If you’ve been to enough Italian markets and specialty shops, you know there are generally three types:

1. Ones you walk into and know you’re about to be ripped off because you smell Prego.

2. Ones you walk into and know you’re going to get a decent meal.

3. Ones you walk into and expect to find a 90-year old grandma rolling out meatballs by hand.

As you can probably guess by the title of this post, we consider A. Litteri to be the third kind.

Ok, so there’s not an actual grandma in the back covered in red sauce and cooking up recipes from 3 generations ago, but there is a family of old-school Italians ready to serve you some of the most authentic old country cuisine DC has to offer.

It’s conveniently located across from Union Market (just look for the giant Italian flag across the parking lot), so it’s the perfect spot to grab lunch.

But BE WARNED, it’s hard (read: impossible) to resist picking up food for dinner- for the rest of the month- while you’re waiting on your cold cut.

If you’ve been in DC for a while, it probably isn’t news to you that A. Litteri is the real deal. But if you haven’t visited the delicatessen lately (or worse, have never been), here’s a look at the Italian awesomeness you’re missing out on:

Made-to-order cold cuts and hot subs.

Fresh sliced deli meats, cheeses, and antipasto platters.

Scratch-made raviolis, meatballs, sausages, and other Italian delicacies.

Endless amounts of authentic sauces and gravies.

Every type of pasta you’ve ever heard of and even more you haven’t.

Wines, breads, olive oils, sides, specialty items, and more.

Essential Info:

Where: 517 Morse Street, NE (right across from Union Market)

Hours: 8-4 (Tues-Wed); 8-5 (Thurs); 8-6 (Sat-Sun)

Recommended: The Classic Italian on 9’ hard roll (just $6.50!)

Remember: The sandwich counter closes a half hour before the rest of the shop, so plan accordingly and give yourself enough time to order the best cold cut in DC.

Want more great Italian in other parts of the city? Check out

• Vace (3315 Connecticut Ave NW)
• Capo Delicatessen (715 Florida Ave NW)
• Filomena (1063 Wisconsin Ave NW)
• The Italian Store (5837 N Washington Blvd, Arlington)

What’s your favorite Italian joint in DC?