Let’s be honest: really great food is usually about more than just the ingredients.
It’s about that feeling you get when you walk through the door and realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
In this part of the city, there is a certain spot where the smell of slow-fermented dough and the sight of freshly pulled cheese tells you that someone in the back really cares about what they’re feeding you.
How Stracci Pizza Won Alexandria Hearts
The story of Stracci Pizza feels like a classic “underdog wins” movie. It was started by Chef Tom Cardarelli and his wife Annalisa right in the middle of the pandemic.
Instead of a fancy dining room, they launched from a converted 20-foot trailer in a Del Ray parking lot.
But word spread fast. People weren’t just coming for the novelty; they were coming because Tom was bringing fine-dining skills to a humble Roman-style pie.
Today, they’ve grown into a full-blown neighborhood pillar with a cozy “Pizza Garden” where you can sit under the stars and feel like part of the family.
The “secret sauce” here (besides the actual sauce) is how approachable everything feels.
Even though Tom spent years in high-end kitchens like Vermillion, Stracci is zero-pretension.
Whether you’re grabbing a stool at the bar or hanging out with neighbors by the heat lamps outside, the vibe is lively and warm.
It’s the kind of place where the community gathers for a Tuesday night treat just as often as a big celebration.
What really makes people loyal, though, is the sheer craft behind the scenes.
We’re talking 72-hour cold-fermented dough and stracciatella cheese pulled by hand every single morning.
That dedication to the “long way” of doing things is why Stracci isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place Alexandria is proud to call its own.
The Pizza Lineup & Must-Try Bites
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The Stracci Pizza is the namesake and a total must-try. It features their house-made stracciatella (hand-pulled mozzarella soaked in cream), fresh tomato, and basil. Simple, but it’ll change how you think about cheese.
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The Brooklyner Pizza is for when you want everything. It’s loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ricotta, and Calabrian chili, all balanced out with a sweet drizzle of honey.
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The Stracci Bianca is the purest way to taste that homemade cheese. It’s just the stracciatella, high-quality olive oil, and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt.
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The Erminia Pizza brings the greens with garlicky spinach and artichokes, all melted together with Fontal fontina cheese.
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The Johnny ‘Za ‘Za is a savory hit of sausage, sweet onion, and garlic on that signature airy, Roman-style crust.
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The Three Cheese & ‘Chovy is a bold choice for the adventurous, pairing Sicilian anchovies with a zesty salsa verde and a creamy three-cheese blend.
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The Meatballs are a total sleeper hit. They’re made with grass-fed beef and a panade of their 72-hour pizza dough, then finished with Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes and a dollop of fresh cheese.
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The Rosemary Focaccia is mixed by hand and baked daily. Try it with their sweet and sour eggplant Caponata—it’s the perfect starter.
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The Chicory Carbonara Pizza is a seasonal treat that’s basically a love letter to Rome, featuring guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and a fresh egg yolk.
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The Tiramisu ends things on a high note with silky layers, a touch of sea salt, and crispy dark chocolate pearls.
A Vibe That Feels Like Home
The space at Stracci hits that sweet spot between a trendy city eatery and a cozy neighborhood hangout.
Between the industrial-chic decor and the glow of the outdoor lights, it’s a place that invites you to linger.
It’s loud, it’s happy, and it’s usually full of people who live just a few blocks away.
Even the QR code ordering feels like a “we’re all in this together” nod to modern convenience without losing that personal, friendly service.
The Final Verdict on This Alexandria Legend
If you want a meal that feels like a warm hug and tastes like a trip to Rome, you’ve got to visit Stracci Pizza. Tom and Annalisa have built something truly special in Del Ray—a place where the craftsmanship is top-tier but the atmosphere is all heart. Come for the 72-hour dough, but stay for the community vibe that makes this place a true local legend.
📍 106 Hume Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
📞 (571) 213-5349
🕔 Tue-Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Fri-Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Sun-Mon: Closed