Katz’s Delicatessen, The Carnegie Deli, Russ & Daughters, 2nd Ave Deli, and Ess-a-Bagel are just a few of the top deli restaurants in Manhattan, each with its unique signature dishes and atmosphere. New York is home to some of the best deli restaurants in Manhattan and in the world, with a rich history and tradition of serving classic Jewish cuisine.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – Katz’s, one of the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan, has been a New York institution since 1888, and it’s still going strong today. Their pastrami sandwich is legendary, and their corned beef is equally delicious. The deli is always packed with customers, but the line moves quickly, and the staff is friendly and efficient.
2. Carnegie Deli – Carnegie Deli, one of the most popular Deli restaurants in Manhattan, was founded in 1937 and has been serving up huge sandwiches ever since. Their pastrami and corned beef are both top-notch, and their portions are massive. The deli has a classic New York feel, with plenty of celebrity photos on the walls.
3. Russ & Daughters – Russ & Daughters, among the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan, has been a staple of the Lower East Side since 1914. They specialize in smoked fish and other Jewish specialties, but they also have amazing bagels and sandwiches. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
4. 2nd Ave Deli – 2nd Ave Deli, another of the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan, has been serving up classic Jewish deli food since 1954. Their matzo ball soup is a must-try, and their corned beef and pastrami are both excellent. The deli has a friendly, neighborhood feel, and the staff is always happy to chat with customers.
5. Ess-a-Bagel – Ess-a-Bagel, amid the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan, is famous for their bagels, which are hand-rolled and boiled before being baked to perfection. They have a huge variety of bagels and spreads to choose from, and their sandwiches are also delicious. The lines can be long, but the staff moves quickly, and the bagels are worth the wait.
Top 5 Deli restaurants in Manhattan
Katz’s Delicatessen
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am – 10:45 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 2:45 am, Saturday 10:00 am – 2:45 am, Sunday 10:00 am – 10:45 pm
Phone Number: (212) 254-2246
Katz’s Delicatessen, one of the most popular Deli restaurants in Manhattan, is a legendary New York deli that has been serving hungry customers since 1888. Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Katz’s is a true New York institution that has been featured in countless movies and TV shows. The restaurant specializes in classic Jewish deli food, including pastrami, corned beef, and matzo ball soup.
The interior of Katz’s is bustling and energetic, with a classic deli feel. The walls are covered in vintage photos and memorabilia, and the long counter where sandwiches are made is always busy with skilled sandwich makers. The restaurant is always busy, but the staff is friendly and efficient, making sure that every customer gets the attention they deserve.
The signature food at Katz’s Delicatessen is the pastrami sandwich. The meat is cured and smoked on-site, resulting in a tender and flavorful sandwich that is piled high with meat. The sandwich is served on rye bread with mustard and a pickle on the side. Other classic deli items on the menu include corned beef, brisket, and matzo ball soup.
One unique feature of Katz’s Delicatessen is the way they handle payment. Instead of paying for your food at the counter, you receive a ticket when you enter the restaurant, and your order is recorded on the ticket as you make your way through the line. When you’re ready to leave, you hand your ticket to the cashier, who calculates your total based on the items recorded on the ticket. It’s an old-school system that adds to the charm of the restaurant.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pastrami Sandwich: Tender and flavorful pastrami piled high on rye bread with mustard and a pickle on the side.
▣ Corned Beef Sandwich: Delicious corned beef served on rye bread with mustard and a pickle on the side.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A classic Jewish soup made with chicken broth, vegetables, and tender matzo balls.
▣ Brisket: Slow-cooked beef brisket served with gravy and your choice of sides.
▣ Knoblewurst Sandwich: A garlic-flavored sausage served on rye bread with mustard and a pickle on the side.
The service at Katz’s Delicatessen is friendly and efficient. The staff is used to dealing with crowds, so they know how to keep the lines moving and make sure that every customer gets the attention they deserve. The sandwich makers are skilled and take pride in their work, making each sandwich with care and precision.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli, and it was amazing. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the sandwich was huge. The atmosphere was lively and energetic, and the service was great. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a classic New York deli experience.”
“I tried the matzo ball soup at Katz’s, and it was like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the matzo balls were light and fluffy. The pastrami sandwich was also incredible. The atmosphere was busy but fun, and the staff was efficient and friendly.”
“Katz’s Deli is a New York institution, and for good reason. The pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are the best I’ve ever had, and the pickles are a perfect side dish. The atmosphere is busy and lively, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Don’t miss out on this classic deli experience.”
Katz’s Delicatessen is a legendary New York deli that has been serving customers since 1888. Known for their classic Jewish deli food, including the world-famous pastrami sandwich, the restaurant has a bustling and energetic atmosphere with a classic deli feel. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the unique payment system adds to the charm of the restaurant. With its signature pastrami sandwich and other classic deli items, Katz’s Delicatessen is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic New York deli experience. They stand out among the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan.
Carnegie Deli
Address: 854 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 am-8 pm
Phone Number: +1 212-757-2245
Carnegie Deli, one of the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan, is a classic New York City restaurant that has been around since 1937, serving traditional Jewish deli food. The interior of the restaurant is reminiscent of the old New York style, with wooden booths and tables, and vintage posters on the walls. The restaurant is famous for its enormous portions of meat sandwiches and its reputation for being one of the best delis in Manhattan.
Their signature food item is the “Woody Allen,” which is a sandwich made with corned beef, pastrami, and Swiss cheese on rye bread. It’s named after the famous director who used to frequent the restaurant.
The restaurant is known for its celebrity clientele, with photographs of famous people who have visited the restaurant adorning the walls. Additionally, the portion sizes are massive, with sandwiches weighing up to a pound each.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pastrami Sandwich: A classic deli sandwich with thick slices of juicy pastrami piled high on rye bread.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting soup made with fluffy matzo balls and chicken broth.
▣ Reuben Sandwich: A classic deli sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
▣ Cheesecake: A creamy and rich dessert made with a graham cracker crust and topped with a layer of sour cream.
▣ Turkey Club: A triple-decker sandwich with roasted turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on white bread.
The restaurant has a fast-paced, no-nonsense service style, with servers who have been working at the restaurant for years and know the menu inside and out. The staff is efficient, friendly, and always willing to help with any questions or special requests.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Woody Allen sandwich, and it was delicious. The portion was massive, and the meat was so tender and flavorful. The service was fast and friendly, and I loved the old-school New York vibe of the restaurant.”
“I came here for the pastrami sandwich, and it did not disappoint. It was piled high with meat, and the bread was fresh and chewy. The cheesecake was also incredible, with a rich and creamy texture.”
“I had the Matzo Ball Soup, and it was the perfect comfort food on a cold day. The matzo balls were fluffy and light, and the broth was flavorful and soothing. The service was excellent, and I loved the old-school deli atmosphere.”
Carnegie Deli is a classic New York City deli restaurant that serves traditional Jewish deli food in a no-frills atmosphere. The portions are massive, and the service is efficient and friendly. The signature Woody Allen sandwich and the pastrami sandwich are must-try items on the menu, along with the delicious matzo ball soup and creamy cheesecake. They rank amid the top 5 Deli restaurants in Manhattan for good reasons.
Russ & Daughters
Address: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 am-6 pm
Phone Number: +1 212-475-4880
Russ & Daughters, among the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan, is a classic Jewish deli restaurant in Manhattan that has been around since 1914. The restaurant is known for its high-quality smoked fish, lox, and bagels, as well as its classic deli sandwiches. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and intimate, with vintage photographs and memorabilia on the walls.
Their signature food item is the “Russ & Daughters Classic,” which is a bagel with cream cheese, nova lox, tomato, onion, and capers. It’s a staple of the restaurant and has been named one of the best bagels in New York City.
Russ & Daughters is unique in that it has been family-owned and operated for over 100 years, with four generations of the Russ family working at the restaurant. Additionally, the restaurant is known for its traditional methods of smoking fish, which have been passed down for generations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese: A classic bagel sandwich made with house-smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers.
▣ Herring Plate: A plate of pickled herring served with onions, sour cream, and crackers.
▣ Pastrami-Cured Salmon: House-smoked salmon cured with pastrami spices, served with cream cheese and bagels.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting soup made with fluffy matzo balls and chicken broth.
▣ Classic Reuben: A classic deli sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
The restaurant has a friendly and attentive service style, with knowledgeable servers who are happy to help with any questions or special requests. The staff is passionate about the food and the history of the restaurant, and they go out of their way to ensure that each guest has a memorable experience.
Customer Reviews:
“The bagel with lox and cream cheese was the best I’ve ever had. The salmon was so fresh and flavorful, and the bagel was perfectly toasted. The service was also excellent, with friendly staff who helped us navigate the menu.”
“I tried the pastrami-cured salmon, and it was incredible. The salmon was so tender and flavorful, and the bagels and cream cheese were the perfect accompaniment. The interior of the restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the staff was attentive and friendly.”
“The herring plate was a standout dish for me. The pickled herring was so tasty, and the accompaniments of sour cream and crackers were the perfect complement. The service was also excellent, with staff who were passionate about the food and the history of the restaurant.”
Russ & Daughters is a classic Jewish deli restaurant in Manhattan that serves high-quality smoked fish, lox, and bagels, as well as classic deli sandwiches. The cozy interior and knowledgeable staff create a welcoming and memorable experience for guests. The signature “Russ & Daughters Classic” bagel sandwich and the pastrami-cured salmon are must-try items on the menu, along with the herring plate and matzo ball soup. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 Deli restaurants in Manhattan.
2nd Ave Deli
Address: 1442 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10021, United States
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 am-9 pm
Phone Number: +1 212-737-1700
The 2nd Ave Deli, another of the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan, is a classic Jewish deli restaurant in Manhattan that has been serving traditional Jewish cuisine since 1954. The restaurant is known for its homemade pastrami, matzo ball soup, and classic deli sandwiches. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and intimate, with wooden booths and vintage posters on the walls.
Their signature food item is the “Pastrami Sandwich,” which is made with homemade pastrami on rye bread. The pastrami is dry-rubbed with a special blend of spices and then smoked for several hours until it’s tender and flavorful.
The 2nd Ave Deli is unique in that it’s one of the last remaining Jewish delis in the neighborhood, and it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Additionally, the restaurant is known for its homemade matzo ball soup, which is made from scratch daily.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pastrami Sandwich: A classic deli sandwich made with homemade pastrami on rye bread.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting soup made with fluffy matzo balls and chicken broth.
▣ Brisket: Slow-cooked brisket served with a side of gravy and mashed potatoes.
▣ Chopped Liver: A classic Jewish appetizer made with chopped liver, onions, and seasonings.
▣ Reuben Sandwich: A classic deli sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
The restaurant has a friendly and efficient service style, with servers who have been working at the restaurant for years and know the menu inside and out. The staff is knowledgeable about the food and the history of the restaurant, and they go out of their way to ensure that each guest has a memorable experience.
Customer Reviews:
“The pastrami sandwich was incredible. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the bread was fresh and chewy. The matzo ball soup was also delicious, with fluffy matzo balls and rich chicken broth. The service was excellent, with friendly staff who helped us navigate the menu.”
“The chopped liver was a standout dish for me. It was so flavorful and well-seasoned, and the portion size was generous. The service was also excellent, with knowledgeable staff who were happy to answer our questions about the menu.”
“I had the brisket, and it was the best I’ve ever had. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the gravy was rich and savory. The Reuben sandwich was also amazing, with perfectly cooked corned beef and tangy sauerkraut. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”
The 2nd Ave Deli is a classic Jewish deli restaurant in Manhattan that serves homemade pastrami, matzo ball soup, and classic deli sandwiches. The cozy interior and knowledgeable staff create a welcoming and memorable experience for guests. The signature pastrami sandwich and homemade matzo ball soup are must-try items on the menu, along with the brisket and chopped liver. They have earned the rank of the top 5 Deli restaurants in Manhattan.
Ess-a-Bagel
Address: 831 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10022, United States
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 6 am-6 pm
Phone Number: +1 212-980-1010
Ess-a-Bagel, amid the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan, is a classic New York City bagel restaurant that has been around since 1976. The restaurant is known for its hand-rolled bagels, which are boiled and baked in-house, as well as its wide variety of cream cheese flavors and classic deli sandwiches. The interior of the restaurant is no-frills and functional, with a busy, bustling atmosphere.
Their signature food item is the “Ess-a-Bagel,” which is a plain bagel with cream cheese, lox, tomato, and onion. The bagels are known for their crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior, and they’re considered some of the best in New York City.
Ess-a-Bagel is unique in that it’s one of the few bagel shops in New York City that still hand-rolls and boils its bagels in-house. Additionally, the restaurant is known for its extensive selection of cream cheese flavors, including blueberry, walnut raisin, and sun-dried tomato.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Bagels and Cream Cheese: A classic combination of hand-rolled bagels and a variety of cream cheese flavors, including scallion, vegetable, and lox.
▣ Lox and Whitefish: A classic Jewish appetizer made with slices of smoked salmon and whitefish, served with bagels and cream cheese.
▣ Tuna Salad Sandwich: A classic deli sandwich made with tuna salad, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bagel.
▣ Pastrami and Swiss Sandwich: A classic deli sandwich made with pastrami, Swiss cheese, and mustard on a bagel.
▣ Bagel Chips and Cream Cheese: Crispy bagel chips served with a variety of cream cheese flavors for dipping.
The restaurant has a fast-paced and efficient service style, with a counter where guests can place their orders and watch their bagels being made. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they’re happy to make recommendations for bagel and cream cheese pairings.
Customer Reviews:
“The Ess-a-Bagel with lox and cream cheese was amazing. The bagel was so fresh and chewy, and the lox was perfectly seasoned. The service was fast and efficient, and the staff was friendly and helpful.”
“I loved the selection of cream cheese flavors at Ess-a-Bagel. The walnut raisin cream cheese was my favorite, and it was so creamy and delicious. The bagels were also amazing, with a crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior.”
“The pastrami and Swiss sandwich was delicious. The pastrami was so tender and flavorful, and the Swiss cheese added the perfect amount of creaminess. The bagels were also amazing, and the service was efficient and friendly.”
Ess-a-Bagel is a classic New York City bagel restaurant that serves hand-rolled bagels, a wide variety of cream cheese flavors, and classic deli sandwiches. The busy and bustling atmosphere and efficient service create a no-frills but enjoyable experience for guests. The signature Ess-a-Bagel with lox and cream cheese is a must-try item on the menu, along with the tuna salad sandwich and pastrami and Swiss sandwich. They can definitely be counted among the top Deli restaurants in Manhattan.
From massive pastrami sandwiches to hand-rolled bagels and cream cheese, these deli restaurants in Manhattan offer an authentic taste of New York City’s rich culinary heritage. So whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to check out one of these top deli restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience.
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