Located on bustling Main Street in downtown Sarasota, Il Panificio has been a longtime favorite of mine. I've been an occasional customer since my first year (2000) at New College of Florida, located a pleasant biking distance from downtown. Just last month, when in town to enjoy the Sarasota Film Festival, I strolled down Main on the look-out for a food establishment that called my name. Il Panificio it was, drawn as I was by the delicious odors that met me on the street. Their specialities are square sandwiches, grilled (smashed) within a hot press when ordered and pizza slices. They offer other food-stuffs, but I can't comment on them from personal experience. They've got two coolers full of various beverages, including water from the mountains in Italy (I think - those trendy tall, glass bottles). Oh yes, I nearly forgot - they are a bakery - so be sure to consider stopping by when in pursuit of fresh bread.
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