly rude.
The woman working on the Monday I was there may be clinically insane. Literally snapped at me every time I asked any question.
The sandwich was also mediocore at best. I couldve gone to the grocery store and threw some meat on some bread and had a better sandwich.
If you wanted to be treated like cattle, yelled at for trying to pay with a credit card by both workers and eat a mediocre sandwich then this place is for you. Otherwise I would avoid at ALL costs. -
Review from Kathy D.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2011
Sandwiches don't get any better than this! Perfect crusty bread, light vinaigrette, fresh arugula mmmmm. Pinnacle of an east coast Italian sandwich - delicioso
Make sure you bring cash- no credit cards allowed here! Also the shop itself is small so be prepared to wait in line outside.... Bring an umbrella or a scarf based on the weather :) -
Review from Dara E.
NY
8/21/2011
The guy making the sandwiches is a coomplete jerk. He seemed disgruntled about everything from opening the door at 11:30am to kids in the shop. He didn't want my son touching the napkins on the table. Napkins?! How was he going to wipe his hands? My other son started getting irritable after waiting 20+ minutes in line and we were the second people in line! He started rolling his eyes and cursing under his breath about my child.
Stay away! The food isn't worth the service or wait. -
Review from Victoria G.
New York, NY
3/1/2011
The bf: "Hey, I'm gonna come pick you up, you hungry?"
Me: "I could eat"
Bf: "Good, we're going to the best sandwhich place in the city--Ive been craving one for weeks."
Me (skeptical): "Bring it"
...And...a few turns later, I found myself down the street from Grandaisy bakery in the tiny storefront of Alidora...mentally transported back to I Due Fratelli which is probably one of the most authentic sandwhich shops in all of Florence...but physically paralyzed by the gynormous menu and endearing charm of the personal touches in the small warm space...
Now what to do!?!?
The man got the Geppetto (sopressata, caponata of eggplant, m. bel paese and arugula) while I opted for the marina (smoked chicken, fresh mozz, sun dried toms and arugula).
These babies were not only huge but so frickin delicious. I ate mine accompanied with some spicy bbq sauce (because come on, what does that NOT go with?!) and the fresh cheese and arugula were so perfect along with the crunchy bread. I have to say though that his was better (so i helped myself to more than a few bites ;-)...while he wasn't looking of course). The eggplant and m. bel paese made the sandwhich and next time I will definitely include that on mine. (Thinking I'll go for the Romeo with added eggplant....or like one of the other gazillion options.)
In short:
Fresh meats
Fresh cheese
Fresh accompaniments that they really don't mind adding or subtracting for you (just as long as you dont take forever doing it)
Cash only
Come hungry, leave really really happy (and full)
Yum -
Review from Ira M.
8/18/2011
Good sandwich, but didn't really live up to the hype or price ($13.00). I came late on a Saturday afternoon so there fortunately was no line. I wouldn't wait in one for this sandwich. I had the Michelangelo (prosciutto, provolone cheese, hot peppers and arugula).
-
Review from Billy D.
New York, NY
6/7/2011
First off, this is the BEST Italian sandwich shop in NYC. Hands down! These guys have the best Italian meats and cheeses and amazing breads!
Now that we have that settled, there's just 2 things you need to know before you walk into this little storefront:
1. it's all take-out (except if they have the little table with the 2 chairs out front) and
2.ORDER OFF THE MENU! Read the menu first, don't start asking questions like if they have tomatoes or basil (they don't). Just read the friggin' menu and order a sandwich off of it.
Otherwise, you might find yourself looking for another sandwich shop. And that would be a shame, because you've gotta taste the sandwiches here! -
Review from Teresa C.
11/23/2010
Not as Great as I thought it'd be. This was on The 101 Best Sandwiches in New York ranked #8. So I ordered the Mona Lisa (fresh mozzarella, artichokes, caponata of eggplant, m bel paese) as the name reminded me of the famous painting.
CONS:
- Mona Lisa sandwich was oily
- didn't really like the sour vegetable in the sandwich (must have been the artichokes) I have never had artichokes before and I think the sandwich ruined my first experience of it.
- the sandwich was cold
- expensive ($11 something with tax)
PROS:
- liked the Mozzarella cheese
- sandwich was pretty big
- interesting names for the sandwiches -
Review from Ashley G.
New York, NY
11/14/2008
I had the valentino: artichokes, smoke mozz, peppers and arugula on whole wheat. YUMMERS. Ridiculously huge for 10 bucks. I ate it for lunch and dinner. It was just as good 6 hours later.
Cute Italian man made my sandwich and we chatted about soap operas as I waited. I went at 11:30 and was there with one other customer. The only thing that soured my experience were the little signs posted (which I did not take to be funny) saying things like: "Don't ask me what my favorite sandwich is." Obnoxious!
I will still go back and get more yummy sandwiches and maybe ask them which one is their fav. - just to be a jerk, you know? -
Review from Josh R.
Astoria, NY
1/29/2008
The more I like a place, the harder it is for me to review it. It's like when a really beautiful woman wants to flirt with me: I turn into a dear in the headlights, my brain shuts off, and I repeat some syllable over and over and over and over.
So yeah, that's how I feel about this place. It's like a beautiful woman flirting with you. And she has tasty sandwiches.Listed in: Best Sandwiches In The World
-
Review from Barrett S.
New York, NY
9/13/2009
Alidoro is a Temple to the Sandwich. The owners are the Benedictine monks of sandwichery. Most sandwiches have just three or four ingredients but those ingredients are chosen and put together with the same skill and attention that the monastic scribes gave to their illuminated manuscripts. My recommendation is the Matthew (prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, dressing). Add the fresh tomatoes and semolina bread. It'll take you straight to heaven.
Oh, and yes, this place is seemingly expensive. The one described above is close to $14. But it's HUGE and if you go with a friend you can easily split one. -
Review from Frances R.
Manhattan, NY
8/5/2011
Like I died went to sandwich heaven. Stumbled upon this place while doing some sightseeing in SoHo, and I'm so glad we did! A lovely couple was sitting outside devouring their sandwiches, so we thought we'd give it a try. They were kind enough to warn us about the sandwich nazi vibe, so we made sure we knew what we wanted before we went inside.
The place smelled amazing, and sure enough, the BEST SANDWICH EVER (I had the Matthew on focaccia, and hubby had Lucia - yum)! I can't wait to go back and try more of their sandwiches. -
Review from BB C.
Jersey City, NJ
9/14/2011
This may be the very best sandwich shop. Amazing combinations of your favorite Italian delicacies. Sandwich portions are large (unless you get the focaccia bread) and the sandwiches start at $10.00 and can be more depending on if you add extras or different bread. This is the rare time when paying a premium price is worth it as the quality of the sandwich is always impeccable. Cash only and be prepared for an attitude (think the Soup Nazi in Seinfeld). If the line was shorter, they accepted credit cards, were nicer, and the sandwiches a little less expensive (why charge for different types of bread?) Alidoro would get 5 stars, as the quality is definately 5 star.
-
Review from Alli J.
6/20/2008
Alidoro is by far my favorite lunch spot in Soho. The sandwiches are perfectly composed of the best Italian ingredients. The meats are sliced to order, the fresh mozzarella is buttery and moist, breads are always fresh (they are from Granddaisy Bakery I believe), great dressings, fresh peppery arugula - I could go on and on.
If you're a bit of a mish mosh person, I recommend the Pinocchio. It has prosciutto, soppressatta, fresh mozzarella, sweet peppers and olive tapenade. AMAZING.
I know that they can be total jerks sometimes (yes bitchy lady, I'm talking to you) but it's worth it. I also love the semi-rude little cut outs all over that say, "DON'T ASK ME MY FAVORITE SANDWICH" or "READ BEFORE YOU ORDER." Stupid little quirks like that always do it for me for some reason.
Anyway, great sandwiches - they're huge and filling and can definitely be shared. I would opt for the fancy breads (you only live once) and make sure you figure out what sandwich you want before you get up to the counter or you'll feel like a total dipshit.
Oh and it's closed on Sunday, cash only and what's up with the no-more-candy-bowl situation?Listed in: Yummzies
-
Review from Nilu r.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2009
Sweet baby cheezus! The sandwich was like a baseball bat! If you dont share it with someone you could be eating this sandwich for two days!
I was flabbergasted by how good the sandwiches are and the sheer size of them...
I liked the mean lady, I think she is the reason that they are lightning fast! I wish we had something like this in San Francisco. Although our best sandwich place in SF (what's up Ikes!!!) has comparably fabulous though different style sandwiches, the hippies in California don't move as fast as New Yorkers...
and now onto the gym to burn off the 10,000 calories I ingested during my weekend in New York.
