A sandwich built with two kinds of Italian ham sounds like a small detail, but it is the reason one Arlington shop keeps a line at its deli counter. The sub is stacked, sliced fresh, and wrapped up for hungry people who know exactly what they came for.
Behind that sandwich sits a whole shop of imported pasta, cheeses, pizza, and sweets. Here is a closer look at what makes this spot worth the trip.
The Two-Ham Sub Everyone Orders
The sandwich that gets the most attention here is the Italian sub, and the two kinds of Italian ham stacked inside are the main reason. The meats are sliced thin, so each bite stays tender instead of chewy.
I watched the sandwich come together at the counter, and it looked generous without falling apart. The roll holds up well, and the fillings stay neatly layered from the first bite to the last.
Here is a tip from my visit. Order a little before the lunch rush if you can, because the line for sandwiches can grow quickly.
Waiting a few minutes is part of the deal when each sub is built to order.
The fresh flavor stood out more than anything else, and it makes a good case for keeping the recipe simple. Next, I want to show you the shop that surrounds the counter.
Finding the Shop in Westover Village
The shop sits in the small village center of Westover, a neighborhood that feels more like a Main Street than a busy highway strip. The Italian Store at Westover is at 5837 Washington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, United States.
The area is easy to stroll, and parking is straightforward, which makes a quick lunch stop simple. Tables and chairs sit outside, so you can eat in the open air when the weather is nice.
That setup gives the place a relaxed neighborhood feel. People grab a slice or a sandwich and settle in with friends.
The store opens at 10 am most days and at 11 am on Sundays, though it is smart to check the website before you go. Once you walk inside, the shelves are the next thing worth talking about.
Shelves Full of Imported Pantry Goods
Rows of dried pasta, olive oil, sauces, and other Italian groceries fill the aisles. It feels like a small gourmet grocery tucked beside a sandwich shop.
Browsing here is half the fun. You can pick up a bottle of olive oil, a box of pasta, and a jar of sauce for dinner without ever leaving the neighborhood.
Prices lean toward specialty store levels, so it helps to decide ahead of time what you really want. A few special items can go a long way at home.
Many shoppers pair the pantry finds with a sandwich or a slice from the back counter. Speaking of the cold case, there is more to explore there.
Cheese and Deli Meats for a Home Board
Anyone planning a charcuterie board will find plenty to work with. The deli case holds Italian cheeses and cured meats that make a board look impressive with very little effort.
It helps to choose a mix of textures, like something soft, something firm, and something salty. Ask for thin slices of meat so they fold easily on a plate.
The store also sells bread and other items to round things out. That means one trip can cover most of a snack spread.
If you love the ham on the sub, you might even take a pound home for your own table. Still, the hot food counter deserves a spot on the itinerary too.
Pizza by the Slice in the Back
At the back of the store, a pizza counter serves New York style slices along with whole pies made to order. The slices come out wide and foldable, the way many people expect from a classic corner shop.
A cheese slice is the simplest place to start. It makes an easy meal for kids, and it pairs well with a quick browse of the shelves.
Since there is a separate counter for pizza and another for subs, it helps to know where to line up. Ordering at the right spot saves time.
Eat inside the shop, or carry your plate out to the tables when the weather cooperates. For something sweet afterward, the dessert case is calling.
Gelato and Sweet Treats
Dessert has a real role here, and gelato is a favorite choice for many visitors. A cool scoop after a warm sandwich feels like the right ending.
The sweets case also includes cannoli and Italian cookies. They look good boxed up for a gathering or a gift.
Try picking one flavor you know and one you do not. It is a small way to taste more without overdoing it.
Gelato here is a hit on warm afternoons, when the outdoor tables fill up. After sweets, many people turn to something warm in a mug.
Coffee and Morning Pastries
Mornings have their own charm at this shop. Coffee and croissants give the place a relaxed, European style start to the day.
The store opens at 10 am on most days, so it suits a late breakfast better than an early one. A warm croissant and a hot cup make a calm pause before errands.
You can also pick up bread to take home. Fresh focaccia is one item that has drawn happy attention.
Ask for it warmed, and it comes out soft and fragrant. If you love lingering over food, the drink aisle has more to offer.
Frozen Pasta and Make-at-Home Meals
Dinner at home gets easier with the fresh and frozen pasta section. Ravioli and other filled pastas sit in the cooler, ready to cook in minutes.
Pair a package with a jar of sauce from the shelf and you have a full meal. It is a smart move on a busy weeknight.
Look at the packaging dates as you shop, as with any grocery. Taking a moment to check keeps your food fresh and your plans on track.
The shop also sells ready-made pasta salads, which are handy for picnics. Speaking of plans, the shop also hosts special evenings.
Tasting Nights and Community Events
The store has hosted tasting events that bring people together around Italian food. Platters of cheeses, breads, and cured meats give guests plenty to sample.
These evenings give the shop a community feel. Neighbors meet, chat with the hosts, and learn about products from different parts of Italy.
Event schedules change, so the best move is to check the store website for news. Planning ahead means you will not miss a good night.
A visit during an event shows a different side of the shop than a quick lunch run does. For one last piece of advice, let me share a few visiting tips.
Tips Before You Visit
A little planning makes the visit smoother. Hours run from 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday.
Busy times can mean waiting, so aim for an off hour when you can. Double-check your order before you leave the counter, since sandwiches and pizza are made at different stations.
Bring a bag for groceries, because the shelves are hard to resist. Pick up a sub, a slice, and something sweet, and you have a full meal.
Once you have tried the two-ham sub, consider exploring other Arlington neighborhoods and local delis nearby. Each one adds another flavor to your food map.
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