Highest-rated Delis in San Jose by Diners

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Highest-rated delis in San Jose 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 Jose. 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.

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#22. Nob Hill Foods

- Rating: 3.7/5 (164 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6061 Snell Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#21. Mama House Sandwiches & Deli

- Rating: 3.7/5 (72 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1928 Aborn Road San Jose, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, International Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#20. Erik's DeliCafé

- Rating: 3.7/5 (175 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1 South Market St. Ste 20 San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Soup
- Read more on Yelp

#19. Erik's DeliCafé

- Rating: 3.8/5 (202 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4611 Almaden Expy Branham Square San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Soup
- Read more on Yelp

#18. Sandwich Mill Deli & Catering

- Rating: 3.9/5 (251 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1381 Kooser Road San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#17. The Sandwich Spot

- Rating: 4.0/5 (262 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1258 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Gunther's Restaurant and Catering

- Rating: 4.1/5 (618 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1601 Meridian Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: German, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

#15. Chiaramonte's Deli & Sausages

- Rating: 4.2/5 (205 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 609 North 13th St. San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#14. Fugetsu - San Jose

- Rating: 4.2/5 (295 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4342 Moorpark Ave. Ste 20 San Jose, California
- Categories: Teppanyaki, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#13. Palermo Italian Restaurant

- Rating: 4.2/5 (741 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 791 Auzerais Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Italian, Pizza, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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#12. California Sourdough

- Rating: 4.2/5 (1420 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1150 Murphy Ave. Ste A San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Heartbeat Cafe

- Rating: 4.2/5 (233 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 14392 Union Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#10. CD Bakery & Deli

- Rating: 4.3/5 (79 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1816 Tully Road Ste 198 San Jose, California
- Categories: Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#9. Oasis Metro Deli

- Rating: 4.3/5 (167 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1737 North 1st St. Ste 130 San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Santo Market

- Rating: 4.5/5 (964 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 245 East Taylor St. San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, International Grocery, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#7. Antipasto's By Derose Gourmet Meat Fish & Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1082 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3454 McKee Road San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Torino Panino

- Rating: 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 320 West St. John St. San Jose, California
- Categories: Italian, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Freshly Baked Eatery

- Rating: 4.6/5 (1091 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 152 North 3rd St. Ste 101 San Jose, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#4. CRUST - Fresh Sourdough Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (148 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1734 North 1st St. San Jose, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Salad
- Read more on Yelp

#3. Pars Kosher Market & Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (90 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3978 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Health Markets, Kosher, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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#2. Shalala Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (16 reviews)
- Address: 4342 Moorpark Avenue Suit B San Jose, California
- Categories: Japanese, Delis, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp