This place is the epitome of hole in the wall, mom and pop bihness. One of the last OG businesses in union market. authentic italian groceries and in the back is the SAMMICH section. this place gets packed from the sandwiches alone. you cant go wrong with whatever meat you choose. they got cheese that you dont see in your average grocery store (giant, safeway wegmans etc) i dont even know how to pronounce some of them, its too legit to quit. read more

The atmosphere here is great, what's not to love about an Italian grocery store? Shop while you wait for a sandwich or just pick up something to prepare at home. The deli offerings are good on the menu, but we were a bit disappointed in the execution and the upcharging. We ordered a build your own sandwich and the classic. The BYO doesn't look too impressive in the photo, but it was the more enjoyable of the two. The only thing I'd recommend to improve it is maybe draining the relish a little before adding it to the sandwich. The bread is very soft and soaked up the liquid very quickly making the first few bites incredibly soggy. I would've added more ingredients to it, but they were so expensive for things I normally would get on a sandwich (like cucumber). I probably would've gotten the sandwich heated, but it was 75 cents for it to be pressed. The classic is one of their offerings that offers no substitutions. We ended up removing the tomato (unfortunately all the Italian seasoning was on it) and enjoyed the first few bites of the sandwich, but the onion and jalapeño dominated and eventually overpowered the sandwich. The spice was nice and the sandwich probably would've been better with just a bit less of those ingredients. I probably wouldn't seek out a sandwich from this place in the future, but also wouldn't actively avoid it if I was in Union Market and wanted a bite to eat. read more

A Litteri - Classic Italian sub and build your own Turkey - Specialty Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Pretty damn good. Almost as good as the old Italian Sammy places I've been to in New England Even though I've been in DC for over 16 years I've never heard of this place until a few months ago and since then it's been on my bucket list of places to try From the outside it looks like it should be abandoned but once you open the door it looks like a cute old grocery store with a deli in the back to order your sandwiches How it works to order the sandwich: You go to the counter and get a slip and a pencil then you check off what you want. I ended up getting a cold Italian sub 9 in hard roll with mortadella and capicola. I picked some of the vegetables I wanted and actually before I even got to the counter one of the counter staff came and asked me what I was getting and inform me that they didn't have any of the soft rolls which I originally selected. So I had to switch to a hard roll wah wah anyway the sandwich was very good quite filling and tasty. I would have preferred it to be on a soft roll but the hard rule was actually quite good I also did get two of their desserts They have a pistachio layer cake which was excellent They also sell cannolis. Only one variety which I did get and I thought it was mediocre The filling was not very dense or good I did get a jar of pickled hot peppers which I haven't tried yet. I'll give them to my mother to sit her stomach on fire lol Parking in this area is extremely tight I came on a Sunday afternoon and it seems like everybody and their mother was here but I end up finding parking just a block and a half away. The nice thing about Northeast is the parking is usually not so bad. Maybe it's becoming more popular and parking is getting a little bit more tough? I don't know but at least it's still free. Anyway the ambiance is nice. If you like wine you'll definitely love this place They have lots of variety and imports which are good. I might try one of their limoncello's at some point if I want to make a mixed drink. They also have some very nice vermouths so I might pick up a bottle of those later Price is a bit high but it's to be expected given that it is a specialty grocery store with a lot of imported products. That being said in this economy I'm not sure I would be in a rush to come here on a weekly basis. It's definitely one to try when you're in the area or just have a special itch you want to scratch After all is done you go to the counter and pay up front They do take credit card they charge for bags. They do not charge for boxes. Every one of the staff members I met was very nice and friendly Liked it definitely will come back! read more

Takeout small sharp provolone and smoked turkey with lettuce tomato red onion and hot peppers and spices and oil and vinegar and salt and pepper. It was good. Bread ok. Looking for an outstanding sandwich/sub in the area. read more

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Can't beat the price for a sandwich and you can get it hot pressed! Order online or fill in order form in store. The decor is a mix of local and Italian. The cheeses and cured meats are great, as well as the wine and pantry essentials. read more

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

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The hype is real! I got a simple smoke turkey, smoked Gouda, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar Sandwhich on a soft roll and it was amazing! And love that it's also a little Italian market with food products and wine! Everyone was friendly!! I arrived at opening this Monday (11:05am) and there was already 4 people in the deli line at the back of the store. You grab a sheet and a pencil, and pick what you want and how you want it, and then hand it to them at the back counter and then they call your name and you pay at the front. The turkey sandwich I created was so simple yet so fresh and good quality ingredients. My partner got the chicken parm sandwhich and didn't love it, so I think we'll have to try a few sandwiches before we give it 5 stars. The staff were friendly. Love that! I am a fan! read more

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

Make sure you come 15 min or prior for them to make you a sub or you won't get one. Staff was rude too.

Well I just RUSHED here to get a sub to find out they stop serving subs at 5:45. We came at 5:51. A sign or notice would have been great! Super bummed. read more

Interesting, unassuming spot, that provides more than expected when you first see the spot in the outside. The Italian maker and deli reminds me of the Italian spots I'd frequent in Rhode Isnd, which has a large Italian population. Loved that they sell wine. The staff seem pretty friendly. We walked in and walked to the back of the store to order. My girl got a custom smoked turkey and smoked Gouda sandwich with a soft roll. We loved that. I got chicken parm. Didnt love so I may give 5 stars after trying a few other sandwiches. We shall see! read more

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

A non descript Italian specialty grocery store with one of the best sub sandwiches made fresh in the back of the store. I think for the things you can only get here and are Italian imports this is the place to be, and the sandwich omg its so good, and very good value. For beginners they have a recommended sandwich, but you can also build your own. You take a sheet of paper and build your order from there with a pencil. I've also gotten a sparkling coffee here and that was so good. read more

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What's not to love about this place! Literally best Italian hoagie I've ever had in my life. Ratio of everything on the sandwich was perfect and meat/ cheese was cut at the perfect thinness. You can go and pick your sub and then there is an array of things you can put on it as well. My friend got the antipasto salad and god it look so good. The half sand which is such a great price and the perfect amount for lunch. read more

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After seeing all the hype on social media about this place I can safely tell you ITS all true.. it's amazing, employees were awesome and the sub was delicious I will be back for the Gyro read more

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

The chicken parm sub was good, but honestly nothing special for how hyped it is. The vibes of the store are nice though!

Stopped by during a busy work day and was so pleasantly surprised! Ordered online and it was there when I arrived. The sandwich counter is at the back of the cutest Italian grocery. I got the plain Italian sub - which was only $6.99 - and it was great. Next time I think I may customize a little but this is truly such a good deal and you can taste how fresh the ingredients are. Topped it off with a 99 cent can of Diet Coke and sat outside. Delightful! Will be coming back! read more

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

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Excellent sandwich and service! While waiting for my order I was able to look around, ended up buying two bottles of wine and ravioli! read more

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

Nice little Italian deli near Union Market. Large selection of pastas, sauces (gravy) and much much more. In the back, a deli counter for fresh cut meats, cheeses, etc. We picked up one of their special hero sandwiches and found it very tasty and well worth the wait. Reminded me of the Italian delis back home in New Jersey, or Arthur St. In the Bronx. read more

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This is a cute little shop where you can grab stuff to make your own pasta or choose from ones already made to take home and prepare. They also have a sandwhich shop in the back. Loved the italian sub from here. read more

This place is the real deal when it comes to your neighborhood delicatessen!! I haven't been to a place as genuine since I was living in NY...subs were top-notch, as well as the fresh mozzarella. And I'll HIGHLY recommend the provolone-stuffed olives. read more

Easily one of the best sandwich, places in the DC area. If you're not careful, you may walk right by the rather dilapidated looking entrance. This is like Italian TARDIS: unassuming on the outside, but so much bigger and full of amazing and delightful surprises on the inside. Head straight to the back for the sandwich counter, where you can order an array of classic deli sandwiches, as well as Italian favorites, alongside cakes and desserts, a beautiful cheesecake, a wide selection of deli meats, and antipasti. While you wait for your sandwich, be sure to take time to look at every aisle in the store because I am sure you will find something amazing and delicious to take home. They have an incredible wine and Amari selection, as well as the most impressive array of Italian food stuffs anywhere in the area. If you're a sandwich lover, this place is a must. If you love everything Italian, also a must. read more

Love this hidden gem! I've been looking for a decent sandwich spot for a while since I've moved to DC from NY where there are sandwich spots on every block lol. I love that this place is a wine store along with a stylish Italian stock of goods!! They have an extensive list of meats and cheeses to make your sandwich the way you want it.. You'll have to fill out a chart that has all of your option on it. Doesn't take too long and poof sandwich ready! Grab a beverage or something strong and enjoy ya day!!! read more

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Parking can be tedious. The outside and inside are quite antiquated and old DC market style. I actually go more for the shelved products rather than the subs. Searching through the wines requires reading labels and such because most will be unfamiliar but fun. The jarred olives, peppers, the tomatoes and sauces are all fine, but I don't remember seeing Sons of Italy. But I been getting old. The Italian style cold cut subs are good for the area but there are slightly better sub places now. Used to go here often but transportation issues are a problem. Service is great, fantastic but the ambiance is what ended the old Union Market. This part should be up for gentrified development soon. So, enjoy before it's too late. read more

This is such a cute deli. With great pasta, sauce, italian meats, and wine options. I went to build my own sandwich. It was a packed house but thw service was great and I was in and out fairly quickly. My sandwich was amazing and I also got anpiece of candy called pocket coffee which was so good! Cant wait to go back read more

Nice spot in Union market. I feel like you wouldn't notice it unless you go to the market often any way the staff was really helpful especially when I told them it was my first time . One of the guys at the deli counter help me pick out my sandwich . I got a classic with peppers . The menu was nice and affordable . The exterior is noticeable if your looking around and the inside it that of a small super market with friendly staff . I'd recommend if you like Italian . read more

We were surprised this place offered a variety of Italian delicacies from some regions. It is located in a small space. A vast offerings of wines fron table wine designation to DOCG. There are a myriad of options of fresh, dry, and egg based pastas. The deli part was the most popular with the usual cheeses and meats. read more

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

This gem is nestled between some of the warehouses and wholesale stores near union market...I had NO IDEA I was in for such a treat! You go all the way to the back to find the deli...that was literally the best Italian sub I have ever had! 10/10 highly recommend! read more

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Saw this spot trending on Instagram so I had to give it a try. It was packed in there but the orders come out fairly quickly. I had the Italian sub. The sandwich was ok I hate to admit that I have had better. This is the oldest deli in washing DC and I so wanted to love it. The e bread was definitely the star of the show. I am going to give them another more try. read more

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AMAZING spot for a classic deli sandwich! Everything tastes so fresh and it's simply delicious! The deli is located in the Italian market so check it out for a sandwich and cooking essentials! A bit of a wait but time flew by looking around the market, going around and checking out other stores in the area, and Union market! read more

Gear up and head over to A Litteri in Washington, DC. Arrive early to snag a parking spot before the parking wars commence. Once you survive the lunchtime stampede between 11 AM and 12 PM, grab a paper and pencil to jot down all the scrumptious, fresh goodies you're about to encounter. This delightful store will whisk you away to a little corner of Italy, right in the big city. Everything is made fresh - from mouthwatering subs to delectable pastas and more. It's a culinary adventure you absolutely have to experience at least once in your life! read more

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Called in a pre-order. Something was up with their system and they hadn't started my order yet. No problem, their sandwiches are pretty much ALWAYS worth the wait. They must have had a new person in the kitchen, 'cause when I got home with my the beloved sausage sandwich it was just, well, meh, as was my wife's order, a usually crispy eggplant parmesan sandwich which was soft and soggy. All this is very surprising since we have never (ever) had a meh sandwich from Litteri's before (as we get food from there as often as we can). The sausage was cooked through but kinda rubbery. Also lacked the regular portion of fried onions and peppers... Bottom line, a mediocre experience. However, I still love this place and you should too. 99% of the time excellent. Go there! read more

The food is excellent! The Rueben sandwiches could have definitely had more meat but the taste was on point. A little pricey but worth it. They also sell wine, cheese, frozen pizza and all things Italian. Love the atmosphere and the people are very friendly read more

Cute little Italian deli with professional service and a laid-back vibe. It's definitely a hole in the wall, but there is some parking nearby and it's in a new, industrial area that's being revitalised (half a block from union market). It's a small grocery store with wine, beer, and other alcohol in the front half of the store. They also sell olive oil, fresh bread, pickled vegetables, pasta sauce, dried pasta, fresh pasta, and frozen, ready to heat meals. They also have a small deli section in the back with a robust and small section of Italian cheese and Italian cured meats like salame, guanciale, prosciutto, speck, and culatello. If you want to make some spaghetti, Cacio e pepe, or a carbonara, this is a great spot to hit. They also make sandwiches too in their deli section. You need to fill out a piece of paper with your sandwich selection including size, meats, vegetables, and toppings. I got their classic Italian sub which was a huge portion at 12 inches and it was chock full of quality meats and seasonings. Can't wait to return before my trip ends and it's definitely a spot to visit for a quick lunch or for your Italian grocery shopping. read more

Super small and hard to move around in, especially when packed. Guy in the wine section is helpful. I remember a rude cashier the last time I was there so I was pleasantly surprised she was not there this time. If there were more home baked goods, I'd have given five stars. Overall, quaint little Italian market. read more

Nostalgia is what brought me into A Litteri one afternoon as I was in the area for some work stuff. And I was hungry, needed lunch and was also thinking about the evolution of the union market area. So I thought let me see if they are still there. I was pleasantly surprised to see the shop still standing. I went inside and wandered a bit before heading towards the back to order a sandwich. This deli/store is such a gem and is fully stocked with Italian foods, Ingredients, wine, fresh meats & cheeses. The space is small but very clean and well organized. I approached the counter filled out the form to order my classic sausage and peppers with provolone on 6", cut in half. I could hardly wait to get home. Everything about this place is exactly what I remember from years ago when I lived closer and visited often. The food is fresh and delicious and the owners/staff are welcoming and friendly. read more

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Delicious hoagies in DC. Classic place that has wine and classic Italian grocery items while you wait for your sandwich.

Horrible service under new management. Walked in 1 minute late after going to see my orthopedic surgeon. By one minute late I mean 5:46 for a store that closes at 6pm. Bring back the old management. Signed a union marker resident. read more

This place is all about the Italian deli feel. They make amazing hoagies (if you're not getting fresh mozzarella there's something wrong with you, it's delicious). It gets busy at lunch but you can order ahead read more

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

This place is awesome. It's hidden in among all the new fancy stuff in Union Market but if you visit you'll see why it's persisted. They have everything from wine, to olives, frozen pasta to chocolate to a deli in the back which makes to order sandwiches as well as deli meats, salads, etc. whether you need a meal or "real" ingredients this is the spot to pick them up. Just remember to check their hours before you go read more

The thing I usually get from here are the sandwiches which by the way, I absolutely amazing you're welcome to the counter you get your paper on your pencil and you fill out the kind of sandwich that you want with all the toppings and everything turn your slip into the counter and may call you when sandwiches ready to be home read more

Not what it once was. Makes me sad! My husband and I have lived in DC for 10 and 8 years, respectively. We used to frequent this spot from about 2016-2020 when we lived in the area. Our go-to was the Italian sub on a soft roll. The meat portions were generous, the sandwich flavorful, and the bread super soft, perfect for absorbing the oil/vinegar and juices. Now it's 2023 and everything in the world has changed, mostly for the worse, including A. Litteri's Italian. It's not bad--it's just nothing special like it once was. Very little flavor, very stingy with the cold cuts, and the bread--not soft!! Bummed because this place was/is legendary. Que sera, sera. On a positive note: The wine selection is still plentiful and unique. read more

This is a hidden secret on a side street of Union Market. The minute you walk in, you're transported to what would be a small market in an Italian village. Through the heaps of wine and canned foods, you arrive at the hidden deli which has the freshest and most savory sandwiches you will find. Food 4.5/5 - I usually get the Italian Sandwich and ordered ahead this time via online. It came out just as good as ordering in person. Service 4/5 - The online process is fine but they will overestimate the time you need for your sandwich to be ready. Overall, the service is fine. Cleanliness 4/5 - The place is trying to follow the Covid protocols they can to limit the # of people indoors. Then again, it can get a bit crowded inside. Ambiance 5/5 - So authentic and if it weren't for Covid, I would spend more time perusing the aisles for some goodies to buy. read more

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