Highest-rated delis in San Diego by diners
Highest-rated delis in San Diego 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 San Diego. 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.
#30. Poma's Italian Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (580 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1846 Bacon St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#29. Sammich House Deli & Juice Bar
- Rating: 4.6/5 (105 reviews)
- Address: 1048 Seventh Ave. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#28. Kearny Mesa Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (101 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8125 Ronson Road Ste a San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#27. Sunrise Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (210 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7920 Silverton Ave. Ste A San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#26. Kim's Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (135 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8515 Arjons Drive San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Surf And Sub Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (147 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8340 Vickers St. Ste C San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Crossroads Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (630 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9085 Judicial Drive Ste 100 San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Surf Side Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (410 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1912 Rosecrans St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#22. The Marketplace
- Rating: 4.6/5 (720 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2601 5th Ave. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Rose Canyon Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (78 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4901 Morena Blvd. Ste 301 San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#20. College Sub Shop
- Rating: 4.6/5 (319 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6150 El Cajon Blvd. Ste A San Diego, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Grapes & Hops Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (332 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 811 Market St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Gourmet Artisan
- Rating: 4.6/5 (216 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7094 Miramar Road Ste 105 San Diego, California
- Categories: New American, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.6/5 (289 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6663 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Vegan, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Cheers Deli & Liquor
- Rating: 4.6/5 (381 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6983 Navajo Road San Diego, California
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Dick's Liquor and Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (11 reviews)
- Address: 7474 La Jolla Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#14. C's Ice Cream & Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (259 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9969 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#13. San Diego Vegan Market
- Rating: 4.7/5 (180 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4606 Mission Gorge Place Suit A San Diego, California
- Categories: Convenience Stores, Delis, Vegan
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Hub Market & Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (431 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 748 6th Ave. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#11. OB Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (145 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4984 Voltaire St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Executive Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (95 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1660 Hotel Cir North Ste 100 San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Yummy Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (67 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9303 Chesapeake Drive Ste CI San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#8. The Place Catering
- Rating: 4.7/5 (11 reviews)
- Address: 10785 Pomerado Road San Diego, California
- Categories: Caterers, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Monroe's Market
- Rating: 4.7/5 (220 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4502 Oregon St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Evan's Deli & Brew
- Rating: 4.7/5 (226 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3944 West Point Loma Blvd. Ste D-E San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Breweries
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Mom's Deli Mart
- Rating: 4.8/5 (49 reviews)
- Address: 3914 Murphy Canyon Road Ste A116 San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Sandwich Stop Deli
- Rating: 4.8/5 (125 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5640 Kearny Mesa Road Ste H Ste H San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, fast food
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Sicilian-ish Cafe and Deli
- Rating: 4.8/5 (39 reviews)
- Address: 1025 West Laurel St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Big Jims Roast Beef
- Rating: 4.8/5 (230 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4508 Cass St. Ste B San Diego, California
- Categories: Pop-Up Restaurants, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#1. The Girls Deli
- Rating: 4.8/5 (327 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3075 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- 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.
