Highest-rated delis in Pittsburgh by diners
Highest-rated delis in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh. 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.
#25. Erin's Deli
- Rating: 3.9/5 (49 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 210 Ave. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Desserts, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Deutschtown Deli
- Rating: 4.0/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: 401 East Ohio St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Shop-n-Go Deli
- Rating: 4.0/5 (19 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6001 Buttermilk Hollow Road Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Boulevard Deli
- Rating: 4.1/5 (22 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 309 Smithfield St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Cafe io
- Rating: 4.2/5 (178 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 300 Beverly Road Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Cafes, Delis, American
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Frenchi's Deli & Market
- Rating: 4.2/5 (18 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 449 Atwood St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Tobacco Shops, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Brother Tom's Bakery
- Rating: 4.2/5 (40 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 808 Main St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Bakeries, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#18. New York Super Subs - Squirrel Hill
- Rating: 4.2/5 (53 reviews)
- Address: 1827 Murray Ave. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, American
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Hanini Market and Subs
- Rating: 4.3/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 3245 Brighton Road Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Convenience Stores, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Fredos Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (46 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1451 Potomac Ave. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#15. S&D Polish Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (312 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2204 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Polish, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Food For Thought Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (74 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 194 North Craig St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Observatory Hill Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (13 reviews)
- Address: 3856 Baytree St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Food Shoppe
- Rating: 4.4/5 (22 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5878 Northumberland St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Grocery, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Carson Street Deli & Craft Beer Bar
- Rating: 4.4/5 (201 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1507 East Carson St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Bars, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#10. DiAnoia's Eatery
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1116 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2549 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Bloomfield Groceria
- Rating: 4.4/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 237 Cedarville St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: International Grocery, Pasta Shops, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#8. io Deli
- Rating: 4.4/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 306 Beverly Road Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Ida's Sandwich Shop
- Rating: 4.5/5 (32 reviews)
- Address: 3921 Perrysville Ave. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Deli on Butler Street
- Rating: 4.6/5 (118 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4110 Butler St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Deli On North Avenue
- Rating: 4.6/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4 East North Ave. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Mayfly Market and Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (44 reviews)
- Address: 1327 Arch St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Parma Sausage Products
- Rating: 4.8/5 (49 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1734 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Meat Shops, Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Kevin's Deli
- Rating: 4.8/5 (95 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4415 5th Ave. Ste 120 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Merante Brothers Italian American Market
- Rating: 4.9/5 (12 reviews)
- Address: 6 Marion St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Convenience Stores
- 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.
