Highest-rated delis in Tampa by diners
Highest-rated delis in Tampa 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 Tampa. 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.
#20. Deli-icious
- Rating: 4.0/5 (72 reviews)
- Address: 9648 West Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Seminole Heights General Store
- Rating: 4.0/5 (93 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5420 North Florida Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Island Crew
- Rating: 4.1/5 (90 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2210 East Hillsborough Ave. Ste 2 Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Caribbean, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Cacciatore Bros
- Rating: 4.2/5 (88 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5610 Hanley Road Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Butcher
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Coco's Sandwich Shop
- Rating: 4.3/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1507 South 22nd St. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, Cuban, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Saigon Deli
- Rating: 4.4/5 (839 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3858 West Waters Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Vietnamese, Delis, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Interbay Meat Market & Groceries
- Rating: 4.4/5 (152 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6110 Interbay Blvd. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Meat Shops, Cuban, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Schiller's German Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.5/5 (124 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4327 West El Prado Blvd. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, German, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Cooks Kitchen
- Rating: 4.5/5 (131 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2902 West Gandy Blvd. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Zio's
- Rating: 4.5/5 (70 reviews)
- Address: 19651 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Ste B2 Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, Bagels, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Mr Special
- Rating: 4.5/5 (16 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4217 West Drive Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, Cuban, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#9. La Mini Super Market
- Rating: 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
- Address: 1000 West Waters Ave. Ste 1 Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, Tacos, Imported Food
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Mary's Cafe II
- Rating: 4.6/5 (18 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3030 North Rocky Point Drive West Ste 175 Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Bayside Deli Cafe
- Rating: 4.6/5 (14 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3000 Bayport Drive Ste 190 Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Cypress Gourmet Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (6 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5300 West Cypress St. Ste 151 Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Barrow's Gourmet Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (82 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3660 Henderson Blvd. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, Soup, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Lan's Deli
- Rating: 4.8/5 (13 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 405 North Reo St. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Sal's Bodega Charcuterie
- Rating: 4.8/5 (40 reviews)
- Address: Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Chow Bella
- Rating: 4.8/5 (12 reviews)
- Address: 1511 North Westshore Blvd. Ste 150 Tower Place Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Juice Bars & Smoothies, Soup, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Gita Food Store
- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 4804 North Florida Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, 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.