Highest-rated Delis in Seattle by Diners

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Highest-rated delis in Seattle 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 Seattle. 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. Saigon Deli

- Rating: 4.2/5 (757 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1237 South Jackson St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Vietnamese, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#29. Huong Que Deli and Cafe

- Rating: 4.2/5 (85 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7127 Martin Luther King Jr Way South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Cafes, Vietnamese, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#28. Saigon Vietnam Deli

- Rating: 4.2/5 (177 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1200 South Jackson St. Ste 7 Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Vietnamese, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#27. Husky Deli

- Rating: 4.2/5 (600 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4721 California Ave. Southwest Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#26. Market Grocery & Deli

- Rating: 4.3/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2003 1st Ave. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#25. 756 Sushi

- Rating: 4.3/5 (7 reviews)
- Address: 7108 Beacon Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Sushi Bars
- Read more on Yelp

#24. Hamlin Market and Deli

- Rating: 4.3/5 (70 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2729 Eastlake Ave. East Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#23. Michou

- Rating: 4.3/5 (673 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1904 Pike Place Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#22. Lyon's Grocery

- Rating: 4.4/5 (129 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 2100 Dexter Ave. North Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

#21. Tat's Truck

- Rating: 4.4/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Food Trucks, Delis, Cheesesteaks
- Read more on Yelp

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#20. Maruta Shoten

- Rating: 4.4/5 (315 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1024 South Bailey St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

#19. Stella Deli And Market

- Rating: 4.4/5 (112 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 300 2nd Ave. West Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#18. Tat's Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.4/5 (1279 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 159 Yesler Way Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Cheesesteaks
- Read more on Yelp

#17. Ohsun Banchan Deli & Cafe

- Rating: 4.4/5 (51 reviews)
- Address: 221 1st Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Gluten-Free, Korean, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Made in House

- Rating: 4.5/5 (160 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3508 Fremont Place North Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Asian Fusion, Korean, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

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#15. Market House Meats

- Rating: 4.5/5 (420 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1124 Howell St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Meat Shops, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#14. Little Deli Mart

- Rating: 4.5/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5622 1st Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#13. Aviv Hummus Bar

- Rating: 4.5/5 (414 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 107 15th Ave. East Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Falafel, Delis, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Waterfront Market and Deli

- Rating: 4.5/5 (13 reviews)
- Address: 1300 Alaskan Way Ste 102 Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#11. ChuMinh Tofu & Vegan Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (507 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1043 South Jackson St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Vietnamese, Delis, Vegan
- Read more on Yelp

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#10. Vientiane Grocery

- Rating: 4.6/5 (185 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3828 South Graham St. Unit C Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Laotian, Delis, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

#9. George's Sausage & Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.6/5 (284 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 907 Madison St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Polish, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Take 5 Urban Market

- Rating: 4.6/5 (287 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6757 8th Ave. Northwest Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Convenience Stores, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Metropolitan Cafe

- Rating: 4.6/5 (34 reviews)
- Address: 1801 Boren Ave. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Cafes, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp

#6. My's Vietnamese Sandwiches and Deli

- Rating: 4.6/5 (288 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 12619 Renton Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Vietnamese, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#5. The Original Deli

- Rating: 4.7/5 (89 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1215 4th Ave. Site A & B Financial Center Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Poke, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Habesha Cafe

- Rating: 4.7/5 (124 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5710 Rainier Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Ethiopian, Cafes, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#3. King's Deli

- Rating: 4.8/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2800 East Cherry St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp

#2. Nissi Banh

- Rating: 4.9/5 (20 reviews)
- Address: 7101 Martin Luther King Way South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Delis, Vietnamese, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp