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Top 5 Deli restaurants in Brooklyn

From the classic and legendary Defonte’s Sandwich Shop to the cozy and inviting Court Street Grocers, these top 5 deli restaurants in Brooklyn offer a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Brooklyn is home to some of the best deli restaurants in New York City.

1. Defonte’s Sandwich Shop: Defonte’s Sandwich Shop, one of the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, has been a Brooklyn institution since it opened its doors in 1922. The deli is famous for its hearty, old-school sandwiches, such as the roast beef and mozzarella or the sausage and peppers. The restaurant’s vintage decor and friendly service make it a great place to grab a quick bite or linger over a leisurely lunch.

2. Mile End Deli: This deli, one of the most popular Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, in Boerum Hill is known for its Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches. The meat is smoked for up to 12 hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful sandwich. Their poutine and bagels are also worth trying.

3. Junior’s: This famous diner in Downtown Brooklyn, among the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, is known for its classic New York cheesecake, but their deli sandwiches are also top-notch. Their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are piled high with meat and served on rye bread.

4. Lioni Italian Heroes: This deli in Bensonhurst, another of the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, is known for its large, overstuffed sandwiches that are made with high-quality Italian meats and cheeses. Their signature sandwich, the Lioni Italian Hero, features prosciutto, mozzarella, roasted peppers, and balsamic vinegar.

5. Court Street Grocers: This grocery store and deli in Carroll Gardens, amid the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, is known for its creative and delicious sandwiches. They use high-quality ingredients and offer unique combinations like the Meatball Parm and the Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream.

Each of these delis has its own unique flavor and style, but they all share a commitment to using high-quality ingredients and serving delicious food. Whether you’re in the mood for classic deli sandwiches or something more creative, these top-rated delis in Brooklyn have you covered.

Top 5 Deli restaurants in Brooklyn

1. Defonte's Sandwich Shop - Deli restaurants in Brooklyn

Defonte’s Sandwich Shop

Address: 379 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am-4pm, Closed on Sundays
Phone Number: +1 718-855-6982

Defonte’s Sandwich Shop, one of the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, is a classic Italian-American deli located in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn. The restaurant has been a staple of the community since 1922 and has maintained its traditional decor and atmosphere throughout the years. The interior features vintage signs, old-school posters, and memorabilia that add to the charm of the place.

The restaurant specializes in hearty, old-school sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients, including meats, cheeses, and freshly baked bread. The menu offers a variety of sandwich options, from classic Italian subs to specialty sandwiches like the Nicky Special, which is made with ham, salami, roast beef, and provolone cheese. However, their most famous item is the Roast Beef Sandwich, which is made with thinly sliced, tender roast beef and served on a roll with homemade gravy for dipping.

Defonte’s is unique in that it offers a true taste of old-school Brooklyn. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity has earned it a loyal following of locals and tourists alike. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the money.

Main Menu Items:

Roast Beef Sandwich – Thinly sliced roast beef on a roll with homemade gravy for dipping.

Nicky Special – Ham, salami, roast beef, and provolone cheese on a roll with lettuce, tomato, and dressing.

Italian Sausage Sandwich – Grilled Italian sausage on a roll with peppers, onions, and tomato sauce.

Fried Eggplant Parmigiana – Breaded eggplant topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Meatball Parmigiana – Homemade meatballs topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

The service at Defonte’s is friendly and efficient. The staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and can help customers choose the perfect sandwich to suit their tastes. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and customers can order at the counter before finding a seat in the cozy dining area.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the Roast Beef Sandwich, and it was hands down the best sandwich I’ve ever had. The meat was so tender, and the gravy was delicious. I would definitely come back for more!”

“Defonte’s is a must-visit if you’re in Brooklyn. The Nicky Special sandwich is to die for, and the atmosphere is so authentic. I felt like I was transported back in time.”

“The Meatball Parmigiana sandwich was incredible. The meatballs were so flavorful, and the sauce was perfect. I’ll definitely be back for more.”

Defonte’s Sandwich Shop is a true Brooklyn gem that offers authentic, delicious sandwiches in a cozy, old-school atmosphere. Their Roast Beef Sandwich is a must-try, and the Nicky Special is a close second. The prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly and efficient. Overall, Defonte’s is a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of old-school Brooklyn. They rank amid the top 5 Deli restaurants in Brooklyn for good reasons.


2. Mile End Deli - Deli restaurants in Brooklyn

Mile End Deli

Address: 97 Hoyt St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Phone Number: (718) 852-7510

Mile End Deli, one of the most popular Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, is a popular Brooklyn deli that specializes in Montreal-style smoked meat. Located in the Boerum Hill neighborhood, the restaurant has a cozy and welcoming interior with a modern feel. In addition to their famous smoked meat sandwiches, Mile End Deli also offers a variety of other classic deli items.

The signature dish at Mile End Deli is the Montreal-style smoked meat sandwich. The meat is smoked for up to 12 hours and is served on rye bread with mustard. The result is a tender and flavorful sandwich that is truly unique. Other popular items on the menu include the poutine, a Canadian dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy, and the bagels, which are made fresh in-house.

One unique aspect of Mile End Deli is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods. The restaurant sources their meat from a small family-owned farm, and they cure and smoke the meat in-house using traditional techniques. The bagels are also made using traditional methods, resulting in a delicious and authentic flavor.

Main Menu Items:

Smoked Meat Sandwich: Montreal-style smoked meat served on rye bread with mustard.

Poutine: A Canadian dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

Bagels and Lox: Freshly baked bagels served with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers.

Reuben Sandwich: Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing served on rye bread.

Matzo Ball Soup: A classic Jewish soup made with chicken broth, vegetables, and tender matzo balls.

The service at Mile End Deli is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations or answer any questions. The restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and customers are encouraged to take their time and enjoy their meal.

Customer Reviews:

“The Montreal-style smoked meat sandwich at Mile End Deli was amazing. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the rye bread was the perfect complement. The poutine was also delicious, and the bagels were some of the best I’ve ever had. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming.”

“I tried the bagels and lox at Mile End Deli, and it was fantastic. The bagels were fresh and chewy, and the smoked salmon was perfectly seasoned. The matzo ball soup was also really good. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, and the staff was friendly and welcoming.”

“I ordered the Reuben sandwich at Mile End Deli, and it was incredible. The corned beef was so tender and flavorful, and the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese were the perfect toppings. The poutine was also really good. The restaurant had a great vibe, and the staff was friendly and helpful.”

Mile End Deli is a popular Brooklyn deli that specializes in Montreal-style smoked meat. With a cozy and welcoming interior and a commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, the restaurant offers a unique and delicious dining experience. With signature dishes like the smoked meat sandwich and poutine, and classic deli items like bagels and matzo ball soup, Mile End Deli is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic and flavorful deli cuisine. They stand out among the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn.


3. Junior's - Deli restaurants in Brooklyn

Junior’s

Address: 386 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: Monday to Thursday 6:30 am – 12:00 am, Friday and Saturday 6:30 am – 1:00 am, Sunday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Phone Number: (718) 852-5257

Junior’s, among the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, is a legendary Brooklyn restaurant that has been serving delicious food since 1950. Located in Downtown Brooklyn, the restaurant is known for its classic New York cheesecake and its delicious deli sandwiches. The interior of Junior’s is classic and elegant, with a retro feel that evokes the glamour of old-school New York.

The signature dish at Junior’s is, of course, the New York cheesecake. Made with a creamy and rich filling and a crumbly graham cracker crust, the cheesecake is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. Other popular items on the menu include the classic deli sandwiches, like the corned beef and pastrami, as well as the potato pancakes and matzo ball soup.

One unique aspect of Junior’s is the way they bake their cheesecake. The restaurant uses a special blend of cream cheese that is made in-house, resulting in a cheesecake that is creamy, rich, and delicious. The cheesecake is baked in a water bath, which helps to ensure that it cooks evenly and has a smooth texture.

Main Menu Items:

New York Cheesecake: A creamy and rich cheesecake with a crumbly graham cracker crust.

Corned Beef Sandwich: Tender corned beef served on rye bread with mustard and a pickle on the side.

Pastrami Sandwich: Delicious pastrami served on rye bread with mustard and a pickle on the side.

Potato Pancakes: Crispy potato pancakes served with sour cream and applesauce.

Matzo Ball Soup: A classic Jewish soup made with chicken broth, vegetables, and tender matzo balls.

The service at Junior’s is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations or answer any questions. The restaurant has a classic and elegant atmosphere, and customers are encouraged to relax and enjoy their meal.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the corned beef sandwich at Junior’s, and it was incredible. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the rye bread was the perfect complement. And of course, the New York cheesecake was amazing. The restaurant had a classic and elegant feel, and the staff was friendly and attentive.”

“The pastrami sandwich at Junior’s was one of the best I’ve ever had. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the rye bread was fresh and chewy. The potato pancakes were also really good, and the New York cheesecake was out of this world. The service was great, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming.”

“I tried the matzo ball soup at Junior’s, and it was delicious. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the matzo balls were light and fluffy. The corned beef sandwich was also really good, and the New York cheesecake was the perfect end to the meal. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a classic New York feel.”

Junior’s is a legendary Brooklyn restaurant that has been serving delicious food since 1950. With a classic and elegant interior, the restaurant is known for its signature New York cheesecake as well as its delicious deli sandwiches. With signature dishes like the corned beef and pastrami sandwiches and classic deli items like potato pancakes and matzo ball soup, Junior’s is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic and flavorful deli cuisine. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 Deli restaurants in Brooklyn.


4. Lioni Italian Heroes - Deli restaurants in Brooklyn

Lioni Italian Heroes

Address: 7803 15th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11228
Hours: Monday to Saturday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Phone Number: (718) 232-1166

Lioni Italian Heroes, another of the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, is a family-owned deli in Bensonhurst that has been serving delicious Italian sandwiches since 1991. The restaurant specializes in large, overstuffed sandwiches that are made with high-quality Italian meats and cheeses. The interior of Lioni Italian Heroes is simple and unpretentious, with a classic deli feel that emphasizes the quality of the food.

The signature dish at Lioni Italian Heroes is the Lioni Italian Hero sandwich. This massive sandwich features prosciutto, mozzarella, roasted peppers, and balsamic vinegar, all piled high on a fresh roll. The result is a flavorful and filling sandwich that is perfect for lunch or a hearty snack. Other popular items on the menu include the chicken parmigiana sandwich, the roast beef sandwich, and the pasta salad.

One unique aspect of Lioni Italian Heroes is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The meats and cheeses are imported from Italy, and the bread is baked fresh daily. The sandwich makers take pride in their work, making sure that each sandwich is made with care and attention to detail.

Main Menu Items:

Lioni Italian Hero: Prosciutto, mozzarella, roasted peppers, and balsamic vinegar on a fresh roll.

Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich: Breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, served on a roll.

Roast Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced roast beef served on a roll with your choice of toppings.

Pasta Salad: A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad made with vegetables and Italian dressing.

Fresh Mozzarella: High-quality fresh mozzarella that is imported from Italy and made in-house.

The service at Lioni Italian Heroes is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations or answer any questions. The sandwich makers are skilled and take pride in their work, making each sandwich with care and precision. The restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and customers are encouraged to take their time and enjoy their meal.

Customer Reviews:

“The Lioni Italian Hero at Lioni Italian Heroes is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. The prosciutto and mozzarella were both high-quality and delicious, and the roasted peppers and balsamic vinegar were the perfect toppings. The staff was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was casual and welcoming.”

“I tried the roast beef sandwich at Lioni Italian Heroes, and it was fantastic. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the bread was fresh and chewy. The pasta salad was also really good, and the fresh mozzarella was amazing. The service was great, and the restaurant had a classic deli feel.”

“Lioni Italian Heroes is the real deal. The sandwiches are huge and packed with flavor, and the ingredients are top-notch. The chicken parmigiana sandwich was a standout, with tender chicken and a flavorful marinara sauce. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was casual and laid-back.”

Lioni Italian Heroes is a family-owned deli in Bensonhurst that specializes in large, overstuffed sandwiches made with high-quality Italian meats and cheeses. With a simple and unpretentious interior and a commitment to using only the best ingredients, the restaurant offers a delicious and authentic Italian deli experience. With signature sandwiches like the Lioni Italian Hero and classic items like the roast beef sandwich and pasta salad, Lioni Italian Heroes is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic and flavorful deli cuisine. They have earned the rank of the top 5 Deli restaurants in Brooklyn.


5. Court Street Grocers - Deli restaurants in Brooklyn

Court Street Grocers

Address: Multiple locations in Brooklyn, including 485 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (hours vary by location)
Phone Number: (718) 722-7229

Court Street Grocers, amid the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn, is a neighborhood grocery store and deli that specializes in classic American sandwiches and artisanal products. With multiple locations throughout Brooklyn, the restaurant has a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere that emphasizes the quality of the food. The interior of Court Street Grocers is cozy and inviting, with a rustic feel that adds to the charm of the restaurant.

The signature dish at Court Street Grocers is the Italian combo sandwich. This classic sandwich features ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese, as well as lettuce, tomato, and onions, all served on a fresh roll. The sandwich is large and filling, and the high-quality ingredients make it a standout. Other popular items on the menu include the fried chicken sandwich, the pastrami sandwich, and the house-made pickles.

One unique aspect of Court Street Grocers is their commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients from small, independent producers, and the bread is baked fresh daily. The sandwich makers take pride in their work, making sure that each sandwich is made with care and attention to detail.

Main Menu Items:

Italian Combo Sandwich: Ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese with lettuce, tomato, and onions on a fresh roll.

Fried Chicken Sandwich: Crispy fried chicken with lettuce, tomato, and special sauce on a fresh roll.

Pastrami Sandwich: Tender pastrami with mustard and pickles on rye bread.

House-Made Pickles: Fresh and crunchy pickles made in-house with a variety of vegetables.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake: A decadent chocolate cake with chocolate pudding filling and chocolate ganache frosting.

The service at Court Street Grocers is friendly and laid-back. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations or answer any questions. The restaurant has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, and customers are encouraged to take their time and enjoy their meal.

Customer Reviews:

“The Italian combo sandwich at Court Street Grocers was amazing. The meat was high-quality and flavorful, and the roll was fresh and chewy. The fried chicken sandwich was also really good, with crispy chicken and a delicious sauce. The service was friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere was laid-back and inviting.”

“I tried the pastrami sandwich at Court Street Grocers, and it was fantastic. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the mustard and pickles were the perfect complement. The house-made pickles were also really good, and the Brooklyn blackout cake was the perfect end to the meal. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the restaurant had a cozy and rustic feel.”

“Court Street Grocers is the real deal. The Italian combo sandwich was a standout, with high-quality meat and fresh vegetables. The fried chicken sandwich was also really good, and the house-made pickles were a nice touch. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was laid-back and welcoming.”

Court Street Grocers is a neighborhood grocery store and deli that specializes in classic American sandwiches and artisanal products. With a commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and a cozy and inviting interior, the restaurant offers a unique and delicious dining experience. With signature sandwiches like the Italian combo and classic items like the pastrami sandwich and house-made pickles, Court Street Grocers is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic and flavorful deli cuisine. They can definitely be counted among the top Deli restaurants in Brooklyn.


Whether you’re in the mood for a classic New York cheesecake or an overstuffed Italian hero, these restaurants have something for everyone. With their commitment to high-quality ingredients, friendly service, and unique atmospheres, these deli restaurants in Brooklyn are a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic dining experience.



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