Downtown Herndon’s long-awaited Deli Italiano opened November 30th, welcoming diners for casual meals of pasta, sandwiches, salads, and pizza.
The extensive menu offers a tasty variety of classic pizza joint items and more. Try the meatballs starter — the six two-bite meatballs are baked in tangy marinara and topped with mozzarella. It is a satisfying meal in itself and worth the $8.99 price tag. Five salad options are offered; we chose the Caesar, which arrived with dressing on the side. The salad was uninspired but a dependable choice, and came with chicken or gyro beef options for an added fee. In the sandwich department, we liked the Italiano, a classic sub on a large rosemary ciabatta roll. With generous portions of Genoa salami, capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, and provolone on the freshly baked bread, it was enormous, flavorful, and memorable.
Pizza can be ordered by the slice or in whole pies. Affordable specials (two slices and a fountain drink for $8.99) are a draw, and the multiple options are fresh, hot, and enticing.
Desserts were the weakest link, but you’ll be stuffed anyhow. Wine and beer were not available yet but coming soon. Deli Italiano is a welcome addition to Herndon’s dining landscape; stop in for a solid meal that will hit the spot. 700 Lynn St., Herndon
See This: Tempting glass displays with multiple pizza slices for sale
Eat This: baked meatballs, pizza by the slice, Italiano sandwich
Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Entrees: $3.99–$23.99
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