Highest-rated Delis in Cleveland by Diners

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Highest-rated delis in Cleveland 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 Cleveland. 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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#26. Vienna Market

- Rating: 3.8/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 5615 Woodland Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Salad, Fish & Chips, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#25. Pit Stop Deli

- Rating: 3.8/5 (15 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 19609 Puritas Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#24. Jack's Deli & Restaurant

- Rating: 3.9/5 (251 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 14490 Cedar Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#23. Presti's Bakery

- Rating: 4.0/5 (576 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12101 Mayfield Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Bakeries, Cafes, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#22. Superior Restaurant

- Rating: 4.0/5 (63 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3000 Superior Ave. East Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#21. Al's Deli

- Rating: 4.0/5 (92 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1717 East 9th Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Middle Eastern, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#20. Susy's Soup & Deli

- Rating: 4.1/5 (11 reviews)
- Address: 1701 East 12th St. Reserve Square Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Soup
- Read more on Yelp

#19. Chuppa's Marketplace

- Rating: 4.1/5 (94 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5640 Pearl Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Grocery, Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#18. Davis Bakery & Deli

- Rating: 4.2/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 4572 Renaissance Pkwy Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Bakeries
- Read more on Yelp

#17. Panaderia Las Villas & Deli

- Rating: 4.3/5 (24 reviews)
- Address: 3216 West 41st St. Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Latin American, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#16. Nate's Deli & Restaurant

- Rating: 4.3/5 (146 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1923 West 25th St. Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Middle Eastern
- Read more on Yelp

#15. Urban Kitchen & Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (219 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9751 Chester Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Delis, Waffles
- Read more on Yelp

#14. Larder Delicatessen and Bakery

- Rating: 4.4/5 (174 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1455 West 29th St. Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Bakeries
- Read more on Yelp

#13. Edwins Butcher Shop

- Rating: 4.5/5 (25 reviews)
- Address: 13024 Buckeye Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Butcher, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Murray Hill Market

- Rating: 4.5/5 (122 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2072 Murray Hill Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#11. Sophie's Natural Pierogi

- Rating: 4.3/5 (15 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4631 Turney Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Polish, Delis, Imported Food
- Read more on Yelp

#10. Jacob's Oasis

- Rating: 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
- Address: 1979 West 25th St. Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Mediterranean, Desserts, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#9. West 3rd Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (62 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1220 West 3rd St. Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Tost Sandwich Café

- Rating: 4.6/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 2341 Scranton Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Desserts
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Danny's Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (85 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1658 St. Clair Ave. Northeast Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

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#6. Barrister's Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (93 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1424 Hamilton Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Michael's Bakery

- Rating: 4.6/5 (37 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4478 Broadview Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Bakeries, Donuts, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Yeleseyevsky Deli

- Rating: 4.7/5 (15 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5378 Mayfield Road Cleveland, Ohio
- Categories: Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp