Highest-rated delis in California, Maryland by diners

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Katarzyna Hurova // Shutterstock
Katarzyna Hurova // Shutterstock

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 California. 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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#19. Morty's Deli

Morty's Deli

1 / 19

#19. Morty's Deli

- Rating: 2.5/5 (71 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7002 Arundel Mills Cir Hanover, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#18. Brooklyn's Deli

Brooklyn's Deli

2 / 19

#18. Brooklyn's Deli

- Rating: 3.1/5 (245 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1089 Seven Locks Road Potomac, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

#17. Snowhill Foodrite

Snowhill Foodrite

3 / 19

#17. Snowhill Foodrite

- Rating: 3.4/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 308 East Market St. Snow Hill, Maryland
- Categories: Grocery, Gas Stations, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Woodside Deli

Woodside Deli

4 / 19

#16. Woodside Deli

- Rating: 3.4/5 (254 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 13048 Middlebrook Road Germantown, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp

#14. The Market On the Boulevard

The Market On the Boulevard

6 / 19

#14. The Market On the Boulevard

- Rating: 3.5/5 (76 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7945 MacArthur Blvd. Cabin John, Maryland
- Categories: Specialty Food, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#13. On A Roll

On A Roll

7 / 19

#13. On A Roll

- Rating: 3.6/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 14401 Sweitzer Lane Laurel, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, American, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Generous Joe's Deli

Generous Joe's Deli

8 / 19

#12. Generous Joe's Deli

- Rating: 3.6/5 (108 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 107 Centerway Greenbelt, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Chick & Ruth's Delly

Chick & Ruth's Delly

9 / 19

#11. Chick & Ruth's Delly

- Rating: 3.8/5 (1307 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 165 Main St. Annapolis, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Diners, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

#9. Vace

Vace

11 / 19

#9. Vace

- Rating: 3.9/5 (309 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4705 Miller Ave. Bethesda, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Pizza
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Promenade Market & Deli

Promenade Market & Deli

12 / 19

#8. Promenade Market & Deli

- Rating: 4.0/5 (23 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5225 Pooks Hill Road Bethesda, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Parkway Deli & Restaurant

Parkway Deli & Restaurant

13 / 19

#7. Parkway Deli & Restaurant

- Rating: 4.2/5 (951 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8317 Grubb Road Silver Spring, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, American
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Corned Beef King

Corned Beef King

14 / 19

#6. Corned Beef King

- Rating: 4.2/5 (368 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 330-C North Stonestreet Ave. Rockville, Maryland
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, American
- Read more on Yelp

#4. European Delight

European Delight

16 / 19

#4. European Delight

- Rating: 4.4/5 (53 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1488 Rockville Pike Ste 1 Rockville, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Imported Food
- Read more on Yelp

#3. Botanic Cafe-Delicatessen

Botanic Cafe-Delicatessen

17 / 19

#3. Botanic Cafe-Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.4/5 (32 reviews)
- Address: 22720 Duke St. Leonardtown, Maryland
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

#2. Showtime Deli

Showtime Deli

18 / 19

#2. Showtime Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (77 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 21719 Great Mills Road Lexington Park, Maryland
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#1. New York Italian Deli

New York Italian Deli

19 / 19

#1. New York Italian Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (332 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 13700 Old Brandywine Road Brandywine, Maryland
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

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