I'm giving 4 stars purely for the sandwich. Their Italian Classic is among the better sandwiches in the city (note, not THE best, but among them). The location of the place is 1 star. It's located right within the wholesale warehouses by Union Market, which isn't the most pleasant area in the world. The whole area smells like an evil combination of urine and trash. If you're lucky, you'll get there between fish deliveries to the place next door, which adds a whole other aroma of its own. The store portion is cool, I guess. They have a ton of product, but most of it seems like stuff you can get at any grocery store (Cento, Lidia's marinara, etc). Mom sure if you have enough time to browse, and the store isn't too busy, you could probably find some unique things. read more

Great sandwich, full of flavor, but the roll was too hard!! Very interesting store in an even more interesting location. I'm originally from Philly so I can appreciate the flavors. The bread just needs to be a little bit softer. Overall, the sandwich and service was great!! I ordered the Italian Classic, really good. read more

My favorite Italian store in the Washington, DC area. Very authentic as I come from North Jersey. Wonderful selection of Italian Food and Wine and their subs, made to order, are fabulous! read more

I'm so glad A Litteri exists. They probably sell close to 100 different kinds of pasta shapes and noodles, I've never seen so many varieties of dried pasta in one place ANYWHERE. They also sell a great selection of frozen pastas- don't overlook the freezer cases on the way to the deli counter! My favorites are the cheese stuffed shells (recommended by one of their employees) and the various stuffed raviolis. They also sell pizza dough, cheeses, a large variety of sauces and oils, and wine. They do have pre-made sandwiches and other to go items in the cold cases by the checkout counters if you don't feel like waiting for a sandwich to be made for you. The sandwiches are delicious of course, and my favorite is the classic Italian which can be made on a hard or soft roll depending on which size you get. Long live Litterri's! read more

Great place to pick up good Italian food. Been coming here for many years. Stephanie, James my NYC buddy and all the rest of staff friendly and helpful. Highly recommend you come and shop. read more

Been coming here since I was in my mommie's tummy. My Sicilian grandfather started in the 20s.My dad told me they used to have dirt floors in in old days and Imam 66 yrs. old. Best sausage ever, and the Catania bakery bread is the real thing. That's what makes their subs the greatest. This place is an institution in my family. Phil T. read more

Great store with quality Italian products. It's always a quick stop for me before heading over to Union Market. I found some presents for the holidays cookies, balsamic vinegar etc. I think the sandwiches are really popular there. I like to shop for olive oil, vinegar and pasta there. read more

THE BEST... tried the classic this is Like ol school New York Deli, you know once you walk in you stepped into heaven underground... the

Sammiches! Look at the menu online to figure out what you want. The options are endless and you don't want to choke when you get there. Walk to the back. Get the order form from the counter. Fill it out and hand to the fella. No need to get a number unless you are getting something from the deli case. They will call your name when your bundle of italian meat love is ready. While you're waiting, check out the nearby dried pastas or bottles of peppers. I got sweet peppers, perfect to pile on my sammich. There's more to this place than the sammiches for sure, but I can't bring myself to linger once I get my order. Ample parking on the side street (6th?) next to the Subway. read more

YES! My new favorite sub shop. The sandwiches are simply delicious. Every bite you feel a bit sad because you know at one point you'll get to the end. After a full day of shopping and sight seeing, my friend enthusiastically suggested we grab sandwiches and a bottle of wine from this little Italian grocer/deli/wine shop. This was possibly one of the greatest suggestions my friend has made in the 20+ years I've known her. They have a section of great wines marked down. You can find a decent bottle and grab lunch for less than $12. Nice find! read more

Old school Italian market. Deli makes the best homemade sandwiches & soups. 3 types of prosciutto, good selection of deli cheeses; they also sell gelato and Sprecher pop!! Tons of authentic tomato sauces, pastas, olive oils, and wonderful wine selection. You will love this place, and if you don't, we can't be friends. read more

Absolutely one of the best subs I've had in DC! Although subs aren't nearly as bad as the pizza is here, I still hadn't had that authentic Italian taste until I tried A. Litteri! Got to the counter at lunch time and had to wait maybe 10 minutes for my sub. You only need half and it is enough to last for two meals. The staff is really nice and will help you if you need recommendations. While waiting for my sandwich, I roamed around and picked up a few bags of pasta in unique shapes that you normally can't find in the grocery store. It just makes cooking pasta a little more fun when you have a cool new shape :) Will definitely walk over here again! The pictures do a good job of showing what the storefront looks like. read more

I come from an area with an abundance of Italian shops and restaurants. I wasnt expecting much when I was invited to accompany a friend here. Litteri fits a lot of great stuff into a little shop. If you are a conossieur of of olive oils or red wine vinegar, this is the place. There are two full aisles of just these products. There is also a whole aisle of tomato sauces. The deli counter appeared to have good stuff, although I did not want to wait in line. It seemed like people had been waiting for at least a half hour for service. Lots of wine as well. Check it out read more

For basic Italian foodstuffs, A Litteri likely has no peer in DC. My friend bought jarred anchovies, pasta, and canned tuna other quality items that she thought were quality and less expensive than elsewhere. I didn't find the deli counter welcoming to the newcomer at all. I didn't find listing of sandwiches comprehensive or informative at all. (I went on a weekend.) I settled for a pre-made sandwich in the cold case that was meh. I saw a jar of Emeril pasta sauce on the shelves. That earns a one star demerit beyond the base of four stars. I haven't eaten the subs at Taylor's yet. Have been to An Italian store. I like the ones at A Deli out by World Gate in Herndon the best. Ambiance sucks here. If you need something Italian in a can or jar, this is the place to go in the DC area, no doubt. read more

Hidden gem I found on yelp. It's located in a very run down industrial location near Union Market. So glad I ventured in to find an old school Italian market. Fresh pastas, sauces, wines, & my fave delicious sandwich counter. Ordered a turkey and husband got the meatball. Inexpensive and delicious! Don't let the exterior scare you, go in for a great experience. read more

A Litteri - Specialty Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A Litteri has had a long-standing reputation for being one of DC's flagship Italian delis. We have been going here for years. We have been sending our friends and family here for years. I had high hopes for its recent change to new management, who expanded hours and keep the shop open on Sunday. After dinner tonight though, I am sadly disappointed. Really, I am sad for this place and DC's Italian food scene. The quality of the food has dropped significantly. Both the Chicken Parmesan and Italian Sausage & Peppers subs we ordered were the worst subs I have ever eaten - anywhere! The chicken was not that classic Parmesan-style preparation, rather just grilled chicken strips. No sauce, barely any cheese, and pressed on a panini press. Either there has been a total change of ingredients, or the new management is warping classic recipes for subpar recipes. Looks like both. I asked my wife if we actually went to A Litteri, or if these were subs from the now defunct Subway on the same block. Will not be returning. Not happy about it. read more

A Litteri - Dry chicken strips in the chicken Parm. - Specialty Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

This is probably my favorite place in dc, don't go here because I want to keep it to myself. This is a traditional style Italian market that offers the best selection of wines, meats and cheeses. Their immense selection of everything you want for an Italian smorgasbord is her, olive oil, balsamic, pastas, Italian bread and cookies and more. Their wine selection is award winning and ranges from about $4 to $180. But the real draw is their deli counter where you can order pre made subs or make your own sub. All the ingredients are fresh, the mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes are on another level. There is no better Italian south of NYC than a litteri read more

When I die, I hope this is what my heaven will look like! Words can not even come close to describing the wonderfulness that lies within these walls. Wine, homemade sauces, pastas, pizza crusts, a deli even a lowly vegetarian like me drools over.... I could honestly spend an entire day here (and it is tiny) and not get bored at all!! I would vote A. Litteri one of the top 5 places I would love to blow my entire paycheck at. However, maybe I should have just given it one star...so as to keep it all to myself..muwahhhaaahhhaaaaaa. read more

Great local place with great local flavor. (And "flavah"!) Meatball sub is perfect here. The selection of italian nibbles and takehome edibles is great. What a gem. This place is tiny and I love how full it is of everything I don't need but certainly want to stock my small pantry with. I love this place and try to go here whenever I'm home sick of work and pretending I'm home sick. read more

Went here for lunch today. It is a bit hard to find unless you know exactly where to go, but on a referral from a friend we were able to find it quite easily. The store is jam packed with wine, oils, vinegars, and other italian goodies. I got a classic italian on a hard roll and it was DELICIOUS. Since I've moved here from new jersey its been tough to find a good italian deli, let alone one that will serve a an italian hoagie on a hard roll, but I think I've finally found my spot! The people inside were also super nice and qutie helpful. I'll definitely be going back! :-) read more

Such a rare find & hidden gem of a (somewhat) lacking scene of Italian deli/specialty grocery in DMV. I feel as if I walk into an Italian shop in NYC!! A large selection of olive oil, olive, wine, vinegar, herb & spice, pasta, sauce, meat, cheese...etc. And a sandwich is a fantastic! My prosciutto & pastrami with provolone is packed with meat & cheese and it tastes delicious! I really like the dressing and oil they put on my sandwich.....so tasty. The price is very reasonable. You get a 9" sandwich stuffed with real meat for $5.95.... can't beat that deal. The only negative side is their opening hours. I wish they open 7 days a week until late night, but I'm happy just the way things are. read more

A Litteri - A huge selection of Italian ingredients! - Specialty Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I'm a local and I live few blocks away and have been going to A Litteri for years. Mostly just putting up this review to remind them to wipe down the hand baskets when shoppers are done in this COVID-19 world. I was just in, and a staff member simply put my used basket back without wiping/sanitizing it. Would hate for this gem to be the cause of an outbreak. read more

You walk up to this place to see the extremities and you're very likely to become doubtful of this place. Don't let the cover of this fine book fool you! As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a delicious deli aroma and as you wander through the hundreds of wine and olive oil bottles, it's as if you've been transported to a small shop in Italy. Their deli meats are too notch and they go for a good price too! Serves amazing subs as well! read more

I think of Litteri's often even though I now live in a Chicago suburb (moved away a year ago). This is THE place I miss the MOST out of anything in DC. I used to live just a few blocks from Litteri's and I wanted to write a review here. Simply the BEST. Their subs are the best anywhere, way better than Subway's subs. Very filling with lots of meat, while at Subway, they are very stingy with the deli on their subs, not so at Litteri's! Also love their selection of wines, pasta, Italian food, and many other things. I hope to move back again someday! Definitely miss this Italian place, always loved getting pasta there, deli there, and their awesome subs! MUST come back someday just for their delicious subs. :) Just thinking about this place often makes me hungry. That's how great they are. read more

The irony of this little italian market/subshop being next to a Subway was funny to me. Fresh soft bread, ur pick of meats and cheese. I'm a fan. read more

A Litteri - Capicola, smoked turkey, ham, swiss, and, provolone - Specialty Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

They are authentic "NYC deli" Had a real good Italian sandwich.. however I would go with the soft bread instead of the hard bread. Super bomb though! Hidden gem in DC for sandwiches read more

Best Italian I have had in a long while. Great little shop that not nearly enough people have had the chance to stumble into.

Hands down the best Italian shop near NoMa metro station! It's well worth the walk and the people are great!

Incredible Italian market. I regularly purchase cold cuts from here. The domestic prosciutto is very good if you don't want to spend $18/lb on the imported stuff. They know how to thick-cut pancetta and their hot sausage is the best in the city. It's the best selection of Cento-brand and similar items around, with an entire section devoted to different pastas ranging in size, shape, and price. They have a good selection of cheeses, precut and shredded in the cooler or in the case behind the deli. The people that work there are very friendly and know their food very well if you have any questions. Make sure you get a mini-canoli from the cooler by the registers near the front of the store. Perfect place to buy really good olive oil in bulk and the biggest selection of Italian wines in the city.Also, they have a good selection of wines for less than $5 a bottle if you are always on the hunt for that next great, cheap bottle. And, always be sure and buy a sandwich before you leave. There is a reason why there is usually a line of hungry-looking people who obviously went out of their way to get there. Be sure and check out some of the neighboring stores and markets, always interesting. read more

Mushroom ravioli was tasteless and marinara sauce salty....how sad! Litteri was great several years ago. Their pasta is made in Baltimore....not made by Litteri. Skip the drive to Litteri & buy frozen ravioli and marinara sauce at Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, or Wegmann's. Will never return! read more

Growing up in Philly I have a high standard of what a hoagie (sub) should be like. I must say definitely one of the best Italian hoagies I've had from anywhere. read more

We always have the Classic Italian sub. Easy to overlook this place, a real insider deli near Union Market. Nice people, great prices, and very good food! read more

THE BEST ITALIAN HOAGIE IN THE COUNTRY! I will miss this place so much when it finally closes. Simply the best of everything

Not what it was, but the name. No longer worth the drive in from VA. More of a lunch spot for guys in skinny jeans and the woke than the authentic Italian market we've gone to for 40yrs. That's fine, that's the new owners market for the gentrified area. The quality of the cold cuts has slipped. Selections slim. The sandwiches are now lean, no generous portions anymore, and while the fillings are less the price is definitely not. Same recipe for that great sausage, however it's packed so densely it now chews like round steak. I can't say I'll be running back soon. Nothing lasts forever. We lost a good friend here. read more

This place is an attraction venue for food, wine, and all things Italy! I am obsessed. Their sandwiches are TO DIE FOR! Skip Union Market, this is the place you should be going to. The wine selection is CRAZY... bottles from 3.99 to 300 dollars from every country out there. Go before they get the best of it, hope this stays... no matter how much change there is around. read more

The best. Period. End of story. Subway? Potbelly? Jimmy Johns? They don't stand a chance against Litteri's. I hope the ongoing business development in the area doesn't kick them out of their beloved "hole in the wall" storefront location. If it does.... I'll be sad for a long time. Maybe a little too long. read more

Been going there since forever and my fathers been going there since 81 or so. Simply the best.

I'm almost reticent to give Litteri such high marks as I don't want more throngs of people heading to this gem of a place. While the subs are phenomenal (you can read all kinds of fan letters about them in other reviews), I want to mention the selection of fresh and frozen italian deliciousness in the freezer (which you will pass on your way to the deli counter). They carry a local (B'more) brand that has the most out of this world lasagne I have had outside of a really good italian restaurant. Their selection of dried pastas has led me to try all kinds which has been really fun... and their olive oil selection is unrivaled. I hear the wine selection is wonderful (not a drinker, myself...). So, reluctant though I am to share this gem, I have to recommend it. It's wonderful! read more

This is a hidden treasure. I went there from a tip from a very reliable friend. This was exactly what he said it was. It is in a market district for wholesale distributors. The store is hidden and walking through it is difficult to negotiate because the store is packed to the brim with products. Everything that you can eat that is Italian is in this store. I have bought olives, olive oil, coffee, crackers, cookies, and hoagie/sub sandwiches at this store. The sandwiches are made fresh and to die for. They even have hot sandwiches. I have bought the Eggplant and Chicken Parmesan sandwiches. Everything is worth wild here. My name is Chris. read more

I can't believe this gem only has 4 reviews! This is the home of Old Italian Man Day (aka Saturdays before 3), the best damn sandwich one can get south of New York, 50+ different kinds of olive oil spanning from Spain to Italy to Greece, and one of the most knowledgable wine specialists (if you can catch him when he's there) ever. I begin with its location. Its a happy day since the New York Ave metro opened for several reasons. One is its proximity to Litteri's, which to me was only open by bus or begging a friend. Its stuck in the middle of the old cultural corridor around the corner from the old school DC farmer's market, in between various bulk ethnic restaurant suppliers. For some reason, a Subway is just down the way. The exterior is non-descript, but when you walk in, you are greeting by the most authentic Italian market you can find in DC (and the Italian Store doesn't count). This warehouse is stacked from floor to ceiling with gallon cans of stewed tomatoes, roasted red peppers, vodka sauces, olive oils, vinegars, wine, millions of varieties of pasta both dried and frozen, olives, tapenades, and everything in between. On your immediate left are loaves of freshly baked Italian breads, although you can get better elsewhere. Although the fridges are stocked with lasagnas, packaged cheese, and premade sandwiches, head straight to the back deli counter, where in a soup Nazi (only much nicer) kind of way, people line up with numbers and slips of paper. The numbers are for ordering cheese and deli meets to go. You can get fresh mozzarella here and every kind of Italian deli meat possible. The slips of paper are for the sandwiches. These hoagies, subs, be what they may, deserve their own paragraph. The papers are self explanatory. You choose a soft or hard roll. Always choose the hard roll. Never choose the soft. Trust me. Then you get your choice of two meats, two cheeses, free toppings, plus toppings you pay extra for, plus condiments. If you are a cheapskate, you can come away with an 8" sub stuffed with the basics happy for about $6.50. If you splurge, for an extra $1, you can have a truly remarkable sandwich. I usually do the pepperoni with pepperoncini (which is nothing like pepperoni, but is more like ham encrusted with peppercorns), fresh mozzarella plus one other hard cheese, banana peppers, spicy mustard, lettuce, tomato, roasted red peppers and/or marinated mushrooms (which are essential for proper moisture balance), italian dry herbs, and never opt for the vinegar and oil because it makes the bread too soggy. These guys do not hold back. You cannot possibly fit your mouth around the sandwich you get back because it is the size of your head. But somehow, you manage it. I can only eat half a sandwich, but the other half saves pretty. well. While you wait for your sandwich, you can shop or pick at the bits of deli meat they put on the counter for you to try. They'll call the orders out. Whatever you do, don't just mill in the area and block traffic. Maneuvering inside the store can be a challenge. The prices here are reasonable, although I somehow always spend at least $50-$75 here, usually more if the wine guy is there. Oh yea, the wine guy. I don't know his name. I met him just once. He doesn't try to sell you the most expensive bottle of wine. What he does explain is how the soils in particular regions influence the grape and he knows exactly where every single variety of wine is. You want wine from a particular region? Tell him the region, he'll find you a wine. I only know Spanish and Argentine wines really well ... I just told him which Spanish and Argentine wines I liked, and he found me comparable and interesting Italian equivalents. No bottle cost more than $15. This is also the one place where I've found olive oil worth $10-$15 for a small bottle. Why? Because this is not the mass exported stuff that Whole Foods gets. I like Whole Foods, but these guys find the great olive oil that comes from small producers. The nearly impossible to find stuff. I won't ding them for this, but seriously, their hours suck. Unless you work near there, the only time after typical work hours is on Saturday -- and they are only open until 3 so its a madhouse. Go early. Don't cry when the deli shuts exactly on time. read more