Highest-rated delis in Washington, D.C. by diners

Written by:
November 26, 2024
Asya Nurullina // Shutterstock

Highest-rated delis in Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.. 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.

1 / 13
Wagshal's

#13. Wagshal's

- Rating: 2.9/5 (227 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4855 Massachusetts Ave. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Butcher
- Read more on Yelp

2 / 13
Booeymonger

#12. Booeymonger

- Rating: 3.3/5 (261 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5252 Wisconsin Ave. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Bagels, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

3 / 13
Loeb's NY Deli

#11. Loeb's NY Deli

- Rating: 3.6/5 (317 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1712 I St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

4 / 13
Beresovsky's Deli

#10. Beresovsky's Deli

- Rating: 3.8/5 (41 reviews)
- Address: 1201 Half St. Southeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

5 / 13
Prego Deli

#9. Prego Deli

- Rating: 3.9/5 (79 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 210 7th St. Southeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

6 / 13
Canales Delicatessen

#8. Canales Delicatessen

- Rating: 3.9/5 (31 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 225 7th St. Southeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

7 / 13
Al's Famous Delicatessen

#7. Al's Famous Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.0/5 (23 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1003 8th St. Southeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

8 / 13
Mikey & Mel's Deli

#6. Mikey & Mel's Deli

- Rating: 4.0/5 (121 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1828 L St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Desserts, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

9 / 13
Vace

#5. Vace

- Rating: 4.1/5 (626 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3315 Connecticut Ave. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Pizza, Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

10 / 13
Stachowski's Market

#4. Stachowski's Market

- Rating: 4.4/5 (657 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1425 28th St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Butcher, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

11 / 13
A Litteri

#3. A Litteri

- Rating: 4.5/5 (474 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 517 Morse St. Northeast Ste 519 Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Specialty Food, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

12 / 13
Katarzyna Hurova // Shutterstock

#2. Howard Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.7/5 (12 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2612 Georgia Ave. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp

13 / 13
GW Delicatessen

#1. GW Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.3/5 (218 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2133 G St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, 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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