What isn't to love about this place? OMG! I hesitate to write this review, as I don't want it to become more popular than it already is. The food is cooked to order, fresh and absolutely amazingggg! And on top of that, you really cannot beat the price. Lots of options... Sandwiches, deli items, single slices, whole pizzas, Strombolis, and so much more. The staff is very dedicated, and never turns over. Unsure if the place is run solely by family, but I come here often enough that I always see the same staff. Additionally, they have fresh items to purchase, such as homemade pastas, lasagnas, garlic bread, etc. Onlyyyyyy downside I can think of is no seating! However if you're in the area, you really can't beat this place. Best pizza I've probably ever had! read more

While most folks gathered toilet paper to prepare for the pandemic, my family stuffed the freezer with items from Vace. I'm so glad we did. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat eater, you'll find a lot to love from this neighborhood favorite. Yum. read more

From other peoples reviews I was expecting to have a pizzagasim at Vace's; however, there was no sense of delight in my slice. The place itself is cute and has certain stock that cannot be found elsewhere, which I can certainly appreciate. In addition to pizza they had an extensive list of sandwiches that all seamed pretty tasty, but I was on a mission for pizza. We ordered a plain cheese pizza as well as a peperoni and prosciutto pizza, and then made the mistake of waiting for it. There is nowhere to sit and you are constantly being tempted by other Italian confections, so I would suggest ordering ahead of time for sure. After taking about 35 minuets just to make it, we were starving and couldn't wait to get it home. Sadly there was not much cheese on the pizza, and oddly enough the sauce was on top of the cheese. I found this intriguing, but then I realized that this layering process caused the crust and bottom layer of bread to severely dry out. It was a rock, or a weapon. I think I could have shanked someone with my leftover scraps. The thing is the taste of the pizza itself, minus the dryness was pretty nice because it was light and fresh tasting, most likely because of their use of quality ingredients. The fact that so many others have loved this place and their pizza makes me believe that maybe this was a fluke day for them, or maybe I should just stick to their sandwiches. It seems worth trying again, but I'm not going to be running back of there are other options. read more

I first heard about this place from 2 of my colleagues. haha. I had actually packed lunch for the first time all week and I wasn't too excited about it. Then one of my colleagues decided to buy lunch for all of us! My boss said, Vace pizza is "hands down the best pizza he's ever had." I was so intrigued that I decided to get in on this. Besides who can say no to free pizza? haha I certainly can't! I sat there working and patiently waiting for this so called best pizza ever. And even though it was hyped up, I was not disappointed! Certainly not the best pizza I've ever had, but it was pretty good. They picked up Sopresatta and mushrooms, plain, pepperoni, and sausage. I sampled the Sopresatta and mushrooms and the plain. Whats unique about this pizza is that the cheese is added before the tomato sauce. What a clever idea! Yum! Pizza was pretty thin all around and the crust was crisp. I prefer my crust soft but not too soft, somewhere in the middle. It didn't remind me of NY pizza but it def was one of the better pizza's I've had around MD. The Sopresatta and mushrooms was really good. It had garlic on it and it wasn't too greasy. The sauce was kinda sweet, tomato-y. The plain was pretty good too. Although I only ate 2 slices of pizza, I could definitely have eaten at least 5 slices because of the thinness of the pie. I def give this place a thumbs up and would like to try their subs next time around. read more

Cool little Italian specialty store. Meatball subs are quite serviceable, especially for the price. They aren't huge, they aren't gourmet, the roll isn't anything special, but ya know, it's a damn good meatball, and the sauce is pretty good too. Haven't had the pizza, but it looks like an old school NY slice, maybe with a bit of a crispier crust. Extra star because they have the olive oil that I've never seen anywhere except my favorite Italian specialty store in NY, Todaro Bros. on 2nd and 32nd. It's the big gold and silver wrapped ones. Really nice stuff. read more

A large pepperoni and mushroom pizza= mmm mmmm good. I am really hoping to try their large variety of frozen entrees- this is the kind of place that makes me wish I was Italian :) read more

Vace has delicious pizza. Also they have affordable prices and the folks who work there are very nice.

PIZZA: Spinach artichoke options. Sauce on top of cheese. THIN crust. But can't go wrong with $1.60/slice. Location offers additional "grocery" items. AKA: Nutella, sun-dried tomato dips, pine nuts, guacamole chips, fresh mozz, feta, wine, etc. VERDICT: You know you have me trapped. read more

I go here quite frequently for the ham and cheese on their homemade bread. Their pizza is unique and delicious as well. Do yourself a favor and have some marinated garlic mushroom as a side dish as well. The food is damn good and they have some good frozen meals that are easy to prepare and taste like homemade. read more

Can't argue have ordered plenty of times from Vace, one of the best pizzas I've had in Bethesda under $20. Writing this review makes me want to order one right now... read more

Best pizza I have had in the DC area. They even have alfajores and yerba mate. How can you go wrong. My only criticism is that I tried once to speak in spanish to some people that worked there (being from Paraguay, its nice sometime to communicate in your own language), and they talked back in English which is kind of weird. But service of products is good, pizza is good, and get a san pellegrino aranciata to go with the pizza and you are golden. Sopressata on the pizza is amazing. Veggies have always tasted fresh and full of flavor Size of the pizza itself is big, and filling. We eat pizza from Vace at least once every two weeks (the liquor store next door is a good place to pick up wine to go with the pizza). read more

I love Vace's. We just had a sundried tomato, nicoise olive and extra cheese pizza. They are light on sauce at Vace's so you get great taste without being overwhelmed with tomato flavor - I've been eating Vace's for years and I still love it. Their onion pizza and the empanadas are great too! read more

This was the worst pizza I've ever had. My order was wrong-no apology given. There's a total of two meatballs cut in half on the sub. The pizza was near inedible, threw it out after a few bites. It was covered in sauce. Little if any cheese. read more

This is a hidden gem --- I almost don't want to share! Haha! :) Come here for everything authentic Italian!

I have been coming to this place since I was a kid. I used to envy my neighbors who would order domino's regularly, while, once a month (or less) we would have to drive to pick up pizza from vace's. Now that I have grown up, I realize why my parents made the drive, instead. The pizza is wonderful (I think the white pizza with onions is the best of their selections). The fresh pastas are also wonderful and the feta is delicious. The subs are really cheap and top notch for the quality (get it on focaccia bread, instead of the normal sub bread). I really can't speak highly enough of this neighborhood establishment. The only ONLY downside, are the hours. read more

Vace's is the most authentic Italian grocer in the area, so naturally it's a place that people are always bustling in and out of. They also carry a few pick-up Lunch and Dinner options, which are always satisfying. Being an Italian myself, I've learned to rely here for some really good products. Pros: + They really have Italian food, with a lot of things imported from Italy. + A really solid drink selection including all the flavors of San Pellegrino. + The pizza is great, hot or cold. Nice and saucy. And it's still pretty cheap for how big they are! + Parking right outside the front door. + The meat selection is tasty and numerous. + Tasty Italian dessert foods. Cons: - Kind of a ratty looking store. They haven't done anything to update the pace, and it's not in the nicest location. - No seating (indoor or outdoor), but there is a little courtyard nearby. - Check your cans! I've had multiple instances where boxes and cans have their seals broken. All and all, the food is really good, so there's no way that I can complain about the presentation of everything. read more

Got two pizzas on a Friday night. the wait was 1hr 20 minutes but it is well worth it. Only allowing 6 customers in the store. Service was excellent on the phone and in person. Pizza is delicious !! read more

I LOVE this place! I work around the corner and love getting their foccacia sandwich for an easy lunch. The turkey, provolone, and hot pepper is my go-to! Their pizza is very unique since they put the sauce on top of the cheese, but is absolutely delicious! I have gotten some of the deli meats/cheese on to go and made panini's at home and they were great as well. For a local- Italian deli, Vace is my top pick! read more

Vace's food is great if you can get them to serve you any. I showed up more than an hour and a half before closing and was told no sandwiches. It was clear from the kitchen that the real issue was that the employees back there wanted to clean up and get out of dodge. I certainly don't blame someone for wanting to knock off but if these guys want to stay in business they should do something to improve their service. And it's a giant pain to park and make it into the place to boot. read more

Talk about authentic Italian, this little shop is it. So many delicious Italian treats and products, and the pizza is the best in town! Highly recommend taking a pie home. Toppings are always nice, but even the traditional plain cheese won't leave you disappointed! read more

This is a small place, but it's great. The staff are very friendly. You can order pizza on the phone and pick it up (don't make the mistake we made our first time and go in to order, you'll wait 20-30 minutes). They also sell other Italian goods like pasta, pesto, dough, etc. Very authentic. If you're looking for a good pizza or just some good ingredients for dinner, come here! read more

Not good. Not sure why everyone raves about this place. The pizza was gross and made us feel sick. Do not recommend.

Ooh yes, gimme some of that Vace pizza and pasta and sauce and sandwiches...the list goes on! After ordering pizza to go from here several times and also taking home the frozen pastas and sauces, this has definitely become the go-to Italian place for me when I'm not looking to dine-in. It's tucked away in a random place near old downtown Bethesda, but it's so worth it once you are inside. The meat tortellini (I had it after frozen for about a week) is incredible--great flavor and super fresh. Try it with their delicious, strong pesto sauce or the super creamy alfredo. The pasta and sauces all include heating and storage instructions which is nice, having encountered some that leave me clueless elsewhere. The pizza has a great thin crust and they have a bunch of different options, from white w/ ricotta (my favorite!) to red sauce (on top of the cheese!) with all the meats. Since there's no seating, I'd recommend Vace's for takeout or to make an easy dinner to please large groups. read more

Excellent pizza! They make pasta as well, and have some frozen food they also make (tortellini, gnocchi, stuffed shells, etc.). This is a carryout-only place. read more

I watched Godfather (the trilogy) as a teenager in high school. It was such a good movie. Stepping into this deli store is probably as close as I am going to get in experiencing where Robert De Niro's character worked at when he was young. The smells and aroma of the place are intoxicating. The pizzas are ok, not really a big pizza fan, so I am obliged not say if it was the best pizza i had ever tasted! The subs were the winner though. I was never big trying to stuff big hordes of meat into my mouth. But this is one instance where I could not get enough of the large salty meat. I tried using both hands and shoving as much of it into my mouth as possible, but to no avail, my gag reflexes are not what they used to be. The salty inner juices would end up running down the sides of my lips and onto my neck (how embarrassing as coworkers gazed in amazement). Once I had finished it off, and i could only savor what i just devoured by licking the salty juices off of my fingers, i knew i would be back to be pleasured once more! read more

It gives me no pleasure to write a negative review. Being new to the area I trusted the 200 reviews with an average 4-star rating to guide me to Vace for pizza. I ordered one cheese and one mushroom pizza. Their weak tomato sauce was ladled last over the cheese and mushrooms-- who makes pizza like that?! The mushrooms were canned-- again very weak. The bland cheese was both sparse and uncooked-- how did they expect it to melt when it's submerged under the sauce? In the end I had to agree with all the 1- and 2-star reviews. I'm perplexed by the large number of 4- and 5-star raves. (Perhaps I should have come here stoned with the munchies?) I am not a militant foodie or pizza snob. Just a regular guy looking for a decent slice. I tried Ledo's pizza, but their tomato sauce was so sweet it tasted more like ketchup and the cheese was uninspired and tasted like government bulk surplus. Sorry. My local friends swear by this chain, but I think it's simply a case of them growing up as children on this pizza and not knowing any better as adults. I also tried M&N's pizza-- the conical-roofed, round hut on Old Georgetown (beware-- Google maps is incorrect much to the dismay of their kind and friendly owner). Again, I was guided by the 150+ reviews with an average of 4.5 stars. With a heavy heart, I have to report that the veggie pizza and the cheese pizza were mediocre and under-baked. The tomato sauce and cheese were bland. On the bright side, I went to the under-rated, Pete's New Haven Style Apizza. Very nice pizza, good prices, very helpful staff and a good selection of draft beers on tap. Hint: they close at 10pm so if you're still dining, there's a good chance you'll get free cannolis since they can't serve them the next day. Yummy surprise! I recommend a dinner there-- nice outside patio seating too. My search continues. read more

I was overcharged by Postmates delivery. The billing process is very non-transparent. Beware.

This is a hidden gem in Bethesda. It is sort of tucked down a side street, very easy to miss if you are not looking for it. The market is stocked with things I hadn't seen since my time abroad in Barcelona/Rome a couple of years ago. Italian Sodas, Candy, Cooking ingredients, and other imported items. The pizza is great. Made with these imported ingredients and fresh mozzarella balls, the taste is authentic. The crust is nice is crispy on the bottom and soft on top. YumYumYum. Highly recommend it. (Their Cleveland Park location might be more quaint.) read more

Disappointing. The reviews for this little deli are excellent, and being new to the area my family was excited to go and pick up a good pizza. We ended up getting two cheese pizzas for four people, ordering more than thirty minutes before we showed up. When we arrived, the boxes were opened to reveal pepperoni pizzas. We are vegetarian at the moment, and so could not take the pepperoni home. The counter staff was uncertain how to proceed--make new pizzas or convince us to take the ones they had already made home--but they did not offer any kind of discount (they claimed they would need to clear that with the manager who was not around) and so agreed to remake the pizzas, charging us full price for an additional twenty minute wait. This was a shame, but we were still prepared to enjoy the pizzas. Unfortunately, when we pulled out our slices we found the crust not fully baked. We had pointed out the scantness of the cheese but were told that that the mozzarella was under the tomato sauce. When we bit in, we discovered this was not the case. There simply wasn't more than a few dabs of cheese on the pizza. So much for take-out! The family decided to go out to buy mozzarella and toppings and the supermarket and so our $9.00 pizzas entailed another $15.00 of correction. We rebaked the pizza in our oven at home, with mozzarella and olive oil, added mushrooms, peppers and some herbs. The additions revitalized the pizza somewhat but the crust could not be helped, and as my mother (who makes her own pizzas regularly) finally concluded, the dough may have lacked yeast--it was flat as a discus. The staff seemed nice enough but should have attempted to redress their fault when they filled the wrong order for us; it could have been a bad night, with the ordinary staff and the manager out, but we are unlikely to order pizza here again. 2 1/2 stars. (The deli is stocked with a lot of fine Italian imports). read more

I got a job in Bethesda right near Vace about 6 weeks ago and this is my favorite place to go on my lunch break!! The pizza is out of this world! It has a nice crusty bottom but it's soft and cheesy and saucy and wonderful on the top! The ingredients are so fresh. Getting a slice of pizza is such a good deal at lunch time. They also have so many other good things on their menu. All the subs are great and they have fresh mozzarella. Thursday through Sunday they have spinach stuffed foccacia and if you go around 11 am it is fresh and just coming out of the oven. I also love love love the meatball sub and the empanadas! I am really just a huge fan of this place overall. The frozen pastas and sauces have become a staple in my house. The people who work there now know me and they are all so friendly. I am SO glad I found this place! read more

After reading reviews we had a taste of white and red sauced pizzas. One with spinach and second with mushrooms. OK would be our opinion of these pizzas. Crust was average, sauce had little flavor and cheese was generic tasting. Nothing special about the toppings either. We also had their made to order cannoli which were very good. read more

Not sure why this place has so many devotees. It's just normal pizza, but at a normal price--which may be the reason for all the raves. (In Bethesda there is no shortage of overpriced, mediocre pizza.) Vace seems so legit since the pizza oven is at the back of an Italian grocery with its Italian sodas, tiramisu, and fresh pastas and cured meats. But the pizza is not Italian in any way. The subs are so-so as well. I liked Two Amys much more for pizza, and Taylor Gourmet is the place for subs. Vace's fresh pasta is just OK, the tiramisu is better than what I can make at home. read more

How did I not know about the place for the past year just escapes me! It's located in sort of a hidden alley with pizza, deli, pasta (freshly made!), and other specialty foods. My favorite pizza slice? The one with spinach.. but really, all are delicious! Fresh cheeses, freshly made pasta, pasta you can take home to re-heat up. Friendly staff. Everything is lovely about this place! Make sure you take a little detour and come here!!!! A little bit of parking out front, metro accessible. read more

I stopped by to say hello to my folks and they had just ordered a pizza from Vace so I gave it a try. I was definitely underwhelmed. The crust itself was a little sweet but didn't have any nice give to it. The sauce was nice, and probably the best part of the pizza. Definitely needed more cheese to give it some flavor. Spinach was definitely frozen and watery and the red peppers were lost in the whole thing. It wasn't horrible or anything, but definitely not good. The four of us that were there, not my brother who recommended it to my parents, were underwhelmed. I know pizza is subjective, but there is an option two blocks away that I much prefer. I've also gone in here from time to time when I needed things like lady fingers that can be hard to find or seasonal. Prices are high on that kind of thing but they have what you need. read more

Vace is my favorite deli, the pizza is wonderful as are all of their sauces. If you're inviting people over, you can't go wrong with one of their pizzas, pasta sauces or lasagna. It's more or less strictly take-out, though I have seen folks eat a pizza slice there, but it's uncomfortable. read more

Best pizza in town. Better than Amy's. Sorry I gotta say it. When I order a pizza, I want to eat more than the dough.

Oh Vace, I can't stay mad at you. With the delicious $10 large pizza with fresh tomatoes and spinach or the one with deli cut salami on a thin hand tossed crust. You've totally ran Pizza Hut down the street out of downtown Bethesda. I worship thee. read more

I really wanted this place to be good because it is so close to where I live. Me and my friends got some slices to go and they were very average. Maybe the pizza when ordered is better? Service seemed incompetent because other people that had ordered in had to wait at least 15 minutes infront of us and had to be asked numerous times what they ordered. I'll try it again and hopefully it will be better. read more

This place is great the Turkey sub is phenomenal and spinach pizza is mouth watering I will definitely be coming back

I grew up in Northern NJ and have had pizza from all over NJ and NYC, and this pizza is the real deal! Very authentic, the sauce is delicious and fresh and the crust has great flavor. I an happy to say I will be eating there frequently as I work around the corner! read more