Highest-rated delis in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. 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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Santini's New York Style Deli - McLean

1 / 19

#19. Santini's New York Style Deli - McLean

- Rating: 3.0/5 (185 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1443 Chain Bridge Road Mclean, Virginia
- Categories: Pizza, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

mavo // Shutterstock

2 / 19

#18. Sam's Delicatessen

- Rating: 3.4/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8251 Greensboro Drive McLean, Virginia
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Huong Binh Bakery & Deli

3 / 19

#17. Huong Binh Bakery & Deli

- Rating: 3.4/5 (131 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6781 Wilson Blvd. Falls Church, Virginia
- Categories: Bakeries, Vietnamese, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

New York Deli

4 / 19

#16. New York Deli

- Rating: 3.4/5 (331 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2920 West Cary St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, American
- Read more on Yelp

Chutzpah Deli

5 / 19

#15. Chutzpah Deli

- Rating: 3.5/5 (593 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12214 Fairfax Towne Center Fairfax, Virginia
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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Santini's New York Style Deli - Oakton

6 / 19

#14. Santini's New York Style Deli - Oakton

- Rating: 3.5/5 (267 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2975 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Pizza, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Santini's New York Style Deli - Reston

7 / 19

#13. Santini's New York Style Deli - Reston

- Rating: 3.6/5 (357 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11804 Baron Cameron Ave. Reston, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Pizza, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Longstreet's Deli

8 / 19

#12. Longstreet's Deli

- Rating: 3.7/5 (225 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 302 North Sycamore St. Petersburg, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Bars
- Read more on Yelp

Celebrity Delly

9 / 19

#11. Celebrity Delly

- Rating: 3.9/5 (499 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7263 Arlington Blvd. Ste A Falls Church, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, American, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

Bozzelli's

10 / 19

#10. Bozzelli's

- Rating: 4.1/5 (355 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8091 Alban Road Springfield, Virginia
- Categories: Pizza, Italian, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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Mike's Deli At Lazy Sundae

11 / 19

#9. Mike's Deli At Lazy Sundae

- Rating: 4.2/5 (460 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7049 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, American
- Read more on Yelp

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

12 / 19

#8. Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

- Rating: 4.2/5 (511 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2150 North Culpeper St. Arlington, Virginia
- Categories: Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

Coppola's Deli

13 / 19

#7. Coppola's Deli

- Rating: 4.2/5 (199 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2900 West Cary St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

German Gourmet

14 / 19

#6. German Gourmet

- Rating: 4.3/5 (247 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5838 Columbia Pike Falls Church, Virginia
- Categories: Specialty Food, German, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

A Deli Italian Food

15 / 19

#5. A Deli Italian Food

- Rating: 4.4/5 (301 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10384 Portsmouth Road Manassas, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

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Perly's

16 / 19

#4. Perly's

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1605 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 111 East Grace St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Sandwich Republic

17 / 19

#3. Sandwich Republic

- Rating: 4.5/5 (469 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7020 Old Keene Mill Road Ste C Springfield, Virginia
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Salad
- Read more on Yelp

West Main Market and Beer Garden

18 / 19

#2. West Main Market and Beer Garden

- Rating: 4.5/5 (294 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 123 West Main St. Luray, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Beer Gardens
- Read more on Yelp

Galvin's Delicatessen

19 / 19

#1. Galvin's Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.2/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: 216/218 William St. Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Soup
- Read more on Yelp

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