The 13 Best Jewish Delis In NYC

For over 100 hundred years, Katz's Delicatessen has held its place as a New York institution. It's where celebrities and ordinary citizens indulge in authentic New York deli cuisine. From its early days as a humble sausage factory, Katz's has evolved into a lively eatery with unmistakable character.

What sets Katz's Delicatessen apart is their intimate relationship with customers. The meat is sliced on order, by hand, from the finest, slow-cured beef. On the menu that spans more than a few pages, you will find all the Jewish deli classics like the matzo ball soup, chopped liver, and kishka. Breakfast items like tongue omelets, cheese blintzes, and latkes are executed flawlessly. Despite their expertise in the classics, Katz's team has struggled to win over customers with their Philly cheesesteak and chili con carne. We suggest sticking with classics when visiting this legendary deli.

If you're new to Katz's Delicatessen, you might find it a bit overwhelming. The place seems disorganized, and their ticketing system might initially be confusing. Just make sure you hold on to your ticket, or you might be charged an extra $50. Give it some time, and you will learn to appreciate the small details that have become part of Katz's identity.

The 2nd Ave Deli is a beloved spot in Gotham, renowned for its authentic Jewish cuisine. It's not just a restaurant but a piece of New York City history that locals have been missing since the tragic passing of its founder, Abe Lebewohl. After the original location was closed down and replaced by a bank, New Yorkers were left feeling upset. However, Abe's family has done their best to revive his legacy by opening two new locations where they continue to serve the original recipes. Though slightly less authentic, the new branches still attract a great deal of business, with queues stretching out the door at peak hours.

Steve Cohen has been managing the 2nd Ave Deli for over four decades, and during that time, he's turned it into much more than just a restaurant that serves delicious Jewish food. His community-first approach has created a strong bond between generations of customers, making the deli a social institution at the heart of New York City. The deli offers an authentic taste of old New York kosher Jewish culture, with classic dishes like pastrami sandwiches brimming with tender, juicy meat, and matzo ball soup that will transport you back in time.

Mile End Deli is a unique departure from traditional delis, paying homage to Jewish roots and Canadian cuisine. Joel Tietman founded the first Brooklyn restaurant in 2010, inspired by his childhood memories of his grandmother's cooking. Inside you'll find a minimalist design that points to its past as a garage. Concrete floors and stylish vintage lamps in black give it a unique touch. As you enter, the staff will greet you with a warm atmosphere that feels like a cozy family gathering.

Named after the Jewish community in Montreal, Mile End Deli offers a blend of Jewish and Canadian cuisine. Big Jewcey smoked meat poutine and Montreal-style beef brisket with mustard on rye are highly recommended. Beware of the mustard, though, as it's pretty loud. The classic deli Reuben sandwich is overflowing with pastrami and brisket, and just like the rest of the dishes, it is made from scratch and with impeccable attention to detail. 

Moreover, Mile End Deli keeps its menu fresh with dishes like whitefish croquettes and chicken shawarma platters. It's the place to go if you want a less traditional deli experience. It's a busy spot with no reservations, but generous portions should compensate for the time spent in line.

In the heart of Brooklyn lies a family-owned and operated deli that has satisfied New Yorkers since 2016. The brothers behind this legendary eatery, Zach and Alex Frankel, have poured their life-long experiences as New Yorkers into every dish, creating a timeless appeal that is hard to resist. A true homage to their roots, Frankel's Delicatessen & Appetizing offers a glimpse into their forerunners' culinary traditions.

Frankel's is a no-frills joint that takes pride in its well-polished menu, simple decor, and quick service. Every dish is crafted with love, from the matzo-ball soup to the brisket sandwiches served on Amy's challah bread. Their bagel with pastrami salmon, scallion cream cheese, and dill cucumber salad is a crowd-pleaser, as is the bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll. The bacon and egg are perfectly cooked, and the roll is soft and fluffy.

The atmosphere is cozy, the service is friendly, and the food is delicious. This is a place where you can enjoy the comfort of traditional Jewish cuisine without breaking the bank or waiting in long lines.

Sarge's Delicatessen and Diner has been a beloved spot in Murray Hill, drawing in customers around the clock for nearly 60 years. The decor takes you back to the 1970s, adding to the charm of this classic establishment. Sarge seamlessly blends elements of a Jewish deli and a 24/7 diner, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. Despite its modest size, finding a seat at Sarge's is usually a breeze. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a live concert, as the eatery doubles as a venue for pop-rock bands like Haim.

At Sarge's Delicatessen, you'll find a menu with the most traditional Jewish deli favorites, including the classic pastrami on rye and comforting Matzo ball soup. But if you're up for a challenge, you should sink your teeth in one of the biggest sandwiches in New York. The monstrous beast measures 10 to 12 inches high and includes pastrami, corned beef, roast beef, fresh roast turkey, salami, lettuce, tomato, cole slaw, and Russian dressing, all piled high between three thick slices of seeded rye bread. 

If you have any room left, consider ordering a piece of the signature cheesecake. Overall, Sarge's Delicatessen is more than just a local eatery. Welcoming tourists and locals alike, it has become a source of comfort in a city that never sleeps.

For almost half a century, the famous Mill Basin Deli has been a popular spot for those seeking delicious Jewish cuisine in Brooklyn, New York. What sets this restaurant apart is its unique dining space and art gallery combination, showcasing an impressive collection of paintings by renowned artists such as Marc Chagall and Erté. The artworks lend a touch of sophistication to the classic interiors and make your meal at Mill Basin feel memorable.

Mill Basin has a lengthy menu featuring everything from matzo ball soup and crispy salmon to burgers. One of their most renowned selections is the smoked meat sandwich and homemade latkes with a delicious serving of applesauce and sour cream. For something less traditional, the PLT sandwich is a must-try. It features pastrami cooked on a griddle to a crisp, bacon-like texture and served on toasted rye bread with shredded iceberg, tomato, and mayo. It's an absolute crowd-pleaser.

The deli can be crowded during peak hours, but the waiting list is managed efficiently by a friendly and organized receptionist. Excellent food and a surprisingly high-end beer and cider list make this an essential deli to visit.

Shelsky's of Brooklyn is a fabulous deli that serves exceptional house-cured smoked fish and traditional Jewish fare. Established in 2011 by Peter Shelsky and Lewis Spada, the establishment was born out of a desire to revive a long-standing tradition and has since blossomed into a full-fledged deli, bagel, and appetizing shop. 

The eatery was opened in 2011 by Peter Shelsky and Lewis Spada, who wanted to revive a long-standing tradition inspired by childhood memories. The deli's decor pays homage to Jewish culture, and the friendly and attentive staff makes the experience even more enjoyable.

The bagels at Shelsky's are some of the best in New York. That explains their new bagel location in Brooklyn, where you can find some intriguingly delicious-sounding options like the Sichuan peppercorn or chili crisp cream cheese bagel. There's so much detail in making the perfect bagel, and Shelsky has nailed their sourdough recipe. A visit to Shelsky's also wouldn't be complete without sampling a few of their specialties, like the house-smoked Nova and Pastrami salmon and the highly enticing whitefish salad.

The lines may be lengthy, but the staff keeps things moving swiftly, so don't let that deter you. If there's no seating available, you can always opt for takeout instead. While the ticketing system may be unclear, all is forgiven once you bite into the perfectly crisp bagel.