Stellina Pizzeria opening at 508 K St, NW May 3rd!!

photo courtesy Know PR

From a press release:

“Washington, D.C.-based restaurateur Antonio Matarazzo and Chef Matteo Venini announce a May 3 opening date for their third location of Stellina Pizzeria at 508 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. Occupying space within The Waffle Shop, a reincarnated version of the iconic D.C. greasy spoon that once stood on 10th Street NW, the 2,900-square-foot space will feature two distinct dining areas including a main dining room and bar.

The opening of Stellina Mt. Vernon will be followed by a fourth location in Tysons, Va. coming later this year.

“When we saw The Waffle Shop space, we knew we couldn’t pass it up as a third location,” says Matarazzo. “It provided all the vibes of a classic pizza counter allowing us to mix it with our modern interpretation. We are excited to be joining such a vibrant neighborhood filled with an eclectic mix of restaurants and businesses.”

photo by Rey Lopez

The Menu

Through the red-lettered neon Waffle Shop sign, chef Venini will serve a menu similar to the Union Market and Shirlington locations. The menu focuses on Neo-Neapolitan pizzas, a signature style that upends purist pizza traditions with creative toppings and a unique approach to dough, as well as street food inspired by the southern coast of Italy, sandwiches served on pizza dough, handmade pastas, and salads. The beverage program will center on Italian wines, beers, and spirits, as well as specialty coffee and espresso. Select signature cocktails and beers will be on draft.

New to the menu and unique to this location is a waffle panini with mortadella, spicy red onion marmalade, pistachio cream, stracchino cheese and roasted truffled potato, a nod to the restaurant’s beloved predecessor. Stellina’s extensive list of grab-and-go frozen and pantry items, including homemade pastas, sauces, pizzas and dough, and toppings allowing guests to create Stellina’s signature dishes at home.

photo courtesy Know PR

The Space

Designed by architect 2scale Design, the 82-seat restaurant features two entrances. In another nostalgic hat-tip, Stellina’s bar area revives The Waffle Shop’s serpentine m-shaped counter outfitted with a laminate top and 32 chrome bar stools. The area also features seating for ten among low-top tables. The adjacent dining room, accessible through the bar, will offer seating for 42. Later this season, expect an 11,000-square foot 32-seat outdoor patio. Hand-painted by local artist Red Swan, murals of Italian film stars Toto and Pepino adorn the walls, taking a cue from the other location’s signature paintings.

photo courtesy Know PR

Stellina Mt. Vernon will be open Tuesday-Sunday, starting at 11am. The restaurant will be operated with fully contactless ordering.”