This Stellar Virginia Italian Market Has Traditional Pastries, Imported Delicacies, And Hearty Deli Entrees

A quick slice can turn into a full shopping trip when the shelves start calling. One minute, the plan is lunch, and the next, there is pasta, pastry, gelato, and a sandwich wrapped for later.

The fun comes from moving slowly. Check the sandwiches, peek at the pizza, study the imported goods, then pretend the gelato was part of the original plan all along.

This is the kind of stop that rewards curiosity and a little extra appetite. It works for a quick bite, a casual treat, or a delicious excuse to stock the pantry.

Give yourself time to wander and snack. Virginia turns an Italian market visit into a small food adventure with plenty worth taking home.

Traditional Italian Pastries Worth Every Bite

Some pastries just stop you in your tracks. The moment you see the display case at The Italian Store at Westover, your eyes go wide and your feet stop moving.

The cannoli are made with sweetened impastata ricotta and chocolate chips. They are creamy, crisp, and absolutely satisfying.

Then there is the Genovese. It is a dome-shaped pastry filled with custard, chocolate chips, and a hint of orange blossom.

One bite and you will understand why people come back just for this.

The sfogliatelle have those signature flaky layers wrapped around ricotta and orange peel. Every bite crackles and melts at the same time.

It is a textural experience you will not forget.

Cornetti are the Italian answer to croissants. You can get them filled with chocolate, vanilla, or apricot custard.

They pair beautifully with an espresso from the onsite espresso bar.

These are not mass-produced pastries sitting under a heat lamp. Each one feels intentional and crafted with real care.

The bakery here is the real deal, and the pastries reflect that commitment to quality.

Whether you grab one for breakfast or treat yourself after lunch, the pastry selection at this Arlington market is something tourists and locals talk about long after they leave. Come hungry and leave smiling.

Cannoli And Gelato That Steal The Show

There is a reason people make a second stop just for dessert here. The gelato bar is a full-on moment of joy waiting to happen.

Gelato at this market has been described as some of the best in the entire area. The flavors are bold, the texture is smooth, and the portions feel generous.

It is also slightly more affordable than many other gelato spots in the region.

Right next to the gelato bar, the tiramisu sits waiting for its moment. On a good day, it is creamy, layered, and rich with espresso flavor.

It is the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes for a second.

The cannoli deserve their own spotlight too. They are filled fresh with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips.

You can taste the difference between these and anything pre-packaged. The shells stay crisp, and the filling is light but indulgent.

Dessert here is not an afterthought. It is a destination in itself.

Travelers who visit just for a sandwich often end up at the gelato counter before they leave. That is just how it works.

Bring a friend, order two flavors, and compare notes. This is the kind of sweet stop that turns a regular afternoon into a memory.

Treat yourself. You absolutely deserve it.

Imported Goods From Across Italy

There are over 50 varieties of pasta alone. From classic spaghetti to shapes you might not even know the name of, the selection is genuinely impressive.

Pasta lovers will want to linger here for a while.

The olive oils are another highlight. Imported directly from Italy, they range from light and fruity to bold and peppery.

Picking up a bottle to take home is one of the smartest souvenirs you can get from this trip.

Imported cheeses and cured meats line the deli section. Mortadella, prosciutto, Genoa salami, and provolone are all available in authentic Italian form.

These are not approximations. These are the real ingredients used in traditional Italian cooking.

One visitor described cooking pasta sauce from ingredients bought here and having an Italian family member call it the best sauce they had ever tasted outside of their grandmother’s recipe. That says everything.

The grocery section is a treasure hunt for food lovers. Every visit turns up something new.

Check work hours before you go, as the store is open most days of the week with hours that vary. Plan ahead and come ready to explore every aisle.

Hearty Italian Subs You Will Crave

The sandwich line here is legendary. On busy days, there is a reason people are waiting.

The subs are that good.

The Milano is a crowd favorite. It layers provolone, Genoa salami, and two types of Italian ham into one seriously satisfying sandwich.

Every bite delivers something different.

The Capri takes things up a notch with prosciutto, Genoa salami, provolone, and spiced capicola. It has a little heat and a lot of flavor.

This one is for the adventurous eater who wants bold Italian taste.

The Napoli brings together pepperoni, capicola, and mozzarella in a way that feels like a celebration. It is simple in concept but rich in execution.

Hard to stop at just one half.

Then there is the Muffuletta. Served on round Sicilian bread, it is stuffed with mortadella, provolone, smoked prosciutto, Genoa salami, and olive condite.

This sandwich has a personality all its own.

These are not thin, sad sandwiches. The ingredients are imported and the portions are real.

You can taste the quality in every layer.

Hot subs are also available, including a meatball and cheese option that hits all the right comfort food notes. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to commit to a full Italian deli experience that will have you planning your next visit before you finish chewing.

New York-Style Pizza By The Slice

Pizza by the slice is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old. At this Arlington market, the New York-style pizza is available by the slice or as a whole pie.

The crust has that familiar fold-able quality that pizza fans love. It holds its toppings without falling apart.

Cheese stretches when you take a bite. That is always a good sign.

Visitors who stop in for a quick slice often end up staying longer than planned. The pizza counter pulls people in, especially on weekends when the energy in the store picks up.

It is an easy, affordable way to sample what the kitchen can do.

Cheese pizza is a reliable go-to, especially for families with kids. It is straightforward, satisfying, and made with real ingredients.

No mystery toppings, no shortcuts.

The pizza is baked fresh throughout the day. Getting a slice straight from the oven is a very different experience from a reheated one.

Timing matters, and arriving earlier in the day often means fresher options.

Outdoor seating is available, which makes grabbing a slice and sitting outside a genuinely enjoyable option. Westover Village has a relaxed, neighborhood feel that makes eating outside feel like a real treat.

Check work hours before visiting since Saturday and Sunday hours differ from weekday hours. Plan accordingly and arrive ready for a proper Italian pizza moment.

Fresh Pasta Salads Made Daily

Not every great meal has to be hot. The fresh pasta salads made daily at this Italian market prove that cold food can be just as exciting and satisfying.

These are not the bland, overdressed pasta salads from a grocery store salad bar. The ingredients here are high quality, and you can taste that in every forkful.

Visitors who have tried them say the freshness is immediately obvious.

The pasta salads are a smart grab for anyone who wants something light but filling. They work as a quick lunch, a side dish, or even a snack between exploring the store’s many offerings.

Portion sizes are honest and the flavors are clean and bright. Herbs, olive oil, and fresh vegetables are used thoughtfully.

Nothing feels heavy-handed or overly salty.

For travelers who want to take food back to their hotel or enjoy a picnic-style meal, these pasta salads are an ideal option. They travel well and taste great even an hour after purchase.

The daily preparation means the selection can change depending on when you visit. That keeps things interesting and gives regulars a reason to come back and see what is new.

Ask the staff what was made that day. They are usually happy to point you toward the freshest options.

Fresh, simple, and genuinely Italian, these pasta salads are a small but memorable part of what makes this market special.

Ready-To-Go Italian Entrees

Sometimes you want a real Italian dinner without the cooking. This market has the answer in its ready-to-go entree section, and it is a genuinely impressive setup.

Lasagna is one of the standout options. Layered, hearty, and made with quality ingredients, it is the kind of comfort food that feels like it came from someone’s kitchen rather than a commercial kitchen.

That distinction matters.

Chicken parmigiana is another popular choice. Breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and melted cheese come together in a classic combination that is hard to resist.

It is filling, familiar, and satisfying.

Various pasta dishes round out the ready-to-go selection. On any given day, you might find options that change based on what the kitchen prepared.

That variety keeps things exciting and gives every visit a slightly different flavor.

These entrees are perfect for travelers who want a real meal without sitting down at a restaurant. Grab a container, find a seat inside or outside, and enjoy a proper Italian dinner at your own pace.

The ingredients used in these dishes are the same quality imported products you will find throughout the store. That consistency is what sets the food apart from typical take-out options.

Families, solo travelers, and groups all find something to love in this section. Come with an open appetite and leave with a full stomach and a very satisfied smile.

Visit The Italian Store In Arlington

Planning a visit to this Arlington Italian market is easier than you might think. The location is straightforward, parking is available nearby, and the store is open most days of the week.

Weekday visits tend to be a bit calmer. You can browse the grocery aisles without rushing, ask questions at the deli counter, and take your time at the pastry display.

Weekend visits bring more energy and a livelier atmosphere, which has its own kind of fun.

The store has both indoor and outdoor seating. On a nice day, sitting outside in the Westover Village area is a genuinely pleasant experience.

The neighborhood has a relaxed, local feel that makes the whole outing feel like a real escape.

Hours vary by day, so checking the official website at italianstore.com before you go is a smart move. Saturday hours are shorter than weekday hours, and Sunday has its own schedule.

A quick check saves you from a wasted trip.

This is the kind of place that rewards curious visitors. The more you look around, the more you discover.

A jar of sauce here, a new pasta shape there, a pastry you have never tried before.

The Italian Store at Westover is located at 5837 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205. Make the trip.

Treat yourself to something delicious. You will leave with a full stomach, a shopping bag, and a very good mood.