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Top 10 Jewish Delis in NYC That Actually Live Up to the Hype

Top 10 Jewish Delis in NYC That Actually Live Up to the Hype

From legendary pastrami on rye to old-school matzo ball soup, these delis deliver the real deal.

Katz's Delicatessen
#1

Katz's Delicatessen

205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States

No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888. The place gets busy, but it’s worth the wait—every bite of their pastrami feels like a slice of NYC history. You come here not just for the food, but for the experience of loud conversations, neon signs, and meat carved right in front of you.
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner
#2

Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner

548 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

Pastrami, matzo ball soup & other Jewish deli fare are found at this updated diner. They’ve got the city’s biggest sandwich, “The Monster,” and it lives up to its name. It’s a sit-down kind of place with the vibe of a diner but the heart of a Jewish grandma’s kitchen. Comfort food, warm service, and big flavor in every bite.
Frankel's Delicatessen & Appetizing
#3

Frankel's Delicatessen & Appetizing

631 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States

Contemporary Jewish deli specializing in bagels with smoked fish, plus classic sandwiches & brisket. The vibe is more Brooklyn cool than Manhattan hustle, but the whitefish salad and pastrami egg sandwiches bring the old-school flavor into a fresh format. It’s become a go-to brunch spot for locals and visitors alike.
Russ & Daughters
#4

Russ & Daughters

179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States

Family-owned shop offering high-end smoked fish, caviar & New York-style specialty foods since 1914. It’s more of an appetizing store than a sit-down deli, but the care they put into their lox, herring, and caviar offerings is unmatched. Come early and take home a spread that’ll make you feel like royalty with every schmear.
2nd Ave Deli
#5

2nd Ave Deli

162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016, United States

Old-school eatery serving blintzes, knishes & other Jewish fare, plus a variety of sandwiches. They don’t mess around with their pickles, and their knishes are dense with comfort. Grab a Dr. Brown’s soda, sit back, and let the deli do its magic—it’s nostalgic in all the right ways, with kosher classics that don’t disappoint.
Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 58th Street
#6

Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 58th Street

314 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019, United States

A warm, inviting deli where locals are treated like family and the bagels are always fresh. Their catering is top-notch, but don’t overlook the daily menu—bagel sandwiches piled high, rich lox, and a schmear that hits just right. Rob, the owner, often greets you himself, adding that extra personal touch that keeps folks coming back. It’s the kind of place where your morning bagel comes with a side of community.
Russ & Daughters Cafe
#7

Russ & Daughters Cafe

127 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States

A full-service sit-down extension of the iconic appetizing store, this café brings the same excellence in smoked fish and Jewish comfort food with table service and a touch of elegance. The décor is retro yet fresh, and dishes like the Lower Sunny Side (eggs with lox) or the Super Heebster sandwich are stars. It’s where tradition meets refinement—great for brunch, a date, or when you just want to savor NYC’s food history in style.
Mile End Delicatessen
#8

Mile End Delicatessen

97 Hoyt St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States

Mile End reimagines the Jewish deli with a Montreal-style twist. Think smoked meat sandwiches that rival pastrami, poutine topped with gravy and cheese curds, and matzo ball soup with a modern touch. The space is tight, the lines can stretch out the door, but every plate is packed with bold, satisfying flavor. It’s Jewish deli meets hipster comfort, and somehow, it works beautifully.
Pastrami Queen
#9

Pastrami Queen

1125 Lexington Ave # 2, New York, NY 10075, United States

Known for huge pastrami and smoked turkey sandwiches, plus soups and sides. The pastrami here is stacked tall and drips flavor with every bite. It’s the kind of sandwich that needs two hands and a pile of napkins. If you’re a purist, this might be your personal heaven. Anthony Bourdain was a fan—and you will be too.
PJ Bernstein
#10

PJ Bernstein

1215 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States

PJ Bernstein might fly under the radar, but it’s a quiet classic on the Upper East Side with loyal regulars and a no-fuss attitude. Their pastrami is tender, the chopped liver is rich and flavorful, and the service is old-school in the best way. It’s not flashy—it’s familiar. The kind of place where you can always count on your favorite comfort foods done right, whether you’re dining in or ordering for delivery after a long day.

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