The signs and smells of Italy greet you as soon as you walk in the door at Sandro’s Pizzeria in Christiansburg. It’s a family tradition that started overseas. “These are family recipes handed down that my father started in 1978 that he got when he was emigrated from Italy to New York.”

Alessandro Pugliese’s father opened Sal’s in Radford in 1978, and then he “Had an opportunity to open up a restaurant in Christiansburg, took advantage of it, and now we’re here.” So, the legendary taste of Italy continues to grace the New River Valley. While you wait for that taste, garlic knots are made by the bowlful.