De Vinci's Delicatessen & Catering
1 / 27#27. De Vinci's Delicatessen & Catering
- Rating: 3.6/5 (27 reviews)
- Address: 18847 East Front St. Linden, California
- Categories: Delis, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
Highest-rated delis in Merced by diners
Delis hold a cherished place in the tapestry of American culture, tracing their origins to Jewish immigrants who arrived in the United States 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 July 2025, to find the highest-rated delis in Merced. In an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, restaurants with more than 10 locations in Yelp's data were not included. Keep reading to see if your favorite deli made the list.
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Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop - Morgan Hill
2 / 27#26. Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop - Morgan Hill
- Rating: 3.6/5 (213 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1049 Cochrane Road Ste 120 Morgan Hill, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
Podesto's Market and Deli
3 / 27#25. Podesto's Market and Deli
- Rating: 3.6/5 (359 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 104 Lincoln Center Stockton, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Phil's Snack Shack & Deli
4 / 27#24. Phil's Snack Shack & Deli
- Rating: 3.8/5 (153 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7912 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, California
- Categories: Seafood, Delis, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
Erik's DeliCafé
5 / 27#23. Erik's DeliCafé
- Rating: 3.8/5 (181 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1 South Market St. Ste 20 San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
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De Vinci's Delicatessen & Catering
6 / 27#22. De Vinci's Delicatessen & Catering
- Rating: 3.8/5 (26 reviews)
- Address: 40 East Hwy 12 Valley Springs, California
- Categories: Italian, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Goodies Deli
7 / 27#21. Goodies Deli
- Rating: 3.9/5 (140 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 510 Lighthouse Ave. Ste 2 Pacific Grove, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Fiori's Butcher Shoppe & Deli
8 / 27#20. Fiori's Butcher Shoppe & Deli
- Rating: 4.0/5 (282 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 400 West Lodi Ave. Lodi, California
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Cannery Row Delicatessen
9 / 27#19. Cannery Row Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.1/5 (208 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 101 Drake Ave. Monterey, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Gunther's Restaurant and Catering
10 / 27#18. Gunther's Restaurant and Catering
- Rating: 4.1/5 (640 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1601 Meridian Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Caterers, Delis, Party & Event Planning
- Read more on Yelp
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Chiaramonte's Deli & Sausages
11 / 27#17. Chiaramonte's Deli & Sausages
- Rating: 4.2/5 (206 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 609 North 13th St. San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Gian's Delicatessen
12 / 27#16. Gian's Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.2/5 (327 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2112 Pacific Ave. Stockton, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
The Bakery Station
13 / 27#15. The Bakery Station
- Rating: 4.2/5 (253 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 202 Monterey St. Salinas, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Palermo Italian Restaurant
14 / 27#14. Palermo Italian Restaurant
- Rating: 4.2/5 (794 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 791 Auzerais Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Italian, Pizza, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
The Meatery
15 / 27#13. The Meatery
- Rating: 4.3/5 (269 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1534 Fremont Blvd. Seaside, California
- Categories: Butcher, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
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Troia's Market
16 / 27#12. Troia's Market
- Rating: 4.3/5 (114 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 350 Pacific St. Monterey, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Piemonte's Italian Delicatessen
17 / 27#11. Piemonte's Italian Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.3/5 (381 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 616 East Olive Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
LOCAL. Eats. Merch. Vibes
18 / 27#10. LOCAL. Eats. Merch. Vibes
- Rating: 4.4/5 (147 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 215 Reservation Road Ste North Marina, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Johnny's Market
19 / 27#9. Johnny's Market
- Rating: 4.5/5 (91 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 622 West 9th St. Antioch, California
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Antipasto's By Derose Gourmet Meat Fish & Deli
20 / 27#8. Antipasto's By Derose Gourmet Meat Fish & Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1108 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3454 McKee Road San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
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Seascape Foods
21 / 27#7. Seascape Foods
- Rating: 4.5/5 (148 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 16 Seascape Village Aptos, California
- Categories: Delis, Bakeries, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Dino's Sandwich Shop
22 / 27#6. Dino's Sandwich Shop
- Rating: 4.6/5 (667 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 741 2nd St. Brentwood, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
Compagno's Market & Deli
23 / 27#5. Compagno's Market & Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (1366 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2000 Prescott Ave. Monterey, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Sam's Italian Deli & Market
24 / 27#4. Sam's Italian Deli & Market
- Rating: 4.6/5 (1252 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2415 North First St. Fresno, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Genova Bakery
25 / 27#3. Genova Bakery
- Rating: 4.7/5 (712 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 749 North Sierra Nevada St. Stockton, California
- Categories: Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
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The Olive Market
26 / 27#2. The Olive Market
- Rating: 4.9/5 (102 reviews)
- Address: 6455 Owens Drive Ste D Pleasanton, California
- Categories: Delis, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
MOTO Delicatessen & Bodega
27 / 27#1. MOTO Delicatessen & Bodega
- Rating: 4.6/5 (157 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1916 North Echo Ave. Fresno, California
- Categories: Delis, Grocery, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 203 metros.
