Vace Italian Delicatessen

You haven’t lived in DC until you’ve been to Vace. It’s a hidden Italian gem that’ll make you feel like you stepped into a deli somewhere in Florence. The subs are fantastic. I grab one of those (you can’t go wrong with any of them), but a single Sanpelli, and walk to Rock Creek Park for a little picnic.

Ohhh Vace…. Food 5/5 stars Service: almost always 0/5 I have lived in Cleveland park for a couple of years now and luckily work in Bethesda as well (where the other location is) and have been coming a few times a month since. The food is always top tier, the subs are fantastic, the pizza great and the homemade pasta and sauces even better. For some reason, the owner just doesn’t care about the service. She often is working alongside her usual co-worker and they are unlikely to do anything but give you a cold stare as they prepare your food. I get it, it is most definitely not an easy job to prep and serve such food but jeez man… customer service goes a long way with Americans. Highly recommend just don’t take it personally when you say thank you and you just get a glare back.

Classic spot on Connecticut Ave. The pizza here is pretty great. I also like that they put the sauce on top of the layer of cheese, which gives a different kind of bite that isn't all that innovative when you think about it, but tastes surprisingly fresh (I started doing that on my own mini pizzas I make at home). Speaking of making your own pizzas, the blocks of whole milk mozzarella cheese they sell are really fantastic. So delicious, and I buy one every time I make a stop at Vace's. They are a small, simple Italian pizza place (no dining in, take-out only) selling pies or slices, but also act as a mini market where you can pick up pastas and cheese, plus other Italian goodies. It's really a fairly simple spot that rightfully gets regular business and, in my opinion, should get yours, too. Try them out 🍕🍝🥫 5/5 stars from me 🥰

For 46 years, this Italian market and deli has been making waves in Cleveland Park (and Washington, D.C.). Here's why you should visit: 1) Food: There's a deli in the back that sells Italian subs for under $10 and slices of pizza for $2.50. In an expensive city, it's hard to find a less expensive meal. I ordered a slice of pepperoni pizza. It's thin crusted, but good! 2) Market: They sell all kinds of Italian products from hard-to-get sodas to wines to homemade pasta to all kinds of frozen lasagnas. Cured meats and soccer balls hang from the ceiling. 3) Service: Candidly, it's not friendly and at time abrasive, but it's part of the experience. If you love Italy, wander to Cleveland Park's Vace.

Heard this place was good and they were right! I called & ordered an Italian sub and walked to pick it up, carry out only. Opened the door and the gorgeous aroma hit me. This tiny place was filled with goodies, go to their website. The pizza slices on the counter window look delightful. I couldn't wait to eat! My huge sub was waiting for me and I saw they had just made fresh beef empinadas, so I grabbed one of those, too. Sub & empinada are Delicioso! I WILL try the pizza next.

So much Italian goodness in one tiny location! Though there's no room to sit and enjoy all the deliciousness, whomever's doing the buying and food preparation knows exactly what to hone in on to make Washington, D.C. feel like you've stepped into Naples, Italy. All the right foods and food prep is available, as well as mouth-watering pizza, subs, and deli items. Those lucky kids at American U can't possibly know how good they've got it!