inexpensive but reasonably fast italian/pizza restaurant in arlington/alexandria?

[Anonymous]

I have been on the hunt for one of these since I moved to DC. That old standby neighborhood place that you can pick up dinner from often and no one gets sick of it because there's so much you can get: pizza, subs, pasta, soup, etc and it's actually good despite being reasonably priced. I started to think they didn't exist and then I found Merone's in Dulles: http://www.yelp.com/biz/merones-dulles - this is exactly what I am looking for. Unfortunately, I live in Arlington so am trying to find something like this close to me. I find it impossible to believe that one of these places does not exist!!! BTW, I didn't like the food at Lost Dog so that's out, and the service at Cafe Pizzaiolo was atrocious with unremarkable food so both of those are out.

[Anonymous]

Joe's Place? They have a buffet during the week with salad, pizza, and pasta. You can also order off the menu. The food is decent and the prices are good.

But you're right, there are not a lot of places like that around here.

We like Tony's, but that is out in Centreville. It is actually so good that me make the trek out there once in a while.

[Anonymous]

We love Joe's.

PP, Tony's is one of my all time favorites! I used to eat there twice a week when I lived in Fair Lakes.

[Anonymous]

I don't like Joe's, but my kids do.

I'm assuming you've tried the Italian Store? I love that place.

[Anonymous]

Agree about Joe's and Tony's.

Another possibility is Pietanza - there's one in the Harrison shopping center, and one in Falls Church as well. Lots of menu options, although definitely not cheap!

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Rustico yet? I haven't been to the new one in Ballston, but I like the Alexandria original.

Italian Store's a good standby too, but the lines get long sometimes! Bring a book.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried Rustico yet? I haven't been to the new one in Ballston, but I like the Alexandria original.

Italian Store's a good standby too, but the lines get long sometimes! Bring a book.

The one in Ballston is a lot more upscale than the one in Alexandria. I don't think it is too kid friendly and it is definitely not cheap. It is also not really Italian - more Italian/upscale American.

[Anonymous]

I found Joe's pizza to be tasteless (I know, I know, I should be kicked out of Arlington). But I like Lost Dog, so maybe you'll like Joes.

I had pizza from Zpizza recently and it was wonderful, but I didn't buy it so I'm not sure of the price (probably similar to Lost Dog).

I've heard good things about the Italian Store.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found Joe's pizza to be tasteless (I know, I know, I should be kicked out of Arlington). But I like Lost Dog, so maybe you'll like Joes.

I had pizza from Zpizza recently and it was wonderful, but I didn't buy it so I'm not sure of the price (probably similar to Lost Dog).

I've heard good things about the Italian Store.

I find Italian Store to be hit or miss and it depends how crowded it is. The more crowded, the worse the pizza. Sometimes undercooked, sometimes overcooked, sometimes not enough cheese - its like their rushing so much that they are not paying attention to what they are making. Understandable since it is often insane in there, but we pretty much stopped going because of that.

I like zpizza, too.

As for Lost Dog, I don't think they are great either and I really don't like their pizza (too puffy). But some of their sandwiches are good.

[Anonymous]

Pupatella on Wilson Blvd is good but slow.

[Anonymous]

Pietanza

[Anonymous]

Listrani's has a pretty good menu selection.