Top 5 Deli Restaurants in New York City has some of the best deli restaurants in the world, each offering its unique take on traditional Jewish cuisine. Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ & Daughters, Carnegie Deli, 2nd Ave Deli, and David’s Brisket House are all must-visit spots for anyone looking for massive sandwiches, comforting soups, and other classic dishes.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – Katz’s Delicatessen, amid the top Deli restaurants in New York City, is an iconic deli in New York City that has been serving customers since 1888. The restaurant is known for its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, which are made with high-quality meats and served on freshly baked rye bread. The portions are large and the atmosphere is lively, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in NYC.
2. Russ & Daughters – Russ & Daughters, another of the top Deli restaurants in New York City, is a family-owned and operated deli that has been in business since 1914. The restaurant is known for its smoked fish, which is flown in from all over the world, and its hand-rolled bagels. The atmosphere is casual and the staff is friendly, making it a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch.
3. Carnegie Deli – Carnegie Deli, among the top Deli restaurants in New York City, is another iconic deli in New York City that has been serving customers since 1937. The restaurant is known for its massive sandwiches, which are piled high with pastrami, corned beef, or turkey. The portions are so large that they can easily be shared between two people, making it a great spot for a group meal.
4. 2nd Ave Deli – 2nd Ave Deli, one of the most popular Deli restaurants in New York City, is a classic Jewish deli that has been serving customers since 1954. The restaurant is known for its matzo ball soup, which is made with a secret family recipe, as well as its pastrami sandwiches and brisket. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff is friendly, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
5. David’s Brisket House – David’s Brisket House, one of the top Deli restaurants in New York City, is a hidden gem in Brooklyn that has been serving customers since 1974. The restaurant is known for its juicy brisket, which is slow-cooked for 12 hours, as well as its homemade hot dogs and knishes. The atmosphere is no-frills and the prices are affordable, making it a great spot for anyone looking for a delicious meal on a budget.
Top 5 Deli Restaurants in New York City
Katz’s Delicatessen
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 8 AM – 8 PM
Phone Number: (212) 254-2246
Katz’s Delicatessen, one of the top Deli restaurants in New York City, is a well-known restaurant located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. It has been serving customers since 1888 and has become a staple in the city’s food scene. The restaurant is a classic deli, serving a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and other traditional Jewish cuisine.
The interior of Katz’s Delicatessen is a bustling and lively atmosphere with old-school decor and a long wooden bar. The walls are adorned with pictures of celebrities and politicians who have dined at the restaurant over the years. The restaurant has a self-service system, where customers are given a ticket upon entry and are required to carry it with them throughout their meal.
Katz’s Delicatessen is famous for its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, which are made with high-quality meats and served on freshly baked rye bread. These sandwiches are so iconic that they have been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including “When Harry Met Sally.” Another popular dish is the matzo ball soup, which is made with a secret family recipe and is a comforting and hearty dish.
One unique aspect of Katz’s Delicatessen is its “Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army” program, which allows customers to send a package of Katz’s famous meats to loved ones serving in the military.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pastrami Sandwich: Thick cuts of juicy pastrami piled high on rye bread, served with mustard on the side.
▣ Corned Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced corned beef on rye bread, served with mustard on the side.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting and hearty soup made with a chicken broth base, carrots, and celery, with a matzo ball in the center.
▣ Knishes: A traditional Jewish pastry filled with potato, kasha, or spinach and cheese.
▣ Potato Latkes: Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce and sour cream.
The service at Katz’s Delicatessen is efficient and friendly. Customers are given a ticket upon entry, which they must present at the end of their meal to pay. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations to first-time customers.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the pastrami sandwich and it was absolutely delicious. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the rye bread was the perfect complement. The atmosphere was lively and the staff was friendly. I will definitely be back!” – (Yelp review)
“The matzo ball soup at Katz’s is the best I’ve ever had. It’s so comforting and hearty, and the matzo ball is perfectly fluffy. The sandwiches are also amazing, but the soup is what keeps me coming back.” – (TripAdvisor review)
“I loved the atmosphere at Katz’s Delicatessen. It’s so classic and old-school, and the food is even better. I had the corned beef sandwich and it was one of the best I’ve ever had. The staff was also really helpful in explaining the menu and making recommendations.” – (Google review)
Overall, Katz’s Delicatessen is a must-visit spot for anyone in New York City. Its iconic pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, as well as its comforting matzo ball soup, make it a classic deli that has stood the test of time. The bustling atmosphere and friendly service only adds to the experience. They rank amid the top 5 Deli restaurants in New York City for good reasons.
Russ & Daughters
Address: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM – 7 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM
Phone Number: (212) 475-4880
Russ & Daughters, one of the most popular Deli restaurants in New York City, is a family-owned and operated restaurant located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. It has been serving customers since 1914 and is known for its smoked fish, hand-rolled bagels, and other traditional Jewish cuisine.
The interior of Russ & Daughters is a classic New York City deli with white tiled walls, stainless steel countertops, and a long display case filled with a variety of smoked fish, pickled vegetables, and other delicacies. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with customers often ordering at the counter and then taking their food to go.
One of Russ & Daughters’ signature dishes is its smoked fish platter, which features a variety of smoked fish including salmon, sturgeon, and whitefish, served with a selection of bagels, cream cheese, and other traditional toppings. Another popular dish is the herring sampler, which features four different varieties of pickled herring.
One unique aspect of Russ & Daughters is its commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and working with local suppliers. The restaurant has its own bakery where it hand-rolls its bagels and makes its own babka and other baked goods.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Smoked Fish Platter: A selection of smoked fish including salmon, sturgeon, and whitefish, served with bagels, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers.
▣ Herring Sampler: Four varieties of pickled herring, served with onions and sour cream.
▣ Bagel with Lox: A classic New York City dish featuring a bagel, cream cheese, and smoked salmon.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting soup made with a chicken broth base, vegetables, and a fluffy matzo ball.
▣ Egg Cream: A classic New York City drink made with chocolate syrup, milk, and seltzer water.
The service at Russ & Daughters is friendly and efficient. Customers often order at the counter and can choose to either take their food to go or eat at one of the small tables in the restaurant. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations to first-time customers.
Customer Reviews:
“The smoked fish platter at Russ & Daughters is a must-try. It’s so delicious and fresh, and the bagels are some of the best in the city. The herring sampler is also amazing. The atmosphere is classic and the staff is friendly. Highly recommend!” – (Yelp review)
“I come to Russ & Daughters every time I’m in NYC. The smoked salmon is the best I’ve ever had, and the matzo ball soup is so comforting. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Can’t recommend this place enough!” – (TripAdvisor review)
“The bagel with lox at Russ & Daughters is one of my favorite meals in NYC. The bagels are perfectly chewy and the lox is so flavorful. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back. Highly recommend this spot!” – (Google review)
Overall, Russ & Daughters is a must-visit spot for anyone in New York City who loves traditional Jewish cuisine. Its smoked fish platter, herring sampler, and hand-rolled bagels are all must-tries, and the atmosphere is classic and laid-back. The commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and working with local suppliers is also a standout feature of the restaurant. They stand out among the top Deli restaurants in New York City.
Carnegie Deli
Address: 854 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Hours: Daily 8 AM – 8 PM
Phone Number: (212) 757-2245
Carnegie Deli, among the top Deli restaurants in New York City, is an iconic restaurant located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It has been serving customers since 1937 and is known for its massive sandwiches and traditional Jewish cuisine.
The interior of Carnegie Deli is classic and old-school, with red vinyl booths, wooden tables, and walls adorned with pictures of celebrities who have dined at the restaurant over the years. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, with customers often lining up to get a table.
One of Carnegie Deli’s signature dishes is its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, which are piled high with meat and served on rye bread. The sandwiches are so massive that they can easily be shared between two people. Another popular dish is the matzo ball soup, which is comforting and hearty.
One unique aspect of Carnegie Deli is its “Woody Allen Sandwich,” which is named after the famous director and actor who frequented the restaurant. The sandwich features corned beef and pastrami on rye bread with mustard and a side of pickles.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pastrami Sandwich: A classic New York City dish featuring thick cuts of pastrami piled high on rye bread, served with mustard on the side.
▣ Corned Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced corned beef on rye bread, served with mustard on the side.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting and hearty soup made with a chicken broth base, vegetables, and a fluffy matzo ball.
▣ Reuben Sandwich: A classic sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.
▣ Woody Allen Sandwich: Corned beef and pastrami on rye bread with mustard and a side of pickles.
The service at Carnegie Deli is efficient and friendly. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations to first-time customers. The atmosphere can be lively and crowded, but the staff does a great job of keeping things moving and ensuring that customers are taken care of.
Customer Reviews:
“The pastrami sandwich at Carnegie Deli is amazing. It’s so massive that my friend and I had to split it, but it was well worth it. The atmosphere is classic and the staff is friendly. Highly recommend!” – (Yelp review)
“The matzo ball soup at Carnegie Deli is so comforting and delicious. The sandwiches are also amazing, especially the Woody Allen Sandwich. The atmosphere can be a bit crowded, but it’s all part of the charm. Will definitely be back!” – (TripAdvisor review)
“The corned beef sandwich at Carnegie Deli is the best I’ve ever had. The meat is so tender and flavorful, and the rye bread is the perfect complement. The service was great too – the staff was friendly and efficient. Highly recommend this spot!” – (Google review)
Overall, Carnegie Deli is a classic New York City deli that is a must-visit for anyone looking for massive sandwiches and traditional Jewish cuisine. The pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, as well as the matzo ball soup, are all standout dishes. The atmosphere is lively and classic, and the staff is efficient and friendly. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 Deli restaurants in New York City.
2nd Ave Deli
Address: 162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
Hours: Daily 8 AM – 9 PM
Phone Number: (212) 689-9000
2nd Ave Deli, another of the top Deli restaurants in New York City, is a classic Jewish deli located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It has been serving customers since 1954 and is known for its matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches, and other traditional Jewish cuisine.
The interior of 2nd Ave Deli is cozy and classic, with wooden booths and tables, checkered floors, and walls adorned with photos of famous celebrities who have dined at the restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with customers often chatting with each other and the staff.
One of 2nd Ave Deli’s signature dishes is its matzo ball soup, which is made with a secret family recipe and is a comforting and hearty dish. Another popular dish is the pastrami sandwich, which is piled high with meat and served on rye bread. The restaurant also serves traditional Jewish dishes such as chopped liver, gefilte fish, and latkes.
One unique aspect of 2nd Ave Deli is its “Instant Heart Attack Sandwich,” which features corned beef, pastrami, salami, and turkey on rye bread with Russian dressing and coleslaw.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting and hearty soup made with a chicken broth base, vegetables, and a fluffy matzo ball.
▣ Pastrami Sandwich: Thick cuts of juicy pastrami piled high on rye bread, served with mustard on the side.
▣ Instant Heart Attack Sandwich: A massive sandwich featuring corned beef, pastrami, salami, and turkey on rye bread with Russian dressing and coleslaw.
▣ Chopped Liver: A traditional Jewish dish made with chicken liver, onions, and seasonings, served with crackers or bread.
▣ Potato Latkes: Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce and sour cream.
The service at 2nd Ave Deli is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations to first-time customers. The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back, with the staff often chatting with customers and making them feel at home.
Customer Reviews:
“The matzo ball soup at 2nd Ave Deli is the best I’ve ever had. It’s so comforting and flavorful, and the matzo ball is perfectly fluffy. The pastrami sandwich is also amazing. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff is friendly. Highly recommend!” – (Yelp review)
“The chopped liver at 2nd Ave Deli is so delicious. It’s perfectly seasoned and goes great with the bread. The latkes are also amazing. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is classic. Will definitely be back!” – (TripAdvisor review)
“The Instant Heart Attack Sandwich at 2nd Ave Deli is not for the faint of heart, but it’s so delicious. The combination of meats, coleslaw, and Russian dressing is perfect. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy. Highly recommend!” – (Google review)
Overall, 2nd Ave Deli is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for traditional Jewish cuisine in New York City. Its matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches, and chopped liver are all standout dishes, and the cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual meal. They have earned the rank of the top 5 Deli restaurants in New York City.
David’s Brisket House
Address: 533 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM – 9 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM
Phone Number: (718) 789-1155
David’s Brisket House, amid the top Deli restaurants in New York City, is a classic Jewish deli located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It has been serving customers since 1974 and is known for its brisket, pastrami, and other traditional Jewish cuisine.
The interior of David’s Brisket House is no-frills and classic, with a few tables and a counter where customers can order their food. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, with the focus on the food.
One of David’s Brisket House’s signature dishes is its brisket sandwich, which features slow-cooked, tender brisket on a roll with gravy and onions. Another popular dish is the pastrami sandwich, which is piled high with meat and served on rye bread. The restaurant also serves other traditional Jewish dishes such as matzo ball soup, knishes, and latkes.
One unique aspect of David’s Brisket House is its use of a secret family recipe for its brisket and other meats, which has been passed down through the generations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket Sandwich: Slow-cooked, tender brisket on a roll with gravy and onions.
▣ Pastrami Sandwich: Thick cuts of juicy pastrami piled high on rye bread, served with mustard on the side.
▣ Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting and hearty soup made with a chicken broth base, vegetables, and a fluffy matzo ball.
▣ Knish: A pastry filled with either mashed potatoes, kasha, or spinach, baked to perfection.
▣ Latkes: Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce and sour cream.
The service at David’s Brisket House is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations to first-time customers. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with customers often chatting with each other and the staff.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket sandwich at David’s Brisket House is amazing. The meat is so tender and flavorful, and the gravy and onions add the perfect touch. The pastrami sandwich is also great. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is classic. Highly recommend!” – (Yelp review)
“The matzo ball soup at David’s Brisket House is so comforting and delicious. The knishes are also amazing. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy. Will definitely be back!” – (TripAdvisor review)
“The pastrami sandwich at David’s Brisket House is the best I’ve ever had. The meat is so juicy and flavorful, and the rye bread is perfect. The latkes are also amazing. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is no-frills. Highly recommend!” – (Google review)
Overall, David’s Brisket House is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for traditional Jewish cuisine in Brooklyn. Its brisket and pastrami sandwiches are standout dishes, and the cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual meal. The use of a secret family recipe adds a unique touch to the restaurant’s offerings. They can definitely be counted among the top Deli restaurants in New York City.
Each of these Deli Restaurants in New York City has its signature dishes, unique atmosphere, and friendly service, making it a tough choice to pick just one to visit. Regardless of which deli restaurant you choose, you are sure to have a delicious and memorable dining experience in the heart of New York City.
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