A. Litteri

Review for sandwhiches only - have given this place multiple chances because the reviews swear this is “the best deli shop in DC.” Every single time it’s disappointing. They hardly put any meat on these sandwiches (see picture), like honestly Subway puts more meat than they do. They rarely follow the detailed instructions, have asked multiple times for extra hot peppers or things like Italian seasoning and they just don’t do it. Just overall scamp on ingredients to begin with, like 4 banana peppers? Seriously? Dont understand the hype. Sandwich pictures is 90% hard inedible bread.

A hidden gem for sure! The shop had a plethora of wine selection, along with a variety of pastas, sauces, and other Italian-related foods. My family and I particularly enjoyed the deli, however, and we enjoyed some very yummy subs. You order on a sheet that gives you options for a “build your own” sub or salad. The wait was a little long when we arrived (around 1-ish), but as it was lunchtime, the wait was warranted (and worth it!). If I’m ever in the area again, I’m definitely stopping for lunch! Delicious and Affordable!

No frills old school Italian market with a deli counter in the back? Say less - I'm in. This spot serves up the best Italian sub in DC, full stop. And there are plenty of other sandwich options and variations available. Just grab a pencil, fill out the order card, and boom - your sandwich appears wrapped in wax paper. Plenty of chips and drinks to choose on your way out, just before you pay the cashier. Only deduction is for literally no place to sit down. Very limited benches around that part of NoMa, so be prepared to eat on the run, sitting in your car or taking it to go.

Taste - 15/10. Literally the best sandwich I may have ever had Service - 5/10. Nice, but slow. There were only 2 people ahead of me at 5:30 pm and I waited almost 20 minutes. Would recommend ordering online. Last call for subs is 5:45 pm. Price - 6.99 for 6", 11.99 for 12". Outstanding value. Market has tons of pastas, picked peppers, desserts, cheeses, and meats. They said they were out of hot sausage when I was there, Definitely will be back.

The Italian sub was a great price under $7 and it was delicious. I got my bread toasted with Italian seasoning and a pretty much everything on it. It was very filling and a perfect lunch meal for me on the go. It was a bit of a wait but we’ll worth it a lot of people come here.

What a cool place! Great hard to find Italian specialities like I used to get back in Philadelphia! Also a super spot for unique liquors and an awesome wine collection.

This gem in #unionmarketdc has yet to blow up, but so many people know about this little secret of a #subshop #winestore and so much more! For $6.99 & $10.99 you can get a fully loaded sub or sandwich! And while I had no idea that day, I’ll definitely be back! 📍 @a.litteri in @unionmarketdc

Delicious subs and a fantastic selections of Italian groceries.

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.

Pretty good. This was my number one craving that motivated me to eat meat again. Crazy but I wish there was more meat (and maybe a little sauce component?). Had to pop over to Peregrine to get a cappuccino, this was basically our breakfast.

I ordered the meatball sub and threw a few extra toppings on the sandwich. My goodness was this place good. The meatballs were flavorful and tender. The bread was freshly baked and flaky. The toppings were all fresh as well. Best of all, the price was great. The service was outstanding. They were extremely nice and made the sandwich in a reasonable amount of time. The deli is located in the rear of the grocery store. They have so many good things to buy within the store. I highly recommend stopping by here if you are in the area.

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.

I've been wanting to go here for years--no joke. Someone told me how this was his favorite place in DC literally in 2021. So it's been a long time coming!! Finally, I went and I'm sad I didn't come earlier! This place is amazing. It is so unbelievably cool. You walk in and there's a red, white, and green door (Italian flag!). Instantly you'll see shelves upon shelves of wines from all over. There are snacks such as cookies, chips, and biscuits. There are oils, balsamic, red sauces... it's an Italian grocery store and deli which is just so fun. I feel like you don't get to see many of these. Of course I had to get a sub. They have a signature Italian sub and I got it on a 9 inch hard roll for $9.25. It was packed with meats, cheeses, oil, lettuce, spicy peppers, and tomatoes. If you're coming, definitely give it a try because it is so worth it. And $9.25 for a massive sub was totally awesome for pricing, especially as a college student who is just a little broke! I was so full after eating it too that I literally wasn't hungry enough for dinner. And it came out very quickly and the people making the sandwiches were nice. Heads up: you have to fill out a slip that has all the ingredients--you don't order at the counter verbally. In case it's your first time! I also bought some frozen ravioli and manicotti for later. And then of course cookies and orange wine (which can be really hard to find). I'd say everything was priced well and the aisles were wide enough and stocked with all sorts of goodies. All in all, great vibes. I'm so excited to come back soon and get another sandwich and some more snacks to try!

This place has been here for so long I think it used to be a shop in the woods until DC grew up to surround it. If you're looking for cheese, meats, oil, pasta, wine, or anything else that originates in Italy you're wasting your time to go anywhere else. There's at least 15 options of even the most obscure product you can think of. The shelves are stacked to the ceiling with everything you need to make an Italian meal through desserts. Their sandwiches are just as amazing as you'd expect, and a little more. This place is so good I'm actually willing to drive into the hellscape that Union Market has become.

I was at Union Market and heard of A Litteri and wanted to stop by for some dried pasta (the good stuff from Italy not the $2 box at Harris Teeter) I also ended up getting a hoagie - yes I'll never stop calling it that. It reminded me of home. These "subs" as you call it are standard back home in Philly. As a 4th generation Italian I can't rate it anything less than 5 stars. Keep doing the Lords work, A Litteri

I got the Italian on a hard roll for lunch and it was great! You write your order on a piece of paper and while they're making your sandwich you can browse the store. They have a great wine selection.

This deli is located in Union Market. Upon first walking in, it's like Italian heaven. It smells amazing. They have all the groceries you would need for Italian cuisine. As you maneuver to the back where you place your orders you see wines, pastas, sauces, cheeses etc. then you get to the part where you order your food. Everything is made fresh and they don't take long to make your food. They also provided samples. This will be my go to for my subs.

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!

Admittedly my 5 stars is based on a large dose of nostalgia, but nostalgia is a big part of the charm. This is one of the last pieces of DC's 'Little Italy', after all. I remember visiting some old-school Italian delis growing up and this takes me back. Great supply of hard-to-find Italian ingredients, wines, pre-made dishes, and assorted snacks. The number of Barolos in the wine rack is very impressive. But visiting is just about nostalgia and ingredients...it's about those sandwiches. OMG...those sandwiches! They are on the expensive side but oh so delicious. It's MUCH better to order in advance, but you can fill in your order and wait to be called. The wait time can be a killer.

I had no idea what to expect when I opened the doors but I was surprised to see that it's a full market and deli. It was a Sunday so it was definitely busy. I made a beeline for the deli counter. I wish there was a clearer way to place and receive orders because it just looked like a bunch of people standing around with little order. Once I watched a couple people order, I picked up an order sheet to fill out and hand back in at the counter. The deli counter was CROWDED but it seemed to move at a decent speed. After ordering my food, I took a Quick Look around the aisles to see what caught my eye. There were a lot of wine offerings but I didn't get any this time around. My sandwich was really good and I can see why this spot is considered a staple by so many people. I would return if I'm in the mood for a good sandwich.

A lot has changed since I reviewed Litteri's back in 2015. Union Market has sprung up and become a destination foodie pavilion in the area. Many of the old warehouses and importers have left, and their buildings have been paved over, lost to history. The bustling business district has given way to modern, hip, next-gen residents who now call Ivy City home. So, it was not without some concern that Litteri's would either leave entirely owing to the influx of "newness" and "modernity," or undergo radical changes that would render it a shadow of its former self. Happily, I can report that neither wound up being the case. The neighborhood seems to be very welcoming to quality ingredients, niche/boutique shopping, and amazing food. Litteri's is an Italian deli and grocery store. You can find plenty of obscure and commonplace Italian food items here. The list is enormous, but I'll try to summarize: imported meats and cheeses, freshly made Italian sausage (a MUST-BUY!), canned tomatoes, locally made fresh ravioli and other pastas, freshly baked breads, rare vinegars, a wide variety of olive oils, and probably the best Italian wine selection you'll ever come across! Despite all the incredible goodies, the last couple of times we've visited, seemingly everyone was there for a sandwich. I can relate. Their fresh-made sandwiches are beyond description. If you've ever imagined a prototypical hoagie from shows like The Sopranos or movies like The Godfather, this is what you can expect from Litteri's (minus the mob stuff!). Genoa salami, capicola, prosciutto, provolone, mozzarella, et cetera... I'm going to have to change topics now, or I will wind up gnawing on my own arm. Suffice it to say, they're GOOD. Very very good! This little humble shop has withstood the test of time, and I hope that the neighborhood continues to embrace and support the place. Please don't ever lose your roots, my friend. You are a tradition that I hope continues to survive and thrive for many years to come.

We found this place on TikTok and this place did not disappoint. My sandwich was 10/10!! It was such a cute deli inside and really liked all the product inside. The service was good, but didn't interact that much with the staff. Can't wait to go back and get the chicken Parmesan sandwich! Check this place out!!!

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.

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.

Great sub deli that offers different types of sandwiches and grocery store. This place was nice and service was quick. We ordered online so it was quick. Giant subs for a great price!

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

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.

The customer service and food were great! My friends and I popped into A. Litteri before our pool day and were surprised at how cute and niche the inside of the spot was. It is a little store/winery you can walk around while you wait for your order to be done. I wasn't initially going to order anything but the owner was so welcoming, kind, and talked us through everything. He made the experience so fun, so I ended up ordering and am so glad I did. The sandwich was delicious and the prices are beyond fair!! I highly recommend popping in and this will definitely be a regular spot for me.

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

Such a quaint Italian store that sells amazing good and deli sandwiches. Sandwich was good, nothing fancy but solid quality food. The hot pepper were the highlight

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

A.Litteri is one of the best delis in DC. Going there I received great service, happy workers, and a amazing collection of wines, The subs are amazing and ingredients are fresh! A.Litteri is my favorite and go to deli and store in DC.

The only real Italian deli/grocery I have been to in DC, amazing sandwiches and food optioms. Also great for Italian specialties!

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

The absolute BEST Italian sandwich in DC. Period. No argument. In fact, my husband and I went to 3-4 sandwich shops and compared them all. A Litteri wins by a long shot! Perfect bread, fresh meats and vegetables, perfect proportions and balancing of the ingredients-- not to mention the service is great and the authentic Italian goods in the market are very high-quality. Do yourself a a favor and order two sandwiches!

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

Fantastic selection of Italian food, ingredients, and wine. There is especially a huge selection of fresh cheese (plus great mozzarella). We also got an eggplant Parmesan sub which was delicious and very affordable. Will definitely be coming back!

Not much to say this place just does really well done Italian subs. in an expensive economy, you can get a 9 inch with two types of meat, cheese, and all the toppings you want, and a premium topping for under 10 bucks. I've also tried their pasta, which was not as amazing but still simple and really good. If you need a reliable staple of really good food, this is it.

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 .

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

There's a reason this shop has almost five stars, and that reason has to be its Italian sandwich. Loaded with all of your favorite meats, provolone, peppers, and Italian dressing, this sandwich hits the spot any time. This was my first time visiting, and the employees were so kind when showing me how to place an order. And it was lovely to shop around in the store while I waited--everything reasonably priced, from the espresso to the olive oil!