Highest-rated delis in Chicago 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 Chicago. 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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The Honey Baked Ham Company

1 / 30

#30. The Honey Baked Ham Company

- Rating: 3.8/5 (25 reviews)
- Address: 7044 West Forest Preserve Drive Norridge, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Meat Shops, American
- Read more on Yelp

Original Bagel & Bialy

2 / 30

#29. Original Bagel & Bialy

- Rating: 3.8/5 (277 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 105 McHenry Road Buffalo Grove, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Bagels, Bakeries
- Read more on Yelp

Once Upon A Grill

3 / 30

#28. Once Upon A Grill

- Rating: 3.9/5 (152 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2758 Dundee Road Northbrook, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, American
- Read more on Yelp

Villa Park Market

4 / 30

#27. Villa Park Market

- Rating: 3.9/5 (77 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 302 West North Ave. Villa Park, Illinois
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Kaufman's

5 / 30

#26. Kaufman's

- Rating: 3.9/5 (764 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4905 Dempster St. Skokie, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Bakeries, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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Mensch's Deli

6 / 30

#25. Mensch's Deli

- Rating: 4.0/5 (127 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1608 Chicago Ave. Evanston, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Bagels, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Montrose Food Mart & Deli

7 / 30

#24. Montrose Food Mart & Deli

- Rating: 4.0/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6601 West Irving Park Road Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

8 / 30

#23. Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.0/5 (1413 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1141 South Jefferson St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Kasia's Deli

9 / 30

#22. Kasia's Deli

- Rating: 4.1/5 (190 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2101 West Chicago Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Lassak Market & Deli

10 / 30

#21. Lassak Market & Deli

- Rating: 4.1/5 (32 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8017 West 103rd St. Palos Hills, Illinois
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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Once Upon A Bagel

11 / 30

#20. Once Upon A Bagel

- Rating: 4.1/5 (263 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1888 1st St. Highland Park, Illinois
- Categories: Bagels, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Upper Crust Bagels

12 / 30

#19. Upper Crust Bagels

- Rating: 4.2/5 (134 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 835 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Bagels, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Publican Quality Meats

13 / 30

#18. Publican Quality Meats

- Rating: 4.2/5 (693 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 825 West Fulton Market St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Butcher, Delis, Meat Shops
- Read more on Yelp

Nonna Soluri's Italian Deli

14 / 30

#17. Nonna Soluri's Italian Deli

- Rating: 4.2/5 (88 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3142 South Morgan St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Italian, Delis, Pizza
- Read more on Yelp

Rich's Deli

15 / 30

#16. Rich's Deli

- Rating: 4.2/5 (96 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 857 North Western Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

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Piatto Pronto

16 / 30

#15. Piatto Pronto

- Rating: 4.3/5 (404 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5624 North Clark St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

Frankie's Deli

17 / 30

#14. Frankie's Deli

- Rating: 4.3/5 (414 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 17W626 Butterfield Road Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

Onion Roll

18 / 30

#13. Onion Roll

- Rating: 4.4/5 (324 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6935 North Ave. Oak Park, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

All Ways Catering & Deli

19 / 30

#12. All Ways Catering & Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (105 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 110 Turner Ave. Elk Grove Village, Illinois
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Helen's Deli

20 / 30

#11. Helen's Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (44 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 272 West Irving Park Road Wood Dale, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Polish
- Read more on Yelp

Schneider Deli

21 / 30

#10. Schneider Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (153 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 600 North La Salle Drive Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Bagels, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Conte Di Savoia

22 / 30

#9. Conte Di Savoia

- Rating: 4.5/5 (340 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1438 West Taylor St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

Italia Imports

23 / 30

#8. Italia Imports

- Rating: 4.6/5 (54 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11351 West 143rd St. Orland Park, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Tempesta Market

24 / 30

#7. Tempesta Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (316 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1372 West Grand Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: International Grocery, Meat Shops, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

J.P. Graziano Grocery

25 / 30

#6. J.P. Graziano Grocery

- Rating: 4.6/5 (727 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 901 West Randolph St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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Alpine Food Shop

26 / 30

#5. Alpine Food Shop

- Rating: 4.6/5 (358 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7538 West North Ave. Elmwood Park, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Grocery, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

The Original Nottoli & Son

27 / 30

#4. The Original Nottoli & Son

- Rating: 4.7/5 (215 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7652 West Belmont Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Meat Shops, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Kolatek Baking Company

28 / 30

#3. Kolatek Baking Company

- Rating: 4.8/5 (12 reviews)
- Address: 1916 North Rand Road Palatine, Illinois
- Categories: Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Lalich Delicatessens

29 / 30

#2. Lalich Delicatessens

- Rating: 4.6/5 (18 reviews)
- Address: 4208 West Lawrence Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

Helfeld's Delicatessen & Catering

30 / 30

#1. Helfeld's Delicatessen & Catering

- Rating: 4.3/5 (31 reviews)
- Address: 1750 West North Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Bagels
- 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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