Vace Italian Delicatessen

Italian Grocery Store Grocery Store Italian Food

Bestie Business Card

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Vace Italian Delicatessen and Home made Pasta. We offer homemade pasta and baked pizza.

Business Hours

Mon: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Tue: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Wed: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Thu: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Fri: 9:00am - 9:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Sun: 10:00am - 5:00pm

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About Bethesda, Maryland, USA

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Nominated for BestAround

A+
Overall Grade
Rating Scale:
A: 80-100% B: 60-79% C: 40-59% D: 20-39%

Vace Italian Delicatessen stands out as a distinguished establishment within Washington, DC's Italian grocery scene, earning a nomination for "BestAround" due to its unwavering commitment to traditional Italian culinary excellence and quality. Since its inception in 1976, the store has cultivated a loyal following through its extensive selection of over 60 authentic Italian items, crafted with a focus on natural ingredients and competitive pricing. This dedication to quality and heritage, coupled with a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Italian delis, positions Vace as a rare gem in a retail landscape increasingly dominated by fast-food chains and generic grocery stores.

The Calcagno Family's leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the store's authenticity and community connection, ensuring that every product and service reflects their deep-rooted passion for preserving Italian culinary traditions. This personal touch, however, is not without its challenges. While customers consistently praise the store's exceptional food quality, particularly its pizzas and frozen pasta, issues such as stale bread and inconsistent food quality have marred some experiences. Service has also been a point of contention, with several reviews highlighting disrespectful or rude interactions during peak times.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Vace Italian Delicatessen's ability to balance tradition with modern needs, while maintaining a high standard of service and product quality, makes it an exceptional choice for Italian food enthusiasts. The store's success underscores its unique value proposition in a competitive market, suggesting that with continued efforts to refine bread quality and service standards, Vace could solidify its position as a top destination for authentic Italian dining in Washington, DC.

About Vace Italian Delicatessen

Vace Italian Delicatessen, a cornerstone of the Italian grocery store scene in Washington, DC, has been a beacon of traditional Italian culinary excellence since its establishment in 1976 by Blanca and Valerio Calcagno. The establishment quickly distinguished itself not only through its authentic Italian offerings but also through its commitment to quality and personalized service, a rare commodity in today’s fast-paced retail environment. The menu features an extensive selection of over 60 in-house crafted items, including freshly baked pizzas and homemade pasta, all crafted with a dedication to using wholesome, all-natural ingredients at competitive prices. This focus on tradition and quality has earned Vace Italian Delicatessen a loyal following among locals and visitors alike, who appreciate the "oldcountry charm" that permeates every aspect of the dining experience.

At the heart of Vace Italian Delicatessen’s appeal is its unwavering commitment to the Calcagno Family, who have guided the business since its inception. The family’s deep-rooted connection to the community and their passion for preserving Italian culinary heritage are evident in every product and service offered. From the moment customers step through the doors, they are greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the warmth and hospitality of traditional Italian delis. This personal touch, combined with the high standards of food quality and service, sets Vace Italian Delicatessen apart from more impersonal grocery stores and fast-food outlets.

Vace Italian Delicatessen’s offerings extend beyond just food; the store also provides a range of specialty foods and catering services that cater to diverse tastes and needs. Whether it’s for special occasions, corporate events, or everyday consumption, the store’s ability to deliver authentic Italian flavors and exceptional service ensures that every customer finds something they love. The business’s success is a testament to its ability to balance tradition with modernity, creating a welcoming space where the essence of Italian culture can be experienced in the comfort of a local Washington, DC home or office.

Category Tags
Italian Grocery Store Grocery Store Italian Food Delicatessen Italian Restaurant

What Customers Say

4.5
Rating Based On
367
Official Google Reviews
5
278
4
49
3
15
2
6
1
19

Customers have shared a range of experiences at Vace Italian Delicatessen, reflecting both high praise and notable criticisms. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional quality of the pizza, particularly its authentic flavors and crusts, which seem to capture the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.

The frozen pasta and cold cuts are also frequently praised for their freshness and variety.

However, a significant number of reviews also mention issues such as stale bread, especially in sub sandwiches, which detracts from the overall dining experience. Some customers have expressed frustration with the inconsistency in food quality, noting that while some dishes receive glowing reviews, others fall short significantly.

Service has been another point of contention, with several accounts describing it as disrespectful or rude, particularly during peak hours when long wait times are common. Despite these issues, the store's loyal customer base and its reputation for high-quality, authentic Italian products continue to attract regular visitors who appreciate the unique atmosphere and the sense of supporting a local, family-owned business.

The feedback suggests that while Vace Italian Delicatessen excels in certain areas, addressing the bread quality and service issues could enhance the overall customer experience and solidify its position as a top choice for Italian food enthusiasts in the area.