Highest-rated delis in San Francisco by diners
Highest-rated delis in San Francisco 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 Francisco. 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. Parkside Market
- Rating: 4.6/5 (144 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1600 Hayes St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#29. La Fromagerie Cheese Shop
- Rating: 4.6/5 (155 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2425 3rd St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Cheese Shops, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#28. Church Street Groceteria
- Rating: 4.6/5 (51 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 300 Church St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#27. Sutter St. Cafe
- Rating: 4.6/5 (258 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 450 Sutter St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Cafes, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#26. New Star Market
- Rating: 4.6/5 (59 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 269 14th St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Seakor Polish Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.6/5 (292 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5957 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Polish
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Michaelis Food Store
- Rating: 4.6/5 (133 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 901 North Point St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#23. White Palace Liquor Store
- Rating: 4.6/5 (94 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1524 Silver Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Convenience Stores, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Rutily's Market & Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (118 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1700 Filbert St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#21. 5th Avenue Deli & Market
- Rating: 4.6/5 (86 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4 Embarcadero Center San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Chiotras Grocery
- Rating: 4.6/5 (105 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 858 Rhode Island St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Deli Man
- Rating: 4.6/5 (78 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 200 Ocean Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Cindy's Market
- Rating: 4.7/5 (87 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2084 Hayes St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#17. SF Gourmet Boutique
- Rating: 4.7/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: 1300 Dolores St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Handy Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (308 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1815 Irving St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Deli Shack
- Rating: 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 452 Larkin St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Amal's Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1416 Haight St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Convenience Stores, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Ham & Cheese Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (138 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5501 California St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Calabria Bros
- Rating: 4.7/5 (253 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4763 Mission St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Caterers, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Oxbridge Market
- Rating: 4.7/5 (139 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 790 Silver Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Palermo II Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.8/5 (141 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 658 Vallejo St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Limoncello
- Rating: 4.8/5 (1821 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1400 Sutter St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Alimentari Aurora
- Rating: 4.8/5 (36 reviews)
- Address: 1415 18th St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Specialty Food, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Salty's
- Rating: 4.8/5 (187 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 748 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Mission Groceteria
- Rating: 4.8/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2950 23rd St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Food Basket Market
- Rating: 4.8/5 (11 reviews)
- Address: 475 Fell St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Cheese Boutique
- Rating: 4.8/5 (225 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 660 Chenery St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Cheese Shops, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#3. The M Stop Market And Deli
- Rating: 4.8/5 (107 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2598 San Jose Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Halal
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Wrap and Roll
- Rating: 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: 3135 16th St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Halal, Vegan
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Corona Heights Market and Deli
- Rating: 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: 4400 17th St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis
- 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.
