Troy's Italian Kitchen

Neel & Palak Vaidma, owners

Neel and Palak Vaidma may be the new owners of Troy’s Italian Kitchen, but the business has been around for some time and they’ve made several improvements. Start with removing the rustic wallpaper, adding modern touches and a handmade chalkboard menu. Items that weren’t selling were removed and Neel added a touch of home to the menu – chicken tikka masala pizza. There are also sandwiches/wraps, salads and calzones.

Photo collage, Troy's Italian Kitchen

Community is part of their business plan as they were actively looking for an existing deli or small eatery business that specifically was not a big chain restaurant. That plan is evident just as a call comes in from the nearby Merit School (another Car-Free Diet Partner) requesting a large lunch order. When they close up, Palak mentions they’ve left their car many times and walk over to Clarendon for ice cream or a quick bite. Even though they’re located outside of Clarendon, they’ve never felt isolated or left out since they get lots of folks walking over from nearby Lyon Park. In fact, they like the fact that the nearby community has supported them by stopping in for a quick dinner pickup, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. What is the most popular pizza? It’s a toss-up (no pun intended) between barbecue chicken and buffalo chicken. But the best-kept secret is one of Palak’s favorite: the chicken paradiso – a grilled chicken sandwich with Italian dressing, feta, red onions, mixed greens and pesto.

At their location, there is a bus stop right outside along Washington Boulevard. One of the kitchen staff workers takes advantage of this using the bus every day. Neel is happy to know his employee can get safely to/from work and doesn’t have to walk far, especially in cold weather. Two employees use Metro and walk over to Troy’s. Add to this a nearby Capital Bikeshare station with connectivity to several bike lanes, it’s easy to leave your car at home and get there car free.

Troy’s Italian Kitchen
2710-B Washington Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201

Go car free to Troy’s Italian Kitchen.