Italian meats in DC

[mt7187]

New to DC, I'm looking for a place where I can get high quality hot/sweet capicola, mortadella, and other Italian meats. I know they have what I'm looking for at Eastern Market, is it any good? To be honest it looked like their meats had been sitting there for awhile but I was probably mistaken. I tried at Litteri's last week but was disappointed in the quality of what I got...maybe it was an off day? I've previously had great luck with the quality of the hot capicola at Wegman's in Fairfax but it'd be nice to not have to drive way out there. Thanks!

[Tujague]

I think you can feel confident getting your meats at Eastern Market. Seventh Hill Pizza gets the meats for their pizzas and sandwiches there, and they're fantastic. Try the Italian sandwich at Seventh Hill, and let that be your guide. That's not to say they're better or worse than anyplace else, but they should be reliable.

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Seventh Hill Pizza
327 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

[kelewis]

Vace (in Cleveland Park and in Bethesda) have a small selection of good quality Italian cured meat, and they slice it very well. The mortadella's particularly nice. It's not the largest selection anywhere, but they have high turnover and I've always been pleased with the quality. Also love their pizza ...

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Vace
3315 Connecticut Avenue NW, DC 20008

[piafoodie]

Depends on who is doing the slicing. I've had terrible slicing experiences at both Vace locations. Many who work there have no idea how to slice and layer procuitto.

Cornucopia in Bethesda is the best. The owner knows what he's doing.

[dining with doc]

I agree. I also had very good procuitto ar Marchionne's in Wheaton

[Dennis S]

For the hot coppa, The Deli in Fairfax and Herndon has the best I've ever had. I'll put it on myself to go back and try to get the name of the producer.

Not Italian, but definitely worth a mention, The Russian Gourmet (at least in Herndon - another is in Rockville) has a nice selection of sausages, salamis, etc.

[a1234]

Vace has great hot sausage.
Can't really vouch for any other bulk meat there, though their sandwiches are good.

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Vace
3315 Connecticut Avenue NW, DC 20008

[mt7187]

Thanks for the responses! I'll definitely check Balduccis and Cornacopia. I will also try the Italian Store, that's a good suggestion I just wasn't sure if they sold meats by the pound (as opposed to just in their sandwiches). As for the place in Charlottesville, if I'm ever down there I'll check it out for sure. I splurge sometimes and order online for Salumi in Seattle...it's worth the price.

Any word on the stuff at Eastern Market?

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Italian Store
3123 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22201

Balducci's
600 Franklin St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[hill food]

10 years of shopping at the Eastern Market and no problems with anything the Canales sold. ok once the domestic prosciutto looked a little gray, but you can always request. and I went on a muffaletta kick once and bought too many things, more than I could use. but I'd trust them way over anyone in the least geared to a larger demographic.

[dining with doc]

trust me, go to Cornacopia.

[alkapal]

.

[bukowski333]

Arrow Wine in Arlington is good, might not have all the deli meat you want, but I have always been happy w/ the quality there. tons of good cheese too. The Italian Store right down the street from Arrow might be helpful. Then Balducci's in McLean, they have the biggest selection I've found.

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Italian Store
3123 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22201

[reiflame]

It's really far away and I know that this doesn't really answer your question but it seems like this might be a good place to share with everybody - Feast in Charlottesville stocks a few sausages from Salumi in Seattle. They have the Salumi Salame and the Mole.

I haven't found many producers that are in Salumi's league, and I totally think it's worth a few hour drive to get them.

[dining with doc]

Cornacopia is Bethesda has an excellent selection and is a great store.
Marchionnes in Wheaton is also very good but not quite as gourmet as Cornacopia