"The original Stellina Pizzeria location that started it all rolled out brunch earlier this year along with a large remodel. Filling Italian brunch dishes include a cacio e pepe pasta topped with a fried egg and a pizza with mushrooms, prosciutto, and an egg cooked on top. Don’t skip over the breakfast waffles that became popular at its Mt. Vernon Triangle location, which famously has an old Waffle Shop sign hanging over it. Savory waffles are served with Italian sausages, eggs, bacon, and bourbon syrup and a sweet waffles are topped with whipped vanilla mascarpone mousse, marinated berries and hazelnut chocolate spread. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Union Market district flagship." - Emily Venezky
"The original Stellina Pizzeria location, which has expanded into the former Shouk space next door and led to five other locations, is a popular Union Market fixture with a perfect people watching patio. Italian owners Antonio Matarazzo and Matteo Venini hit neo-Neapolitan pies — boosted by high-hydration dough and a 48-hour fermentation — include a cacio e pepe variety with pecorino Romano, buffalo mozzarella, and toasted black pepper. The local chain also recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award and was named one of the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains in 2024." - Emily Venezky
"A wood-burning oven, a desire to deliver an authentic Italian experience, and deliciously fluffy pies. That's the secret recipe behind Bib Gourmand Stellina Pizzeria's winning formula. The result is a simple yet effective operation, where pies like savory coppa and creamy Taleggio, along with homemade pastas like cuppo misto, await. Start with the cuppo misto, one of our delicious homemade pastas. For our spicy meat lovers, the picante pizza. For our vegetarian friends, the Basilico pizza. Finish up with some delicious homemade tiramisu and bomboloni. The idea behind Stellina Pizzeria was to deliver authentic gourmet food in an upscale casual environment. We want to be a part of the local community by delivering an Italian experience. It's all thanks to the experienced and talented Chef/owner Matteo Venini!" - Kevin Chau
"If you ever judged Luther Vandross for the whole burger-with-donut-buns situation, be prepared to eat crow. While this Mt. Vernon Stellina Pizzereia isn’t pancaking their juicy patty between Krispy Kremes, they do take two square waffles, stack them with arugula, caramelized onions, thick bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese, and serve you a burger that will have you eating faster than Jughead. Dip the whole thing in the side of bourbon maple syrup for a little extra sweetness, though it’s delicious all on its own." - tristiana hinton, omnia saed
"Head to the Italian pizza chain for Euro Cup and Copa América games, when it’s always happy hour (as well as 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) on weekdays. The $25 game-day special includes a drink, pie, an arancini ball, and more." - Vinciane Ngomsi