Highest-rated Delis in Washington DC by Diners

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Highest-rated delis in Washington DC by diners

Delis hold a cherished place in the tapestry of American culture, tracing their origins to Jewish immigrants who arrived in the U.S. 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 November 2024, to find the highest-rated delis in Washington D.C. In an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, restaurants with seven or more locations in Yelp's data were not included. Keep reading to see if your favorite deli made the list.

Note: The photos in this article are stock images and do not necessarily depict the specific restaurants listed or the dishes they serve.

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#30. Call Your Mother Deli - Logan Circle

- Rating: 4.2/5 (116 reviews)
- Address: 1471 P St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Bagels, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#29. Call Your Mother Deli - Park View

- Rating: 4.2/5 (583 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3301 Georgia Ave. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Bagels, Delis, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp

#28. So's Your Mom

- Rating: 4.2/5 (384 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1831 Columbia Road Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Bagels
- Read more on Yelp

#27. Call Your Mother Deli - Capitol Hill

- Rating: 4.2/5 (218 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 701 8th St. Southeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Bagels, Delis, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp

#26. Buffalo & Bergen - Capitol Hill

- Rating: 4.2/5 (108 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 240 Massachusetts Ave. Northeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Cocktail Bars, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

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#25. West Wing Cafe

- Rating: 4.3/5 (97 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 920 Massachusetts Ave. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#24. GW Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.3/5 (206 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2133 G St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Bagels
- Read more on Yelp

#23. Bozzelli's

- Rating: 4.3/5 (307 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1025 Vermont Ave. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Pizza, Italian, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#22. MLK Deli

- Rating: 4.3/5 (137 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3113 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#21. Cuban Espresso

- Rating: 4.4/5 (16 reviews)
- Address: 2750 14th St. Northwest Unit C11A Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Cuban, Mexican, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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#20. Call Your Mother Deli - Georgetown

- Rating: 4.4/5 (381 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3428 O St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Bagels, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp

#19. Bub and Pop's

- Rating: 4.4/5 (1050 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1815 M St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Sandwiches, American, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#18. Menomale

- Rating: 4.4/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 33 North St. Northeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Pizza, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#17. Stachowski's Market

- Rating: 4.4/5 (637 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1425 28th St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Butcher, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Greek Deli & Catering

- Rating: 4.4/5 (557 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1120 19th St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Greek, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

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#15. Call Your Mother Deli - West End

- Rating: 4.4/5 (243 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1143 New Hampshire Ave. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Bagels, Delis, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp

#14. A Litteri

- Rating: 4.5/5 (451 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

#13. Salumeria 2703

- Rating: 4.5/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2703 12th St. Northeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Tiki Carryout & Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (15 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1601 7th St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: American, Delis, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Cornercopia

- Rating: 4.5/5 (204 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1000 3rd St. Southeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Convenience Stores, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

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#10. Rice Bar

- Rating: 4.5/5 (216 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 600 Maryland Ave. Southwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Noodles, Korean, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#9. Honey Tree Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1250 24th St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Pop's Bakery

- Rating: 4.5/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 1625 Eckington Place Northeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Bagels, Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Mac Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5185 MacArthur Blvd. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Palisades Deli & Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (32 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4554 MacArthur Blvd. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Meat Shops
- Read more on Yelp

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#5. Yang Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (47 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 138 U St. Northeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#4. 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

#3. Earlybird Cafe

- Rating: 4.7/5 (9 reviews)
- Address: 1400 16th St. Northwest Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#2. Sunrise Deli

- Rating: 4.7/5 (23 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1220 L St. Northwest Ste 1 Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp