Highest-rated delis in Honolulu by diners
Highest-rated delis in Honolulu 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 Honolulu. 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.
#27. Sekiya's Restaurant & Delicatessen
- Rating: 2.9/5 (560 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2746 Kaimuki Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Japanese, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#26. Heidi's Deli & Catering
- Rating: 3.1/5 (23 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 900 Fort St. Mall Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#25. CJ's New York Style Delicatessen & Restaurant
- Rating: 3.2/5 (655 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2005 Kalia Road Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Heidi's Delis & Bistro
- Rating: 3.3/5 (31 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 900 Fort St. Mall Ste 130 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Jin's Market
- Rating: 3.4/5 (5 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2161B North School St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Polynesian
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Commissary
- Rating: 3.4/5 (164 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4725 Bougainville Drive Bldg 617 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Grocery, Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Nu'uanu Okazuya
- Rating: 3.7/5 (264 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1351 Nuuanu Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Japanese, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Mitsuba Delicatessen
- Rating: 3.7/5 (174 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1218 North School St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Japanese
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Vim N' Vigor Health and Fitness
- Rating: 3.9/5 (115 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste 1014 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Vitamins & Supplements, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Island Subs & Burgers
- Rating: 3.9/5 (255 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2752 Woodlawn Drive Ste 5-118 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#17. T & L Market
- Rating: 4.0/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1335 Middle St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Grocery, Chicken Shop, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Saint Louis Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.0/5 (88 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3147 Waialae Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Japanese
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Dukes Lane Market & Eatery
- Rating: 4.0/5 (273 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2255 Kuhio Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Food Court
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Food Pantry
- Rating: 4.0/5 (149 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 438 Hobron Lane Ste 110 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Grocery, Fruits & Veggies, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Aloha Sub Downtown Deli & Sandwiches
- Rating: 4.2/5 (85 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1066 Alakea St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Island Deli Lewers
- Rating: 4.2/5 (11 reviews)
- Address: 205 Lewers St. ABC Stores - Imperial Hotel Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Salad, Delis, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Island Country Markets
- Rating: 4.2/5 (93 reviews)
- Address: 383 Kalaimoku St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Hawaiian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Fukuya
- Rating: 4.2/5 (351 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2710 South King St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Japanese, Caterers, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Matsumoto's Okazuya & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.2/5 (137 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1323 Gulick Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Waterfront Deli
- Rating: 4.4/5 (5 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 438 Hobron Lane Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Storto's Deli and Sandwich Shoppe
- Rating: 4.4/5 (221 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 841 Bishop St. Ste 152 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Louise's Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1481 South King St. Ste 101 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Island Country Markets
- Rating: 4.5/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1860 Ala Moana Blvd. Unit 4 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Convenience Stores, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Humu Deli & Juice
- Rating: 4.6/5 (111 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 201 Merchant St. Unit 102 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Toshi's Delicatessen & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.6/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1228 North King St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Japanese
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Top's Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (12 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 685 Mapunapuna St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Pai's Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (268 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave. Ste 113 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: 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.
