Looking to satisfy your appetite for Italian fare?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Italian restaurants around Arlington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.
1. The Italian Store
Topping the list is The Italian Store, a family-owned Italian specialty shop and deli that's been operated by the Tramonte family for over 30 years. The North Arlington deli offers Italian subs and sandwiches, New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pie, and prepared entrées for takeout.
The store specializes in products sourced from Italy and Brooklyn, including pasta, cheese, meats and Italian wines. Located at 3123 Lee Highway, it is the highest rated budget-friendly Italian spot in Arlington, boasting four stars out of 862 reviews on Yelp.
2. A Deli
Next up is Pentagon City's A Deli, situated in a former Subway storefront at 1301 S. Joyce St. It prepares made-to-order hot and cold subs and sandwiches in the Italian tradition, with meats like pastrami, corned beef, mortadella and soppressata.
There are a few plated dishes, too, like spaghetti and meatballs, plus sides of potato salad, coleslaw and onion rings. A Deli also sells bottles of wine. With 4.5 stars out of 83 reviews on Yelp, it has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a cheap option.
3. Bozzelli's Italian Deli
Bozzelli's Italian Deli, located at 2600 Crystal Drive, Suite 1, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it four stars out of 218 reviews. The family-owned local mini-chain prepares a short menu of hand-tossed pizzas, subs, sides and desserts.
The subs, served on soft rolls, include the Metro Italian, which comes with ham, salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, arugula, sweet-hot peppers and vinaigrette. A vegan pizza is available, made with meatless meatballs, vegan sausage, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes and vegan mozzarella. It also sells beer and wine, for drinking in or taking with you.
4. Wiseguy Pizza
Next, Wiseguy Pizza in North Rosslyn is another inexpensive go-to, with four stars out of 170 Yelp reviews. This is a New York pizza experience, right down to the subway signs and other Big Apple symbolism on walls.
The crust is thin and foldable, the cheese a stretchy mozzarella. Recipes run from the classic, like the meatless Margherita, to the exotic, like the chicken tikka masala made with masala sauce, marinated chicken, cilantro and jalapeño sauce. Wiseguy does not deliver. Head over to 1735 N. Lynn St. to try it for yourself.
5. Espressamente illy
Finally, check out Espressamente illy, which has earned four stars out of 45 reviews on Yelp. This international chain cafe is known for its espresso, but it also serves a menu of sandwiches (like Caprese, salami and capicola, and chicken salad), pastries and Italian cookies.
Free Wi-Fi is available. It's located inside the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel at 2800 S. Potomac Ave. in Crystal City.
