Highest-rated delis in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. 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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Corsagna Deli

1 / 30

#30. Corsagna Deli

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

The Ravioli House

2 / 30

#29. The Ravioli House

- Rating: 4.5/5 (603 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 505 South B St. San Mateo, California
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

Good Luck Cafe and Deli

3 / 30

#28. 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

4 / 30

#27. 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

5 / 30

#26. 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

6 / 30

#25. 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

Two Cousins Deli

7 / 30

#24. Two Cousins Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (89 reviews)
- Address: 1331 Old County Road Belmont, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

Seascape Foods

8 / 30

#23. Seascape Foods

- Rating: 4.5/5 (148 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 16 Seascape Village Aptos, California
- Categories: Delis, Bakeries, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Golden Gate Market Deli & Liquor

9 / 30

#22. 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

Terrace Market

10 / 30

#21. Terrace Market

- Rating: 4.5/5 (136 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 16250 Foothill Blvd. San Leandro, California
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Meat Shops
- Read more on Yelp

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Dino's Sandwich Shop

11 / 30

#20. 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

New Star Market

12 / 30

#19. 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

13 / 30

#18. 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

14 / 30

#17. 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

15 / 30

#16. 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

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Compagno's Market & Deli

16 / 30

#15. 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

5th Avenue Deli & Market

17 / 30

#14. 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

Rocky's Quality Meats

18 / 30

#13. Rocky's Quality Meats

- Rating: 4.6/5 (126 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 71 San Pablo Ave. San Rafael, California
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis, Butcher
- Read more on Yelp

Handy Deli

19 / 30

#12. 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

Parma Delicatessen

20 / 30

#11. Parma Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.7/5 (536 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3521 Clayton Road Concord, California
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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Three Amigos Market & Deli

21 / 30

#10. 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

Seabright Deli

22 / 30

#9. Seabright Deli

- Rating: 4.7/5 (579 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 415 Seabright Ave. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Genova Bakery

23 / 30

#8. 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

Palermo II Delicatessen

24 / 30

#7. 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

25 / 30

#6. 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

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Limoncello

26 / 30

#5. 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

27 / 30

#4. 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

Navarro's Italian Deli

28 / 30

#3. Navarro's Italian Deli

- Rating: 4.8/5 (58 reviews)
- Address: 987 23rd St. Richmond, California
- Categories: Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

The Olive Market

29 / 30

#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

Zoccoli's Delicatessen

30 / 30

#1. 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

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 203 metros.

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