Highest-rated delis in San Francisco 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 Francisco. 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.

Guerra Quality Meats

1 / 30

#30. Guerra Quality Meats

- Rating: 4.3/5 (558 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 490 Taraval St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Rossi's Deli

2 / 30

#29. Rossi's Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (232 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 426 Castro St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

Ted's Market & Deli

3 / 30

#28. Ted's Market & Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (581 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1530 Howard St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Salad
- Read more on Yelp

Teani's Italian Deli

4 / 30

#27. Teani's Italian Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (312 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 772 El Camino Real South San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Domenicos Italian Deli

5 / 30

#26. Domenicos Italian Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (516 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1407 Webster St. Alameda, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

Sierra Deli & Market

6 / 30

#25. Sierra Deli & Market

- Rating: 4.4/5 (460 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 311 Oak St. Ste C3 Oakland, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Salad
- Read more on Yelp

Mill Valley Market

7 / 30

#24. Mill Valley Market

- Rating: 4.4/5 (242 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12 Corte Madera Ave. Mill Valley, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

Sausalito Gourmet Delicatessen

8 / 30

#23. Sausalito Gourmet Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.5/5 (366 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 209 Caledonia St. Sausalito, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Lucinda's Deli & More

9 / 30

#22. Lucinda's Deli & More

- Rating: 4.5/5 (243 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 535 Scott St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Corsagna Deli

10 / 30

#21. Corsagna Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (79 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1668 Union St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Good Luck Cafe and Deli

11 / 30

#20. Good Luck Cafe and Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (465 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 621 Kearny St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Cafes, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

A K Meats

12 / 30

#19. A K Meats

- Rating: 4.5/5 (390 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2346 Clement St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Salad
- Read more on Yelp

Subculture Deli

13 / 30

#18. Subculture Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (307 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 151 South Spruce Ave. South San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Santoro's Italian Market & Deli

14 / 30

#17. Santoro's Italian Market & Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (362 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 475 Santa Clara Ave. Alameda, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

Golden Gate Market Deli & Liquor

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#16. Golden Gate Market Deli & Liquor

- Rating: 4.5/5 (263 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2767 Lombard St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

New Star Market

16 / 30

#15. New Star Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 269 14th St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Grand Leader Market

17 / 30

#14. Grand Leader Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (182 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 600 San Mateo Ave. San Bruno, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

Seakor Polish Delicatessen

18 / 30

#13. Seakor Polish Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.6/5 (298 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5957 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Polish
- Read more on Yelp

Michaelis Food Store

19 / 30

#12. Michaelis Food Store

- Rating: 4.6/5 (135 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 901 North Point St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

5th Avenue Deli & Market

20 / 30

#11. 5th Avenue Deli & Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (92 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4 Embarcadero Center San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

Handy Deli

21 / 30

#10. Handy Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (321 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1815 Irving St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Three Amigos Market & Deli

22 / 30

#9. Three Amigos Market & Deli

- Rating: 4.7/5 (9 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1554 13th Ave. Oakland, California
- Categories: Grocery, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Palermo II Delicatessen

23 / 30

#8. Palermo II Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.7/5 (145 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 658 Vallejo St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

Oxbridge Market

24 / 30

#7. Oxbridge Market

- Rating: 4.7/5 (149 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 790 Silver Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Limoncello

25 / 30

#6. Limoncello

- Rating: 4.7/5 (1877 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1400 Sutter St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

Calabria Bros

26 / 30

#5. Calabria Bros

- Rating: 4.8/5 (272 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4763 Mission St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Caterers, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Sadie's Delicatessen

27 / 30

#4. Sadie's Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.2/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: 1 Warriors Way Level 600 San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Morty's Delicatessen

28 / 30

#3. Morty's Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.1/5 (545 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 280 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

Lucca Delicatessen

29 / 30

#2. Lucca Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.2/5 (894 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2120 Chestnut St. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Cheese Shops
- Read more on Yelp

Molinari Delicatessen

30 / 30

#1. Molinari Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.4/5 (1523 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 373 Columbus Ave. San Francisco, California
- Categories: Specialty Food, 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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