Morty's Deli
1 / 16#16. Morty's Deli
- Rating: 2.5/5 (71 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7002 Arundel Mills Cir Hanover, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Highest-rated delis in Baltimore 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 Baltimore. 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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Lenny's Delicatessen
2 / 16#15. Lenny's Delicatessen
- Rating: 3.1/5 (195 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9107 Reisterstown Road Owings Mills, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Harbor East Delicatessen And Pizzeria
3 / 16#14. Harbor East Delicatessen And Pizzeria
- Rating: 3.3/5 (171 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1006 Aliceanna St. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Duke & Lou's Delicatessen
4 / 16#13. Duke & Lou's Delicatessen
- Rating: 3.4/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4428 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
The Essen Room
5 / 16#12. The Essen Room
- Rating: 3.8/5 (233 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 25 Hooks Lane Pikesville, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
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Ravage Deli
6 / 16#11. Ravage Deli
- Rating: 4.1/5 (206 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9636 Belair Road Perry Hall, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, New American
- Read more on Yelp
Weiss Deli
7 / 16#10. Weiss Deli
- Rating: 4.1/5 (65 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1127 East Lombard St. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Trinacria - Baltimore
8 / 16#9. Trinacria - Baltimore
- Rating: 4.6/5 (308 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 406 North Paca St. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
Di Pasquale's Marketplace
9 / 16#8. Di Pasquale's Marketplace
- Rating: 4.6/5 (579 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3700 Toone St. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
Mastellone's Deli & Wine Shop
10 / 16#7. Mastellone's Deli & Wine Shop
- Rating: 4.7/5 (141 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7212 Harford Road Parkville, Maryland
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
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Studiotouch // Shutterstock
11 / 16#6. Dudek's Delicatessen and Butcher Shop
- Rating: 4.8/5 (14 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 208 Mace Ave. Essex, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Rex's
12 / 16#5. Rex's
- Rating: 4.9/5 (9 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2101 East Monument St. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
Attman's Delicatessen
13 / 16#4. Attman's Delicatessen
- Rating: 3.9/5 (59 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1401 Point St. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Attman's Delicatessen
14 / 16#3. Attman's Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.1/5 (445 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1019 East Lombard St. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Marty's Delicatessen & Restaurant
15 / 16#2. Marty's Delicatessen & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.8/5 (15 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 798 West Cross St. Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
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Harry's Delicatessen
16 / 16#1. Harry's Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.2/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 2101 East Monument St. Ste 6 Baltimore, Maryland
- Categories: Meat Shops, 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.
