An Italian sandwich shop where authenticity is key and where emphasis is placed on the traditionally baked Spianata flat bread.

The Venue
Spianata is sandwiched (excuse the pun!) between Old Spitalfields Market and Brushfield Street, with two entrances to the shop and outdoor seating on both sides. Inside, Spianata is laid out like your average coffee shop, with a service counter placed opposite a chilled cabinet filled with a wide range of pre-prepared sandwiches, salads and snacks. On the walls the traditional Mediterranean colours of yellow, white and blue are used in a ceramic mural that depicts women baking the bread that this shop prides itself upon. This Mediterranean theme is continued in the yellow and blue colour scheme used for the furniture and decor, both indoors and outside.

The Atmosphere
Whistling and singing along to traditional music on the stereo, the Italian staff add a certain authenticity to Spianata, and as they take your order they are quick, efficient and friendly - although service is not provided. The shop seems to be a stop-in for busy people rather than a place to come and relax, and it’s bustling with activity and customers, especially during the lunchtime rush.

The Food
Spianata is boastful of its ‘secret formula’ Romana flat bread, which is crisp, floury and light, and used to make a variety of pre-prepared sandwiches that can be eaten as they are or heated up for an extra charge. Eating in, sandwiches vary in price from £3.25 right up to £4.99 and are created using authentic Italian flavours and ingredients. They range from simple and classic recipes – the caprese with mozzarella, tomato and basil - to upmarket combinations of flavour such as the speck and taleggio sandwich or the prosciutto and carciofini sandwich with Parma ham, artichoke hearts and parmesan. The pollo alla cacciatora (£3.95) is a smooth blend of chicken with Mediterranean flavours of red pepper tapenade, black olives and sundried tomatoes.

Customers can also enjoy the soup of the day with their Spianata bread, or they can choose from pre-prepared salads and pasta dishes, such as the lasagne (£6) or the insalata tonno and fagioli, a healthy salad with heaps of kidney beans, tuna and salad leaves. Tiramusu is also available to satisfy that sweet tooth.

The Drink
The fresh coffee is smooth, bitter and packs a punch, and can be ordered to drink in or take out, with cappuccino (£4.95), latte (£4.95) and espresso (£1.30) all on the menu. A variety of soft drinks are also available from the chilled counter.

The Last Word
Spianata is a worthy rival to many of the cafe chains that litter the City, and has a little more to offer than just your standard sandwich in its refreshing combination of delicious flat bread with traditional and authentic Italian flavours.

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