Popular Pizzeria In Del Ray Seeks To Expand Kitchen

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A popular pizzeria in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria is further expanding into a brick-and-mortar space.

Stracci Pizza, which was the winner of Northern Virginia Magazine's 2023 Pizza Madness, applied for a special use permit amendment to build a prep kitchen at its 106 Hume Avenue. The prep kitchen would be locating in the basement where an apartment exists.

The pizzeria known for its Roman-style pizza is co-owned by former Vermilion chef Thomas Cardarelli and his wife, Annalisa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Cardarelli decided to start a business with a temporary trailer. After initially opening in early 2021, Stracci Pizza relocated to the former Nectar Coffee and Wine Bistro parking lot. As the pizzeria continued to grow, it expanded into the brick-and-mortar space, adding outdoor seating, offering bar service with a liquor license and opening its indoor dining room.

Currently, Stracci Pizza has approval for a temporary trailer to be used as the kitchen through Sept. 16, 2024 as well as 46 outdoor dining seats and up to 40 indoor seats. The restaurant is asking for approval for the basement kitchen in addition to the permitted temporary trailer.

Learn more about Stracci Pizza and see availability at www.straccipizza.com.