Highest-rated Delis in Detroit by Diners

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Highest-rated delis in Detroit 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 Detroit. 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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#28. Asian corned beef

- Rating: 3.1/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 13240 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#27. Mr. Corned Beef

- Rating: 3.2/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 11000 East Jefferson Ave. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#26. Teenie's Deli

- Rating: 3.2/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 18244 West 7 Mile Road Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#25. DeAngelo's Soul Food, Deli, & More

- Rating: 3.2/5 (40 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 17425 Telegraph Road Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Soul Food, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#24. Presto Gourmet Deli

- Rating: 3.2/5 (13 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 400 Renaissance Center Ste 2500 Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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#23. Asian Corned Beef

- Rating: 3.3/5 (46 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 13660 Wyoming St. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Desserts, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#22. Asian Corned Beef

- Rating: 3.5/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 14820 West 7 Mile Road Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Asian Fusion, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#21. Delite Cafe Deli Detroit

- Rating: 3.5/5 (14 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 320 East Canfield St. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Coffee & Tea, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#20. Lou's Deli

- Rating: 3.5/5 (98 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8224 West McNichols Road Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#19. Lunchtime Detroit

- Rating: 3.6/5 (16 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3031 West Grand Blvd. Ste 201 Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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#18. Papa Joe's Market

- Rating: 3.6/5 (7 reviews)
- Address: 2799 West Grand Blvd. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Pizza, Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

#17. Bread Basket Deli

- Rating: 3.7/5 (33 reviews)
- Address: 3242 East Jefferson Ave. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Louie's Ham & Corned Beef Shop

- Rating: 3.8/5 (26 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 16661 Harper Ave. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#15. Mr. Corned Beef

- Rating: 3.8/5 (39 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 17819 W. 7 Mile Road Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Desserts
- Read more on Yelp

#14. K&G Deli

- Rating: 3.9/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5625 Conner St. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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#13. D Motown Deli & Food Truck

- Rating: 3.9/5 (57 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3750 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Food Trucks, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Frank's Deli & Grill

- Rating: 4.0/5 (64 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3405 Russell St. Eastern Market Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: American, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Deli Plaza

- Rating: 4.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 18401 Wyoming Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#10. Farmer Franks

- Rating: 4.0/5 (145 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2542 Market St. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, American, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#9. CaféDIA

- Rating: 4.1/5 (10 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5200 Woodward Ave. Detroit Institute of Arts Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#8. Hygrade Deli

- Rating: 4.1/5 (162 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3640 Michigan Ave. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Haz Subs and Salads

- Rating: 4.2/5 (12 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1360 West Fort St. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Mudgie's Deli & Wine Shop

- Rating: 4.3/5 (1022 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1300 Porter St. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Wine Bars, American
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Wigley's Meats & Produce

- Rating: 4.4/5 (31 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3405 Russell St. Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Original Gonella's

- Rating: 4.4/5 (115 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 295 South Oakwood Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Specialty Food
- Read more on Yelp

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#3. Sullaf Restaurant

- Rating: 4.5/5 (20 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 814 West 7 Mile Road Detroit, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Middle Eastern
- Read more on Yelp