Highest-rated delis in Los Angeles by diners

Written by:
November 26, 2024
Brannon_Naito // Shutterstock

Highest-rated delis in Los Angeles by diners

Delis hold a cherished place in the tapestry of American culture, tracing their origins to Jewish immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. It didn't take long for their rich culinary traditions (including food preservation methods like pickling) and communal spirit to lead to the creation of delicatessens (which translates to "delicacies" in German).

Jewish delis became essential hubs for gathering, sharing meals, and maintaining their heritage, particularly in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Iconic delis such as Katz's Delicatessen in New York City, founded in 1888, and Canter's Deli in Los Angeles, which opened in 1931, are still gastronomic landmarks in American food history. Katz's, famed for its hand-carved pastrami on rye and iconic appearances in films like "When Harry Met Sally…," exemplifies the deli's role in shaping urban cultural identity. Similarly, Canter's in Los Angeles is renowned for its extensive array of Jewish classics, like matzo ball soup and corned beef sandwiches, attracting a diverse clientele and fostering a strong sense of community across generations.

These historic delis have not only preserved Jewish culinary traditions but have also significantly influenced American food culture with iconic dishes that have become staples nationwide. Once primarily found in Jewish neighborhoods, items like knishes and bagels with lox are now celebrated across the country.

In the 21st century, delis continue to thrive, adapting to contemporary tastes while preserving old-world recipes. The modern deli has evolved to encompass a variety of offerings, often blending influences from different cuisines. Diners and food enthusiasts can expect to find deli menus today that feature a harmonious mix of classics and innovative twists. Sandwiches piled high with corned beef, pastrami, and brisket are staples, complemented by sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and pickles. Breakfast items such as bagels with cream cheese, lox, and assorted spreads are ubiquitous, as are soups like cabbage borscht and chicken noodle. Additionally, many delis now offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, catering to a wider range of dietary needs and preferences.

Today, the term "deli" signifies more than just a place to eat; it embodies a cultural institution where food serves as a bridge between past and present. Whether in bustling metropolitan areas or smaller towns across America, delis continue to be beloved destinations where people can enjoy good food, share stories, and celebrate a tradition that has become an integral part of the American culinary landscape.

Want to know which delis are worth a visit near you? Stacker examined data from Yelp, collected in November 2024, to find the highest-rated delis in Los Angeles. In an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, restaurants with seven or more locations in Yelp's data were not included. Keep reading to see if your favorite deli made the list.

Note: The photos in this article are stock images and do not necessarily depict the specific restaurants listed or the dishes they serve.

#29. St Vincent Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (97 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 650 South Hill St. Ste S2 Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#28. Fatty Mart

- Rating: 4.4/5 (177 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12210 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Pizza, Delis, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp

#27. Eastside Italian Deli - Downtown L A

- Rating: 4.4/5 (1309 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1013 Alpine St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Italian, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#26. Bianca's Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (229 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1307 North Vermont Ave. Ste B Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Mediterranean, Wraps
- Read more on Yelp

#25. Arto's Broadway Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (86 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 659 South Broadway Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Cheesesteaks
- Read more on Yelp

#24. Submariner

- Rating: 4.5/5 (338 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4562 Centinela Ave. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: American, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#23. Mike's Deli 2

- Rating: 4.5/5 (320 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 238 East 1st St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#22. The Heights Deli & Bottle Shop

- Rating: 4.5/5 (887 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2927 North Broadway Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Pizza, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

#21. Lieders

- Rating: 4.5/5 (55 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8721 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Kosher
- Read more on Yelp

#20. Lanza Brothers Market

- Rating: 4.5/5 (267 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1803 North Main St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#19. Olive It

- Rating: 4.5/5 (276 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6231 West 87th St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#18. The Heights Deli & Bottle Shop 2 Glassell Park

- Rating: 4.5/5 (155 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2135 North San Fernando Road Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Pizza, Delis, Salad
- Read more on Yelp

#17. Charlie's Kosher Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.5/5 (44 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9124 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Kosher, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Trimana

- Rating: 4.5/5 (118 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5901 Century Blvd. Ste 104 Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

#15. Mike's Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1469 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4859 West Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#14. Nancy's Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (12 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9622 South Main St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Mexican
- Read more on Yelp

#13. The Village Mart & Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (231 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2200 North Soto St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#12. La Pergoletta Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (46 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1800 1/2 Hillhurst Ave. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Ghost Sando Shop

- Rating: 4.6/5 (440 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7801 Melrose Ave. Ste 1A Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#10. Garo's Deli

- Rating: 4.7/5 (112 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 659 Saint Vincent Court Ste GL106 Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp

#9. New York City Deli

- Rating: 4.7/5 (77 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 843 South Los Angeles St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Maciel's Plant-Based Butcher & Deli

- Rating: 4.8/5 (169 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5933 York Blvd. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Vegan
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Fifth Street Market

- Rating: 4.8/5 (11 reviews)
- Address: 121 West 5th St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Convenience Stores, Delis, Juice Bars & Smoothies
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Lily's Market and Deli

- Rating: 4.8/5 (13 reviews)
- Address: 1814 East 4th St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Salad, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#5. DELIzioso Cinque

- Rating: 4.9/5 (27 reviews)
- Address: 970 Monument St. Ste 103 Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Pizza
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Pickford Market

- Rating: 4.9/5 (12 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4566 Pickford St. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#3. Hidden Sandwiches

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 4730 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Food
- Read more on Yelp

#2. Sandwich 26

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 305 East 9th St. Sie 131 Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Persian/Iranian, Delis, Kosher
- Read more on Yelp

#1. Godfather Deli

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 2352 South Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Pasta Shops
- Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 191 metros.

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