We took an expert approach to create our list of New York delis to highlight. With countless options to explore, we carefully evaluated each deli based on several key criteria to ensure we’re recommending the absolute best. Here’s how we made our selections:
By focusing on these criteria, we’ve assembled a lineup of delis that aren’t just great places to grab a bite—they’re culinary landmarks in their own right.
New York City is renowned for its culinary diversity, and its delis are at the heart of this food culture. From classic bagels to creative sandwiches and hearty pizzas, these delis capture the essence of the city’s vibrant food scene. Here, we take a closer look at five standout delis that bring something special to the table:
Nestled in the East Village, Sweet Village Market Place is a 24-hour haven for food lovers. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast sandwich, a fresh smoothie, or a classic deli wrap, this spot delivers. Their menu boasts a wide variety of options, including paninis, tossed salads, and decadent pastries.
Customers rave about the friendly service and generous portions, with standout items like their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and their freshly made juices. Sweet Village also doubles as a neighborhood grocery store, making it a convenient stop for essentials and a quick meal.
Located on a corner near Morningside Park and Central Park’s northeast edge, Mom’s Food Market combines the charm of a classic New York bodega with an expansive menu that caters to every craving. Their breakfast offerings, from eggs any style to breakfast wraps, are perfect for starting the day right.
Lunch and dinner options include vegetarian sandwiches, avocado creations, quesadillas, and hearty burgers. Their pastries and desserts provide a sweet finish to any meal.
Situated on 34th Street, River Food Market is a 24-hour deli that’s ready to satisfy any craving at any time. Known for its extensive menu, it features breakfast sandwiches, paninis, smoothies, and fresh juices, alongside classic deli sandwiches and more indulgent options like quesadillas and burgers.
Clean, welcoming, and efficient, River Food Market is a go-to spot for those seeking variety and quality. Whether it’s a late-night bite or a quick lunch during a busy workday, this deli consistently delivers a satisfying experience.
For a fusion of deli classics and pizzeria favorites, B&W Deli and Pizzeria is the place to be. Located on 34th Street, this deli offers a mix of iconic New York-style pizza and hearty deli sandwiches. Popular items include the Tuscan Panini, featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and roasted red peppers, and the bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich.
Customers also love their Chicken Parmigiana Pizza, mozzarella sticks with fries, and berry-packed milkshakes.
If you’re looking for the quintessential New York bagel experience, 34th Bagels & More is the spot to visit. Located on 34th Street, this deli specializes in bagels and sandwiches that are as creative as they are delicious. Fan favorites include the NYPD sandwich with grilled chicken, Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and the Southwest sandwich with chicken cutlet, cheddar, spinach, avocado, and chipotle mayo.
Bagel lovers will enjoy their classic offerings, like bagels with cream cheese and salmon, as well as the option to grab a half-dozen for the road.
The story of New York delis is deeply intertwined with the city’s history of immigration, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe brought with them their culinary traditions, which became the foundation of what we now know as the classic deli experience. These early delis served as gathering places for communities, offering familiar flavors and a sense of belonging in a new and bustling city.
Over time, these establishments adapted to cater to a broader audience. Iconic dishes like pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup became staples, celebrated not just for their taste but for the cultural significance they carried.
New York delis are legendary, and for good reason—they offer an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. What sets them apart is a combination of authenticity, quality, and sheer variety. Walking into a New York deli, you’re greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread, perfectly seasoned meats, and sometimes even the nostalgic aroma of simmering soups.
One hallmark of New York delis is their focus on quality ingredients. Many delis prepare their meats in-house. The portions are also famously generous, often resulting in sandwiches so towering they’re practically a meal for two.
No trip to a New York deli is complete without sampling some of their iconic dishes. Here are some must-try items to add to your list:
This is the crown jewel of New York deli cuisine. Thick slices of tender, peppery pastrami are piled high on freshly baked rye bread, often accompanied by a smear of mustard. It’s a flavor-packed masterpiece that’s simple yet unforgettable.
A New York classic that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Imagine a perfectly chewy bagel topped with a generous layer of cream cheese, silky slices of smoked salmon (lox), capers, and thinly sliced onions. It’s a bite of heaven.
Matzo ball soup is a dish rooted in tradition, often served during Jewish holidays but cherished year-round for its comforting qualities. The broth is typically rich and golden, simmered with chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs for layers of flavor. The matzo balls themselves, made from matzo meal, are light yet hearty, soaking up the savory broth with every bite.
Knishes are beloved for their versatility, offering fillings like potato, spinach, or even savory meat wrapped in a thin, flaky dough. They’re often baked to golden perfection, though some delis serve them fried for an extra-crisp exterior. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a side dish, knishes deliver a satisfying balance of crispness and creamy, flavorful filling.
New York-style cheesecake is a dessert that’s indulgent and iconic, with its dense, creamy texture and buttery graham cracker crust. The richness of the cream cheese pairs beautifully with a slight tang from sour cream or lemon. Many delis serve it plain or with toppings like fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate, making it the ideal finale to a deli meal.
With so many delis scattered across New York City, it can be hard to know which ones are truly worth your time. Here are some tips for finding the best deli experience:
A deli that’s been around for decades often has a legacy of quality and service. Iconic spots like Katz’s Delicatessen or Barney Greengrass are legendary for a reason. Check out reviews, local recommendations, and even the lines—sometimes they’re a good sign!
A well-crafted menu is the hallmark of a great New York deli. Look for one that offers a range of traditional items like pastrami, corned beef, matzo ball soup, and bagels with lox—these are non-negotiables. Additionally, delis that emphasize house-made specialties, such as smoked fish, hand-carved meats, or freshly baked rye bread, often stand out for their authenticity and dedication to quality.
The vibe of a deli can say a lot about its authenticity. A bustling, no-frills environment with a mix of locals and tourists is a good indicator. Bonus points if the staff is friendly but quick, and the decor includes photos or memorabilia from its history.
The bread and pickles at a deli can reveal a lot about their commitment to tradition. New York delis often bake their own bread or source it from local artisan bakeries, ensuring it’s fresh, flavorful, and sturdy enough to handle the heaping portions of meat. Similarly, the pickles should have a satisfying crunch and tang—whether sour or half-sour—and serve as the perfect complement to the rich flavors of a deli sandwich.
Size matters when it comes to New York deli portions. A classic pastrami or corned beef sandwich should be piled high with meat. If your sandwich doesn’t feel like it’s pushing the limits of its bread or your ability to finish it, it’s probably not living up to the New York deli standard.
Locals always know where to find the best food, and delis are no exception. Don’t be shy about striking up a conversation to ask for recommendations—many New Yorkers love sharing their food knowledge. Their suggestions may lead you to a hidden gem off the beaten path, far from the tourist crowds, where the sandwiches are just as unforgettable as the atmosphere.
A New York style deli combines traditional Jewish-American cuisine with an expansive menu of classic comfort foods. These delis are known for their hearty sandwiches, house-made meats, and welcoming, bustling atmosphere. Signature dishes include pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup, and bagels with lox.
In New York, a deli is a neighborhood eatery or store that offers freshly prepared food, sandwiches, and grocery items. It often serves as a community hub where people gather for quick, delicious meals. Many New York delis also specialize in traditional Jewish delicacies.
The word “deli” is short for “delicatessen,” which comes from the German word delikatessen, meaning “delicacies” or “fine foods.” It was brought to the U.S. by European immigrants in the 19th century. Delis were originally specialty food shops selling imported meats, cheeses, and other treats.
Deli dishes include items like pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, matzo ball soup, knishes, bagels with cream cheese and lox, and potato salad. Many delis also offer smoked fish, pickles, and freshly baked bread. Desserts like cheesecake often complete the menu.
Deli dressing is a tangy, creamy condiment often used on sandwiches or salads. It typically combines mayonnaise with spices, mustard, or other flavorings for a bold, zesty taste. It’s a key element in enhancing the flavor of deli-style meals.
Deli meats are pre-cooked, cured, or smoked meats that are sliced and served cold or warm. Popular examples include pastrami, corned beef, turkey, ham, salami, and roast beef. These meats are staples in sandwiches and platters at delis.
A deli focuses on quick-service, fresh food, often specializing in sandwiches, cured meats, and salads. Restaurants typically offer a broader menu with full table service and a more formal dining experience. Delis are more casual and prioritize grab-and-go options.
A typical New York deli sandwich includes generous layers of meat, such as pastrami or corned beef, served on fresh rye bread with mustard. Variations may include Swiss cheese, coleslaw, or Russian dressing. Pickles on the side are almost always a given.
A New York style sub is a long sandwich filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments, served on a crusty roll or baguette. It’s hearty, flavorful, and often made to order with fresh ingredients. These subs are known for their generous fillings and bold flavors.
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