
Highest-rated delis in Lansing 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 Lansing. 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.
#20. Steve's Deli
- Rating: 2.8/5 (326 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6646 Telegraph Road Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Star Deli
- Rating: 3.4/5 (221 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 24555 West 12 Mile Road Southfield, Michigan
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Lou's Deli
- Rating: 3.4/5 (108 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 22819 Greenfield Road Southfield, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Stage Deli
- Rating: 3.7/5 (333 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6873 Orchard Lake Road West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, New American, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Stateside Deli & Restaurant
- Rating: 3.9/5 (113 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7526 Grand River Ave. Brighton, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Diners, American
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Mati's Deli
- Rating: 3.9/5 (132 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1842 Monroe St. Dearborn, Michigan
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Zingerman's Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.0/5 (2765 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 422 Detroit St. Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Westborn Market
- Rating: 4.0/5 (72 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 860 Penniman Ave. Plymouth, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Pickles & Rye Deli
- Rating: 4.1/5 (175 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6724 Orchard Lake Road West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Gluten-Free
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Amazing Deli
- Rating: 4.1/5 (52 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 134 East Main St. Midland, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Hot Dogs
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Troy Deli
- Rating: 4.1/5 (101 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3958 Rochester Road Troy, Michigan
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Maize N Blue Deli
- Rating: 4.2/5 (188 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1329 South University Ave. Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#8. The Vault Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 368 South Jefferson St. Mason, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Oak House Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (110 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 603 South Washington Ave. Royal Oak, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Tonys Deli Restaurant
- Rating: 4.3/5 (107 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3258 Orchard Lake Road Orchard Lake, Michigan
- Categories: Russian, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Mayas Deli of Plymouth
- Rating: 4.4/5 (56 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 550 Forest Ave. Ste 2 Plymouth, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Schwartz's Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (96 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1440 South Milford Road Highland, Michigan
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Schnitz Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (180 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1315 Fulton St. East Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Categories: Delis, Soup, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Ernie's Market
- Rating: 4.8/5 (599 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8500 Capital St. Oak Park, Michigan
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Val's Delicatessen
- Rating: 3.8/5 (66 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4301 Orchard Lake Road Ste 195 West Bloomfield, Michigan
- Categories: Salad, Delis, 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.