TOGO'S Sandwiches
1 / 25#25. TOGO'S Sandwiches
- Rating: 2.6/5 (203 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2081 Camden Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, fast food
- Read more on Yelp
Highest-rated delis in Salinas 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 Salinas. 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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Nob Hill Foods
2 / 25#24. Nob Hill Foods
- Rating: 3.2/5 (96 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 222 Mt Hermon Road Scotts Valley, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop - Morgan Hill
3 / 25#23. 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
Phil's Snack Shack & Deli
4 / 25#22. 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 / 25#21. 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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American Italian Delicatessen
6 / 25#20. American Italian Delicatessen
- Rating: 3.8/5 (264 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 139 Main St. Los Altos, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Day's Market Liquors & Deli
7 / 25#19. Day's Market Liquors & Deli
- Rating: 3.8/5 (47 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 526 Seabright Ave. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
The Don's Deli
8 / 25#18. The Don's Deli
- Rating: 3.9/5 (174 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 620 East Evelyn Ave. Sunnyvale, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Goodies Deli
9 / 25#17. Goodies Deli
- Rating: 3.9/5 (140 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 510 Lighthouse Ave. Ste 2 Pacific Grove, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
American Italian Delicatessen
10 / 25#16. American Italian Delicatessen
- Rating: 3.9/5 (171 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 42 Elm St. Los Gatos, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
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Gunther's Restaurant and Catering
11 / 25#15. Gunther's Restaurant and Catering
- Rating: 4.1/5 (640 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1601 Meridian Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Caterers, Delis, Party & Event Planning
- Read more on Yelp
Chiaramonte's Deli & Sausages
12 / 25#14. Chiaramonte's Deli & Sausages
- Rating: 4.2/5 (206 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 609 North 13th St. San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
The Bakery Station
13 / 25#13. The Bakery Station
- Rating: 4.2/5 (253 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 202 Monterey St. Salinas, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Palermo Italian Restaurant
14 / 25#12. Palermo Italian Restaurant
- Rating: 4.2/5 (794 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 791 Auzerais Ave. San Jose, California
- Categories: Italian, Pizza, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
The Meatery
15 / 25#11. The Meatery
- Rating: 4.3/5 (269 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1534 Fremont Blvd. Seaside, California
- Categories: Butcher, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
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Troia's Market
16 / 25#10. Troia's Market
- Rating: 4.3/5 (114 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 350 Pacific St. Monterey, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
LOCAL. Eats. Merch. Vibes
17 / 25#9. LOCAL. Eats. Merch. Vibes
- Rating: 4.4/5 (147 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 215 Reservation Road Ste North Marina, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Deke's Market - In Mah' Belly Deli
18 / 25#8. Deke's Market - In Mah' Belly Deli
- Rating: 4.4/5 (76 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 334 7th Ave. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Arcangeli Grocery
19 / 25#7. Arcangeli Grocery
- Rating: 4.5/5 (719 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 287 Stage Road Pescadero, California
- Categories: Bakeries, Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Antipasto's By Derose Gourmet Meat Fish & Deli
20 / 25#6. Antipasto's By Derose Gourmet Meat Fish & Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1108 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3454 McKee Road San Jose, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
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Seascape Foods
21 / 25#5. Seascape Foods
- Rating: 4.5/5 (148 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 16 Seascape Village Aptos, California
- Categories: Delis, Bakeries, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Compagno's Market & Deli
22 / 25#4. Compagno's Market & Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (1366 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2000 Prescott Ave. Monterey, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Seabright Deli
23 / 25#3. Seabright Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (579 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 415 Seabright Ave. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Zoccoli's Delicatessen
24 / 25#2. Zoccoli's Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.2/5 (953 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1534 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Cannery Row Delicatessen
25 / 25#1. Cannery Row Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.1/5 (208 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 101 Drake Ave. Monterey, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 203 metros.
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