Highest-rated delis in San Diego by diners

Written by:
November 26, 2024
Katarzyna Hurova // Shutterstock

Highest-rated delis in San Diego 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 San Diego. 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.

1 / 29
Continent European Deli

#29. Continent European Deli

- Rating: 3.6/5 (194 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4150 Regents Park Row Ste 110 La Jolla, California
- Categories: Delis, International Grocery, Ukrainian
- Read more on Yelp

2 / 29
Elijah's Restaurant & Delicatessen

#28. Elijah's Restaurant & Delicatessen

- Rating: 3.8/5 (686 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Ste 213 San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Comfort Food
- Read more on Yelp

3 / 29
Hazelwoods On the Bay

#27. Hazelwoods On the Bay

- Rating: 3.9/5 (333 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1355 North Harbor Drive San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp

4 / 29
Wildflour

#26. Wildflour

- Rating: 3.9/5 (92 reviews)
- Address: 2690 Historic Decatur Ste 103 San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Cocktail Bars, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp

5 / 29
Liquor Mart & Deli

#25. Liquor Mart & Deli

- Rating: 4.1/5 (108 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10497 San Diego Mission Road San Diego, California
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

6 / 29
Food Bowl Market

#24. Food Bowl Market

- Rating: 4.1/5 (124 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3035 Cedar St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

7 / 29
Trolley Stop Deli

#23. Trolley Stop Deli

- Rating: 4.1/5 (310 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8150 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

8 / 29
Jorge's Mexicatessen

#22. Jorge's Mexicatessen

- Rating: 4.1/5 (508 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 267 North El Camino Real Ste East Encinitas, California
- Categories: Delis, Mexican
- Read more on Yelp

9 / 29
Mona Lisa Italian Foods

#21. Mona Lisa Italian Foods

- Rating: 4.2/5 (2128 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2061 India St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Grocery, Italian, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

10 / 29
Gold Finch

#20. Gold Finch

- Rating: 4.2/5 (95 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3040 Science Park Road San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

11 / 29
Deli Belly

#19. Deli Belly

- Rating: 4.2/5 (286 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1530 Jamacha Road El Cajon, California
- Categories: Delis, Soup, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

12 / 29
Fish Delights & European Food Market

#18. Fish Delights & European Food Market

- Rating: 4.2/5 (71 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12222 Poway Road Ste 17 Poway, California
- Categories: Russian, Seafood Markets, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

13 / 29
Galu Café and Delicatessen

#17. Galu Café and Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.3/5 (167 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 462 3rd Ave. Chula Vista, California
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Delis, Desserts
- Read more on Yelp

14 / 29
DeliLuv

#16. DeliLuv

- Rating: 4.3/5 (50 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 350 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, California
- Categories: Delis, Bakeries
- Read more on Yelp

15 / 29
Carnivore Sandwich

#15. Carnivore Sandwich

- Rating: 4.4/5 (524 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 670 West B St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

16 / 29
Lit'l Pepper Gourmet

#14. Lit'l Pepper Gourmet

- Rating: 4.4/5 (738 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8911 Complex Drive Ste C San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Soup
- Read more on Yelp

17 / 29
BB's Deli

#13. BB's Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (255 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1321 5th Ave. San Diego, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Soup
- Read more on Yelp

18 / 29
PB Market and Deli

#12. PB Market and Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (93 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4435 Cass St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp

19 / 29
Poma's Italian Deli

#11. Poma's Italian Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (603 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1846 Bacon St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

20 / 29
The Plaza Deli

#10. The Plaza Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (124 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 401 B St. Floor 3 San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

21 / 29
Crossroads Deli

#9. Crossroads Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (642 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9085 Judicial Drive Ste 100 San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp

22 / 29
Cheers Deli & Liquor

#8. Cheers Deli & Liquor

- Rating: 4.6/5 (395 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6983 Navajo Road San Diego, California
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp

23 / 29
Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen

#7. Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.6/5 (318 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6663 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Vegan, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp

24 / 29
San Diego Vegan Market

#6. San Diego Vegan Market

- Rating: 4.7/5 (185 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4606 Mission Gorge Place Suit A San Diego, California
- Categories: Convenience Stores, Delis, Vegan
- Read more on Yelp

25 / 29
OB Deli

#5. OB Deli

- Rating: 4.7/5 (148 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4984 Voltaire St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

26 / 29
The Sandwich Bags

#4. The Sandwich Bags

- Rating: 4.7/5 (348 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10769 Woodside Ave. Santee, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

27 / 29
Papa Duke's Deli & Grill

#3. Papa Duke's Deli & Grill

- Rating: 4.7/5 (297 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12169 Kirkham Road Ste A Poway, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Pizza
- Read more on Yelp

28 / 29
Beyer Deli

#2. Beyer Deli

- Rating: 4.8/5 (839 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3065 Beyer Blvd. Ste A105 San Diego, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

29 / 29
Green Vine Delicatessen

#1. Green Vine Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.5/5 (428 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2429 National City Blvd. National City, California
- Categories: Delis, Burgers, Juice Bars & Smoothies
- 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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